This is where most visitors will spend their time. Thats why the coal docks are there. Starting at the north end of South Beach and curving around towards North Beach, the moat wall is fascinating to get up close to. While you can sail out to the islands (Las Tortugas) on your own vessel, most people visit via the Dry Tortugas ferry. When the weather is nice, its typically 70s and 80s, so not too bad at all. The water temperature drops below 77 degrees Fahrenheit from December to April. Remember that youre in a National Park, so removal of natural objects and harassing wildlife is not permitted.

If snorkeling is not your thing, there are several beautiful beaches where you can get into the water. Once here, tour Fort Jefferson and walk the old fort walls, go snorkeling or swimming, and take a stroll on an empty beach. Dry Tortugas is definitely in a category of its own when it comes to National Parks. Be prepared for a lot of sun exposure, as the only shade is within Fort Jefferson and its brick corridors. While the snorkeling from the beaches on Garden Key is very good, there are other parts of Dry Tortugas National Park where you can explore deeper underwater.

It's always smart to bring sunscreen, even if you are coming in the cooler winter months. Thankfully simple breakfast and lunch are provided aboard the Yankee Freedom, but if you have special dietary needs or are a picky person, youll want to bring your own snacks. For the ride back to Key West there are desserts and alcoholic drinks for purchase (really good ones! Were going in November via ferry and Im so excited! There are also old coal docks to explore here, but the current is a bit stronger and the waves are larger on breezy days. In the wintertime, the average temperature is in the mid sixties. And no, theres no Key Lime Pie available at Fort Jefferson but I supposed you could make your own key lime pie to bring. HALF DAY BY SEAPLANE: If you choose the seaplane day trip option, you will only have 2.5 hours in the Dry Tortugas. I want to make sure we have time for everything! Though the fort was never really finished, it spans 16 acres, making it the largest brick masonry structure in North America. Advanced reservations are highly recommended regardless of whether youre traveling via ferry or seaplane, as spots fill up months in advance.

Learn more on theNational Park Service website. DAY TRIP ON THE FERRY: If you want to take the ranger guided tour of the fort, do this first thing. The full day gives you about 6 and a half hours snorkeling and exploring the National Park. While this area is closed to swimming for the protection of the wildlife and habitat, you can still enjoy laying on the beach and exploring the sands. That said, dont expect to see turtle nests or hatchling turtles. These are both protected wildlife areas. tortugas dry In this guide, learn how to plan a trip around the world. Read More: Review: Faver-Dykes State Park in St. Augustine.

Beyond the two swimming beaches, there is also an incredible stretch of beach to walk along the isthmus towards Bush Key. tortugas westend61 To get here, you will kayak 3 miles one-way from Garden Key. Today, visiting Dry Tortugas National Park provides an opportunity to experience a rare desert island paradise just a day trip from the United States mainland. Here are several sample itineraries, depending on the amount of time you have and which mode of transportation you choose. The National Park Service website offers a wealth of additional information to help plan a visit, including maps of the islands and up-to-date weather reports. During the winter months, which run from November through April, visitors can experience large swells and windy conditions, which means rough seas and poor water visibility for those interested in snorkeling or scuba diving.

Once on the island, visitors will have about five hours to explore the island, swim, and even snorkel. tortugas If you are lucky enough to have a boat or have a friend with a boat, and want to head down on your own, keep in mind that you cant just drop anchor anywhere you want. Budget is the determining factor if you can plan to take the seaplane to Dry Tortugas, as its not cheap. Categories Florida, Florida Keys, National Parks, Southeastern US, United States, Unique North Florida Vacation Plan: Jax, Daytona and the Springs, Favorite Things to Do in Savannah in Any Season. The half day trip is about 4 hours, with two and a half hours at the park. The Dry Tortugas are home to some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving in Florida. Make reservations for a Dry Tortugas Tour by booking online or contact us at (866) 575-5068. ineed to get down there. During the winter months (November through April), brief periods of windy conditions can create large swells of water. If youre visiting during the winter months, it can be somewhat cold, especially once the sun starts to go down. The summer months bring it to above 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

With more time, you can go camping and kayak out to Loggerhead Key. They are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Ultimately, chances are you are getting to Dry Tortugas on the ferry or seaplane, so lets talk about that. The only services available at Dry Tortugas National Park are the Visitor Center, changing rooms, and camping facilities. Keep in mind that there arent any souvenir or convenience stores at the Park, so make sure you bring a few essentials with you. If budget allows, the Dry Tortugas seaplane option is much faster and allows for more time out at the National Park if you do the full day trip. Dry Tortugas National Park appears in our. So, youll also want to pack a light jacket. The ferry boat is called the Yankee Freedom III, and its official website includes current pricing information and schedules. *Current prices are 30% cheaper than cruise lines. Fort Jefferson is the largest brick structure in the Western Hemisphere. The seaplane is the quickest way to get to Dry Tortugas National Park and Key West Seaplane Adventures is the only company that flies to Dry Tortugas National Park. The ferry to the island is a mixed bag of experience. People throw around the phrase pristine beaches like its a volleyball, but the beaches of Dry Tortugas National Park are actually pristine.

This unstable weather can make it difficult to get to Dry Tortugas, but winter is a good time to visit if your main goal is to beat the crowds. Hats and sunglasses are also a good idea.

One of the biggest attractions at Dry Tortugas National Park is its wildlife, from the fish that populate its reefs to the sea turtles that nest on its shores. Annual Visitors: 84,000 in 2021, making it the 9th least visited park this year. Since the Yankee Freedom Dry Tortugas ferry remains docked, any services you may need, such as bathrooms, snacks or souvenirs, are all available onboard. The two main seasons are the winter stormy season from December through March which is windier and sees slightly rougher seas, and the summertime tropical storm season from June through November where there is a higher chance of isolated storms (including tropical storms and hurricanes). We visited Dry Tortugas National Park in early December. If youd like to snorkel the depths or go diving at Dry Tortugas you will need to arrange that outside of the basic ferry service. Thus, the best time to come out to the Dry Tortugas is probably from February through April. If you are on your own exploring, you're okay without your mask. We'll Price Match It. This smaller beach is located on the north side of Fort Jefferson, getting there via the path to the right of the ferry dock. One of the best pieces of National Park swag you can get is the Junior Ranger Badge.

Book passage to Dry Tortugas National Park here! The Islands are located about 70 miles from Key West, and they are accessible by private boat, charter boat, seaplane or by the daily concession ferry from Key West. The winter times are milder in temperature and drier in general. If you have your own boat, you can visit Dry Tortugas National Park without taking the ferry or seaplane. Then spend the rest of your time snorkeling, swimming, and walking around Bush Key. If you talk to people whove visited Dry Tortugas in the past, youll hear mixed stories of the ferry boat ride between Key West and the National Park. If you have an annual National Park Pass or a Golden Age Pass, the national park entrance fee can be refunded if you present your pass at check-in on the morning of your trip. The Tortugas have always been a bucket list spot for me. Heres the 2021 rates for reservations on the Dry Tortugas ferry (prices in USD not inclusive of taxes): The price of your ferry tickets for Dry Tortugas includes National Park admission. Once youre there and settled, youll enjoy one of the most peaceful nights ever. The only upside is cooler weather and fewer crowds.

The islands were discovered in 1513 by Ponce de Leon, who named them Las Tortugas after the giant sea turtles that abound in the surrounding waters. Its great seeing you did this town two small kids!

Coral, tropical fish, and sea turtles can all be seen here. For the ultimate adventure in Dry Tortugas National Park, visit Loggerhead Key.

They offer flights throughout the day, and you can choose between a half day visit and a full day visit.

So what is there to do at Fort Jefferson itself? Explore Historic Fort Jefferson. The average temperature in the summer is in the mid 80s. If you are camping, then definitely do it. Fees, which are $190 per person and $135 for kids (ages 4-16), include admission to the park, breakfast and lunch on the boat, the use of complimentary snorkel equipment, and a 45-minute tour of the fort led by one of the tour guides. Note: given the distance to Loggerhead Key, if you want to paddle out to it, you must do that during a camping trip to Dry Tortugas, as it will eat more than half the day and its not possible on a standard trip to the islands. So many National Parks are known for their mountains and unique geologic features. If you do use the ferry, you will have to make a reservation with the company ahead of time as they have limited spots for campers and their gear on board.

The climate is subtropical with hot and humid summers and frequent afternoon showers. Mating and hatching typically take place at night, and the beaches that see the greatest turtle activity are closed at crucial times to protect these endangered animals. If you decide you want to go fishing, make sure you familiarize yourself with all the rules and restricted areas. The temperatures in the Dry Tortugas range from the mid-50s (as a low during the coldest months in winter time) to the mid-80s. The Dry Tortugas are the last group of islands of the Florida Keys, sitting 70 miles west of Key West. Thats why Bush and Long Keys are both off limits to humans. Our recommendation is to book your spaceswell in advance if you plan on coming during these months.

Bush Key is open from October through January (the remainder of the year it is closed because it is a bird nesting site) but it is the most beautiful walk in the Dry Tortugas. If youve done the road trip through the Florida Keys and then done the boat all the way out here, beach time and exploring underwater is going to be so refreshing and wonderful! Im curious whats best if you want to have time to snorkel and explore. The seaplane is a huge expense for a family, and while it gives amazing views and is lots of fun, the ferry gets my vote. End the day with a stroll around Bush Key. FULL DAY BY SEAPLANE: With a full day by seaplane, you now have 6.5 hours in the Dry Tortugas. There are a few ways visitors can get to Dry Tortugas on privately owned boats, the Yankee Freedom ferry, or a seaplane. Since it is so remote, there is a good chance that you will have it all to yourself. For this reason, our charters that head out to the Dry Tortugas tend to be completely filled up during these months, making it more difficult to be able to get out to the Dry Tortugas during your visit. These are the best things to do at Fort Jefferson: Its easy to get sucked into the wonder of Fort Jefferson and its history, so if you plan on snorkeling and relaxing, be sure to keep an eye on the time. In general, the winds are calm and sea visibility is excellent. Once at Dry Tortugas there are plenty of things to do, from exploring the fort to snorkeling or scuba diving, so pack your snorkeling gear! If youre lucky, youll have clear skies which are perfect for stargazing.

Learn about the national parks in the United States in our. However, in order to transport a gas grill to the park, youll have to arrive on a personal vessel.

), making the ride back go by faster. Beyond the pristine beaches and crystal clear waters, the iconic Fort Jefferson is the other attraction at Dry Tortugas National Park. Most people agree that the best time to visit the Dry Tortugas is from the months of November through April. Go snorkeling. The star gazing is incredible and so are the sunsets.

Both breakfast and lunch are provided as a part of your passage on the Yankee Freedom III, but youre welcome to bring your own food. Ah man! Dry Tortugas National Park appears in our Best US National Parks Month-By-Month series as a great park to visit in January, April, and December. So it boils down to budget and time. The Florida Keys have amazing weather year-round, save the few days where hurricanes or tropical storms pass by.



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