Located 70 miles west of Key West, Florida, Dry Tortugas National Park is a remote and stunning island that is well worth the journey to visit. With its clear turquoise waters, abundant wildlife, and historic Fort Jefferson, Dry Tortugas National Park is the perfect place for a family adventure.
However, its remote location can make it a challenge to plan and access this park. We’ll explore the different ways to visit Dry Tortugas National Park and help you plan your family’s next adventure.
How to get to Dry Tortugas National Park
It all starts with your trip to Key West, Florida! Miami International Airport is the closest major airport; however, Key West International Airport is closer to the park.
If you fly into Miami, you will need to rent a car to drive to Key West. Route 1 or “The Overseas Highway” is over 100 miles and takes you through each key on the way to Key West.
While Miami is only around 50 miles from the turn onto Rte 1, do not be fooled about the time it will take you to drive to Key West. In fact, this 160ish-mile drive often takes between four and six hours. Driving through the keys is often very slow and congested. Ensure that you plan plenty of time.
If you are making the drive with the kids in tow, we suggest that you meander through the keys at a slow pace. Consider stopping for a meal overlooking the water. Check out a gift shop. You will need a break, and there is no more beautiful place to enjoy a stop than anywhere on Rte 1!
Once you reach Key West, a new adventure commences as you anticipate your route to the park.
Dry Tortugas National Park is only accessible by boat or seaplane, which can make the journey to the park a bit more challenging. But don’t let that stop you – there are several options available to help you get there.
Take a ferry or catamaran from Key West
One of the most popular ways to access Dry Tortugas National Park is by taking a ferry or catamaran from Key West. This option is the easiest and most convenient way to get to the park, and it’s a great way to enjoy the stunning scenery along the way. Most ferry and catamaran companies offer daily trips to the park, and many of them offer snorkeling, bird-watching, and other activities during the trip.
On our 2018 trip to the island, our family took a day trip via the Yankee Freedom. Tickets are currently priced starting at $200 per person. While it is expensive, visiting Dry Tortugas National Park is a bucket list experience for many.
You can decrease the per diem cost of this adventure by bringing camping gear and spending a couple of nights on the island. This offers you the opportunity to enjoy a much more secluded experience in paradise.
Most journeys on the Dry Tortugas Ferries require that you arrive at the boat terminal in Key West prior to 8am. This means, you will want to have overnight acommodations in close proximity to the port. Be sure you factor this into the cost of your trip, as Key West hotels can be costly.
We deflected our costs by staying in a local campground the night before departure. The Florida Keys have many great camping opportunities, but, like your Dry Tortugas Ferry, you will need to book them six months to a year in a advance.
Be prepared for the trip. Ensure that if you are prone to motion sickness you have some medication or remedies in your pack. Pack water, water shoes, sun glasses, snorkling gear, snacks, sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. It will be along day, but it will be worth it!
Book a seaplane tour
Another great option for accessing Dry Tortugas National Park is by booking a seaplane tour. This option is a bit more expensive, but it offers a truly unique and breathtaking experience.
During the flight, you’ll get a bird’s-eye view of the island and its surrounding waters, making it a great way to start your adventure. Once you arrive at the park, you’ll have plenty of time to explore and enjoy all that the park has to offer. The seaplane tour allows you more time in the park as compared to the ferry tour.
Read everything you need to know about this option including cost and take-off times HERE.
Rent a private boat or yacht
If you have a little more experience and are feeling adventurous, you can also rent a private boat or yacht to access Dry Tortugas National Park. This option is ideal for families who want more control over their schedule and activities, and it’s a great way to enjoy a more intimate experience with the park.
However, it’s important to remember that the park is located in a remote area, and the waters can be rough, so it’s essential to have a good understanding of boating and navigation before attempting this option!
What to do at Dry Tortugas National Park
Once you’ve arrived at Dry Tortugas National Park, you’ll have the chance to explore all the amazing sights and sounds that the park has to offer. Some of the top things to see and do in the park include:
Visit Fort Jefferson
Fort Jefferson is one of the most iconic sights in Dry Tortugas National Park, and it’s a must-visit for any family adventure…especially if you want to visit the Visitor Center which is nestled inside the fort.
This historic strucuture was built in the mid-19th century and played an important role in the Civil War and the Spanish-American War. Today, visitors can tour the fort and learn about its history and significance.
Our kids loved exploring the remains of the fort. They ran out their energy through the long, stone breezeways. They posed for the most beautiful photos in the arched look-outs. They handled the canons on the roof-top look-outs. And they also toured the small exhibit at the visitor center.
We collected our Junior Ranger programs and proceeded to explore. Kids of all ages enjoy the labyrinth of passage ways and overlooks, making Fort Jefferson a fun experience for everyone!
Explore the crystal-clear waters
Dry Tortugas National Park is known for its stunning turquoise waters, and it’s a great place to swim, snorkel, kayak, and explore the underwater world.
It is important to note that the visibility will vary based on the time of year you visit. The winter is notoriously cloudier in spite of its Caribbean waters.
With its abundant marine life and vibrant coral, Dry Tortugas is a great destination for snorklers.
We hope that all National Park enthusiasts find at least one opportunity to visit this special park. It requires a unique set of adventures to visit and an eager mindset to learn. Take your sunscreen, and have a fantastic trip to Dry Tortugas National Park!
