Places to Go. Dry Tortugas National Park includes seven small islands in the Gulf of Mexico, seventy miles west of Key West, Florida. The Dry Tortugas National Park is a pristine marine protected area (MPA) that offers excellent queen conch habitat and hope for their survival. Top Key West categories. This trip is just under 4 hours long, providing at least 2 1/2 hours of island time at Fort Jefferson/Dry Tortugas. (888) 651-9785. $50. A helicopter tour to Dry Tortugas National Park offers stunning views of the park’s islands, crystal clear water, and diverse marine life. Game & Entertainment Centers. Cruise in spacious comfort to Fort Jefferson aboard the Official Dry Tortugas National Park Ferry - the Yankee Freedom. Inside the Harry S. It is massive (and unfinished). You can explore the coral wonderlands in just three or four feet of water. They offer seaplane tours to Dry Tortugas & Fort Jefferson – morning, afternoon, or full-day. Take a flight and soar above the majestic views of our little gem of an island. and the boat returning to Key West at 5:30 p. The Yankee Fleet in Gloucester, Massachusetts has over 7 vessels and has grown to become New. The Dolphin helicopter crew arrived on scene at approximately 2 p. . To get there, you must either paddle over or have your own private boat. Traveling by sea plane is the quickest way to get to Dry Tortugas National Park. Seniors, Students, and Visitors with a National Park Pass can also save $10-25 on their admission (Check their Website for current/exact prices). Mistake #5: Forgetting the Islands are Primitive. Check in a half hour before takeoff at Key West International Airport. A Coast Guard Air Station MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew poses with three rescued men after their boat sunk near Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida, April 30, 2023. The full-day trips (8 hours long) are $697 for adults and $557. Spanish explorer Ponce de Leon came across the islands in 1513 and. Hovering at Dry Tortugas Island over manatees i. Dry Tortugas Seaplane Full Day – Fort Jefferson National Park. Discover Scuba – 1-Day Resort Course; Morning 2-Tank Dive: Vandenberg Wreck; Afternoon 2-Tank Reef Dive; Snorkeling Tours. Air Force Academy. Aug 4, 2012 - About 70 miles west of Key West, Florida, lies Dry Tortugas National Park which is world-renowned for picturesque blue sea waters, white sands, brightly colorful coral reefs, abundant marine life,. to 4:30 p. Seaplane tours are available daily through Key West Seaplane Adventures. In March and April, hundreds of thousands of birds migrating across the water stop here for a break. . Camera. Complimentary mask, snorkel & fins. This fee is. Roosevelt under the Antiquities Act on January 4, 1935. It is an ideal fun day for couples and groups of friends. INVESTMENT $1,950. Dry Tortugas, named after the presence o f sea turtles and lack of freshwater, is a group of islands located 65 miles west of Key West, Florida. It is the largest brick structure in the Americas, and it was controlled by Union forces during the Civil War. You can enjoy dramatic landscapes and the history of Fort Jefferson, or explore our beautiful reefs, marine life and shipwrecks. 00 per person and is good for 7 consecutive days. The largest island in the Dry Tortugas, Loggerhead Key has seen many changes in its history. Helicopter Ride over the Florida Keys. Significant Concern. Make use of the hot tub on board and take a fun banana boat ride if you wish. There are so many things to do in Key West and we offer huge savings on the best tours in town! Call Today! (866) 945 - 7917. Reservations are required and can be. 5 cars. Kayaking & Canoeing. Any person under 16 years of age is exempt from paying an entrance fee (this includes international visitors). S. 00 cash National Park Entrance Fee for all persons 17 or older. the Dry Tortugas. Do Business With Us. An exhilarating Sea Plane flight out to the beautiful Dry Tortugas gives passengers a one-of-a-kind sightseeing trip of this gorgeous region. In 1992, Congress created Dry Tortugas National Park: a multiple-zone, multiple-use marine protected area established “to. Inside the One Race Cuban-American Art Exchange. Beyond its famous Fort Jefferson lies a world of unparalleled marine biodiversity, tales of shipwrecks, and sunsets that paint the horizon. View all Blog Post. (Comprising 47,125 acres (19,071 ha) The monument was expanded in 1983 and re-designated as Dry Tortugas National Park on October 26, 1992 by an act of Congress. Yes, Dry Tortugas National Park is open 24/7, but note that several islands are closed to the public. Condé Nast recommends taking the Circle of Fire helicopter tour if you’re ready to drop some cash to get an aerial view of the area. Sounds like the Caribbean, right? Wrong. Dry Tortugas National Park. S. What is Dry Tortugas National Park? The cluster of seven islands of 64,700 acres that make up the Dry Tortugas are made of sand, limestone and coral reef fragments. Another boat with a couple of locals came. Dry Tortugas. Your days may be filled with snorkeling, swimming, paddle boarding, or exploring the sights on land. 5 hours travel time each way. Other Things to Do at the Dry Tortugas. You also need to bring $15 per person in cash to pay the national park fee. The NTSB launched an investigation which. Dry Tortugas Adventure; Scuba Diving. The weather and ocean were unsettled enough that we spent the day on the ICW rather than suffer the wave. Modern artillery made the fort no longer useful. Each plane can carry 10 passengers plus the pilot. A U. Pay the admission fee to enter the park on your transport. Since. The governor's office said the state is deploying airplanes and helicopters. , hoisted the men into the aircraft and transferred them to Key West International Airport in good health. The London tour 【Helicopter experience】Shanghai Helicopter Air Tour Guided El Yunque Rainforest. Whether you are a beginner or expert, you can enjoy. About 70 miles west of Key West, Florida, lies Dry Tortugas National Park which is world-renowned for picturesque blue sea waters, white sands, brightly colorful coral reefs, abundant marine life, and legends of shipwrecks and sunken treasures. Located some 70 miles west of Key. Went on a trifecta visit to FL national parks in Nov 2022. Tours and Activities. Pilot gives a great tour, knows the island really well and gives a great commentary on the way helping you see turtles etc along the way. The only thing we'd do differently next time is to do a full day tour - the half day just wasn't enough time on the island to really take it. This trip is just under 4 hours long, providing at least 2 1/2 hours of island time at Fort Jefferson/Dry Tortugas. Scott Shetler is a Seattle-based freelancer who has been featured in Travel + Leisure and the Washington Post. Discover the wonders of Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida’s magnificent underwater paradise, with the convenient and scenic Dry Tortugas ferry service to the fort. , into the Gulf of Mexico. m. Most people visit this national park as a day trip, getting here either by ferry or seaplane. Snorkeling is good and the ocean scenery is awesome. – Following guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and local public health authorities, Dry Tortugas National Park is increasing recreational access. The U. Most people visit this national park as a day trip, getting here either by ferry or seaplane. The trip from Key West to the Dry Tortugas can be an adventure in itself. Continuing our series on MPAs around the world, we look at how protection of an “ecological crossroads” in the Gulf of Mexico has been instrumental in the recovery of local reef species populations. By Capt. Sky Zone. Oct 11, 2023, 11:00 AM. Key West to the Dry Tortugas is a 78 nm voyage. A: Reservations are non-refundable except in cases of trip cancellation by Yankee Freedom. The fort was never completely finished yet. Key West Seaplane Adventures. 4386. S. Getting to Dry Tortugas is an adventure in itself. s. Water, about 25 meters deep or. Phone Number: 800-634-0939. National Park passes are accepted and get up to 4 people in your party into the park. Step onto the soft sands of the Dry Tortugas island chain and feel like Robinson Crusoe as you explore this uninhabited paradise. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of its sparkling blue and. The Dry Tortugas Seaplane - Half Day flight from Key West to the National Park is so spectacular, You will fly 70 miles over beautiful islands and ocean. Sea turtles are captured by intercepting reproductive females on nesting beaches and catching sea turtles in the water using rodeo, hand-capture, and dip-netting methods. ABOUT THIS WORKSHOP. • Seaplane Adventures Key West is the only seaplane service to Dry Tortugas National Park. Choose the best airline for you by reading reviews and viewing hundreds of ticket rates for flights going to and from your destination. Dry Tortugas Seaplane TakeOff 🛫. 5. December and January are our busiest months. Kayaking to Loggerhead Key is an excellent activity if you have the time. Seven small, sand islands—Archeologists have found the remains of a 19th century quarantine hospital and cemetery on a submerged island in Florida's Dry Tortugas National Park in the Gulf of Mexico. Fly-KeyWest Helicopters is the most thrilling attraction in Key West, with helicopter tours starting at just $90 per person! If you’re looking for things to do, get a bird’s eye view over the beautiful waters of Key West, spot. The Dry Tortugas has been referred to as an angler’s paradise, so if you’re looking for world-class game fish you’ll be in the right place. Dry Tortugas National Park. The Dry Tortugas is a place you either "get" or don't "get". The most common booking is a half-day adventure which costs $397 per adult. Dry Tortugas are comprised of primarily seven main islands: Garden Key, Loggerhead Key, Bush Key, Long Key,. The site, discovered by marine archaeologists about 70 miles from Key West, Fla. Geological Survey. The Dry Tortugas National Park, a series of islands 70 miles from Key West, is a place of great beauty, history and solitude. Most of the park is water, but it is also home to coral reefs, bird nesting grounds, and historic Fort Jefferson. This prohibition was based on data collected by NPS biologists in a 1975 study, which indicated that legal harvesting was removing almost 90% of the lobster within the. 30-year study of shark breeding ground highlights importance of critical habitat hit hard by Ian. Panama City Man Dies Snorkeling In Dry Tortugas National Park - Palmetto Bay-Cutler, FL - A couple found the 49-year-old man unresponsive in the water and brought him to land. Almost 70 miles west of Key West, nestled among coral reefs, and white sandy beaches, lie seven remote islands called the Dry Tortugas. The Dry Tortugas that Audubon and Agassiz witnessed weren’t the same collection of islands visitors visit today. Dry Tortugas National Park is located 68 miles off the coast of Key West, Florida, traveling to the islands by ferry or seaplane are the two main public. For us it was a bucket list item - then we found ourselves returning several times (seaplane) and once via ferry to camp 3 nights. It’s very far from where any of the tour boats go, you’d have to hire a private charter and that will be costly because of the cost of the fuel. #BREAKING: A @USCG Air Station Miami MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew rescued three men, Sunday, after their vessel sank near Dry Tortugas National Park. In 1992, Congress redesignated this area Dry Tortugas National Park. If you show your National Parks America the Beautiful Pass upon arrival, you will receive a refund for the entrance fee ($15 per person). Once here, tour Fort Jefferson and. This is Ballast Key, the only inhabited island between Key West and the Dry Tortugas and the actual southernmost point in the continental U. For information about the park, visit the National Park Service website for Dry Tortugas National Park: nps. Travel by seaplane charter or boat for a day filled with. Price: $360. 4 hour half day and 8 hour full day tours daily. 3M subscribers in the aviation community. All three people were rescued. It's a paradise for snorkeling and scuba diving. Proudly serving seaplane tours to Fort Jefferson and Dry Tortugas National Park. The waters around the Dry Tortugas have been known as a haven for snapper and grouper for decades. Accessible only by boat or seaplane, the park is known the world over as the home of magnificent Fort Jefferson, picturesque blue waters, superlative coral reefs and marine life, and the. Getting to Dry Tortugas by Seaplane: Things to Know. In those early days, very little was. Explore Fort Jefferson, once used as a prison during the Civil War. Spaces. We offer a fleet of aircraft options and will choose one that best suits your needs. "This intriguing find highlights the. 20 for children aged 12 and under, and similarly free for children under two years old. He is a national parks expert and has road tripped. You can stop searching for cheaper alternatives, they do not exist. e. 5 days) 2) Biscayne NP (0. The duration of this crossing is 2h 18 mins. Inside Key West Biking. $50. Dive-in-a-Day Resort Course $ 229. With the surrounding shoals and water, they make up Dry Tortugas National Park, an area noted for bird and marine life and shipwrecks. Ferry ticket includes entrance fee to Dry Tortugas National Park and Fort Jefferson. Fort Jefferson Map. You will also shorten your travel time out to the Dry Tortugas National Park, allowing for more time to tour Fort Jefferson, explore the isles on a nature hike or snorkel at a coral garden. The park is home to historical and natural wonders above and below the water's surface and has long been an. Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin in Key West. Personally I think the 2:30-2:45 isn't quite enough time. Half-Day Excursion – $371. Tortuga IV $ 65. The Dolphin helicopter crew arrived on scene at approximately 2 p. Inside Key West Aquarium. In a news release. you literally land at Dry Tortugas when the herd of 150+ people are leaving the island via the ferry. A very remote one, but a national park nonetheless, and as we said, fishing is prohibited throughout the Research Natural Area. Whether you're looking to relax or enjoy something more active, this full-day catamaran excursion to Tortuga Island from Jacó will accomplish your goals. , Key West, FL 33040 [email protected] 305-293-9300; Seaplane Tours in Miami; Sitemap. 5 day) 3) Dry Tortugas NP (0. Eating and Sleeping. They offer flights throughout the day, and you can choose between a half day visit and a full day visit. Located some 70 miles west of Key. dry tortugas snorkeling. Jefferson. Arches to the ocean, Fort Jefferson, Dry Tortugas National Park. True professionals – they made sure that all eyes connected with every. The site is submerged around what is known as Garden Key, about 70 miles west of the southernmost point. Cost: $200 per adult, $145 for children 4 to. Inside Key West Seafood. 00. Highlights. No refund if cancelling a confirmed seat(s) less than 48 hours prior to flight time. The word “dry” began to appear on early maps of the area to warn ships they could find no fresh water there. 00 per adult and $297 per child. Archeologists have found the remains of a 19th century quarantine hospital and cemetery on a submerged island in Florida's Dry Tortugas National Park, according to park officials Monday, May 1. If you are an avid bird watching enthusiast, the Dry Tortugas are home to over two hundred different avian species, depending on the season. The full-day trip is $634 for adults, $507. The visitor center is open 8:30 a. Encompassed within a 100-acre national park, the islands are best known for Fort Jefferson, a 19th. In terms of miles, the distance from Cuba to Florida is 485 miles. Beneath the waves, archaeologists recently discovered the remains of a submerged 19th-century quarantine hospital and adjoining cemetery. Day Trips. Plan Your Garden Key Camping Experience. Visit the Dry Tortugas and Fort Jefferson. 16 traverses. 00: $633. 37 powder magazines. The old docks still have their wooden pilings underwater, but those areas have since seen an abundance of sponges,. For reservations book online or contact us at (866) 945-7917 for more information. You have basically three choices. According to the National Park Service, U. All campsites on the Dry Tortugas are first-come, first-served with the exception of the large group site for 10-20 people. Permalink. Flying there is half the fun! Once you arrive, you can go to Fort Jefferson and hear pirate tales or snorkel in the clear waters of the Dry Tortugas. December 21, 2022 at 3:21 p. Time at Dry Tortugas: 2. Inside Key West Spring Break. 1) Everglades NP (1. Snacks (We do not supply any food and there is none available at Dry Tortugas) Full-day passengers should bring a packed lunch (We can supply extra coolers & ice) $15. Yankee Freedom passengers have the option of joining a 45- to 60-minute guided tour of the fort led by one of our expert naturalists. Coast Guard Air Station MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew poses with three rescued men after their boat sunk near Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida, on April 30, 2023. The page will go over how to find all four snorkel spots on the island, as well as where you can get there. . seymikes®subonwhitebread t. Fort Jefferson Map. Explore a 19th century fort and snorkel picturesque blue waters with superlative coral reefs and marine life at this 100-square mile park that is mostly open water with seven small islands. Predominately open water, dotted with seven small islands, it’s the very definition of secluded. , hoisted the men into the aircraft and transferred them to Key West International Airport in good health. Home to over 60,000 acres of coral reef, this national park woos travelers with its spectacular underwater world. Tours of Fort Jefferson are included with your ferry ticket. A maximum of 68 campers can stay here and space is on a first-come, first-served basis. . It is famous for the writers who have shacked up there including Tennessee Williams and Truman Capote. A charter or. Dry Tortugas Seaplane Full Day – Fort Jefferson National Park. Trip Highlights: One Of A Kind Views, Multiple Trip Selections, Voted Key West’s Best Helicopter Tour. Almost 70 miles (113 km) west of Key West lies the remote Dry Tortugas National Park. This island is closed the rest of the year so that colonies of birds can nest in the area. From a site of shipwrecks, to a world-class lighthouse installation, to a cutting-edge marine research laboratory, to a goal for Cuban refugees, Loggerhead Key is a part of the crossroads that are the Dry Tortugas. Garden Key, the only key with year-round public access, is the site of historic Fort Jefferson. You will also shorten your travel time out to the Dry Tortugas National Park,. Camping at Garden Key is an incredible experience with amazing star gazing, snorkeling, sunsets, and more! But you must be prepared to camp in this remote location. Book Cheap Flights to Dry Tortugas National Park: Search and compare airfares on Tripadvisor to find the best flights for your trip to Dry Tortugas National Park. Flying out to Ft. Man from Louisiana dies off Florida Keys. A fleet of migrant boats line the beach of Garden Key, home to Fort Jefferson in the Dry Tortugas National Park. S. No phone, TV, Internet or other people. Anything related to aircraft, airplanes, aviation and flying. While only one grave has been identified, historical records indicate dozens of people — mostly U. Almost 70 miles (113 km) west of Key West lies the remote Dry Tortugas National Park. 1, 2013 Breitbart, "Feds try to close ocean because of shutdown. Keys Seaplanes® private charter fares are based on itinerary, dates of travel, number of passengers, weights of individual passengers and the volume/weights of all luggage. #13 of 161 things to do in Key West. They are located 70 miles west of Key West. Although only 70 miles from Key West, FL, Dry Tortugas is the nation’s most remote national park, only accessible by boat or seaplane. Inside Clothing-Optional Key West. The seaplane is one of the two common ways to reach the park. Approximately 70 miles west of Key West lies beautiful Dry Tortugas National Park and Ft. Dry Tortugas Seaplanes Need Help Booking? (866) 575-5068 Guaranteed Low Price No Booking Fees Hassle Free Reservations Click To Book Online Limited Spaces Available! For reservations call (866) 575-5068. #249 of 343 Boat Tours & Water Sports in Key West. Friday 81 °F Saturday 76 °F Sunday 76 °F Monday 76 °F. It is a full day experience and most of that will be spent on board the ferry. Coast Guard Air Station Miami helicopter crew rescued three men Sunday, April 30, after their vessel sank near Dry Tortugas National Park. 60 for kids. 3471 South Roosevelt Blvd. Tip #2: Take coral reef safe sunscreen, sunglasses, hats, beach towels and binoculars for the birdwatching. m. The most affordable and popular option is to come by ferry. They fly half-day and full day excursions to Garden Key in Dry Tortugas National Park via a 40 minute airplane flight each way. ☂️ Explore Dry Tortugas National Park with a tour 37' Private Boat Charter Rental - Key West W Captain up to 13ppl (highly rated). The most popular dive site is the Windjammer shipwreck, found just southwest of Loggerhead Key. Inside Key West Arts and Culture. Explore the beautiful natural side of the. Covering about 49 acres, it is the site of the Loggerhead lighthouse, constructed in 1857. The largest brick building in the western hemisphere. It isn’t. Seaplane flights to the Dry Tortugas fly over and visit the most beautiful out-islands of the Keys. The submerged portion of the platform extends to water depths of about 300 feet (90 meters). Dry Tortugas National Park and Fort Jefferson. Official site of Key West Seaplane Adventures. Permits which can be obtained at Garden Key at the Dry Tortugas National Park are indicated by “ (Obtained at Garden Key)”. Explore the grounds with a knowledgeable guide to learn. for Dry Tortugas National Park. There is a beautiful beach for swimming with views of the Loggerhead Key lighthouse, but most of the island is protected. Enjoy colorful storytelling from your experienced pilot and check out white-sand beaches, unbelievable mansions and Miami’s signature Art. Bird migration to the Dry Tortugas is a year-round affair. Other Ways to Get to Dry Tortugas National Park. This made visibility for the helmsman especially difficult. Dry Tortugas National Park is situated at the southwest corner of the Florida Keys reef system, the third largest in the world. In our Seaplanes, you get the opportunity to experience the wildlife in the water as we fly at just 500 feet near the uninhabited islands. A convenient anchorage to the Tortugas is the Marquesas Key. The Dry Tortugas, a remote island group and National Park located 70 miles west of Key West, has been known as a shark mating ground since the late 1800s, but came under direct study in the early 1990s when Wes started visiting the area with Dr. 5-hour ferry ride is a magical trip over turquoise waters, and leaves you about. Marco Island + Sailing back to Marathon →. There are a variety of tour operators providing trips for fishing, diving, snorkeling, and wildlife viewing. l unch buffet j e. A Coast Guard Air Station Miami MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew rescued three men, Sunday, after their vessel sank near Dry Tortugas National Park. 100 Grinnell St, Key West, FL 33040-6630. The Dry Tortugas is one of those “must visit” places for every birder! Wildside Nature Tours offers a fantastic experience, with comfortable living quarters on the boat and delicious, freshly prepared food each day. Dry Tortugas National Park is near the southwestern edge of the Florida Platform. Visitors to the park can take a ferry from Key West or fly in on a seaplane or helicopter. Dry Tortugas National Park: Take the Seaplane definitely worth it. e. Remote and isolated, the islands are almost entirely. Two navy helicopters taking off from coal docks at Fort Jefferson Keywords Environmental protection, Wildlife conservation, Dry Tortugas (Fla. Since it sits in a protected space, and is far away from the mainland, the coral reef has been barely damaged and touched by humans. The best way to snorkel is to travel to Dry Tortugas National Park, which is located in the heart of Key West. Almost 70 miles (113 km) west of Key West lies the remote Dry Tortugas National Park. Samuel Alexander MudPermitted Tour Guides at Dry Tortugas National Park. The 7 tiny islands that make up the Dry Tortugas account for only 97 acres in total. Coast Guard and Royal Canadian Armed Forces have a helicopter exchange program (I honestly don’t know if it was in place in 1980 – it was by 1985) – one of my former units Air Station Cape Cod hosted the Canadian pilot (great program!!!) – and the American pilot. Fort Jefferson's most famous prisoner was Dr. Dry Tortugas National Park is an American national park located about 68 miles (109 km) west of Key West in the Gulf of Mexico, in the United States. Plan Your Boat Trip. ; The Seaplane charges park entrance fee upon check-in. ), Fort Jefferson, North and Central America, United States, Florida, Monroe, Dry. News Release Date: June 2, 2020 Contact: Park Information, 305-242-7700 Contact: Media: Allyson Gantt, 786-610-8023 Key West, Fla. 80. As the only seaplane service, we are the most exciting way to reach Dry Tortugas National Park. A small number of incident management team. The Dry Tortugas rest at the western extremity of the massive Florida ReefThe gravesite is now completely underwater. Researchers at the Dry Tortugas National Park found a 19th century hospital and cemetery underwater. 00 per adult and $512 per child. Friday 81 °F Saturday 76 °F Sunday 76 °F Monday 76 °F Board the Yankee Freedom for a ferry ride to The Dry Tortugas National Park Made up of seven small islands, it is one of. Hatchlings weigh about 0. Offshore forecast for Dry Tortugas National Park. In the early 1500s Spain claimed all of Florida, including the Dry Tortugas. Most of the park is water, but it is also home to coral reefs, bird nesting grounds, and historic Fort Jefferson. Dry Tortugas National Park, national park located on the Dry Tortugas islands, southwestern Florida, U. It’s also relatively shallow the whole 70 miles from Key West to the Dry Tortugas. This broad, flat, carbonate platform is only partially exposed above sea level as the Florida peninsula. Day Trips via Ferry: Rates for a dry Tortugas day trip start at $200 for adults (17-61yrs) and $145 for children (ages 4-16 yrs) and Infants (0-3 yrs) are free. “The Tortugas Harbor Lighthouse is an iconic symbol of. Public ferries and seaplanes depart regularly to the park, and fishing and dive charters can be booked from the Florida Keys and Naples. 00 per adult and $512 per child. Accessible only by boat or seaplane, the park is known the world over as the home of magnificent Fort Jefferson, picturesque blue waters, superlative coral reefs and marine life, and the. – Police said Sunday that they were investigating the death of a 67-year-old man from Louisiana off the Florida Keys. Loggerhead Key allows public. Inspired by Dry Tortugas’s isolated charm, he spent three days and nights in the park filming the stars, and the result is a stunning time-lapse video that showcases the revolving beauty above. BOSTON - Research from the longest. m. m. The tour guides will provide guests with round-trip transportation, a 40-minute tour of Fort Jefferson, complimentary soft drinks, and snorkeling gear. Inside the Harry S. National Park Service estimated that some 300 migrants arrived in the Dry Tortugas National Park over the past couple days. 667. Price: $0. About 70 miles west of Key West, Florida, lies Dry Tortugas National Park which is world-renowned for picturesque blue sea waters, white sands, brightly colorful coral reefs, abundant marine life, and legends of shipwrecks and sunken treasures. Tour Fort Jefferson, stroll on the beach, and snorkel along the coral reef. The 110-foot, high-speed catamaran is the only ferry authorized by the National Park Service to get there. Shot using GoPro Hero2 from while I was sno. 6 reviews. (Photo: Bonnie Gross) The payoff: Not much compares with wandering the Civil War-era Fort Jefferson in the late. Itinerary; What to Bring; Included w/ Trip; Onboard Services; Trip Details; Cruise in spacious comfort to Fort Jefferson in the Dry Tortugas National Park aboard the Yankee Freedom, a high-speed ocean-going catamaran specifically designed for carrying passengers safely across the 70 miles of open water from Key West to the Park. Departing from a separate hangar at the Key West airport, this scenic 40-minute flight offers breathtaking views. Get Soaking Wet, Dry Tortugas-Style. Mr.