Dry Tortugas National Park
Seventy miles out from Key West: a vast brick fort on an empty island, ringed by the clearest snorkelling water in Florida.
Getting to the Dry Tortugas is most of the experience - two and a quarter hours by ferry across open water, or a seaplane if the budget allows. What you arrive at is Fort Jefferson, an enormous unfinished nineteenth-century fort covering almost an entire small island, surrounded by water clear enough to see the coral heads from the walls. Snorkelling straight off the beach is the best in the state because there is no run-off and almost no boat traffic. Bring everything you need; there is no shop, and the ferry leaves on schedule with or without you. Rough seas make the crossing genuinely unpleasant, so watch the forecast.
Pricing
Ferry around $200 adults, less for children; park entry included (verify)
Common Questions
- How much does Dry Tortugas National Park cost?
- Dry Tortugas National Park charges admission. Ferry around $200 adults, less for children; park entry included (verify)
- What ages is Dry Tortugas National Park good for?
- Dry Tortugas National Park is best for kids ages 6 to 18+.
- Is Dry Tortugas National Park stroller friendly?
- No, Dry Tortugas National Park is not considered stroller friendly.
- Can I bring my dog to Dry Tortugas National Park?
- No, dogs are not allowed at Dry Tortugas National Park.
- How hard is Dry Tortugas National Park?
- The difficulty level is moderate. Plan for about 12 hours.
- Is Dry Tortugas National Park free?
- No, there is a cost to visit Dry Tortugas National Park. Ferry around $200 adults, less for children; park entry included (verify)
- What should I bring to Dry Tortugas National Park?
- Everything - food, water, sun protection, snorkel gear. There are no facilities.
- How long does Dry Tortugas National Park take?
- Most families spend about 12 hours at Dry Tortugas National Park.
- When is the best time to visit Dry Tortugas National Park?
- Book the ferry months ahead. Calm-forecast days only if anyone gets seasick.