When most people think of Key West, they picture Duval Street, colorful sunsets, and the Southernmost Point. While all of those are worth experiencing, the real reason we planned this trip was to visit Dry Tortugas National Park, one of the most unique and remote national parks in the United States.
Located about 70 miles west of Key West, Dry Tortugas is surrounded by crystal-clear turquoise water, vibrant coral reefs, and the massive Fort Jefferson. Since the park can only be reached by boat or seaplane, visiting requires a little extra planning, but that’s exactly what makes it so special.
After exploring the Florida Keys, I can honestly say Dry Tortugas was the highlight of our trip. From snorkeling over colorful marine life to walking through the historic fort before the crowds arrived, it was an experience unlike anywhere else we’ve visited.
In this guide, I’ll share everything you need to know before your trip, including how to get there, whether the seaplane is worth the extra cost, what to pack, and our complete five-day Key West itinerary.
Dry Tortugas National Park at a Glance
📍 Location: Approximately 70 miles west of Key West
🚤 Best Ways to Visit: Yankee Freedom III Ferry or Key West Seaplane Adventures
⏰ Time Needed: Plan for a full day, even if taking the half-day seaplane excursion
🤿 Best For: Snorkeling, history, wildlife, photography, and one of the most unique national park experiences in the United States
📅 Best Time to Visit: Spring offers some of the best weather, but we visited in July and still had an incredible experience.
Why Visit Dry Tortugas National Park?
If you’ve never heard of Dry Tortugas National Park, you’re not alone. Despite being one of the least visited national parks in the country, it’s also one of the most unforgettable.
The park is made up of seven small islands located in the Gulf of Mexico and is best known for Fort Jefferson, one of the largest masonry forts ever built in the Americas. Although construction began in 1846, the fort was never fully completed. Today, visitors can wander through its massive brick corridors, climb to the top for panoramic ocean views, and learn about its fascinating military history.
Beyond the fort, the park protects nearly 100 square miles of pristine marine habitat. The shallow, crystal-clear water is home to tropical fish, coral reefs, sea turtles, rays, and countless other marine species, making it one of Florida’s best snorkeling destinations.
Since there are no roads, hotels, restaurants, or shops, visiting Dry Tortugas feels like stepping into another world. It’s one of the few places where history, nature, and adventure come together in such a remote setting.
Travel Raven Tip: Dry Tortugas is one of the most popular day trips from Key West, and transportation often sells out months in advance. If you already know your travel dates, book your ferry or seaplane as early as possible.
Best Time to Visit Dry Tortugas National Park
Dry Tortugas National Park is open year-round, but each season offers a slightly different experience.
Winter (December through February)
Winter brings cooler temperatures, lower humidity, and generally calm conditions. This is one of the most popular times to visit because the weather is comfortable for exploring Fort Jefferson and snorkeling.
Spring (March through May)
Spring is considered one of the best times to visit. Temperatures are warm without being overly hot, water visibility is often excellent, and rainfall is relatively low.
Summer (June through August)
Summer offers the warmest water temperatures and some of the best snorkeling conditions of the year. The tradeoff is higher heat, humidity, afternoon thunderstorms, and the start of hurricane season.
We visited in July, and while it was definitely hot, the water was incredibly clear and perfect for snorkeling. One thing to keep in mind if you’re visiting the Florida Keys during the summer is sargassum seaweed season. Between late spring and early fall, large amounts of seaweed can wash onto many of the Keys’ beaches, making most areas less enjoyable for swimming and relaxing.
Fortunately, Dry Tortugas was completely unaffected during our visit. The beaches were clean, the water was crystal clear, and snorkeling conditions were fantastic. If you’re traveling during sargassum season, Dry Tortugas can be a great way to enjoy the beautiful turquoise water you’ve been hoping for.
Travel Raven Tip: If you’re visiting the Florida Keys during the summer, check local beach reports before heading out each day. Sargassum conditions can change from beach to beach, but Dry Tortugas often remains much less affected than many beaches throughout the Keys.
Fall (September through November)
Fall tends to be quieter, although weather can be less predictable due to tropical systems. If you’re traveling during hurricane season, keep an eye on the forecast, as ferry and seaplane trips may be affected by weather conditions.
How to Get to Dry Tortugas National Park
Since there are no bridges connecting Dry Tortugas to the mainland, you’ll need to choose one of three transportation options.
1. Yankee Freedom III Ferry
The Yankee Freedom III is the most popular and affordable way to visit the park.
The ferry departs from Key West each morning and takes approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes each way. Your ticket includes transportation, breakfast, lunch, snorkeling equipment, and a narrated ride to the island.
This is an excellent option for travelers looking for a full-day adventure while keeping costs lower than the seaplane.
Pros
- Most affordable option
- Breakfast and lunch included
- Snorkeling equipment provided
- Longer time on the island than the half-day seaplane
Cons
- Longer travel time
- Arrives with the majority of visitors
- Seas can occasionally be rough
2. Key West Seaplane Adventures
If your budget allows, I cannot recommend the seaplane enough.
The flight takes only about 30 minutes, giving you incredible aerial views of the Florida Keys before landing directly beside the island.
Instead of spending over four hours traveling by boat, you’re able to maximize your time exploring.
The company provides:
- Snorkeling equipment
- Water
- Soft drinks
- Coolers for your belongings
Depending on which tour you choose, you may need to bring your own lunch, so be sure to check your reservation details beforehand.
Is the Seaplane Worth It?
We chose the seaplane, and I can honestly say it was worth every penny. While it’s definitely the more expensive option, arriving before the ferry meant we had the beaches and much of Fort Jefferson almost entirely to ourselves. For the first part of our visit, it truly felt like we had our own private island. By the time the ferry arrived, we had already explored the fort, enjoyed the beaches, and snorkeled without the crowds. On top of that, the flight itself offered incredible aerial views of the Florida Keys that you simply don’t get any other way.
If you’re trying to decide between the ferry and the seaplane, here’s a quick comparison.
| Feature | Yankee Freedom Ferry | Key West Seaplane Adventures |
|---|---|---|
| Price | More budget-friendly | Premium experience |
| Travel Time | Approximately 2 hours 15 minutes each way | About 30-40 minutes each way |
| Time on the Island | Around 4 hours | Half-day or full-day options |
| Food Included | Breakfast, lunch, and drinks | Water, soft drinks, snorkeling gear (bring lunch if needed) |
| Crowds | Arrives with most visitors | Arrives before the ferry |
| Experience | Scenic boat ride | Incredible aerial views and water landing |
My Recommendation
If you’re looking for the most budget-friendly option, the ferry is an excellent choice and still allows plenty of time to explore the island.
However, if it’s within your budget, I would absolutely recommend the seaplane. Having time to explore Fort Jefferson, snorkel, and relax on the beaches before the ferry arrived completely changed the experience. It felt peaceful, uncrowded, and much more personal. Add in the unforgettable flight over the turquoise waters of the Dry Tortugas, and it ended up being one of the highlights of our entire trip.
Travel Raven Tip: If you’re taking the seaplane, try to book the earliest flight available. Experiencing the island before the ferry arrives was one of the biggest highlights of our trip.
What to Pack for Dry Tortugas National Park
Since there are no stores or restaurants on the island, packing appropriately is essential. Here’s everything I recommend bringing to make the most of your visit.
Essentials
- Swimsuit
- Towel
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Reusable water bottle
- Comfortable walking shoes or sandals
- Waterproof phone pouch
- Dry bag
- Change of clothes
- Snacks or lunch (if your transportation doesn’t provide one)
Although snorkeling gear is provided with both the ferry and the seaplane, we chose to bring our own full-face snorkeling masks, and I’m so glad we did. We find them much more comfortable than traditional masks and snorkels, and they made snorkeling far more enjoyable. The wider field of view and natural breathing experience allowed us to spend more time in the water comfortably while taking in all of the incredible marine life. If you already own a full-face snorkeling mask and enjoy using it, I’d definitely recommend bringing it along.
If you plan on taking photos underwater, an underwater camera or GoPro is also worth packing. The crystal-clear water, colorful tropical fish, and historic fort provide endless photo opportunities that you’ll want to remember.
Travel Raven Tip: There is very little shade on Dry Tortugas. Even if you don’t normally wear a hat, you’ll be glad you packed one, especially during the warmer months. The Florida sun is much stronger than it feels with the ocean breeze.
Our Complete 5-Day Drive to Key West Itinerary
We live in the Orlando area, so instead of flying directly to Key West, we decided to make the journey part of the adventure. Breaking up the trip over five days gave us the chance to explore two incredible national parks, drive the famous Overseas Highway, and discover some amazing local restaurants and hidden gems before arriving in Key West. If you have the time, I highly recommend taking the drive instead of flying. The journey itself ended up being just as memorable as the destination.
Whether you’re driving from Orlando like we did or starting elsewhere in Florida, this itinerary is a great way to experience some of the state’s most beautiful landscapes before reaching the southernmost point in the continental United States.
Day 1: Orlando to Homestead
We started our trip by leaving Orlando early in the morning and heading south toward Homestead. Instead of making it a long driving day, we took the opportunity to explore two of Florida’s incredible national parks before spending the night in Homestead.
Our first stop was Biscayne National Park. Although most of the park is only accessible by boat, we enjoyed visiting the Dante Fascell Visitor Center, walking along the shoreline, and learning more about the park’s coral reefs, mangrove forests, and marine ecosystem. Even if you don’t have time for a boat excursion, it’s a worthwhile stop and a great introduction to one of Florida’s most unique national parks. Recommended Time to Stay: 30–60 minutes (longer if you’re taking a boat tour)
From there, we continued to Everglades National Park, entering through the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center before exploring the Anhinga Trail. This easy boardwalk is one of the best places in the Everglades to spot wildlife, and it didn’t disappoint. Within minutes we saw several alligators, turtles, fish, and countless birds, making it one of the highlights of our drive south. Recommended Time to Stay: 2–3 hours
Before checking into our hotel, we made one final stop at Robert Is Here, a famous fruit stand that’s become a South Florida landmark. Their tropical fruit milkshakes are a must-try and were the perfect treat after spending the afternoon outdoors. Recommended Time to Stay: 20–30 minutes
Travel Raven Tip: If you’re leaving from the Orlando area, getting an early start gives you plenty of time to enjoy both national parks without feeling rushed.
Day 2: Homestead to Key West
We arrived in Key West later that afternoon and immediately fell in love with the island’s laid-back atmosphere. Colorful historic homes, palm-lined streets, and the smell of the ocean instantly made it feel like we were on a Caribbean vacation without ever leaving Florida. We spent the evening strolling through Mallory Square, wandering Duval Street, and watching one of Key West’s famous sunsets before calling it a night.
Recommended Stops Along the Drive
We arrived in Key West later that afternoon and spent the evening walking around the waterfront, soaking in the island atmosphere, and watching another beautiful Florida sunset.
Travel Raven Favorite: Don’t rush the drive down the Overseas Highway. Some of our favorite memories came from the stops we made along the way.
Day 3: Dry Tortugas National Park
This was the day we had been looking forward to the most, and it completely exceeded our expectations.
We booked the half-day seaplane excursion with Key West Seaplane Adventures, and from the moment we took off, we knew we had made the right choice. Flying over the Florida Keys gave us incredible views of the turquoise water, coral reefs, and countless tiny islands before making a smooth water landing just offshore from Garden Key.
One of the biggest advantages of taking the seaplane is arriving well before the ferry. For the first part of our visit, it genuinely felt like we had the island almost entirely to ourselves, making it easy to enjoy the beaches, snorkeling, and Fort Jefferson without the crowds.
Our first stop was North Beach, where we spent time snorkeling in the calm, crystal-clear water. This ended up being our favorite snorkeling spot of the day. We saw colorful tropical fish swimming around the old dock pilings, and the visibility was incredible.
After exploring North Beach, we made our way to South Beach for another snorkeling session. Having two completely different beaches to explore before the ferry arrived made the experience feel relaxed and unhurried.
Once we finished snorkeling, we spent the rest of our time exploring Fort Jefferson. Walking through the massive brick corridors, climbing to the top of the fort, and taking in the panoramic views of the bright turquoise water quickly became one of the highlights of the trip. The history of the fort is just as fascinating as the scenery surrounding it.
By the time the ferry arrived later that morning, we had already snorkeled both beaches and explored much of the fort, making the seaplane feel worth every penny.
After returning to Key West, we spent a relaxing evening walking Duval Street, browsing the local shops, and enjoying dinner after an unforgettable day.
Travel Raven Favorite: If your budget allows, book the earliest half-day seaplane. Experiencing Dry Tortugas before the ferry arrives was one of the biggest highlights of our entire trip.
Day 4: Exploring Key West
After an exciting day at Dry Tortugas, we slowed the pace and dedicated the day to exploring everything Key West has to offer. One of my favorite things about Key West is how walkable it is. We spent the day wandering from one attraction to the next, stopping whenever something caught our attention, and simply enjoying the relaxed island atmosphere.
Every morning during our stay, we started the day at 5 Brothers Grocery & Sandwich Shop, and it quickly became one of our favorite places on the island. Their Cuban coffee, cortaditos, breakfast sandwiches, and Cuban bread were some of the best we had during the entire trip. If you’re looking for an authentic local breakfast, I can’t recommend it enough.
After breakfast, we explored several of Key West’s most iconic attractions, including Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park, the Southernmost Point, Smathers Beach, Higgs Beach, and the Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum. We also spent time wandering through the local shops along Duval Street, enjoying the laid-back atmosphere that makes Key West so unique.
If you’re looking to add even more adventure to your itinerary, this would also be a great day to book a snorkeling excursion, sunset sail, or one of the many watersport tours available around the island.
Day 5: One Last Morning in Key West
Before beginning the drive back to the Orlando area, we enjoyed one last breakfast at 5 Brothers Grocery & Sandwich Shop. After visiting every morning of our trip, we couldn’t resist stopping one final time for their Cuban coffee, cortaditos, and breakfast sandwiches.
As we drove back along the Overseas Highway, we found ourselves reminiscing about everything we’d experienced over the previous five days. From spotting alligators in the Everglades and driving across the iconic Seven Mile Bridge to snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters of Dry Tortugas, this road trip ended up being one of our favorite Florida adventures.
Approximate Trip Budget
Every trip will vary depending on where you stay and how you choose to experience Dry Tortugas, but here’s a general idea of what to budget.
| Expense | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Accommodations | $300+ per night (varies with season) |
| Gas (Orlando to Key West round trip) | $100–150 |
| Dry Tortugas Seaplane | $527 per adult 1/2 day or $910 per adult full day |
| Dry Tortugas Ferry | $260 per person |
| National Park Entrance | $15 |
| Meals | $20–40 per person, per meal |
| Parking & Miscellaneous | $50+ |
Final Thoughts
Our five-day road trip through South Florida and the Florida Keys turned out to be one of our favorite adventures yet. From exploring Biscayne and Everglades National Parks to driving the Overseas Highway and spending an unforgettable morning at Dry Tortugas National Park, every stop made the journey worthwhile.
If I could offer one piece of advice, it would be this: don’t rush the trip. Give yourself enough time to enjoy the drive, explore Key West, and, if your budget allows, book the seaplane to Dry Tortugas. Arriving before the ferry made the experience even more memorable and was easily one of the highlights of our vacation.
I hope this guide helps you plan your own Florida Keys adventure. If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below, and if you’ve already visited Dry Tortugas, I’d love to hear about your experience!
Happy travels! 🌴✈️
Travel Raven 