Explore Key West
Dry Tortugas National Park
Type: Beaches, Day Trips, Historic Sites, Parks, Scuba Diving and Snorkeling, Tours and Excursions
10Best Says
Take a seaplane 70 miles from Key West to the Dry Tortugas where it's easy to pretend you're castaways in paradise. These seven islands straddle the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean Sea, and the Atlantic... Read More
Take a seaplane 70 miles from Key West to the Dry Tortugas where it's easy to pretend you're castaways in paradise. These seven islands straddle the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean Sea, and the Atlantic Ocean. The shallow waters surrounding the islands are perfect for snorkeling amid the ruins of Fort Jefferson. Tour the fort to learn about its construction and Civil War prisoners like Samuel Mudd--the doctor who assisted John Wilkes Booth after his injury. These remote islands are only accessible by seaplane of the ferry. A half-day trip by plane runs $329 per adult but offers a stunning bird's eye view. The Yankee Freedom II is the only ferry to the park, starting from $175, which covers entrance, meals, snorkeling and the tour of Fort Jefferson. Visit the Dry Tortugas Park website for rules, regulations, and what to bring.
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Hours:
Due to COVID-19, please check with the attraction for the most recent updates to their opening hours. Admissions:
- 7-day park pass Adult (16+) $15; Child (1-15) Free
EXPERT TIPS BY:
Claudia Miller
Key West Local Expert
- Romantic Things to Do: "Book the afternoon trip on the seaplane, and you'll be treated to a spectacular Key West sunset."
- Best Attractions & Activities: "Before you go, visit the Dry Tortugas Park website for a list of do's and don'ts, as well as what to bring."
- Beaches: "Before you go, visit the Dry Tortugas Park website for a list of do's and don'ts as well as what to bring."
- Best for Romantic Things to Do, Beaches Because: Take a seaplane to the Dry Tortugas where it's easy to pretend you're castaways in paradise.
- Recommended as Best Attractions & Activities Because: A lesser-known national wonder, the Dry Tortugas make for a fascinating day trip filled with snorkeling, nature and history.
EXPERT TIPS BY:
Amber Nolan
Travel Expert
- Historic Sites: "Visit the Dry Tortugas Park website for rules, regulations, and what to bring."
- Best for Historic Sites Because: A lesser-know historical wonder, Fort Jefferson is the largest masonry structure in the Americas.
