10 Things to Know Before Visiting Dry Tortugas National Park

Unlike most national parks, you can't drive to Dry Tortugas. Your options are the Yankee Freedom ferry (2+ hours each way, $200+ per person), a seaplane (40 minutes, $350+), or a private boat charter. Each offers a different experience—the ferry is budget-friendly but crowded, the seaplane is fast but expensive, while private charters offer flexibility, comfort, and access to areas others can't reach.

While the ferry takes 2.5 hours each way on a vessel with 100+ passengers, a private charter gets you there in similar time—but with just your group. You'll have the freedom to depart when you want, stay as long as you like, and explore hidden snorkeling spots the ferry can't reach. Most importantly, you'll arrive before the ferry crowds and can have the fort nearly to yourself.

Fort Jefferson is the largest masonry structure in the Americas, built with over 16 million bricks. This Civil War-era fortress took 30 years to construct and was never completed. Park entry is included with your transportation, and you can spend hours exploring the fort's three tiers, gun rooms, and the historic prison cell where Dr. Samuel Mudd was held after treating John Wilkes Booth's broken leg.

Dry Tortugas offers some of the best snorkeling in North America. The crystal-clear waters (often 60-100 feet visibility) are home to vibrant coral reefs, sea turtles, tropical fish, nurse sharks, and even historic shipwrecks. The moat wall around the fort is perfect for beginners, while more adventurous snorkelers can explore the outer reefs and seagrass beds teeming with marine life.

There are no stores, restaurants, or facilities at Dry Tortugas beyond basic restrooms. Pack plenty of water (at least 1 gallon per person), snacks, reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, and any snorkeling or beach gear you'll need. If you're on a private charter, your captain may provide some amenities and snorkeling equipment, but it's always best to confirm what's included.

If you take the Yankee Freedom ferry, you'll have approximately 4-4.5 hours on the island before the return trip. That sounds like a lot, but between exploring Fort Jefferson, snorkeling, eating lunch, and enjoying the beach, time flies. Many visitors feel rushed. Private charters typically offer 6-8 hours of island time—nearly double—giving you a truly relaxed experience.

Dry Tortugas is a haven for wildlife. The park is home to over 100 species of birds, including magnificent frigatebirds, brown boobies, and sooty terns (Bush Key hosts one of the largest nesting colonies in North America). From April to September, sea turtles nest on the beaches. On your boat ride, keep your eyes peeled for dolphins, flying fish, and even the occasional whale during migration season.

Being 70 miles offshore means weather conditions can shift rapidly. Check the forecast before your trip and be prepared for intense sun, afternoon thunderstorms (especially in summer), and potentially rough seas. Spring (March-May) typically offers the calmest conditions and best visibility for snorkeling. Winter can be beautiful but seas are often choppy.

Want to experience Dry Tortugas without the crowds? The park offers primitive camping on Garden Key with 8 first-come, first-served sites ($15/night). Campers enjoy spectacular sunsets, stargazing with zero light pollution, and the entire fort to themselves after day visitors leave around 3 PM. You'll need to bring all your gear, food, and water—and arrange separate transportation.

Dry Tortugas is increasingly popular, and transportation fills up fast—especially during peak season (March-May) and holidays. The ferry often sells out weeks in advance, and private charter boats have limited availability. If you want a charter experience, book at least 2-4 weeks in advance. For holiday weekends or spring break, consider booking 1-2 months ahead.