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getting to
dry tortugas national park

getting to
dry tortugas national park

compare all transportation options to america's most remote national park.

ferry, private charter, or seaplane - find the perfect way to reach paradise.

ferry service

private charter

sea plane

compare options

Transportation to Dry Tortugas
National Park At a Glance

Transportation At a Glance

A side-by-side comparison of the most common ways to reach Dry Tortugas National Park from Key West—so you can choose what fits your time, budget, and experience expectations.

Yankee Freedom Ferry

Public Ferry

Duration

10 hours total day commitment (Approximately 7+ hours round-trip on the ferry, leaving only 2-3 hours to explore Fort Jefferson before returning) 
Title

Price

$250 per adult + taxes and fees
Title

Schedule

Fixed departure • Extremely early check-in (campers must arrive by 6:00 AM; general public must arrive by 7:00 AM)
Title

Capacity

100+ Passengers

Best suited for budget-conscious travelers comfortable with crowds and a fixed itinerary.

Private Charter

Best Experience

Duration

8-12 hour experience (Only 2 hours each way, leaving 6-8+ hours to explore Fort Jefferson, snorkel, and island-hop at your own pace) 
Title

Price

As low as $230 per person
Title

Schedule

Flexible – built around your group
Title

Capacity

Up to 13 passengers | Multi-boat options for larger groups
Title

Benefits

  • Your group only – no strangers
  • Flexible departure and return times
  • Stops along the way, including nearby islands like Loggerhead Key
  • Custom itinerary based on conditions and interests
  • More time exploring, less time commuting

Seaplane

Fastest Option

Duration

4-hour round trip experience (Only 2 hours total travel time, with 2+ hours to explore Fort Jefferson.  Quickest and most expensive option)
Title

Price

Approximately $890+ per person

+ $15 park entrance fee
Title

Schedule

Limited flights
Title

Capacity

Typically 2-6 passengers
Dry Tortugas Transportation Comparison

Choose Your Journey to Dry Tortugas

Compare travel time, flexibility, group size, and overall experience when choosing how to reach Dry Tortugas National Park from Key West.

Features Yankee Freedom Ferry Public Ferry ★ MOST POPULAR Private Charter Your Group, Whole Boat ★ LOWER TOTAL Shared Charter Join Other Guests ★ LARGE GROUPS Multi-Boat Up to 26 Guests Seaplane Fastest Option
Travel Time Each Way 3+ hours 2 hoursVaries by boat 2 hoursVaries by boat 2 hoursVaries by boat 40 min
Time at Fort Jefferson ~4 hours Fixed schedule 3+ hours Flexible schedule 3+ hours Flexible schedule 3+ hours Your whole group together 2-4 hours Flight schedule dependent
Pricing ~$250 per person + fees From $2,999 entire boat (up to 1-13) ~$650 per person (max 6) Contact Us Custom quote $400+ per person
Schedule Flexibility Fixed Times 8 AM departure Flexible Early preferred Semi-Flexible Scheduled departures Fully Flexible Coordinated departure Limited Flights Based on availability
Group Size Up to 500 Shared with strangers Up to 1-13 Your group only Up to 6 Small group experience Up to 26 Multiple boats 2-10 Per flight
Island Hopping ✕ ✓Loggerhead Key & more ✓Depends on itinerary ✓Loggerhead Key & more ✕
Snorkel Gear ✓Included ✓Included (boat specific) ✓Included (boat specific) ✓Included (boat specific) ✕Not included
Amenities Breakfast, lunch included Cooler, shade, rinse (boat specific) Cooler, shade, rinse (boat specific) Cooler, shade, rinse (boat specific) Minimal
Park Entrance Fee Included $15/person (pay at fort) $15/person (pay at fort) $15/person (pay at fort) $15/person (pay at fort)
Best For Solo travelers Families & groups Couples & small groups Events & large groups Time-limited visitors
Visit Website Book Charter Check Availability Request Quote View Flights

Questions about which option is right for your group? Our team can help you plan the perfect Dry Tortugas adventure. Contact us for personalized recommendations.
Why Choose Private Charter

Why Choose Private Charter?

Skip the crowds and create memories that last a lifetime

Your Schedule

Depart when you want, stay as long as you like. No rushing to catch the ferry.

Private Group

Just your family and friends. No strangers, no crowds, no waiting in lines.

Custom Itinerary

Stop at hidden snorkel spots, fish along the way, or focus on photography.

Ready for 6-8+ hours exploring Fort Jefferson instead of just 2-3?

Book Your Charter Call (305) 363-7896
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