One of my life goals is to visit all of the United States National Parks. So when my family decided to take a trip to Key West, there was no question that we needed to visit Dry Tortugas National Park. The park is made up of a series of islands approximately 40 miles south of Key West. This is the end of the Florida reef system, and is a sanctuary for hundreds of fish, turtles, and nurse sharks.
After great debate, and after reading the wonderful reviews on Trip Advisor, my father and I decided it was worth it to take a seaplane out to the Dry Tortugas. We were not disappointed. While pricey, the half-day trip offered by Key West Seaplane Adventures allowed us to see one of the most beautiful (and hardest to reach) National Parks and be back for lunch on Key West.
The flight took around 35 minutes, during which time we saw the beautiful flats of the Florida Keys, at least 20 sea turtles, a few sharks, and even a stingray. You also get overhead views of Key West, several small islands, and the Dry Tortugas...not to mention a few sunken ships along the way.
The in-flight headphones have music and the occasional guide to what you're seeing out your window. The pilot also chimes in on occasion.
I highly recommend doing the first half-day tour of the day. We departed the airport at 8:00 a.m. and arrived at the Dry Tortugas a little before 9:00 a.m.. That gave us 1.5 hours on the island before the herd on the Yankee Freedom docked. Arriving early gave us the following benefits:
It was fairly cool (all things considered) in the morning.
You feel like you have the island to yourself. The only other people there are a few Park Rangers and campers (approximately 30 people total).
You don't have as many rowdy children/families; you can genuinely roam the island, tour the fort, swim and snorkel in peace.
It was certainly the highlight of our Key West trip and set a high standard for everything else! I would highly recommend this for anyone who loves nature, The United States' National Parks, or the historical significance of these beautiful islands. And unless you're Jimmy Buffett, how often do you have the opportunity to travel by seaplane?
Whether you take the seaplane, or you take the Yankee Freedom (the large passenger vessel), you won't be disappointed by the beautiful Dry Tortugas. The history and nature of the island are magnificent and definitely worth the money to visit during your time in Key West. The snorkeling off of the Garden Isle is magnificent, and Fort Jefferson is massive and full of interesting, untold Civil War history.
Things to know before you go:
It's hot. Plan your attire accordingly.
Be sure to bring a change of clothes (there are men's and women's changing rooms at the dock).
Bring towels, sunscreen and other sun/beach gear.
There is no food or drink available for purchase on the island.
The bathrooms on the island close when the Yankee Freedom is docked.
Have sneakers or good walking shoes for roaming the fort, as the grounds are uneven.
Planning your trip to the Keys? Check out the Key West page on my blog for tips, videos and more.
AB
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