5 cars. Official site of Key West Seaplane Adventures. It’s also relatively shallow the whole 70 miles from Key West to the Dry Tortugas. The Complete Guide to Grand Canyon National Park. For reservations book online or contact us at (866) 945-7917 for more information. Accessible only by boat or seaplane, the park is known the world over as the home of magnificent Fort Jefferson, picturesque blue waters, superlative coral reefs and marine. Researchers at the Dry Tortugas National Park found a 19th century hospital and cemetery underwater. Scott Shetler is a Seattle-based freelancer who has been featured in Travel + Leisure and the Washington Post. The old docks still have their wooden pilings underwater, but those areas have since seen an abundance of sponges,. Discover the wonders of Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida’s magnificent underwater paradise, with the convenient and scenic Dry Tortugas ferry service to the fort. Travel time is approximately 40 minutes each way. Eating and Sleeping. The closest airports to Dry Tortugas National Park are: Key West International Airport (EYW): 4 miles to the ferry terminal in Key West. Snorkel in the crystal clear waters. Water is available all day at no extra charge. Keys Seaplanes is the best way to explore the aerial views here! A one of a kind experience for those looking to see the Dry Tortugas and Ft. National Park passes are accepted and get up to 4 people in your party into the park. To reach Dry Tortugas, you have to take the ferry from Key West. Snorkeling is ideal, with water temperatures reaching 12 feet deep and 5 to 12 feet deep. Cleatus's arrival in the Dry Tortugas in the early aughts was a novelty. Visit the Dry Tortugas and Fort Jefferson. Man from Louisiana dies off Florida Keys. Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin in Key West. S. While visiting Dry Tortugas National. Additionally, the. Shipwrecks aside, you’re sure to see one or more form of sea life. Dry Tortugas National Park protects the southwest tip of South Florida's coral reef tract. Tours of Fort Jefferson are included with your ferry ticket. You’ll be right above the crystal-clear water. seymikes®subonwhitebread t. Camera. The anchorage can be crowded or nearly. I have been to the Dry Tortugas several times to fish. The Dry Tortugas ferry departs from Key West Bight, which is a historic 200 year old marina recognized by the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation. 4386. Dry Tortugas & Fort Jefferson. Reservations are required and can be. dry tortugas florida. seymikes®subonwhitebread t. 587. Seaplane flights to the Dry Tortugas fly over and visit the most beautiful out-islands of the Keys. The sway of the palm trees, the crash of the surf and the cry of seagulls will draw you to our beaches, where you can find a variety of Key West tours to choose from. Blackout dates & restrictions may apply. Fort Jefferson, its central cultural feature, is one of the nation’s largest 1800s masonry forts. Bush Key is an undeveloped subtropical island in Dry Tortugas National Park. This remote part of the Florida Keys is accessible only by seaplanes and boats. Our flight route takes you due west, over this island chain. Campers must call 800-634-0939 to make their reservation. The distance from harbor (Key West) to harbor (Dry Tortugas) is about 68 Miles. The seaplane is one of the two common ways to reach the park. 60 for kids. Soft drinks and snacks are available in the galley which will remain open for cash sales. , hoisted the men into the aircraft and transferred them to Key West International Airport in good health. Register for Dry Tortugas Seaplane Excursion at Dry Tortugas National Park. ), Fort Jefferson, North and Central America, United States, Florida, Monroe, Dry. Modern artillery made the fort no longer useful. This full-day excursion departs from the Key West Ferry Terminal daily at 8:00 am and returns the same day at 5:15 pm. Let's dive into the highlights of this remarkable destination. Phone Number: 800-634-0939. 888. In reality, the shortest distance between Cuba and the US is 103 miles. A Coast Guard Air Station MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew poses with three rescued men after their boat sunk near Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida, April 30, 2023. The word “dry” began to appear on early maps of the area to warn ships they could find no fresh water there. They offer seaplane tours to Dry Tortugas & Fort Jefferson – morning, afternoon, or full-day. With limited seating, you must book MONTHS IN ADVANCE. Seniors, students, active military and children have discounted tickets. - See 5,564 traveler reviews, 4,206 candid photos, and great deals for Key West, FL, at Tripadvisor. This 100-square mile park is mostly open water with seven small islands. With our private seaplane flights, you won’t even get your feet wet. A one of a kind experience for those looking to see the Dry Tortugas and Ft. 00 cancellation fee per passenger to cancel confirmed seat(s), if cancelling more than 48 hours prior to flight time. Pigeon Forge - French Broad River Helicopter Tour; NATIONAL PARK 9 Hot Springs National Park has forty-seven naturally heated springs Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas. Dr. There is a beautiful beach for swimming with views of the Loggerhead Key lighthouse, but most of the island is protected. MIAMI — A Coast Guard Air Station Miami MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew rescued three men, Sunday, after their vessel sank near Dry Tortugas National Park. The park preserves Fort Jefferson and the several Dry Tortugas islands, the westernmost and most isolated of the Florida Keys. FAITH LAPIDUS: President Thomas Jefferson took an interest. The Yankee Freedom will provide a breakfast snack and box lunch on all day trips. In March and April, hundreds of thousands of birds migrating across the water stop here for a break. . The park also encompasses a significant part of the marine. 00 per adult and $297 per child. If you hold a valid National Park Pass and are travelling either via ferry or seaplane, show your pass at check-in and the entrance. Archeologists have found the remains of a 19th century quarantine hospital and cemetery on a submerged island in Florida's Dry Tortugas National Park in the Gulf of Mexico. As the only seaplane service, we are the most exciting way to reach Dry Tortugas National Park. S. Dive-in-a-Day Resort Course $ 229. 5,995 likes · 8 talking about this · 1,744 were here. A U. Dry Tortugas, named after the presence o f sea turtles and lack of freshwater, is a group of islands located 65 miles west of Key West, Florida. News Release Date: June 2, 2020 Contact: Park Information, 305-242-7700 Contact: Media: Allyson Gantt, 786-610-8023 Key West, Fla. Scott Shetler. Be prepared with the most accurate 10-day forecast for Dry tortugas natl park, FL with highs, lows, chance of precipitation from The Weather Channel and Weather. It was also the location of the “Tortugas Laboratory”, built and operated by the Carnegie Research Institute, for tropical research, from 1904 until 1939. Most of the park is water, but it is also home to coral reefs, bird nesting grounds, and historic Fort Jefferson. Dry Tortugas National Park comprises a cluster of seven small islands, but most of the 100-square-mile park is water — mesmerizingly blue, crystal-clear water worthy of your wildest tropical. With less than 1% of Dry Tortugas National Park being dry ground, the best way to see this remarkable national treasure is by getting in the water. $50. comA capture, tagging, and tracking project of Dry Tortugas sea turtles is currently being conducted by the U. Located just 70 miles from Key West, this 100 square mile marine sanctuary is a nature lover’s dream. MIAMI — A Coast Guard Air Station Miami MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew rescued three men, Sunday, after their vessel sank near Dry Tortugas National Park. They also offer full-day service to Dry Tortugas at $697 per adult. A Week Aboard S/V Sabado: 3/13/2022 – 3/21/2022 The boat was hauling ass towards one of the private residence docks, until suddenly it wasn’t. a helicopter (picking up a visitor with a heart condition), two ferry operations from Key West, the Park Service shuttle. Volunteer at Dry Tortugas National Park. Jefferson. Because the park is 70 miles west of Key West, you can get there by ferry , private boat , charter boat, or seaplane (yes, you read that. Coast Guard Air Station MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew poses with three rescued men after their boat sunk near Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida, on April 30, 2023. ), Fort Jefferson, North and Central America, United States, Florida, Monroe, Dry Tortugas IslandsThe park is 70 miles (112 kilometers) west of Key West off the southern tip of Florida. A charter or. Mike Weinhoffer. They offer flights throughout the day, and you can choose between a half day visit and a full day visit. Do Business With Us. #249 of 343 Boat Tours & Water Sports in Key West. Went on a trifecta visit to FL national parks in Nov 2022. Time at Dry Tortugas: 2. The Dry Tortugas lie almost 70 miles west of Key West, Florida, composed of a cluster of seven islands, made up of coral reefs and sand, and a direct route from the Cuban mainland to Florida. Dry Tortugas. The closure, which went into effect on Monday, is expected to last. Dry Tortugas National Park lies at the farthest end of the Florida Keys, closer to Cuba than to the American mainland. Yankee Freedom passengers have the option of joining a 45- to 60-minute guided tour of the fort led by one of our expert naturalists. Dry Tortugas are comprised of primarily seven main islands: Garden Key, Loggerhead Key, Bush Key, Long Key,. 00. Departs morning & afternoon. The park is about 100 miles north of Havana, the Cuban capital. There are no restaurants at the Dry Tortugas, but there is a visitor’s center and a book store. The U. – Police said Sunday that they were investigating the death of a 67-year-old man from Louisiana off the Florida Keys. It is situated approximately 70 miles west of Key West, making it the southernmost point in the continental United States. This 100-square mile park is mostly open water with seven small islands. Inter-Island Flights in Key West: Check out 60 reviews and photos of Viator's Key West Ultimate Island Experience Helicopter Tour. These islands change constantly from the effects of tides, weather, air, and other environmental and human factors. An exhilarating Sea Plane flight out to the beautiful Dry Tortugas gives passengers a one-of-a-kind sightseeing trip of this gorgeous region. There are seven small islands in the 100-square mile park, but it is mostly. The waters around the Dry Tortugas have been known as a haven for snapper and grouper for decades. The ferry is the more economical way to the island, but it still has its pros and cons! *Prices from January 2021. Fort Jefferson Map. Inside Clothing-Optional Key West. Rodenticide is harmful to pets if ingested. Upon purchase you will receive the following: A Fine Art Print WITHOUT Watermark. December and January are our busiest months. You can explore the coral wonderlands in just three or four feet of water. Fort Jefferson National Monument was designated by President Franklin D. National Park Service estimated that some 300 migrants arrived in the Dry Tortugas National Park over the past couple days. Nick Whitney, senior scientist at the New England Aquarium, joined FOX Weather to discuss a shark mating site in Dry Tortugas that may have been forever changed because of Hurricane Ian. Flying there is half the fun! Once you arrive, you can go to Fort Jefferson and hear pirate tales or snorkel in the clear waters of the Dry Tortugas. 5 day) DRY TORTUGAS NP There are two ways to get there: a) Yankee Freedom Ferry ($200), and b) Key West. Another boat with a couple of locals came. Discover Dry Tortugas in Key West, Florida: These remote Florida islands have a history of sea turtles and sunken treasures, and one of the world's largest coastal brick fortresses. Rich Cultural & Natural Resources. Last week, the National Park Service announced it was temporarily closing Dry Tortugas National Park in the Florida Keys to the public due to an influx of migrants from Cuba. Dry Tortugas National Park offers an unparalleled snorkeling experience that will leave you in awe of its natural beauty. “The Tortugas Harbor Lighthouse is an iconic symbol of. This island is closed the rest of the year so that colonies of birds can nest in the area. The helicopter crew arrived at the scene at approximately 2 p. To assist you in your planning, be sure to review the information on this page to learn more about camping at Dry Tortugas. Taking a seaplane adventure to Dry Tortugas National Park promises an unforgettable experience. Two navy helicopters landing on coal docks at Fort Jefferson Keywords Environmental protection, Wildlife conservation, Dry Tortugas (Fla. (Comprising 47,125 acres (19,071 ha) The monument was expanded in 1983 and re-designated as Dry Tortugas National Park on October 26, 1992 by an act of Congress. Explore a 19th century fort and snorkel picturesque blue waters with superlative coral reefs and marine life at this 100-square mile park that is mostly open water with seven small islands. Reviews Fort Jefferson Ferry. l unch buffet j e. The Dry Tortugas have been noted for their rich biodiversity since Juan Ponce de Le ón first documented them in 1513, with the likes of John James Audubon and geologist Louis Agassiz conducting surveys of the keys in the 1800s. 5 square mile. Helicopters & rotorcraft, airships…. Plan Your Visit. Significant Concern. Inside Winter in Key West. The process to reserve a campsite is to have a reservation with Yankee Freedom. See Miami in a whole new way on an exhilarating seaplane tour! Delight in lovely aerial views as you glide over Miami’s stunning coastal hotspots like Key Biscayne, Coconut Grove, Star Island and South Beach. If you are an avid bird watching enthusiast, the Dry Tortugas are home to over two hundred different avian species, depending on the season. Unforgettable. The Dry Tortugas National Park is a pristine marine protected area (MPA) that offers excellent queen conch habitat and hope for their survival. There are a variety of tour operators providing trips for fishing, diving, snorkeling, and wildlife viewing. Inside Clothing-Optional Key West. 00 per person entrance fee (Adults 17 yrs. Date of experience: June 2018. 5,995 likes · 8 talking about this · 1,744 were here. What is Dry Tortugas National Park? The cluster of seven islands of 64,700 acres that make up the Dry Tortugas are made of sand, limestone and coral reef fragments. Helicopter Ride over the Florida Keys. A high-speed catamaran, our vessel transports guests 70 miles from Key West to the Park. 5 days) 2) Biscayne NP (0. unique but expensive experience. m. The Dry Tortugas that Audubon and Agassiz witnessed weren’t the same collection of islands visitors visit today. Dry Tortugas can only be reached by ferry or seaplane out of Key West, or by private boat. So, for most people, this is the only way to get to Dry Tortugas NP. Book Cheap Flights to Dry Tortugas National Park: Search and compare airfares on Tripadvisor to find the best flights for your trip to Dry Tortugas National Park. Dry Tortugas National Park will close for “several days” so that authorities and medical workers can evaluate, care for and transport some 300 migrants, park officials said. Traveling by sea plane is the quickest way to get to Dry Tortugas National Park. S. The tour lasts for approximately 6 hours, including a 1. The most popular dive site is the Windjammer shipwreck, found just southwest of Loggerhead Key. The pass must be shown in person with a valid ID. The park is home to historical and natural wonders above and below the water's surface and has long been an. The Dolphin helicopter crew arrived on scene at approximately 2 p. Dry Tortugas National Park, national park located on the Dry Tortugas islands, southwestern Florida, U. By Ferry. $50. A judge was sick of sending kids to prison. 30 and urged family members of Cubans and Haitians thinking of making their way to the U. 00 change fee per reservation to change the date or. dry tortugas national park. Almost 70 miles (113 km) west of Key West lies the remote Dry Tortugas National Park. Jefferson and landing right on the azure Gulf waters. Samuel Alexander Mud Permitted Tour Guides at Dry Tortugas National Park. When Spanish explorer Ponce de León found these low-lying islands in 1513, he christened them Las Tortugas (The Turtles) due to the profusion of sea turtles. Copper Compass Craft Distilling Co. For information about the park, visit the National Park Service website for Dry Tortugas National Park: nps. Travel options to and from are by Private Boat, Sea Plane or Yankee Freedom Ferry. r. Additionally, if you don’t feel like getting wet, walking the Moat Wall of Fort Jefferson is the next best thing to do in Dry Tortugas National Park to see marine life. Snacks (We do not supply any food and there is none available at Dry Tortugas) Full-day passengers should bring a packed lunch (We can supply extra coolers & ice) $15. As the only seaplane service, we are the most exciting way to reach Dry Tortugas National Park. 00 per person and is good for 7 consecutive days. I’d recommend visiting during the shoulder seasons. After an inspection, cleaning, and swapping out of our gear, we were ready to get west – towards the Dry Tortugas at last! We jammed some sailing tunes and got underway. Price: $0. travlin-easy. At Dry Tortugas you can enjoy dramatic natural and cultural features. Half-Day Excursion – $371. the Dry Tortugas. Cruise from Key West to Dry Tortugas National Park for a day of sightseeing. Once you arrive at the Dry Tortugas and settle in at anchor, take the dinghy or paddle boards to Garden Key main docks and tour. Camping - Dry Tortugas National Park (U. If you need help with the Public File, call (954) 364-2526. ), Fort Jefferson, North and Central America, United States, Florida, Monroe, Dry Tortugas IslandsDry Tortugas is an expansive 100-square mile park and island, one among seven, strategically positioned off the coast of Key West. 4386 888. Coast Guard Air Station Miami helicopter crew rescued three men Sunday, April 30, after their vessel sank near Dry Tortugas National Park. Dry Tortugas National Park is only accessible by boat or seaplane. About 300 migrants had arrived in small boats at the Dry Tortugas National Park — about 70 miles west of Key West — over the New Year's Day weekend. 5. The Yankee Freedom is the ferry that connects Key West to Dry Tortugas National Park. The 110-foot, high-speed catamaran is the only ferry authorized by the National Park Service to get there. At more than 30 mph, the ferry took about 2 hours and 15 minutes each way. At that point, the local police were on shore and a helicopter was circling us. Truman Little White House. Dry Tortugas National Park is a fort 70 miles west of Key West. Take a flight and soar above the majestic views of our little gem of an island. Full Day Dry Tortugas Seaplane Excursion. In those early days, very little was. The Dry Tortugas Seaplane - Half Day flight from Key West to the National Park is so spectacular, You will fly 70 miles over beautiful islands and ocean. ), Military helicopters, Key West (Fla. Permits which can be obtained at Garden Key at the Dry Tortugas National Park are indicated by “ (Obtained at Garden Key)”. Aviation operations are conducted year-round and are based out of the Oasis Airfield . Dave Forster has built 3 airplanes, 1 helicopter and 1. The name Dry Tortugas National Park is a bit of a misnomer, considering that less than one percent of this Florida national park’s 100 square miles is dry land. 3471 South Roosevelt Blvd. Dry Tortugas, Florida Shutterstock. Your days may be filled with snorkeling, swimming, paddle boarding, or exploring the sights on land. Dry Tortugas National Park is located roughly 70 miles (113 kilometers) west of Key West, Florida. ; The Seaplane charges park entrance fee upon check-in. Flying out to Ft. Offshore forecast for Dry Tortugas National Park. The Dry Tortugas, a remote island group and National Park located 70 miles west of Key West, has been known as a shark mating ground since the late 1800s, but came under direct study in the early 1990s when Wes started visiting the area with Dr. Air Charters & Tours. Fort Jefferson was so cool and the snorkeling was excellent. No phone, TV, Internet or other people. To reach this remote ocean wilderness one must travel by boat or plane over nearly 70 miles of open sea. Rescheduling: Must reschedule by 6:00pm Eastern TWO (2) DAYS prior to trip date by calling (305) 294-7009. It's hard to make a comparison, because the flight saves so much time but costs a lot, but on the half day you get less time. LifeNet helo N54ILN coming in for a landing at the South Coaling Dock of Fort Jefferson, Garden Key, Dry Tortugas. it's about 25 miles taking this route, about 2 miles shorter if you have a shallow enough draft to run the Lakes Passage. In 1992, Congress created Dry Tortugas National Park: a multiple-zone, multiple-use marine protected area established “to protect and interpret a. With only seven small islands making up the land-portion of the Dry Tortugas, this park is a marine lover's paradise. Encompassed within a 100-acre national park, the islands are best known for Fort Jefferson, a 19th. Scientists Wes Pratt, left, and Nick Whitney measure an adult nurse shark in the Dry Tortugas, Florida, on June 24. LIMIT FULL. Seven small, sand islands—Archeologists have found the remains of a 19th century quarantine hospital and cemetery on a submerged island in Florida's Dry Tortugas National Park in the Gulf of Mexico. m. Cost: $200 per adult, $145 for children 4 to. The Dry Tortugas National Park is 100 square miles of mostly open water. Geological Survey. ) Beach at the Dry Tortugas National Park: Campsites are steps away. A fleet of migrant boats line the beach of Garden Key, home to Fort Jefferson in the Dry Tortugas National Park. Distilleries. There’s a picturesque lighthouse on the island, visible from Garden Key. U. Inside Key West Arts and Culture. ), Military helicopters, Key West (Fla. The Dry Tortugas is one of those “must visit” places for every birder! Wildside Nature Tours offers a fantastic experience, with comfortable living quarters on the boat and delicious, freshly prepared. This gives you four hours and forty-five minutes to explore this park. For us it was a bucket list item - then we found ourselves returning several times (seaplane) and once via ferry to camp 3 nights. 4 hour half day and 8 hour full day tours daily. No refund if cancelling a confirmed seat(s) less than 48 hours prior to flight time. It is an ideal fun day for. Condé Nast recommends taking the Circle of Fire helicopter tour if you’re ready to drop some cash to get an aerial view of the area. Full-Day Excursion: $792. There is no other way to do it. They fly half-day and full day excursions to Garden Key in Dry Tortugas National Park via a 40 minute airplane flight each way. There are some lights in the fort, but otherwise no electricity in public areas. 1) Everglades NP (1. Dry Tortugas National Park is near the southwestern edge of the Florida Platform. Dry Tortugas is an archipelago composed of seven small islands, with Garden Key being the most notable. By Associated Press. Croix and St. Our destination, Dry Tortugas National Park, lies in the blue/green waters of the Gulf of Mexico and is the true end of the Keys. 420 heavy guns. In our. The Tortugas were dry. soldiers barracks. Below the water, there is even more animal life to discover. The Dry Tortugas lie almost 70 miles west of Key West, Florida, composed of a cluster of seven islands, made up of coral reefs and sand, and a direct route from the Cuban mainland to Florida. Ask CarlSlye about Fort Jefferson. The Dry Tortugas is a slice of heaven on earth for snorkeling aficionados. Fascinating Discovery Beneath Waves At National Park - Videos from The Weather Channel. One is by the dock ruins on North Beach, and the others is by the dock ruins (and moat wall) on South Beach. True professionals – they made sure that all eyes connected with every. Coast Guard and Royal Canadian Armed Forces have a helicopter exchange program (I honestly don’t know if it was in place in 1980 – it was by 1985) – one of my former units Air Station Cape Cod hosted the Canadian pilot (great program!!!) – and the American pilot. . S. S. Dry Tortugas National Park is an American national park located about 68 miles (109 km) west of Key West in the Gulf of Mexico, in the United States. Scientists say some. . 3M subscribers in the aviation community. The trip from Key West to the Dry Tortugas can be an adventure in itself. Trip Highlights: One Of A Kind Views, Multiple Trip Selections, Voted Key West’s Best Helicopter Tour. The. 16 traverses. Key West Seaplane Adventures. Fort Jefferson's most famous prisoner was Dr. The island has some of the most pristine beaches in Costa Rica, ideal for swimming and snorkeling. For reservations book online or contact us at (866) 945-7917 for more information. Yankee Freedom passengers have the option of joining a 45- to 60-minute guided tour of the fort led by one of our expert naturalists. 5 days) 2) Biscayne NP (0. Coast Guard Boat. You can enjoy dramatic landscapes and the history of Fort Jefferson, or explore our beautiful reefs, marine life and shipwrecks. This 100-square mile park is mostly open water with seven small islands. Each turtle that is caught is tagged, measured. (Photo: Bonnie Gross) The payoff: Not much compares with wandering the Civil War-era Fort Jefferson in the late. Approximately 70 miles west of Key West lies beautiful Dry Tortugas National Park and Ft. The Dolphin helicopter crew arrived on scene at approximately 2 p. The Park is actually a 100 square miles but 98% of it is under water. A Coast Guard Air Station MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew poses with three rescued men after their boat sunk near Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida, April 30, 2023. Kayaking to Loggerhead Key is an excellent activity if you have the time. m. Terms and Conditions Your credit card is charged in full at the time of making this reservation. Contact Yankee Freedom at (305) 294-7009 or book online HERE. Opting to travel by private boat to the Dry Tortugas means you get to discover more of the Florida Keys. Other Things to Do at the Dry Tortugas. For more than 100 years, the sparkling turquoise waters of Dry Tortugas National Park in the Florida Keys have concealed a grim historical relic. 5 hours travel time each way. 667. The most affordable and popular option is to come by ferry. A ferry ticket includes round-trip. National Park passes are accepted and get up to 4 people in your party into the park. 37 powder magazines. In Dry Tortugas National Park, the harvesting of lobster has been previously prohibited through the use of the Superintendent's authority to regulate public use under 36 CFR 1. Dry Tortugas National Park is located 68 miles off the coast of Key West, Florida, traveling to the islands by ferry or seaplane are the two main public. National Park Service) (nps. Dry Tortugas Seaplanes Need Help Booking? (866) 575-5068 Guaranteed Low Price No Booking Fees Hassle Free Reservations Click To Book Online Limited Spaces Available! For reservations call (866) 575-5068. I’ve never seen a boat come to such an abrupt st…. Beyond its famous Fort Jefferson lies a world of unparalleled marine biodiversity, tales of shipwrecks, and sunsets that paint the horizon. The rainiest months are June, July, August. Most people visit this national park as a day trip, getting here either by ferry or seaplane. Located off the coast of Florida on a small island, getting to Dry Tortugas National Park is very much a day trip, but it’s worth it. Despite limited availability on the ferry, the most popular way to get to Dry Tortugas and Garden Key, the campground itself is operated on a first-come, first-served basis. Dry Tortugas is a very primitive national park and is definitely a step back in time. Any person under 16 years of age is exempt from paying an entrance fee (this includes international visitors). You can stop searching for cheaper alternatives, they do not exist. Official site of Key West Seaplane Adventures. 00 change fee per reservation to change the date or time of a confirmed reservation. • Seaplane Adventures Key West is the only seaplane service to Dry Tortugas National Park. The islands here are surrounded by deep-water reefs and wrecks and are teeming with many different species of grouper, snapper, mackerel, tuna, Wahoo, dolphin, sailfish and more. Two navy helicopters on coal docks at Fort Jefferson as seen from the water.