Arriving at Garden Key in Dry Tortugas National Park by seaplane

Key West Seaplane Adventures is the only authorized park concessionaire that offers seaplane transportation to Garden Key in Dry Tortugas National Park. The flights originate out of Key West International Airport. Both a half-day and a full-day excursion are available. No camping gear for overnight stays allowed on the plane. To camp, make a reservation on the Yankee Freedom Ferry or have your own boat or seaplane. Also, the plane does not transport SCUBA gear.

People opting to travel by seaplane are most likely doing so just for the experience of riding in a seaplane, because it certainly isn’t the cheapest way to go. The half-day trip is $507 / person (2026 adult fare) and gets you 2.5 hours on the island, while the full-day trip costs $890 / person (2026 adult fare) and allows you 6.5 hours. For comparison, the ferry costs $250 / person and gets you 4 hours on the island.

The fare does not include the park entrance fee. Currently $15 per person (2026), this fee is paid to Key West Seaplane Adventures before departing the airport unless you have already purchased a pass online at Recreation.gov.

As mentioned, you cannot hire a private seaplane other than those operated by Key West Seaplane Adventures, but you can fly your own seaplane to Dry Tortugas National Park. To do so, you must have a Special Use Permit. Unlike a private boat that may obtain a free permit upon arrival, seaplane owners must obtain a permit in advance (fee applies). See the park’s Special Use Permit web page for more details and to download an application form. If you have questions, call the Permit Coordinator at (305) 242-7042.

There is no gas at Garden Key, so be sure you have enough for the 140-mile round trip flight.