Dry Tortugas National Park is located 70 miles west of Key West, Florida, and is accessible by boat and seaplane only. The huge majority of the 65,000 people who visit each year come on the 150-passenger Yankee Freedom Ferry, and despite the $220/person cost, this is the most affordable method of travel. The ferry is the only commercial boat that is authorized to carry passengers to and from the park. All other chartered boats provide fishing, diving, or sightseeing tours. For a list of approved concessionaires providing such tours, see the National Park Service’s Dry Tortugas Charters web page. Remember, for any chartered boat or plane to carry paying passengers into the park, the company must have a contract with the National Park Service.
A much more unique method of travel, though granted much more expensive, is to fly to Dry Tortugas National Park in a seaplane. Key West Seaplane Adventures is the only authorized concessionaire operating daily seaplane flights to the park. Owners of private seaplanes are also welcome at Dry Tortugas, though a special permit must be obtained in advance.
Of course traveling to Dry Tortugas National Park in your own boat is always an option and the one that gives you the most flexibility. The chartered transportation options only bring passengers to Garden Key, whereas with your own boat you can explore all areas of the park. Free permits and a park entrance pass must be obtained at Garden Key, so be sure to stop by there first.
For more information on the most popular modes of transportation, see the following web pages here on National Park Planner.
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Last updated on August 8, 2024