Dry Tortugas National Park Camping by Ferry

Category: Dry Tortugas / Fort Jefferson National Park Tags: Dry Tortugas, Ferry, Fort Jefferson, Key West Day Trips, Key West Snorkeling

Overview Rules & Regulations Cancellation Policy FAQ'S Details

Overview

Camping in the Dry Tortugas National Park is definitely an experience of a lifetime! Imagine sleeping under the stars, on an island 70 miles from civilization, with the warm tropical breezes blowing through palm trees and the rhythmic sound of the ocean waves playing in the background. Camping is limited make your reservations now. RESERVE EARLY! This is a very popular trip that typically sells out 6 months in advance. Only 10 campers are transported daily.

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. Located just 70 miles from Key West, this 100 square mile marine sanctuary is a nature lover’s dream. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of its sparkling blue and green waters, home to a thriving coral reef ecosystem and abundant marine life.

Dry Tortugas National Park is renowned for its rich biodiversity, serving as a vital habitat for various species. You’ll have the opportunity to observe fascinating bird species, such as the sooty and noddy terns, which nest exclusively on Bush and Long Key. Additionally, the park offers a sanctuary for endangered and threatened sea turtles, including loggerhead and green sea turtles.

As you embark on this unforgettable journey, the Yankee Freedom ferry provides an exceptional experience. Enjoy a fully narrated 45-minute tour of Fort Jefferson, an impressive historic landmark situated within the park. Indulge in a delicious breakfast and lunch (campers, arrival day only), and take advantage of complimentary snorkeling equipment to explore the vibrant underwater world.

To make the most of your trip, we recommend bringing some essentials. Ensure your comfort with comfortable footwear, a hat, sunglasses, and a bathing suit. Don’t forget your towels, a change of dry clothes, sunscreen, and a camera to capture the memories. And if you’d like to unwind during the voyage, bring along a light jacket or sweatshirt and something to read.

Your ticket includes entrance to Dry Tortugas National Park and Fort Jefferson, guaranteeing an awe-inspiring adventure. Join us on this incredible boat ride, surrounded by breathtaking scenery, including the captivating Marquesa Islands and Boca Grande. Enhance your exploration of Florida’s hidden gem, Dry Tortugas, and create cherished memories along the way. Book your Dry Tortugas ferry trip today and embark on an extraordinary journey into nature’s splendor. Don’t forget your National Park Pass for added convenience!

Rules & Regulations

Confirmed reservations may only be made up to six months prior to the date of travel. To hold seats for later dates please call our reservation line at 305-587-4386. Payment in full will be due 6 months prior to travel date.
Reservations are non-refundable. Rescheduling requests must be received at least one week prior to date of travel. If you miss your trip you have 3 years to use your fares for standby space-available travel only. For details see https://www.drytortugas.com/reservation-cancellation-policies
Reservations will be held until 10 minutes (7:50am) before departure and then released to standby passengers. Late arrivals will be accommodated only if space is still available.
Adult Fare includes $15 Park Entrance Fee. Park Pass holders please present them at Check-In for refund.
Coast Guard Security Regulations require that each adult passenger present photo ID at Check-In

Cancellation Policy

Reservation & Cancellation Policies

You are responsible for reading this information

Terms and Conditions Reservations are non-refundable except in cases of trip cancellation by Yankee Freedom. If you miss your trip for any reason you will be given a 3-year period to use your fares for standby space-available travel only. Standby order will be determined the morning of the desired trip based on your order in the standby queue at the Ferry Terminal and paying status. Paying standbys will have priority over missed-trip standbys.

There is no pre-trip standby list

Reservations will be held until ten minutes (7:50 am) before departure and then released for standby use. Day trip reservations are for the same-day round trip only. If you do not return on the same day as your outbound leg you will be charged the one-way fare to return. You may not split outbound and inbound legs of a day trip reservation among multiple parties. If you wish to split payment for a reservation among multiple parties you must do so by 6:00 pm Eastern time the day before your trip by calling the reservation line at 305-294-7009. We reserve the right to deny boarding to anyone whose apparent condition may present a danger to themselves or others while onboard the vessel. We do not guarantee specific weather, sea, wildlife, or visibility conditions on any trip. Prices, policies and restrictions are subject to change.

Rescheduling

To reschedule Day Trip reservations you must phone the Yankee Freedom ticket office (305-294-7009) by 6:00 pm Eastern time one week before your scheduled departure. To reschedule Camping reservations you must phone the Yankee Freedom ticket office (305-294-7009) by 6:00 pm Eastern time two weeks before your scheduled departure. Rescheduling will be accommodated only if space is available for the requested dates. If you do not reschedule by these deadlines and do not take your reserved trip you will have a 3 year period for standby use as noted above. Camping reservations will be good for Day Trip standby only and will be refunded the original fare difference when the trip is taken. There is no standby for Camping.

Weather

Yankee Freedom III is contractually obligated to the National Park Service to operate daily in all weather unless sea conditions may compromise safety. Rain, lightning, or any weather conditions ashore are often localized and do not indicate conditions at sea or in the Dry Tortugas. Check forecasted weather for the day of your trip and call the Yankee Freedom ticket office (305-294-7009) by 6:00 pm Eastern time two days before your reservation if you wish to reschedule (see restrictions above). NO refunds will be issued for weather conditions unless the trip is cancelled by Yankee Freedom. If you are susceptible to motion sickness we recommend taking Dramamine or other motion sickness remedies prior to departure. Dramamine or the equivalent will be available for sale on board the vessel.

FAQ'S

FAQ’S

Is there free parking?

No, there is a Key West City parking garage across the corner from the Ferry Terminal, at the corner of Caroline St. and Grinnell St. (low day rate, shaded, payment by credit card only)

What time does the ferry depart daily?

Operating Times: Daily. Day trip check-in at 7:00am. Dry Tortugas / Fort Jefferson Ferry boards at 7:30am, departs at 8am, returns at 5:30 pm.

Does the ferry operate on Christmas day?

No, we are closed Christmas Day.

Where does the ferry depart from?

Check In/Vessel Location: The Key West FerryTerminal, 100 Grinnell Street, at the Historic Seaport. The nearest intersection is Grinnell & Caroline Street

What can I bring?

Personal Possessions: Please remember to gather all of your personal belongings before disembarking at the end of the day. Although we endeavor to collect and store any items left aboard for your retrieval, we are not responsible for ensuring their return. You may NOT bring compressed gas canisters, flammable accelerants, nor firearms of any type on board the vessel.

Is there a park entry fee?

Yes, there is a $15 entrance fee to Dry Tortugas National Park. The park also operates a small gift shop selling books, postcards, T-shirts, and other souvenir items. Please bring cash…the park does not accept credit cards.The National Park Entrance Fee is included in your total charges when you book your reservation and can be refunded if you present an Annual National Park Pass or Golden Age Pass at check-in the morning of your trip.

How long is thew ride over to the Dry Tortugas National Park?

Approximately, a 2-hours depending on the seas and conditions. When you take the Dry Tortugas Ferry to Dry Tortugas National Park, getting there is half the fun! During the two-hour ferry ride, you can see historic shipwrecks, marine life such as wild dolphins and sea turtles, and miles of crystal blue ocean. What makes the Dry Tortugas so compelling? Their natural beauty and isolation. This remote coral atoll is located 70 miles from Key West in the Gulf of Mexico, making it a dream EcoTour destination.

Details

Adult (17+) $230 (with/National Park Pass $215) – Child (4-16) $175 – Infant (0-3) Free
Trip Duration: 9.5 Hours
Check In Day Trip: 7:00 am, Boarding Begins 7:30 am
Departure Time: 8:00 am, Returns 5:30 pm
110′ Luxury Catamaran
Requires each passengers name for Coast Guard Manifest
Full Payment is Due at Time of Booking

What’s Included

A ferry ride to Dry Tortugas National Park
An optional guided tour of historic Fort Jefferson
Complimentary breakfast and picnic lunch
Sanitized snorkeling gear
Plenty of free time for swimming, snorkeling, bird spotting, photography, and exploring the island .

What To Bring

Valid Photo ID Required
Sunscreen and Bathing suit
Camera
Sunglasses, hat and towel
Sturdy pair of walking shoes
You may bring your own snorkeling gear if you wish.
Change of clothing. During your journey back to Key West, you can use our onboard fresh water rinse showers.

You may also like: Dry Tortugas Seaplane https://tourskeywest.com/product/dry-tortugas-seaplane-half-day