Dry Tortugas Seaplane – Full Day Tour

Category: Dry Tortugas / Fort Jefferson National Park Tags: Dry Tortugas, Fort Jefferson, Fort Jefferson Dry Tortugas National Park, Key West Private Charters, Key West Snorkeling, Key West Tours, Seaplane

Overview Rules & Regulations Cancellation Policy FAQ'S Details

Overview

Dry Tortugas Seaplane Full Day – Fort Jefferson National Park

70 miles west of the Florida Keys – you can discover the same natural beauty of this spectacular destination from your personal Dry Tortugas Seaplane Charter! Seaplanes are the fastest way to get to the Dry Tortugas, named for the giant sea turtles (“tortugas”) that Ponce de León’s 1513 expedition found there. The seaplane flight to the Dry Tortugas is so spectacular, it’s an attraction all its own. As you fly west to Dry Tortugas, you will cross over 70 miles of beautiful islands and ocean at an altitude so low that you may see dolphins, sharks, birds, sea turtles, coral atolls, and even historic shipwrecks.

Due to popularity and limited availability a”reservation request” form must be filled out. Please note, full payment is due at time of booking, and you will need to provide each passenger’s full name and approximate weight.

8 AM Flight Daily
Flight Accommodates Maximum of Ten Passengers
Everybody Gets a Window Seat & Headset
Fun & Informative In Flight Narration

Fort Jefferson is considered a national park, which means that there are no roads or cars allowed. The Dry Tortugas National Monument has been designated a national park since 1972. It is also known as the “Garden of Eden” because of its lush tropical vegetation. It was once used as a military base during World War II. The Dry Tortugas National Park covers an area of about 20 square miles and includes Fort Jefferson, Fort Zachary Taylor, Fort Jefferson Military Reservation, and Fort Jefferson State Historic Site.

Wildlife – Natural Marvels – Snorkeling Crystal Clear Waters

See a delightful display of wildlife and natural marvels. But that’s not all, look out for playful dolphins leaping through the waves, majestic sharks gliding beneath the surface, and a colorful assortment of birds soaring above the azure waters. Dry Tortugas by Seaplane flights are filled with incredible sights! As you approach the National Park, get ready to be mesmerized by the awe-inspiring beauty of coral atolls. These delicate underwater ecosystems teem with life, showcasing a vibrant array of fish and other marine creatures. Additionally, be on the lookout for graceful sea turtles effortlessly gliding through the crystal-clear waters, adding a touch of wonder to your adventure.

See Historic Shipwrecks

Book your spot now and prepare for an extraordinary journey like no other! And that’s not all – history buffs and explorers will be thrilled to know that the ocean beneath you conceals secrets from the past. Furthermore, the region boasts a number of historic shipwrecks, which tell fascinating tales of maritime adventures gone by. Immerse yourself in history and uncover the rich stories that surround the area. Daily Flights: Dry Tortugas Seaplane – Half Day & Dry Tortugas Seaplane – Full Day

70 miles west of the Florida Keys – you can discover the same natural beauty of this spectacular destination from your Dry Tortugas Seaplane Charter! Everyone get a window seat and a headset.

Make sure to reserve your spot in advance for this extraordinary seaplane tour as seating is limited. Furthermore, the National Park Service strictly controls the number of daily passengers, and during the peak season, the demand far exceeds the available capacity. But to avoid disappointment, book well in advance to guarantee availability. Don’t miss an opportunity to discover a world of marine life and natural wonders during our seaplane flight to Fort Jefferson / Dry Tortugas National Park. Book your spot now and prepare for an extraordinary journey like no other!

Rules & Regulations

Required at Booking

Each Passengers First & Last Name
Approximate Weight
Must Present Valid Identification at Check-in

What Not to Bring

Dive tanks, weights or knives
Underwater scooters
Flammable liquids or gas stoves
Large coolers
Styrofoam coolers
Dogs or any pets
Beach chairs or shade umbrellas. (There are plenty of picnic tables provided by the National Park Service)
Drones

Children under the age of 2 years are not assigned a seat and travel on an adult lap. FAA regulations require a child to travel in their own seat on or after their 2nd birthday.

Additional National Park Service Entrance Fee $15.00 per person over the age of 16 (cash only).
National Park Passes, Golden Eagle, Golden Age & Golden Access Passport are honored.

Cancellation Policy

Terms and Conditions Cancellation and Change Fees

No refund if cancelling a confirmed seat(s) less than 48 hours prior to flight time.
$50.00 cancellation fee per passenger to cancel confirmed seat(s), if cancelling more than 48 hours prior to flight time.
$50.00 change fee per reservation to change the date or time of a confirmed reservation.
Check in is required at least 30 minutes prior to flight time. Late arrivals are subject to cancellation without refund.

If Key West Seaplanes Adventures cancel any tour due to bad weather or aircraft maintenance, you will receive a full refund. Key West Seaplane Adventures is NOT responsible for any other travel costs you may incur. All reservations are paid in full at the time of booking.

FAQ'S

FAQ’s

Do I need advanced reservations?

Generally, yes. The National Park Service strictly limits the number of visitors per day. Demand for seats is far greater than our small capacity. Typically, we sell out around 14 days in advance. At peak times such as holidays, we may sell out up to 3 months in advance.

Do I need a separate reservation with the National Park Service?

No, if you have a reservation with us you don’t need to book separately with the NPS. We collect the $15.00 per person entrance fee (Adults 17 yrs. and over) on behalf of the NPS at check in. National Park passes are accepted and get up to 4 people in your party into the park. Active and retired military get in free of charge.

How many seats are there on the seaplane?

We operate two 10 passenger seaplanes, giving us a capacity of 20 passengers at any one departure time.

Are there toilets at Dry Tortugas?

Yes, there are always toilets available to our passengers. There are composting toilets located near the campground. Whenever the Fort Jefferson ferry is on the dock, these toilets are locked, and the ferry toilets become the public restrooms for everyone on the island.

Will my cell phone work at Dry Tortugas?

No, there is currently no cell phone service or WIFI at Dry Tortugas. In the event of an emergency the NPS Law Enforcement Officers have a satellite phone.

Are there tour guides at Fort Jefferson?

No, because of the remote location and minimal staff the NPS do not provide ranger lead tours of Fort Jefferson. There is a self-guided tour, (typically 45 minutes), and a visitor center that is open to all of our passengers.

Is there food or drink available for purchase at Dry Tortugas?

No, there is nothing available on the island. We provide soft drinks and coolers on all tours. If doing a half-day tour, we recommend you bring snacks, but plan to eat before or after your tour to maximize your island time. Full-day passengers need to bring a picnic lunch with them. (We can supply extra coolers and ice for your lunch.)

Can I bring back shells or coral that I find on the beach?

No, it is illegal to collect shells, coral or any artifacts in the National Park.

Are there any areas closed to the public at Dry Tortugas?

Yes, some areas of Fort Jefferson are closed to the public. These areas are clearly marked. For your safety please do not enter them. The adjacent island, Bush Key, is closed from February through mid-September due to ground nesting birds.

Can I fly my camera drone in the park?

No, drones are not allowed in US National Parks. This ban includes FAA licensed operators.

Do you offer overnight camping or one-way flights?

No, our contract with the NPS is only for half or full-day round trip tours. We cannot leave passengers on the island overnight, and we cannot accept any one-way reservations.

Details

This trip is just under 8 hours long, providing at least 6 1/2 hours of island time at Fort Jefferson/Dry Tortugas. Travel time is approximately 40 minutes each way. Departs morning only. (The Full Day is more expensive than the Half Day because we hold a morning & an afternoon seat).

Air over a body of water is very stable. Even on a windy day, there is little or no turbulence on our flights.
Scuba divers; our aircraft are non-pressurized and fly so low (500feet), there is no need to worry about dive-time to flight-time. It is OK to dive in Key West in the morning and fly with us in the afternoon (we cannot carry dive tanks).
Wear polarized sunglasses on our flights. They cut out glare off the water, making it easier to spot marine life.
You are welcome to bring along beer and wine. It is illegal to drink alcohol in a Florida State Park but it is legal in a National Park (no open containers on the aircraft).
If you need a place to cool off at the Dry Tortugas the visitor’s center located in Fort Jefferson is air-conditioned.
The Dry Tortugas are in the Central Time Zone. We cross the time line 45 miles west of Key West. We actually land 15 minutes before we take off! To keep things simple the Park Service and Key West Seaplane Adventures operate on Eastern Time.