• Fort Matanzas

    Fort Matanzas

    National Monument Florida

Operating Hours & Seasons

The Matanzas Queen takes visiotrs to Fort Matanzas.

The free passenger ferry takes visitors to the fort.

L. Chandler -- NPS Photo

Fort Matanzas National Monument is open to the public from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM every day of the year except December 25. Free Boarding Passes may be needed during busy times. Check at the visitor center.

Ferry times:
The ferry to the fort carries 36 people on a first come, first served basis and leaves the Visitor Center dock at the following times, weather permitting*:

9:30 a.m. 1:30 p.m.
10:30 a.m. 2:30 p.m.
11:30 a.m. 3:30 p.m.
12:30 p.m. 4:30p.m.

There is no charge for the ferry service, but during busy times, please stop at the visitor center to pick up free boarding passes. Everyone riding the boat needs a pass, including babies and children. Animals, except for service animals, are not allowed in the visitor center, on the boat, or at the fort.

* For visitor safety, ferry service will shut down during lightning storms and very windy conditions.

Weather and Climate:

Summers can be very hot with high humidity and frequent afternoon thundershowers. Sun protection, including sunscreen, a hat, and UV protective sunglasses, is highly recommended. Be sure to drink plenty of water. You may want insect repellent if walking the nature trail.

Winters are generally cool to mild with occasional cold spells, especially with the wind from the north or off the water. The most temperate periods are the fall and spring seasons when temperatures regularly hover around 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (21 to 26 degrees Celsius).

During thunderstorms, because of the danger of lightning, the fort will be closed to visitors, and ferry service will be suspended until the storm has moved out of the area.

June through November is hurricane season so be sure to check for tropical storms before visiting.

Did You Know?

The yucca plant is so dangerous with its sharp leaves it is commonly called Spanish Bayonet.

The Spanish planted yucca around their forts and on top of protective walls.  Yucca aloifolia grows in thickets reaching 20 feet tall.  The trunk is armed with two-foot-long needle-sharp pointed leaves thus earning it the name "Spanish Bayonet".  Ft Matanzas National Monument, Florida