Guided Tours

Explore the Park with Guides!

Almost 70 miles (113 km) west of Key West lies the remote Dry Tortugas National Park, only accessible by boat or seaplane.

Arriving to Dry Tortugas National Park is half of the adventure! See below to view our current park concessionaires and permitted tour guides to help you plan your visit.

 

Yankee Freedom Ferry

Photo courtesy of Yankee Freedom

Yankee Freedom Ferry

The Yankee Freedom Ferry is a high-speed all aluminum catamaran that takes visitors on day and camping trips to the park from Key West, Florida. Learn more by visiting their website or by calling [phone].

Day Trips

The Yankee Freedom Ferry departs from Key West, Florida daily for day trips. Day trips offer a scenic 70-mile boat ride and about 4.5 hours for visitors to enjoy the park! Reservations are strongly recommended and can be made online at https://www.drytortugas.com/rates-reservations/ or by calling at [phone].

Included in Day Trips through the Yankee Freedom

• Breakfast and Lunch
• Complimentary snorkeling equipment
• No hidden fees – ticket includes entrance fee to Dry Tortugas National Park and Fort Jefferson
• Fully narrated 45 minute tour of the fort.
• Beach walking, snorkel, swim, or just relax in the sun
• Enjoy a picnic in the afternoon

Camping Trips

The Yankee Freedom Ferry offers camping trips to Dry Tortugas! Camping at the park is primitive and careful planning is required for all campers. Reservations are required, as camping through the Ferry is limited, by calling [phone].

Learn more about camping at the park through the Yankee Freedom Ferry: https://www.drytortugas.com/key-west-camping/

Included in Camping Trips through the Yankee Freedom Ferry

• Breakfast and Lunch (arrival day only)

• Complimentary snorkeling equipment

• No hidden fees – ticket includes entrance fee to Dry Tortugas National Park and Fort Jefferson

• Fully narrated 45 minute tour of the fort.

• Beach walk, snorkel, swim, or just relax in the sun

• A boat ride to and from the park on your designated camping dates

 

Seaplane landing in the harbor at Garden Key

Seaplane Photo Courtesy of Peter Green

Key West Seaplane Adventures

Seaplane tours are available daily through Key West Seaplane Adventures. Each plane can carry 10 passengers plus the pilot. Reservations are required and can be made by using their website or by calling them directly at [phone].

Half-Day Excursions

Key West Seaplane Adventures offers 4-hour long excursions, which includes at least 2.5 hours of island time at Fort Jefferson/Dry Tortugas. Learn more: https://keywestseaplanecharters.com/

Trip Details

• Travel time: 40 minutes each way

• Amount of Time at the Park: 2.5 hours

• Departures: Morning & Afternoon

• Reservations & Rates: https://keywestseaplanecharters.com/rates/

Full-Day Excursions

Key West Seaplane Adventures offers 8-hour long excursions, which includes at least 6.5 hours of island time at Fort Jefferson/Dry Tortugas. Learn more: https://keywestseaplanecharters.com/

Trip Details

• Travel time: 40 minutes each way

• Amount of Time at the Park: 6.5 hours

• Departures: Morning only

• Reservations & Rates: https://keywestseaplanecharters.com/rates/

 

Permitted Tour Guides

Another option to the daily ferry and seaplane tours is to select one of many tour operators who hold permits with Dry Tortugas National Park to provide services for visitors. There are a variety of tour operators providing trips for fishing, diving, snorkeling, and wildlife viewing. For a complete list of these tours, to include contact information, click here.

 

Fort Jefferson from the moat wall

NPS Brett Seymour

Self Guided Tour

A self-guided tour of Fort Jefferson is also available. Simply follow the interpretive signage, or inquire at the visitor center for more information.