Dry Tortugas National Park, Key West, FL

Dry Tortugas National Park

240 Margaret Street, Key West, FL 33040Map

+1 305 242 7700

email: DRTO_Information@nps.gov

Neighborhood: Lower Keys

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Overview

This national park is the nation's only at-sea national park and is home to the historic Fort Jefferson. Located about 70 miles west of Key West and accessible only by boat or chartered seaplane, the park and fort lure divers, snorkelers and nature lovers who flock here to get a close look at stag horn coral, angel fish, rare birds and the loggerhead turtles that gave the island its name. Built in 1846, the five-sided fort covers more than 11 of the island's 16 acres.

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1 person found the following review helpful

By duren3460 | Posted 09/18/11

Dry Tortugas National Park Ferry Service Frequently Asked Questions About Going to the Dry Tortugas National Park Q: How long does it take to get the Park (or back)? A: About 2 hours and 15 minutes. Q: How long do we stay on the island? A: 4.5 hours Q: What is there to do out there? A: Primarily, people come to see and learn about historic Fort Jefferson and to go snorkeling (which is some of the best in the US!) We offer a 45 minute guided tour of the Fort and there is terrific bird watching, swimming, sunbathing, and a small museum and gift shop. In addition, the moat walk provides and interesting nature path with many specifies of coral and fish to observe. Q: Are the any restaurants? A: No. We provide breakfast and lunch on board with accompanying beverages (coffee, tea, and juices for breakfast and sodas and water for lunch). Free drinking water is available all day long. Additional items such as bottled water, sodas, juices, and hot food items are available for purchase all day long. Q: Can I bring a cooler? A: Yes, but please limit the size to a 6-12 pack capacity. We ask the you do not bring glass containers, and due to state laws, you are not permitted to drink from your cooler while on-board. Q: Do you have a bar? A: Yes, we have a full cash bar. It is in the main salon and is open during the return trip to Key West. You may purchase beer, wine, mixed and frozen drinks from the galley on the return trip. Q: What are the bar and galley prices like? A; Very reasonable. Better than almost any back in Key West. Q; What are Breakfast and lunch menus like? A: Breakfast includes coffee, tea, juice, milk, fresh fruit, hard boiled eggs, bagels, and a selection of hot and cold cereals. Lunch includes a build-your-own sandwich bar with deli meats, cheeses, bread, salads, sodas, water, chips, cookies, and fruit. Q: May I bring my own snorkel gear? A: Yes, or we provide high quality gear for our passenger’s use. Q: Is the goat air-conditioned? A: Yes, the main salon and the enclosed upper deck seating is air-conditioned. We do have outside seating on the upper deck. Q: Is there anything to do on the boat? A: Most people spend their time enjoying the scenery of the ocean, the uninhabited islands, and the marine animals such as turtles and dolphins that can often be seen in the water. Our on-board naturalist provides an orientation talk on the Dry Tortugas and shows a program on the coral and fish life on the video system in the main salon. This occurs on the way to the Park and provides commentary on the area you are cruising through during the return trip to Key West. There are plenty of tables inside and on the upper deck at which to sit, socialize, play games, read, and relax. Q: What happens in bad weather? A: We sail rain or shine. If the winds are very strong we sometimes need to cancel a trip, but this is very rare. The vessel is a 100′ long catamaran built for ocean cruising and is very stable even in rough conditions. Q: What is the cancellation policy? A: Reservations for day trips must be canceled or changed with the agent at (305-619-3618) by 3pm the day before the scheduled departure or the entire fare will be charged the morning of departure. Camping reservations require 48 hour cancellation. (e.g. Campers departing at 8am on a Wednesday must cancel by 8am on Monday.) If we are required to cancel due to weather we will do our best to accommodate rescheduling. Q: How far in advance do I need to book? A: It varies. For most of the year we fill to maximum capacity every day, so it is best to make reservations as soon as you know you want to go. We are restricted to the number of campers we may transport back and forth per day. It is very important to make camping reservations extra early. Q: How many people can you take? A: Our vessel is rated to carry 250 persons but the National Park Service limits us to 149 per day. Q: Is the boat safe. A: Yes. We are certified by the Coast Guard and undergo two thorough inspections by them every year. Q: Will I get sick? A: Everyone reacts differently to being on the ocean. You will be sailing on an ocean catamaran which provides a very stable ride even when there are large waves. However, if you have been prone to motion sickness before, you may want to take some Dramamine, Triptone, or Bonine before you depart. Q: What is the weather forecast? A: The weather varies from day to day. Please call us (305) 619-3618 for a current forecast. Q: Where is the boat dock? A: We are docked in the Key West bight at 210 Margaret St. Q: How do I get there from Route 1? A: If you are coming on to the island of Key West, bear right onto North Roosevelt Blvd/US1 Downtown. After 2.3 miles you will approach a stop light at Palm Avenue. (You will see docks and boats to your right.) Turn right onto Palm Avenue. Continue on Palm through three stoplights. The next street past the third light is M... Read More

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