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Plan A Day Trip to Dry Tortugas National Park: This Is How You Will Do It

Plan A Day Trip to Dry Tortugas National Park: This Is How You Will Do It

Jul 10, 2024

Last Updated on: Jun 12, 2025

A day trip to Dry Tortugas National Park can be the best staycation plan in Miami. Like the Biscayne National Park, it also witnesses a handsome footfall yearly. In 2023, 84,285 people visited this National Park despite its remote location.

Located around 70 miles west of Key West, it sits pretty at the end of the reef that stretches from Miami to the gulf.

The first time I heard about this place from a friend and went through the photos she had clicked, I got goosebumps. I know it sounds hackneyed, but how can I not give in to the tranquility of the turquoise ocean and the quaint appeal of the small islands?

Further, the best thing is that it is less crowded than many other national parks, such as Everglades National Park, which had more than 8 million visitors in 2023, according to the National Park Service data. So, much of its pristineness is still there.

However, they say you have to put a little extra effort into taking the path less trodden by. So, planning a day trip to Dry Tortugas National Park will be elaborate, and there will be a lot of factors to consider.

Should we start planning? Let’s begin with a discussion of why a visit to this National Park is absolutely worth it!

Know Dry Tortugas National Park: Why Is It Famous?

Dry Tortugas is a group of seven small coral islands in the Mexican Gulf. Juan Ponce de León discovered this bunch of islands, and he named them as Tortugas or turtles.

He got the idea from the large number of sea turtles that were habitating there. He got to see a hundred of them there. The “Dry” part was added to the name because of the unavailability of fresh water there.

So, when you visit the National Park, you get a whiff of history, a close encounter with wildlife, and the most unadulterated experience of life in the water.

Sooty terns and brown noddy terns regularly nest on these islands, especially on Bush Key, making the National Park a must-visit for birders.

However, you may experience a seasonal closure from July to August to not create any disturbance to the breeding birds. The best time to visit this National Park is from November to April.

Also, you will have sea turtles, colorful schools of fish, and various water creatures as your host as you step into the National Park.

Further, you cannot just miss the best fusion of artificial and natural architecture in the forms of Fort Jefferson and colorful coral reefs.

So, despite a remote location and some concerns regarding connectivity, a visit to this National Park is completely worth it.

How To Reach Dry Tortugas National Park?

You can reach Dry Tortugas by boat or seaplane. You will first arrive at Garden Key. From there, you can take a ride to Dry Tortugas National Park in your personal boat or through charters and permitted tours, such as The Yankee Freedom Ferry or Key West seaplane charters.

If your budget is not a constraint, you can choose the private boat or seaplane options. The first one will give you more flexibility, and you will be in charge of how you want to explore the National Park. Further, traveling by seaplane for wildlife spotting and sightseeing will save you time in transportation.

The most cost-effective mode of traveling, however, is taking the Yankee Freedom Ferry.

Planning The Perfect Day Tripping To Dry Tortugas National Park

You need to know the places you can visit and the things to do if you want to plan a perfect day trip to Dry Tortugas National Park. Let’s know the wonders waiting for us at the National Park.

Places You Can Visit At Dry Tortugas National Park

Various places in Dry Tortugas National Park await to offer you a rich cultural and wildlife experience. Be it the Fort Jefferson or the swimming beaches, there is much for you to explore!

Fort Jefferson

Fort Jefferson on Bush Key Island houses the National Park visitor center. Built in the 1800s, it is a tell-tale symbol of the historical importance of the National Park and its islands. Very few people know that in that era, it was the largest fortification in the US.

The fort also shows how it has stood the passage of time, hit by storms and waves.

Garden Key

Garden Key is the go-to place for snorkeling and scuba diving at Dry Tortugas. It also has campgrounds, a visitor center, and the park headquarters.

The historic Fort Jefferson is on this island, and you already know how important it is as a landmark at Dry Tortugas and in Florida.

Bush Key

Are you a lover of pristineness? Bush Key should be on your mind thanks to its unadulterated sub-tropical vibe. It is also the home to the rarest snooty terns and brown noddy terns.

Loggerhead Key

Loggerhead Key is the largest island or key at Dry Tortugas. You cannot miss the lighthouse and the previous site of the Carnegie Laboratory for Marine Ecology. Also, the sea turtles will welcome you as you visit the island.

Swimming Beaches

Getting in the water is the best pursuit at Dry Tortugas National Park. Along with scuba diving, kayaking, and canoeing, you can also indulge in swimming.

However, there is no lifeguard facility available. So, you have to be careful of the current and coral reefs.

Things To Do At Dry Tortugas National Park

You are bound to get dumbstruck when you visit a place that is kind of a miniature of the entire universe. It has the historic Fort Jefferson, serene blue water, rare and vibrant birds, coral reefs, and the most amazing marine life.

So, once you are at this National Park, you can paddle through the open water, take part in snorkeling and scuba diving, go kayaking, and explore wildlife. Are you looking for something leisurely? How about fishing?

Another thing that makes the trip to Dry Tortugas National Park amazing is the Junior Ranger Program. It is for kids and people who are young at heart.

This program includes snorkeling and many other activities that allow you to be a member of the National Park Service as a junior ranger.

The Perfect Dry Tortugas Day Trip: Make A Note Of These Things

Thanks to the remote location of Dry Tortugas National Park, your trip planning to the place will require a lot more emphasis on your food, accommodation, and safety measures.

If you are especially traveling with your family or kids, these are the aspects you need to be particular about.

My friend was saying how even an ill-fitted pair of shoes can create major issues in outdoor activities or, specifically, pursuits in the water. I think that it’s true for a visit to Katmai National Park or any other National Park for that matter.

Nonetheless, for now, Dry Tortugas National Park is the focus. So let’s prepare well to make the most of the adventures there.

Food And Accommodation

A trip to Dry Tortugas National Park is not your regular luxury vacation. So, you will get very limited services there. You will not even find any food and beverage stall or service at the National Park.

Bring your own meal and water! It’s as simple as that! Amenities YOU WILL NOT GET at this National Park are:

Restaurants

Hotels

Fuel Centers

Gas Stations

Marine Supplies

Other Gear

However, once your ferry is docked at Garden Key, you can buy some sodas and snacks onboard. You can set up your accommodation in the primitive areas of Garden Key.

Also, if you have a private boat, you can spend your night in the vessel, anchored in the right place.

Safety Measures

You must not compromise with your safety while indulging in the beauty of ocean wilderness. Remember, you will have to travel around 68 miles through the open sea by seaplane or boat.

Further, the conditions at this National Park are primitive, with no facilities for snacking, restrooms, or public telephones.

So, commit to a day trip if you are physically fit and able to bring all the essentials with you. Be particular to carry your medicines, protective clothing, gears, sunscreen, etc.

In addition, there will be various safety guidelines for various activities like snorkeling, kayaking/ canoeing, and exploring wildlife and marine activities.

Also, there will be seasonal restrictions due to weather changes and other natural conditions. As a responsible visitor, you must abide by all these.

Moreover, if you want to plan ahead, you can visit the National Park Service website to be familiar with the safety guidelines.

Make Your Plan Right!

Dry Tortugas National Park is one of the newest American National Parks, earning the designation in 1992. In terms of experience, it offers a mixed bag as you can encounter history and the most exotic marine life at this park.

Visitors love day trips to this National Park, and this needs a lot of planning regarding the safety measures, food and accommodation, and places and activities.

However, if you are in for more excitement, you can stay overnight at Dry Tortugas National Park by camping at Garden Key.

That’s it! You know what you can expect at the National Park and what should be on your itinerary plan. It’s time to gear up and set in for Dry Tortugas.

Dry Tortugas National Park FAQs

Why Is Dry Tortugas National Park Famous?

Dry Tortugas National Park is famous for the diverse experiences and activities it offers. You will meet sea turtles, rare sooty terns, and various aquatic creatures here.

Further, the coral reefs and Fort Jefferson add to the allure of this mesmerizing place.

What Country Owns The Dry Tortugas?

The United States of America owns the Dry Tortugas. It is located in the Gulf of Mexico, around 70 miles from the West Key.

Why Are Dry Tortugas Not Visited?

Dry Tortugas National Park has fewer visitors because of its remote location and primitive conditions. You can only take a boat or a seaplane to get there.

Also, you have to carry your food, snacks, gear, and all other essentials, as the park does not have snacking or beverage services. Further, camping is the only way out if you want to stay there as there are no hotels or lodges around.

Who Was The Most Famous Prisoner At Dry Tortugas?

Dr. Samuel Mudd was the most famous prisoner at Dry Tortugas. The US army abandoned him in 1878.

Can You Swim In Dry Tortugas?

Yes, you can swim Dry Tortugas along with taking part in other water pursuits like scuba diving, kayaking and fishing. Loggerhead Key has the calmest water around.

So, it can be the best place to enjoy your time in the water.

You can also take the North, South, and East Beach of Garden Key to access open water for swimming. However, there is no lifeguard facility at Dry Tortugas.

So, beware of how far you are going into the water. Further, you must be aware of the current and coral reef positions.

Sibashree Bhattacharya

Meet Sibashree Bhattacharya, a travel enthusiast who has a decade-long experience in transcending virtual barriers with her words! Her deep love for travel is apparent from her travel escapades to the mountain, often taking her readers on a journey, her words acting as Portkey! Fun fact: Sibashree loves to dive deep into the history of the places she is about to visit, making her travels even more wholesome. If you were wondering how her articles are not short of time travel, this answers it!

Top Zaxby’s Chicken Fingers & Buffalo Wings -Reviews, Pricing & Menu

BY Shahnawaz Feb 23, 2023

Whether you want to have some breakfast or get ready for lunch, zaxby's chicken fingers & buffalo wings can be an option of your choice. It is a chain of fast casual food restaurants. This restaurant chain is quite popular in the southern part of the United States. Customers can order varieties of dishes like Boneless Wings, Chicken Finger plates, Traditional wings meals, boneless buffalo wings, and things, etc. Whether you plan to try out their menu or are just curious about this franchisee, this article should be a great help. So, without any delay, let’s start. About Zaxby's Chicken Fingers & Buffalo Wings amazonaws.com Zaxby’s restaurant chain started in the 1990s in Statesboro, Georgia, with two childhood friends, Zach McLeroy, and Tony Townley. The company opened its first restaurant outside of Georgia. Zaxby’s chain of restaurants is primarily based in the southern part of the US. The company boasts more than 900 locations. Although most of the stores are owned by franchisees, Zaxby has only 123 locations of its own. Their first store outside Georgia was opened in 1994 in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Later, in 2013, Zaxby’s expanded beyond the US by opening its first international store in Utah. Currently, in 2023, they have stores opened in 19 states of the US. However, in 2022, they announced to have appointed a new CEO named Bernard Acoca. Zaxby's Menu tastingtable.com What’s fascinating about Zaxby’s is that they have various foods to select from. You can choose from different items made from chicken wings, breasts, as well as leg pieces. You can order chicken dishes, sandwiches, salads, and more. Here are some popular dishes like Zaxby's chicken fingers & buffalo wings – Most Popular Zaxby’s Menu Here are the most popular meals you can have at Zaxby’s – Chicken Finger Plate tastingtable.com This plate lets you choose between 4, 5, or 6 chicken fingers. They serve this plate with Zax Sauce, Crinkle, cole slaw, Texas toast, as well as a drink. For the drink, you can choose from Sweet Tea, Coke, or 22 oz. a 6 chicken fingers dish will cost you around $10.99. Buffalo Chicken Finger tastingtable.com This plate allows you to choose chicken fingers tossed in your favorite sauce. Yes, you can choose the sauce. They serve the dish with ranch sauce, texas toast, crinkle fries, cole slaw, as well as the drink of your preference. This plate will cost you $12.19. Zaxby’s Appetizers If you need some appetizers, then you are looking for these dishes at Zaxby’s: Fried White Cheddar Bites tastingtable.com You will love the batter-fried pieces of cheese served with marinara dipping sauce. If you are up for cheesy, gooey happiness, this is your appetizer. This appetizer will cost you $4.99. Onion Rings tastingtable.com They serve onion rings fried with batter and dip it in their Zestable dipping sauce. You will not get tired of this. It costs you around $4.79. Zaxby’s Sandwich tastingtable.com zaxby's chicken fingers & buffalo wings are popular for many good reasons. But have you ever tried their sandwiches? Kickin' Chicken Sandwich tastingtable.com They serve it with ranch sauce as well as a drink of your choice. You can choose from sweet tea, lemonade, orange Fanta, rootbeer, etc. The whole package will cost you around $5.29. Kickin' Chicken Sandwich Meal tastingtable.com When you want a heavy meal consisting of oatmeal, brownies, sandwiches, and favorite drinks, you can try out this dish. Read Also: The Best Peruvian Food Near Me In Los Angeles [Updated 2023] Zaxby’s Salad tastingtable.com No, not just heavy meals and appetizers; you can also order Salads at Zaxby’s. If you want my recommendations, then try out some of their most popular options like – The House Zalad. The Cobb Zalad. Both of these salads come at the price of $8.99. Zaxby's Hours tastingtable.com Zaxby’s usually remains open throughout the week. They usually stay open between 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. The restaurants offer different features such as Takeout, Seating, and Wheelchair Accessible. Moreover, American cuisines and fast food are always readily available at this restaurant. Zaxby's Locations Zaxby’s has many locations spread across 19 states of the U.S. However, most of the stores are visible in the southern part of the country. They have a total of 900 locations spread across the country. Moreover, i you want to locate a store, you just have to use Google Maps to find its contact details and location. You can also visit Zaxby's chicken fingers & buffalo wings website. Read More: Top 7 Salvadoran Food Near Me In Los Angeles Zaxby's Review We have looked around and found some of the customer reviews on Tripadvisor that we have mentioned below - Visited with my wife for lunch. The chicken was good, but the French fries were below average. I wasn’t impressed. Our daughter brought us to Zaxby’s for lunch. The atmosphere was nice. I liked my boneless wings, fries, and drink choices. Almost every item is fried, so unless you go with a salad, non-fried options are limited. Went on Monday for kids' night. Kids eat free with adults from 3-10 every Monday. Manager cake out to chat. The food was hot and fresh and came out quickly. They even had Easter eggs hidden in the store for kids to find. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Here are some popular questions as well as answers that I have collected. These might be helpful. 1. What US States Have Zaxby's? Ans: 19 states in the US have Zaxby’s stores. Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Alabama, Tennessee, Kentucky, Mississippi, and Arkansas, as well as Virginia, have the most numbers of stores. Georgia alone has 243 Zaxby’s stores. 2. Is Zaxby's Coke Or Pepsi? Ans: Yes, you can have Coke at Zaxby’s. They serve all the different flavors of Coke with as much ice as you need. You will love the refreshing taste and feel of it. They have freestyle Coca-Cola machines serving 100 different types of beverages. So, yes, the options are huge. 3. What Is Zaxby Known For? Ans: Zaxby’s is known for its delicious chicken dishes. Their main secret ingredient is the Zax sauce, which makes every chicken delicious. They keep the secret of this sauce well protected. Bottom Line When it comes to tasty chicken and great servings, Zaxby's chicken fingers & buffalo wings are the best. If you are at Zaxby’s, you can try out their meals, chicken dishes, appetizers, and salads. I hope that this article was helpful. However, if you have any doubts or queries, please contact us through the comment section below. We will reach out to you as soon as possible. Read Also: Best Group Friendly Restaurants In Las Vegas Top 12 Perdido Key Restaurants – Reviews & Budget Are You Looking For A Latin American Restaurant In Miami? – Top 12+ Lists

Sandals Curacao – Resort Reviews, Location, Price And Ambience

BY Nabamita Jan 16, 2023

If you are traveling to the Caribbean, then the best place you should check out was the Sandals Curacao resort, which is now finally open and is welcoming tourists and guests. All sorts of possible amenities and services are available for vacationers to utilize and take advantage of. The resort is like a global Caribbean gem on a beautiful island. If you are from a European country, then the resort is like a beautiful European city on the beautiful Caribbean Island, the resort has a beautiful old-European city. So if you want to book a room then hurry up, as the resort is getting filled up faster than ever. Sandals Curacao’s Basic Travel Information If you are planning to visit Sandals Curacao resort, then here are a few pieces of information about the Sandals royal curacao. These information will be going to help you to know more about the surrounding area. Where Is Curacao? The Sandals Curacao is an island in the Caribbean, on the coast of Venezuela. Curacao island is among the “ABC” island, which are Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao, the island lies in the western Leeward Antilles. Closest Airport global-uploads.webflow.com If you are going to The Sandals Curacao, then the nearest airport that you may reach is about 15 miles away from the resort. A round-trip to the airport is included in your resort booking as well. Best Time To Visit futurecdn.net If you are going to visit the island then you should definitely avoid the hurricane season, as hurricanes can be very dangerous and devastating. But other than the hurricane season, the whole year is perfect for you to visit. Sandals All-Inclusive Resort Amenities sandals.com In the Sandals Royal Curacao resort, there are a lot of room options and other luxury amenities that are available in the resort. So when you check out their website and click on book now, then you will be able to see all the detailed information about the amenities offered. If you wanna know a few of the luxury amenities that are offered by the resort then, they are given down below. Room Options sandals.com In the Sandals Curacao Resort, you will find 24 separate room options, and it has two newer signature suites along with the already three category levels. These three different categories are Butler, Club, and Luxury. Top Picks For Honeymooners sandals.com If suppose you are celebrating certain special occasions like your anniversary or honeymoon, here at the Sandals Curacao resort, then there are special rooms for you as well. Romantic seaside or poolside bungalows. We also have, “Love Nest” suites which are one-bedroom, with an all-inclusive luxury butler service. New Butler Bungalows cdn.sandals.com The newer Awa Seaside Butler Bungalow and the Kurason Island Poolside Butler Bungalows are built which provide even more privacy and other luxury amenities. Like 24-hour room service, a private patio, a sun deck, sun loungers, a personal butler, soaking tubs, and many more. Top Picks For One-The-Go Travelers aroundtheworldl.com If you are the type of person who loves to travel around and visit all the hotspots, then there are beautiful beaches, tropical gardens, and pools that you can visit and enjoy your time. Activities At Sandals Curacao Royals scuba.com So now that you have decided of going to the Sandals Curacao Resorts, then you should know the activities that you can take part in while you are exploring the island. Here are a few activities that you can explore in the Curacao resort, here are a few of them listed down below. Get Scuba Certified scuba.com You can easily get to purchase a “PADI eLearning course,” they are available if you want a scuba diving lesson. Scuba Diving scuba.com Here at the Sandals Curacao resort, you get an all-inclusive scuba diving program, but first, you need a scuba diving certificate for that, which is also available here. Special Butler Bungalows: Mini Cooper scuba.com If you are looking forward to exploring the beautiful island then we have a car service available, where you can get your own Mini Cooper for 3 ½ hours. The service includes gas, a guide map, and a beautiful picnic basket prepared by the resort. Sandals Red Lane Spa scuba.com No resort experience is complete without a spa treatment. Here at Sandals Curacao, we have a salt stone massage, couples massage, and many more of you to enjoy. Wrapping Up! So now that you have planned to visit the Sandals Curacao resort, then by now, you should check out the official website of the resort. There you will be able to find out more details of the resort, that is more specific. But if you liked this article, then give us a like and comment down below, that when would you like to visit the sandals Curacao? Read Also: is trip.com legit? Is it reliable? The Best Resort Spa & Wellness Island Experience! 3 Of The Best European Holiday Destinations For Wintertime Discovering The 11 Most Beautiful Places Of Adventure In The World

Home Cleaning Tips for Stress-Free Travel Preparations

BY Rishab Dey Oct 31, 2023

Travel preparations are often a mixed bag of emotions, encompassing both excitement and stress. The thrill of exploring new destinations, visiting loved ones, or taking a well-deserved vacation can be exhilarating. However, these emotions can sometimes be accompanied by the anxiety of making sure everything is in order before leaving. From packing luggage to ensuring travel documents are in place, there's a lot on our minds as we anticipate the upcoming journey. One often overlooked, but crucial aspect of travel preparations is the condition of your home. A clean and organized home not only welcomes you back to a pleasant environment upon your return but also plays a vital role in ensuring your trip is stress-free. Knowing that your home is in order can alleviate some of the pre-travel stress, allowing you to fully enjoy your trip without nagging worries about the state of your residence. Whether you're going on a short weekend getaway or an extended vacation, we have tips that will help you leave your home in the best possible condition. If you are busy, ask help from maid services to assist with the pre-travel cleaning process. What to Prepare to Have Stress-Free Travel? Before embarking on the process of preparing your home for travel, it's essential to create a detailed checklist of cleaning tasks. This checklist will serve as your roadmap, ensuring that you don't overlook any crucial areas or responsibilities. Consider listing tasks for each room in your home, including the kitchen, bathroom, living areas, bedrooms, and any additional spaces that need attention. A well-organized checklist will not only help you stay on top of your cleaning duties but also provide a sense of accomplishment as you check off completed tasks. It's crucial to allocate ample time for cleaning your home before your departure to prevent last-minute rushes and unnecessary stress. The amount of time needed will depend on the size of your home, the extent of cleaning required, and your personal cleaning speed. It's advisable to start your cleaning preparations a few days or even a week before your trip, allowing you to tackle tasks in manageable increments. By spreading the cleaning process over several days, you can ensure a more thorough job and avoid the exhaustion of trying to do it all at once. Declutter Your Space Adopt a systematic approach by going room by room. This method ensures that you thoroughly address each area and prevents you from feeling overwhelmed. Begin in one room and work your way through the entire house, paying close attention to each space's specific needs. When decluttering, make decisions about the items in each room before moving on to the next. This process helps you keep track of your progress and maintain a sense of accomplishment as you complete one room at a time. While decluttering, it's essential to identify and organize essential items you will need during your trip or upon your return. These might include travel documents, spare keys, essential clothing, or items for your pets. Store these essentials in a designated area that is easily accessible, such as a dedicated drawer or shelf. This ensures that you won't spend time searching for these items when you need them, making your pre-travel preparations smoother and less stressful. Label or list the contents of this area to make it even more user-friendly. It would also be better if you ask for help from housekeeping services in NYC to have everything managed. This will save you time and make the task much smoother and less stressful. Security Measures This is not a cleaning tip, but this is quite crucial for your stress-free travel preparations! Go through your entire home and check that every entry point is properly locked. This simple action helps safeguard your home against unauthorized access and potential break-ins. If you have a security system in place, it's essential to activate it before your departure. Ensure that all are functioning correctly. Many modern security systems allow you to receive notifications and alerts, providing an added layer of protection while you're away. Before leaving, it's a good idea to inform a trusted neighbor, friend, or family member about your travel plans. Share your itinerary, contact information, and the duration of your trip with them. They can keep an eye on your home, collect mail or packages, and address any unexpected issues that may arise during your absence. This not only provides additional security but also offers peace of mind knowing that someone you trust is keeping an eye on your property. Final Touches Before you leave for your trip, go through your home and double-check that all appliances are turned off and unplugged. This step not only helps reduce the risk of accidents but also conserves energy. You can adjust your thermostat while you are away to a more energy-efficient setting. Many thermostats now offer programmable settings for this purpose. It is also best to give the appearance that someone is at home. You can set up timers for your lights or have smart home technology installed. Smart home systems allow you to control your lights remotely or program them to mimic your usual lighting patterns, deterring potential intruders. Before leaving, take a moment to review your travel preparation checklist. Ensure that you've completed all the tasks you've planned, from cleaning and decluttering to securing your home and setting up energy-saving measures. This final check helps ensure you haven't overlooked any important details and gives you peace of mind that your home is well-prepared for your absence. Read Also: I Had No Idea When To Visit Mauritius Till I Went There THIS Time! The Stairway To Heaven Hawaii: Hiking Adventure’s Hidden Gem THIS Is When You Should Visit Maldives!

Plan A Day Trip to Dry Tortugas National Park: This Is How You Will Do It

Know Dry Tortugas National Park: Why Is It Famous?

How To Reach Dry Tortugas National Park?

Planning The Perfect Day Tripping To Dry Tortugas National Park