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

Jul 10, 2024

Last Updated on: Sep 1, 2025

Travel Blog

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? 

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 

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 

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  

The Perfect Dry Tortugas Day Trip

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!  

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.

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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!

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The tour on this cruise includes Rouen Cathedral, Louis XIV’s palace, Versailles, and Joan of Arc Square.   You cannot miss the beaches of Normandy along with some of the private experiences which include the home of Claude Monet’s home and the Impressionist Museum. When you book the cruise, you will love it, especially with its personalized services!   If you are looking for February vacation ideas, this is it for you. With its exclusive experiences including fine dining, suites, and luxurious cabins!   6. Avalon Waterways   https://www.instagram.com/p/Cupws2vy0JF/ What is a better way to enjoy your cruise than to watch the riverfront, from the comfort of your bed? When you book a cruise with the Avalon Waterways, you get spacious staterooms along with suites that have floor-to-ceiling windows.   Furthermore, you will experience luxury with the huge closet space, bath amenities, full showers, large bathrooms with technological updates, and others. I feel it is one of the Best River Cruises in Europe!   Explore the south of the French countryside on the Rhone River with its beautiful villages and picturesque towns. There are different stops, namely Port-Saint-Louis, Arles, and Avignon so, on a seven-night trip, we will make sure you enjoy the best of your time.   Additionally, you can go on excursions such as hiking to enjoy panoramic views, try rail cycling, wine tasting, taking a stroll, taking a cooking class, and much more.    7. Uniworld Boutique River Cruises   https://www.instagram.com/p/DE3Ep3Mzq1P/ On a seven-night trip, you can go on the cruise, S.S. Beatrice or S.S. Maria Theresa, which starts from Budapest. Yes, you will be getting several choices when it comes to your cruise tour. Are you ready to be on one of the Best River Cruises in Europe?   You can go on a food tour or panoramic drive where you can check out the beautiful locales of the place. The trip can be one of a kind, which will take you to luxurious destinations with world-class cuisine and in-suite butler service along with premium drinks and wines.   You can check out some of the coolest attractions of a place, especially when your cruise takes a stop at places such as the Vienna Art History Museum or the saffron workshop in Durnstein! Imagine visiting the birthplace of Mozart when exploring Linz along with some exploration of local cuisine.   One of the warm places to travel in February, Vienna will make this cruise experience nice. It is quite milder, which means if you are trying to avoid the crowd, this is the perfect time.   8. Adventure by Disney River Cruises   https://www.instagram.com/p/Cy6u-uAPJ6r/ Another trip for seven nights, starts from Budapest where you can perform activities such as a petting zoo, a horse show at the equestrian park along with goulash goulash-making competition. Furthermore, there is also a walking tour which you can take in Bratislava.   You can go on a hike or bike through the Danube in Melk, Austria if you are planning to have an active day. Did you know you can check out the place where scenes from the popular movie, “The Sound of Music” was shot?   A stop in Germany ensures that you can visit a monastery or go for a brewery-tasting tour! It will be perfect for a leisurely day. Finally, the cruise will take you to Munich thus saying farewell to the cruise trip. 9. Viking Cruises   https://www.instagram.com/p/DDdHO-1NPOr/ The trip is mostly nine nights beginning from Lisbon where after a walking tour, you can get on board through the Douro River. You can check out vineyards, lush scenery, and baroque palaces along the way thus, visiting Salamanca, Spain on the 6th day.   One of the best-known companies, Viking Cruises, is designed to deliver maximum comfort and space. There are two-room suites along with statements that include balconies. Additionally, the cruise also focuses their dining based on their destination.    You can visit Regua and Pinhao, Portuguese villages to try their local food and wine. Henceforth, changing their itinerary based on the place. You can experience the destination through the food, culture, and activities.   Keep Exploring the Waterways of Europe!   So, what are your plans to explore the waterways of Europe? When sharing with you some of the Best River Cruises in Europe, I feel it is important for you to consider the route you want to explore.   Furthermore, traveling along rivers might sound boring for hours but if there are walking tours and food tours when the ship docks, what could be better than that? Furthermore, when you can have a leisurely day enjoying the passing scenery, with a book in your hand, you will feel lucky!   Comment below on which of the cruises you have already been on! Do let us know what your plans are when it comes to choosing one of these cruises.  Also read Top 10 Most Popular Paraguay Food That You Must Try. Top 13+ Famous Wonders Of India That You Must Visit.