Explore Fort Jefferson & Underwater Wonders at Dry Tortugas

We decided to go out to the dry tortuga's by airplane (only way to go- great for seeing turtles, sharks, dolphin and it is quick out and back) The airline company was great and so was the pilot! The disappointment was there were no guided tours once we were on the island (they have park rangers that live on the island) it would have been nice to have the park rangers give some history, do a quick tour, tell some stories (those are always interesting) etc. - NOTHING. The only thing that the park ranger said to me was that when he walks around the island that he like to walk on the grass because it is easier???????? One park ranger looked like he had not washed his uniform in months. The fort itself is pretty interesting but you can see the whole thing in 1/2 hour. The water is beautiful - Do not bother to bring snorkeling things - there is no reef. It is very destroyed by the visitors. The highlight was the 1/2 walk and a cove beach that everyone else seemed to find. If you are looking to take an airplane ride (great) or take a boat ride for over 2 1/2 hours to arrive on the island to swim, walk around for about 1/2 hour then you will love this. We live in the Florida Keys and we see this beautiful water everyday - we were disappointed and felt with a little bit more effort on the National park system -it could have been such a better experience. Fort Jefferson should do optional guided tours! Worth seeing - 1/2 day excursion is fine unless you want to really take some time on the island. We did see some campers out on the island as well!

Wow what an experience. Highly recommending this place. We took a seaplane and got here when the ferry was departing, so not a lot of people around. The woman working the visitor center was super friendly and she helped me get a national parks stamp. Bring hats, sunscreen, long sleeves. It is super hot and there isn’t a ton of shade. We were sitting in the fort to get out of the heat. Snorkeling here is amazing the water is SO clear and fish all around. It was by far the highlight of our trip. Absolutely must go if you can!

We took the Yankee Freedom ferry to the park in July. Wow, was it hot. The views were breathtaking. The snorkeling was out of this world and worth the price to get there. We did not do the tour because we watched so many on YouTube. Your time there will be 4 hours, and it is plenty of time in the middle of the summer. I would recommend bringing an umbrella, cooler, and change of clothes. The Ferry will have all of the snorkeling gear you will need.

One of the most amazing places on earth. So remote and so much effort, by so many people, so long ago for nothing but the hubris of humans. The water was amazing, flat and like a swimming pool. So many fish and coral in shallow water. Amazing experience. Best shade is on the west side of the island. The gift shop opens at 930. The first tour boat gets there at 1030. If you take the seaplane, you get there at 840 and basically have the place to yourself.

Before our trip to Key West, we kept hearing about the Tortugas and how amazing it was. Person after person mentioned it a “must visit” “once in a lifetime experience” etc. We just didn’t get it especially with the hefty price tag to get there. We decided to go and boy was it worth the hype! Touring the fort, snorkeling, the beaches, the atmosphere was all exactly what most of these reviews say! You’ll leave wishing you had more time on the island. Simply put…just go! Bucket list item that will not disappoint!