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The Yankee Freedom II
The Yankee Freedom II is one of the two ferries that take curious travelers out to the Dry Tortugas. This is the newer and slightly more modern of the two boats, the Yankee Freedom is large enough to fit 250 people but only takes a maximum of 100. The vessel is a high-speed, all-aluminum catamaran that was built in 1999 at a cost of about $3 million. The catamaran is powered by twin engines that allow the boat to travel at a speed of more than 30 miles per hour. The equipment on board is all modern and state-of-the art and includes a fully air-conditioned main cabin, comfortable seating, three restrooms, fresh water showers, a full galley where you can buy snacks and a full liquor bar. The boat is also equipped with two decks: the topside sun and observation deck and the main deck with the indoor cabin. On the top deck, you can enjoy the open air atmosphere where the balmy Caribbean air caresses your face and the warm sun will darken your skin. On the main deck, you can enjoy booth-like tables with comfortable and cushioned seats. The main deck provides high-tech TVs with VCRs and large windows that allow you to look out into the blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico. This is where you will find the galley and the full bar.
Sunny Days Fast Cat
The Sunny Days Fast Cat is the faster of the two ferries that go out to the Dry Tortugas. It is also the less expensive one. What you get by choosing the Sunny Days Fast Cat over the Yankee Freedom is a cheaper price for a less luxurious boat. The boat, however, is still a fantastic and comfortable catamaran vessel. Catamarans are known to be smoother rides so propensity for seasickness is diminished. The Fast Cat was launched in 1999 and it is a high-speed power catamaran that was designed to “pierce” the waves. The boat is designed with a great rear sundeck that allows guests to bask in the warm rays of the South Florida sun. The main cabin is fully air-conditioned and provides comfortable seating.
Comparing the Two Boats
The principal and most notable difference between the Sunny Days Fast Cat and the Yankee Freedom is the size of the boats. Yankee Freedom is much larger, with a capacity to hold 250 passengers, while the Sunny Days Fast Cat can only hold 100. The Yankee Freedom, accordingly, is more the more expensive but more luxurious of the two boats. The Sunny Days Fast Cat is faster, averaging a travel time that is about 15 minutes shorter than the Yankee Freedom’s travel time.
The Dry Tortugas tours offered by both boats are almost exactly the same. Both boats offer breakfast on board, lunch at the islands, a guided tour of Fort Jefferson, and plenty of free time for snorkeling (including all snorkeling gear and equipment). Both boats have a bar on board for drink purchases on the return trip. Both boats leave daily from Key West at 8AM and return by 5PM.
* Price does not include National Park entrace Fee. Prices are subject to change, we do our best to keep our prices updated and accurate. For more information please call (877) 243-2378
