How long does it take to get to the Dry Tortugas?
Getting to the Dry Tortugas on the ferry boats takes about 2.5 to 3 hours.
How can I get out to the Dry Tortugas?
Located about 70 miles off the shores of Key West, the Dry Tortugas are not easily accessible. The two main ways of getting out there are the Yankee Freedom II and the Sunny Days Fast Cat ferries. Both boats provide trips out to the Dry Tortugas daily.
What is the difference between the two ferries?
The Yankee Freedom II is bigger. It can fit up to 250 people (but only carries 100 out to the Dry Tortugas). The Sunny Days Fast Cat is smaller (fits 100, and carries 100) but is about 15 minutes faster.
What comes with my trip out to the Dry Tortugas?
The ferry ride, breakfast, lunch, a guided tour of the fort, snorkeling gear.
If I wanted to camp, how many nights could I stay?
The maximum number of nights allowed for camping on the Dry Tortugas is 3.
Should I make my reservations ahead of time?
Definitely, the Dry Tortugas are the most popular Key West destination. Especially on weekends, special events and holidays, both ferries do fill up completely.
If you are camping, you must absolutely make your reservations ahead of time. Both the Sunny Days Fast Cat and the Yankee Freedom II only transport six campers per day, so space for camping is highly limited.
Is the park handicap accessible?
Unfortunately, the islands are not handicap/wheelchair accessible and thus neither are the boats.
Is fishing allowed on the Dry Tortugas?
Due to the fragile nature of the islands as well as their status as a preservation site, fishing is not allowed on the Dry Tortugas.
Can I go scuba diving in the Dry Tortugas?
The Yankee Freedom and the Sunny Days Fast Cat do not allow guests to bring scuba diving equipment aboard their ferries.
Can I bring my kayak aboard the ferries?
Yes, both ferries allow a limited number of kayaks aboard at a fee of $35 per kayak for Sunny Days and $50 for Yankee Freedom. Groups are allowed to bring one kayak if it measures more than 17 feet. If the kayaks are less than 17 feet, groups are allowed to bring two.
