Key West
Dry Tortugas National Park Day Trip by Catamaran

Dry Tortugas National Park Day Trip by Catamaran from Key West

Key West, USA
  • 10 hours
  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English

Overview

Escape to the secluded islands and tropical beaches off the coast of Key West on this guided, full-day adventure to historic Dry Tortugas National Park. History buffs and outdoor enthusiasts alike will love this unique voyage, where getting there is half the fun on board the Yankee Freedom III, a luxurious, state-of-the-art catamaran. Enjoy snorkeling (equipment provided) in the crystal blue waters and take in the military fort, national park, campground, sandy beaches and coral reefs that make this area special. Breakfast and lunch included.
  • Day trip from Key West to Dry Tortugas National Park
  • Ride a spacious catamaran across the tropical seas
  • Enjoy spectacular views and learn about your surroundings from an on-board naturalist
  • Cruise past Boca Grande Key, the Marquesas Keys and the Rebecca Shoal Channel
  • Swim or snorkel around the park’s coral reef with ocean life such as dolphins and sea turtles
  • Enjoy breakfast and lunch on the boat

What's Included

  • Round-trip ferry service on the Yankee Freedom III
  • Narrated tour of Fort Jefferson available
  • Snorkeling equipment
  • Breakfast and lunch
  • National Park Service Fee (USD15.00)
  • Gratuities
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off

Meeting And Pickup

Meeting point

  • 100 Grinnell St, Key West, FL 33040, USA

    Ferry departs from the terminal.

Start time

07:00 AM

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

This 10-hour journey departs from Key West on board the Yankee Freedom III, a luxurious, state-of-the-art, high-speed catamaran that ferries passengers from Key West to Dry Tortugas and Fort Jefferson National Park. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and take in the scenic beauty while cruising 70 miles off the coast through the Gulf of Mexico, listening to the naturalist tour guide describe the surroundings and the history of the national park.

Dry Tortugas National Park is located inside Fort Jefferson, one of the largest coastal forts ever built. This seven-island cluster is comprised of coral reefs and sand — and famous for its bird and marine life, as well as legends of pirates and sunken gold. 

This tour includes a variety of exciting activities and amazing scenery while providing a sense of history. Begin with a 45-minute tour of the fort, then wander the beach looking for seashells and watching tropical birds swooping through the air. Try a bit of swimming or snorkeling around the coral reef, looking for dolphins and sea turtles in the warm, tropical water. Visitors agree, this is the best place for snorkeling in the Florida Keys.

Time for a break? Enjoy a delicious buffet lunch on board the boat or along the shore.

Spend any remaining time sightseeing or wandering the island, then reboard the boat mid-afternoon and enjoy the trip back to Key West. Relax on the deck with a refreshing beverage from one of the onboard bars (own expense) and soak up the remaining rays of the sun — a perfect ending to a perfect day of outdoor fun and adventure.

Additional Info

  • Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Stroller accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Transportation is wheelchair accessible
  • Most travelers can participate
  • All adults must have a valid photo ID to get on the boat due to Coast Guard regulations. When booking, you must enter all guest names who will be going on the tour.
  • We suggest you bring the following: bathing suit, comfortable shoes, towels, sun protection (sunglasses, a hat, sun screen) and camera
  • Reservations are NON-REFUNDABLE once booked.
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 300 travelers

Cancellation Policy

This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.

  • This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

    Traveler Photos

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    Traveler Tips


    If you want something good, I suggest bringing your own food and drink.
    Definitely recommend this tour for the National Park experience - but also is so gorgeous out there!
    Reviews by Viator travelers. We perform checks on reviews

    Reviews

    4.5
    414 reviews
    Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews
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    Reviews by Viator travelers.
    Showing 1-10 of 414 reviews
    Fun
    Elizabeth_C, Oct 2023
    snorkeling was wonderful It was very hot so the water was amazing. Dry Tortegas was ok. Something I would only want to do once.
    We had a wonderful time. ...
    Marisol_A, Oct 2023
    We had a wonderful time. Mostly we enjoyed the walking tour with Dan. We learn the history and also all of past and present. A few stories also. Great job Dan! The ship’s crew out of their way to serve us and make sure we had a wonderful time. Thank you Yankee Freedom!
    Superb Day At Dry Tortugas National Park
    Robert_J, Oct 2023
    Incredible Day spent at this National Park, Wonderful history and learned so much about the British and other foreign invaders. Amazingly scenery and incredible weather. A superb day trip, The staff aboard the Catamaran were fantastic. Thank you all for a memorable day and well worth the money.
    Great
    Shannon_S, Sep 2023
    Snorkeling the fish were amazing Fort was awesome the tour was informative Walk around beach was awesome
    History Come to Life
    Martha_F, Sep 2023
    Ben was a terrific tour guide! He knew so many facts and interesting stories about the fort. It is a fascinating place to visit.
    Well worth the trip!
    John_R, Sep 2023
    The boat ride was great. Good crew. The architecture of the fort is amazing. Plenty to explore. It is well worth the experience. Not for your children or babies. It is a scorching environment. The historical importance of this national park is amazing!
    Amazing time
    Carrie_C, Sep 2023
    Great operation, boat crew and amazing time at the park. You will enjoy it! Just be prepared for the downtime on the ferry there and back.
    False advertising
    Christopher_D, Sep 2023
    Vía tour said I would get a veterans discount and no one knew anything about it when I got there. Don’t promise something and then not deliver.
    Bucket List Trip to Dry Tortugas
    Tom_T, Sep 2023
    Everything about our trip was awesome. The ride out and back was beautiful and extremely comfortable. The crew worked hard to ensure we had everything we needed. Especially Ruth! The fort experience was incredible with a very interesting tour given to us by another one of the helpful crew: a guy going by the name of Hollywood. Highly recommend this trip for anyone visiting the Keys.
    Wonderful time!
    Tracy_F, Aug 2023
    The boat trip was amazing and the crew were very friendly, informative, and helpful. We really enjoyed the snorkeling and the fort, as well. The entire trip was organized well which made it easy to navigate meals, snorkeling, getting on and off the boat. We would do the trip again!
    DON’T MISS THIS EXPERIENCE
    Robert_W, Feb 2023
    We saved the best for last! They all day trip to Dry Tortuga- everything was fantastic from the great crew to the food and bar! We had plenty of time to see the fort and snorkel and then enjoy the great ride back to a Key West! Absolutely worth every cent!
    Beautiful
    Joseph_B, Feb 2023
    Colour of the water and brief 20 minute history of fort. Ferry trip is quite long but is worth effort.
    Eh, ok trip
    Rick_T, Jan 2023
    Nice boat ride. Helpful crew and knowlegeable tour guide. Not reall worth the money for what we got.
    Great trip!
    Susan_U, Jan 2023
    Loved hearing the history. The scenery was gorgeous. We were disappointed in the snorkeling. However the water was beautiful!
    Nicely done!
    Jennifer_S, Jan 2023
    Great historical information from the guide. Lunch was great as were all the other amenities. Not the best snorkeling but that was likely weather related.
    Beautiful Island!
    Iola_K, Jan 2023
    An Amazing Place! I would come here again! Beautiful! We were treated like royalty from everyone!! We had a great lunch and breakfast. Went snorkeling and swimming. Walk all through the fort.
    Wonderful trip!!!
    Candy_S, Jan 2023
    Great experience. Ship crew was amazing!!! The fort is beautiful. The water is amazing!!! Food provided was wonderful. They took great care with my gluten allergy providing wonderful food!!
    Anniversary trip
    Michael_A, Dec 2022
    It was awesome trip and your, beaches were beautiful . Staff were so helpful and added so much to the trio
    Great time!
    Crystal_V, Dec 2022
    This was a great tour! Well worth the price and 2.5 hour ferry ride each way. Breakfast and lunch were sufficient and a nice selection for bar and snacks. Crew was great!
    Too expensive for what...
    Ola_L, Nov 2022
    Too expensive for what you got. Inside of boat was freezing. Late leaving because they waited for late passengers. We missed the sunset celebration because of this. When you say leaving at 2:45 - leave at 2:45!
    ...

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