If you are wondering how to visit Dry Tortugas National Park, the main thing to know is this: you need to plan ahead more than you probably think.
Dry Tortugas National Park is one of the most unique day trips you can take from Key West. It sits about 70 miles west of Key West, and you can only get there by ferry, seaplane, or private boat.
Once you arrive, you get Fort Jefferson, clear blue water, snorkeling right off shore, remote island views, and absolutely no restaurants, shops, or easy backup plan if you forgot something important. So yes, this is a trip you want to think through before you go.
We visited Dry Tortugas by seaplane and chose the half-day trip. I loved the experience, but I’ll say this right away: choosing the half day was a mistake. We easily could have spent the full day there, and I am already planning to go back.
This Dry Tortugas National Park guide covers exactly how to visit Dry Tortugas, what to pack, how much time you need, what the day actually looks like, and the tips I wish I had known before going.
If you are planning this as part of a bigger Key West trip, you may also want to read my Key West Travel Guide for First Time Visitors so you can plan the rest of your time around it.
Dry Tortugas National Park sits about 70 miles west of Key West, Florida.
It is one of the most remote national parks in the United States, which is a huge part of what makes it feel so special. There are no roads, no bridges, no casual “let’s just pop over for a bit” option. You have to intentionally plan how you are getting there.
Most visitors arrive either by the Yankee Freedom ferry or by seaplane from Key West. Private boats are also an option, but for most travelers, the real decision is ferry vs. seaplane.
If you take the seaplane, the flight is about 35 minutes each way, and the ride itself is part of the experience. On the way, you fly over the shallow turquoise waters known as the Flats, the Marquesas Islands, the sandbar-and-channel area called the Quicksands, and several shipwreck sites.
Depending on conditions, you may also spot sea turtles, sharks, stingrays, and occasionally dolphins from the air. I saw most of these on my plane ride!
The biggest planning decision for visiting Dry Tortugas is whether to take the ferry or the seaplane.
The ferry is cheaper and gives you a longer day on the island, but it takes over 2.5 hours each way from Key West. That means a lot more travel time, and if you get seasick, this is something to think about seriously.
The seaplane is much more expensive, but the flight is only about 35 minutes each way. You also arrive before the ferry, which means you can get time on the island when it feels almost empty.
We did the seaplane half-day tour, and it cost $527 per person at the time of our visit. The ferry is cheaper, with adult fares usually starting around the mid-$200 range depending on ticket type and current pricing.
I am not the most frugal person, ha, but the seaplane was even a splurge for me. That said, I absolutely loved it.
If I could change one thing, I would book the full-day seaplane instead of the half day. For the full breakdown of cost, timing, comfort, and which option I would choose next time, read my Dry Tortugas Ferry vs Seaplane comparison.
More than you think.
We did the half-day seaplane tour, and I honestly thought that would be enough. It was not.
We landed around 8:30 AM and boarded the plane again around 11:00 AM. So while the experience was amazing, it also went fast. Too fast.
We walked the beach, explored Fort Jefferson, went to the visitor center, walked around the fort, took in the views, snorkeled, and suddenly it was time to leave.
I could have easily spent the full day there.
If you are deciding between half day and full day, I would choose the full day if your budget and schedule allow it. Dry Tortugas is not a quick little beach stop. Between the fort, snorkeling, beach time, photos, wildlife, and just sitting there realizing how remote you are, the time fills itself quickly.
Yes, but I would not do it the same way again.
The half-day seaplane tour gave us a very special window of time on the island before the ferry arrived. From about 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM, there were only around 20 people on the entire island.
It was magical.
And we did not really even see those 20 people much because the island is large enough that everyone spreads out. For about two hours, Dry Tortugas felt incredibly quiet and remote.
Then around 10:30 AM, the ferry arrived with about 150 to 175 people.
That changed the feel of the island pretty quickly.
I would still recommend staying the whole day if you can. You just need to be strategic. Prioritize the things you want to experience with fewer people first, especially photos, quiet beach time, or snorkeling before the ferry arrives.
If you can only do a half day, definitely choose the morning.
Save this for later on Pinterest so you don’t forget it.
Once we arrived on Garden Key, we put our things on a shaded picnic table. We left items there that we were not using right away, like our cooler and snorkeling gear.
Then we went to the bathroom, took a walk on the beach, and started exploring.
We walked around the outside of Fort Jefferson below the fort walls. There is one section near the end that is broken, so you cannot make a full circle around the entire moat wall, but you can still see a lot from the outside.
After that, we went into the fort and walked up to the upper levels for the views. We also stopped in the visitor center before going snorkeling.
That was our basic half-day order:
Garden Key is the main island most visitors experience at Dry Tortugas National Park.
This is where Fort Jefferson is located, along with the visitor center, bathrooms, picnic tables, beach access, and snorkeling areas.
Once you arrive, you can choose a picnic table and use it as your base for the day. This was helpful because we did not want to carry everything around while exploring the fort or snorkeling.
There is some shade, but do not assume you will be shaded all day. Bring sun protection and plan for heat. The island feels very exposed in certain areas.
If you are planning to take photos here, this is also a great day to have a GoPro, especially if you want snorkeling footage or easy waterproof video without risking your phone.
No. There is no food on the island whatsoever.
There are no restaurants, no snack stands, no little emergency shop, no “I’ll just buy something when I get there” situation.
We ate a small breakfast right before our flight, but I would still encourage you to bring snacks. It is hot, and you will get hungry, especially if you are doing a full day.
If you are doing the seaplane, they give you a cooler with drinks and water, and you can also store your snacks or lunch in it. That was very helpful.
For a full day, I would absolutely bring lunch.
If you are taking the ferry, check what is currently included with your ticket, but I would still bring extra snacks just in case. Dry Tortugas is not the place to test how well you do hungry in the sun.
I already know my answer. Not well.
A lightweight Nano Bag is useful here because it folds up small but gives you somewhere to stash snacks, sunscreen, and random things you collect throughout the day.
Dry Tortugas is remote, so you need to come prepared.
At minimum, I would bring:
There are also no sinks or showers on the island, so plan accordingly. You are not going to have a luxurious post-snorkel refresh situation.
For this specific trip, I would pack a dry bag for the beach, water shoes, a quick-dry towel, and a small Clutch powerbank since there is no cell service and you will probably still use your phone for photos.
For sunscreen, I would bring both a body sunscreen like Coola Spray Sunscreen and a face sunscreen like SuperGoop Face Sunscreen. The sun is strong, and Dry Tortugas is not exactly full of shady backup plans.
If you are also packing for the rest of your Key West trip, read my What to Pack for Key West in May (What I Actually Used and What I Didn't).
You also need to pack out all trash and leave shells, coral, artifacts, and wildlife exactly where you found them.
Basically, bring what you need, take out what you brought, and do not bother the coral. Simple enough.
No. There is currently no cell phone service or Wi-Fi at Dry Tortugas.
This surprised me, even though it probably should not have. You are 70 miles from Key West on a remote island in the middle of the ocean. Download anything you need before you go. That includes confirmation details, tickets, directions, camera settings, playlists, and anything else you might want access to during the day.
It is also a good idea to tell someone your plan before you leave Key West, especially if you are someone who usually relies on your phone for everything.
Pro tip: since there is no cell service, put your phone in airplane mode once you arrive. Your phone will keep searching for service otherwise, which can drain your battery fast. And since you are probably using it for photos and videos all day, this is not the moment for your battery to get dramatic.
Once you arrive on Garden Key, the main attraction is Fort Jefferson.
It is massive. Photos really do not show the scale well. When you are standing inside the fort or walking along the upper levels, it feels much larger than it looks from a distance.
Construction on Fort Jefferson began in 1846. The fort was built to help control shipping routes through the Gulf of Mexico and protect American trade in a strategically important location.
During the Civil War, Fort Jefferson was used as a military prison. Its most famous prisoner was Dr. Samuel Mudd, who was connected to Abraham Lincoln’s assassination after treating John Wilkes Booth’s broken leg.
The fort was never fully completed, but it is still one of the most impressive historic sites in Florida.
Even if you are not a huge history person, it is worth giving the fort real time. There is enough to see, and the views from the top are some of the best in the park.
One thing I found really interesting was learning why Fort Jefferson was built way out here in the middle of nowhere.
When you are standing on top of the fort, it honestly feels like you are surrounded by nothing but water. But this location was actually incredibly important because it sat along major shipping routes connecting the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean, and the United States.
Key West is about 68 miles away, Cuba is about 106 miles away, and ships traveling through these waters passed right by the Dry Tortugas.
The fort was built to help protect American trade and give the United States a strategic military presence in one of the busiest maritime crossroads of its time.
So while it feels remote now, this was not some random island they picked because the water was pretty.
Although, fair. The water is very pretty.
The fort itself is worth exploring even if you are not a huge history person.
The self-guided tour takes about 40 to 45 minutes and leads you through the massive brick structure, including the parade grounds, officers’ quarters, soldiers’ barracks, old ammunition storage areas, bakery, moat, and the cell where Dr. Samuel Mudd was imprisoned after being linked to Abraham Lincoln’s assassination.
Most visitors spend about 45 minutes to an hour exploring Fort Jefferson.
We spent at least 2 hours, but we are known for being able to waste time easily, ha.
What surprised me most was the size of the fort. Photos really do not do it justice. As you walk through the brick archways and climb to the upper levels, you get some of the best views in the entire park.
From the top, you can see Bush Key, the harbor, the lighthouse, and endless shades of blue water stretching in every direction.
Even if you skim the historical signs, walk the perimeter for the views alone.
The best views we had were from the upper levels of Fort Jefferson.
From up there, you can see the moat wall, the beach, the boats, Bush Key, the harbor, and the surrounding water. The water changes shades depending on depth, and it is one of the best reminders that Dry Tortugas is not just a historic site. It is also a remote island in the middle of a very blue nowhere.
Walking along the fort walls also helps you understand the layout of the island better. You can see where the snorkeling areas are, where people are spread out, and how small Garden Key feels compared to all that open water.
If you like photos, go up early before the ferry arrives if you are on the morning seaplane.
For more places to photograph during your trip, read my Best Photo Spots in Key West.
Snorkeling is another major reason to visit Dry Tortugas, and you do not need a separate boat excursion to do it.
Some of the best snorkeling is right off Garden Key, especially around the moat wall, coral heads, nearby underwater ruins, and the old pylons. The pylons had a ton of fish when we were there.
The water is usually shallow, around 4 to 7 feet deep in many of the easier areas, which makes it fairly accessible even for beginner snorkelers. You do not have to swim far to see fish, and you can start close to shore if you are newer to snorkeling or just want to keep things simple.
The main thing is to know your comfort level. Stay aware of currents, do not push yourself farther than you feel comfortable going, and be careful not to touch or stand on the coral because it is extremely fragile.
There are different areas where you can snorkel, and some are easier than others. You can go out deeper, but I would say you need a little more endurance and experience if you want to do that comfortably.
For most casual visitors, the snorkeling right off shore is the best place to start. I would not skip snorkeling unless the weather or water conditions are bad. It is a huge part of what makes Dry Tortugas special.
If you prefer having your own gear, a snorkel mask is a good thing to pack, especially if you are picky about fit. This is the one I love and bring with me on every beach trip.
This depends heavily on how you get there and what time you arrive.
For us, the morning seaplane felt almost empty at first. From about 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM, there were only around 20 people on the entire island.
That part felt incredible.
Once the ferry arrived around 10:30 AM, the island got much busier. The ferry can bring roughly 150 to 175 people, and while Dry Tortugas still does not feel like a theme park, you definitely notice the difference.
My advice is to think about what you care most about having fewer people around for.
If you want quiet beach photos, do that early. If you want to snorkel before more people are in the water, do that early. If you want to explore Fort Jefferson with fewer people, head inside before the ferry arrives.
If you are staying the whole day, you do not need to rush everything. Just be strategic with the first part of your visit.
May and June are usually two of the better months for weather, especially if you are hoping for calmer water and good visibility. It can still be hot, but it is before the deepest part of summer heat.
November can also be a good option because the weather starts to cool off, and it is toward the end of hurricane season.
That said, weather matters a lot for Dry Tortugas. Wind, rough seas, storms, and visibility can all affect the experience. If snorkeling is a priority, calmer conditions are a big deal.
I would also book as early as possible. The ferry and seaplane both have limited space, and this is not the type of trip I would leave until the last minute.
Yes, Dry Tortugas is one of the best day trips from Key West, but it is not the easiest or cheapest.
You need to plan ahead, budget for transportation, and understand that the day will be very different depending on whether you take the ferry or seaplane.
If you love history, clear water, snorkeling, remote places, national parks, or unique Florida experiences, I think it is absolutely worth doing.
If you mainly want a low-effort beach day with food nearby, bathrooms with full amenities, and the ability to leave whenever you feel like it, this is probably not your best fit.
Dry Tortugas rewards planning. It is not difficult once you are there, but you need to bring what you need and use your time well.
For me, yes.
The seaplane was expensive. At $527 per person for the half-day trip, it was a splurge even for me, and again, I am not exactly the world’s most frugal person.
But the flight was part of the experience, and getting to be on the island before the ferry arrived made it feel even more special.
Would I pay for the half day again? Probably not.
Would I pay more to do the full day? Yes.
That is annoying, but true.
The ferry is the more budget-friendly option, but you need to be okay with the longer ride. It takes over 2.5 hours each way, so your transportation time is a major part of the day.
Both options can be worth it. It really depends on your budget, motion sickness concerns, and how much time you want on the island.
My biggest tip is to balance your time between the fort, the beach, and the water.
Fort Jefferson is fascinating, but the real magic of Dry Tortugas is the mix of history, clear water, snorkeling, wildlife, shipwreck stories, remote island views, and that feeling of being completely surrounded by open ocean.
Do not spend the entire visit doing only one thing unless that is truly your priority.
I would also plan your visit around the ferry arrival if you are taking the seaplane. Those first quiet hours are valuable.
Bring more food than you think you need. Bring sun protection. Download anything important before you go.
There is no store. No food. No Wi-Fi. No cell service.
Dry Tortugas is beautiful, but it is also very much “you brought it or you do not have it.”
If you end up booking anything for your trip, using my affiliate links helps support my blog at no extra cost to you. I spend a lot of time researching and writing these guides, so I really appreciate the support.
If you are flying into Key West, compare flight options on Skyscanner before booking. Key West flights can vary a lot by airport, date, and connection.
You may also want to read my Key West Airport Guide for First Time Visitors before your trip, especially if this is your first time flying directly into Key West.
For hotels in Key West, I usually compare options on Booking.com and Hotels.com to see which has the better rate or cancellation policy.
If you are still deciding where to base yourself, read my What Areas to Stay in Key West.
Dry Tortugas takes a full day or at least a serious chunk of your day, so I would plan the rest of your Key West itinerary around it. You can browse other Key West tours and activities through Viator or Get Your Guide.
For help organizing your days, read my Key West 3 Day Itinerary for First Time Visitors.
For Dry Tortugas specifically, I would prioritize a dry bag, water shoes, quick-dry towel, sunscreen, and a powerbank.
For more help planning the rest of your trip, read my Best Things to Do in Key West.
There’s a little cottage tucked inside a forest just south of Amsterdam that serves giant Dutch pancakes, and somehow I ended up there on a bike ride with no plan and left completely obsessed. 🥞
Boerderij Meerzicht is inside Amsterdamse Bos, Amsterdam’s massive outdoor park full of biking trails, canals, deer, and families spending the whole afternoon outside. It doesn’t feel like a tourist spot. It feels like something locals actually go to, which is exactly why I liked it.
Dutch pancakes are nothing like American pancakes. They’re huge, thin, somewhere between a crepe and a flapjack, and the toppings cover the whole thing. The honest caveat: the ordering system is slightly confusing at first because pancakes are ordered separately from everything else. Watch one other table do it and suddenly it all makes sense.
I got the apple pancake with cinnamon and powdered sugar, and it was exactly what I wanted. Also got the savory bacon, apple, and syrup combination, which sounds wrong and tasted very right.
Full review with the ordering process breakdown, what we ate, prices, and a tip for navigating there without getting lost | link in bio.
The tulip fields in the Netherlands look exactly like the photos, except the photos don’t capture how massive the color blocks actually are stretching across the countryside. Or the windmills. Or the sheep randomly standing in the middle of everything like they don’t know they’re in the most photogenic country on earth.
The honest caveat: tulip season moves fast, the fields rotate every year, and peak bloom is not a guarantee, it depends on the weather, the harvest schedule, and a little bit of luck. But that’s also part of what makes it feel less like a tourist attraction and more like something you actually found.
Full driving route with towns, parking tips, and what to expect | linked in bio. 🌷
#netherlands #travelling #tulipfields #exploreeurope
Amsterdam has a way of making you feel like you need to see everything, and then rewarding you most when you slow down anyway. The museums and canal cruises are worth it, but so is just wandering neighborhoods, eating whatever looks good, and sitting along the canals with a grilled cheese and nowhere to be.
First-time visitor guide is on the blog. Link in bio. 🌷
#travelling #travel #amsterdam #visitamsterdam #traveleurope
10 stops. One very full day. Zero regrets. Amsterdam has one of the best food scenes I’ve experienced anywhere in Europe, but the honest caveat is that some of the viral spots come with lines that will genuinely test your character. I skipped a few. I regret nothing.
Here’s what actually made the cut on my self-guided Amsterdam food tour:
Fresh stroopwafels at Hans Egstorf: made right in front of you, warm caramel, no line. This one won.
Lourens cookie croissant: flaky outside, gooey chocolate inside. Did not share.
Café Winkel 43 apple pie: one of the rare viral places that fully lives up to the hype.
Davie’s Amsterdam for the Lelie sandwich: pastrami, pickles, marbled bread. Deceptively simple. Absolutely excellent.
De Kaaskamer to end the day: 400+ cheeses, grilled cheese with what they call ketchup (it’s not ketchup, and it’s better), and bunker cheese aged in underground military bunkers.
The full route covers 10 stops through Jordaan, the 9 Streets, the canal district, and the flower market area with a Google Map included so you can just follow along.
Full guide with every stop, tips for beating the lines, and what I’d skip vs. do again | link in bio.
#amsterdam #visitamsterdam #netherlands #travel #visitnetherlands #traveleurope
There’s a version of Gatlinburg that’s all fudge shops and tourist crowds, and then there’s the version that actually makes you want to come back.
Here’s everything worth doing downtown, in the order I’d do it: 🏔️
✨ Start at @gatlinburgskypark before the crowds hit
✨ Walk the strip mid-morning when it’s still manageable
✨ @googooclusters stop (see my post from Tuesday: don’t skip it)
✨ Dinner at one of the local spots off the main drag
✨ Wander back out at night when the lights are on and it gets actually pretty
This isn’t your overscheduled Smoky Mountain itinerary. It’s more of a “here’s what I’d actually do if I had one solid day” kind of list.
Full downtown Gatlinburg guide linked in bio. 🔗
Follow @travelwithwendyplummer for Beautiful Beach Destinations, City Guides, Foodie Spots, and Luxury Hotel Recommendations.
