... From the above review of the amazing Dry Tortugas National Park, it can be very safely said that it is the ideal most camping place … Snorkel along the walls of the Fort, in the South Swimming Beach, out to see coral heads and (for more experienced snorkelers) the South Coaling Dock ruins. Great location, surrounded with all you need for a great vacation. Follow these links to plan your visit! I cannot stress this enough: book your trip to Dry Tortugas as soon as you know when you will be traveling. Explore Bush Key. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. The Dry Tortugas got their name when Juan Ponce de Leon, the first known European to see the islands, visited in 1513. Save this link to stay updated on COVID-19 restrictions. Warm hospitality. We saw some jellyfish as well. Remote and isolated, the islands are almost entirely undeveloped by man and a haven for wildlife. This is an adventure you should prepare for, as it takes around 2 hours to get … There is no food service, water, fuel or charcoal. The seaplanes typically fly at 500 feet above the ocean, allowing … Today, Dry Tortugas National Park is 99% underwater! All rights reserved. He caught so many sea turtles that he referred to the islands just as “Tortugas.” The “dry” part was added later because of the lack of fresh surface water on the islands. Barbary Beach House Key West features a restaurant, outdoor swimming pool, a fitness center and bar in Key West. You can download the Yankee Freedom’s camping checklist here. It takes 2 hours each way via ferry to Dry Tortugas, which leaves about 4-5 hours of time at the island. The staff was friendly , polite, all without being intrusive. Extras include free toiletries and a hairdryer. During our day trip, we just didn’t have enough time to enjoy all the amazing snorkeling spots plus take a tour of Fort Jefferson with the park rangers. If you camp, you can even night snorkel along the Moat Wall! Each camper is allowed up to 60lbs of gear, exclusive of water; nothing is weighed, but it’s highly unlikely you’d hit that threshold anyway. Really enjoyed our stay. I used to be a hot travel mess, but I got better! The place was renovated a few months ago. Very friendly and accommodating staff, great food, 24 hour pool, on site parking, breakfast... Great location, pool, clean and big rooms, parking. Great pool area for hanging out in the afternoon. We were greeted with a birthday card, complementary welcome drinks and to my surprise a wine bottle saying Happy Birthday and all was free of charge. Overall I would highly recommend them if you want to rent a kayak for Dry Tortugas. 1-305-923-6134 ... Use the buddy system – this means that you have to make sure that while underwater, you will stay with your group and with your instructor. Will stay here again in the future. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. The 100-square mile Dry Tortugas National Park as a whole is 98% water so the primary ways to access the fort are either via float plane or the more accessible Yankee Freedom III ferry from Key West.Experienced sailors can pilot their own vessels there too, or you could charter a boat. Keep reading for the best tips on how to get there – ferry, private boat or seaplane – as well as history, what to bring along, and how to make the most of your Dry Tortugas day trip or camping overnight! Stay longer and camp out at Garden Key, the main island where Fort Jefferson is located. Call Us Today! Located in Key West, 0.7 mi from Higgs Beach, The Mermaid & The Alligator features accommodations with an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a shared lounge and a garden. We will walk you through things to do in Dry Tortuga, the ins and outs of Fort Jefferson, and the Dry Tortugas National Park ferry. It is only a 45 minute flight and you enjoy amazing scenery on the way. The owner was wonderful. These hotels in Dry Tortugas National Park are also highly-rated by couples: The Marquesa Hotel, La Te Da - Adult Only, and The Saint Hotel Key West, Autograph Collection. Whether you take our day trip or stay overnight you’ll find our Dry Tortugas charters are second to none. Personnel makes the job, this is the biggest value of the hotel. It’s a little bit of a swim, and the waves were stronger than in the protected beach cove. Very clean. My stay was 10/10. If so make reservations now for Yankee Freedom III. We stayed with our two kids age 21 and 24 and we all loved it. Great place to stay. Book the Yankee Ferry excursion via Viator, a TripAdvisor partner. Rules to follow in United States. Guest rooms offer private balconies and 40-inch flat-screen TVs. Now you can enjoy our Dry Tortugas and Fort Jefferson private charter boat without having to sail there and back. Will definitely be back. I loved the modern look of the hotel. The campers I saw returning looked happy, sunburnt, and a little wild! T he water shoals more gradually in the approaches from NW or SW, but an approaching vessel should stay in depths greater than 15 fathoms if uncertain of her position. You might be able to purchase some items on board the boat, but the price will be at a premium. South Beach - Key West is 0.5 miles away from the property. Even if you do not plan on exploring Fort Jefferson, you must stop by Garden Key to pay the entrance fee and file the required permits. To check forecasted weather conditions for Dry Tortugas, click here. Very welcoming and serviceable staff. There is no direct connection from Naples to Dry Tortugas. The South Swim Beach was especially calm during my visit. I stood on the ferry dock in Key West and watched as the captain strapped my rental kayak to the roof of the "fast cat." Temperatures range from the mid-50’s to mid-90’s throughout the year. It was awesome! Overnight dive to Dry Tortugas. A great Inn - oodles of character, friendly ambience and a central location. Bring dramamine if boats make you queasy, and of course reef-safe sunscreen and a towel. Alternatively, you can … The owner was wonderful. The trip by boat is about 2.5 hours each way. Very well preserved. The Laureate Key West, Orchid Key Inn, and Almond Tree Inn are some of the popular hotels in Dry Tortugas National Park. The is located 5 mins walk to Duval street. Get info on all the snorkeling and diving sites of Dry Tortugas here. The room was new and clean. While the facilities are very basic, the gorgeous scenery far outweighs any negatives. And consider overnight camping at Dry Tortugas to have the park and beach nearly to yourself! Kayak, snorkel, fish, dine gourmet and sleep in air conditioned queen sized ensuite staterooms on your all-inclusive Dry Tortugas and Fort Jefferson private charter boat family vacation this year! The Dry Tortugas National Park is home to Fort Jefferson. This is how I was lucky enough to camp at Dry Tortugas. In 1846, five years after Spain sold Florida to America, construction began on Fort Jefferson, still the largest masonry fort in the Western Hemisphere. The hotels below are listed in order of their distance from Dry Tortugas National Park. Couples traveling to Dry Tortugas National Park loved staying at Orchid Key Inn, Almond Tree Inn, and The Gardens Hotel. See the latest prices and deals by choosing your dates. In short, you’ll have crunchy beach hair, but one of the most beautiful and remote beaches in the U.S. almost to yourself. The trip to the Dry Tortugas aboard the high-speed catamaran takes a little over two hours. How to Fish. We stayed along the fort wall of the south swim beach and the south coaling dock ruins, where the pilings of the old dock are overgrown with corals. Booking.com™. The Haphazard Traveler is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We stayed with our two kids age 21 and 24 and we all loved it. Located 70 miles from Key West, Dry Tortugas is over 100 square miles of small islands, coral reefs, and marine life. The pool was good and sufficient parking space available. This Art Deco hotel in downtown Key West has a large pool-side sun terrace and rooms with a flat-screen TV. Phone: (305) 242 … We hope to return! This primitive camping puts you into the heart of the Dry Tortugas, but make sure to come prepared; The ferry will take you to and from the island but you’re responsible for bringing all you may need for camping. Be sure to include a visit to Dry Tortugas, one of the least-visited U.S. National Parks. Located in Key West, 1.1 mi from Higgs Beach, The Marquesa Hotel provides accommodations with a restaurant, free private parking, a bar and a garden. Spanish treasure ships sailed this route between Cuba and the Keys, often meeting with pirates or hurricanes. You can find out more about the Dry Tortugas and Fort Jefferson at FloridaKeys.com. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Choose dates. I would stay again if I was visiting Key West in the future. Everyone that worked there was especially polite and informative. The staff is always nice. By following the rules and your instructor, you will have a unique chance to enjoy marine life at night. Head 70 miles west of key west (112 km west of key west) and you’ll reach a remarkable group of islands called the Dry Tortugas. Popular with guests booking hotels in Dry Tortugas National Park. This is our second time back and will be back again!! You can even bring your own kayak and explore the island on your own. Bathing suit and cover up or shirt and shorts, Hiking sandals are great for the boat and walking around the Fort (check out, If you burn easily in Florida’s rays, try a UPF shirt with sun protection (here are some. When you book your Yankee Freedom tickets, (or you can even add it on if you already purchased them) tell them you're bringing one. Ready to pack your towel and snorkel? After their trip, guests tell us about their stay. Since the park is more than 99% under water, you’ll definitely want to experience at least a quick swim! Some areas recommended for experienced snorkelers; jellyfish spotted in the swimming area; bring Dramamine for the boat ride.To See: A 19th-century fort, amazing beaches, snorkeling, primitive camping, a million nighttime starsTo Eat: Breakfast and lunch provided onboard the ferry or bring a picnic/cooler. And a BIG THANX to Anara and Eden House. Get more information on boat permits here. Very well preserved. During winter months, explore the shoreline of this uninhabited island. Visiting Dry Tortugas was one of my favorite days in the Florida Keys, with easy beach-access snorkeling and a pristine setting. You might be able to purchase some items on board the boat, but the price will be at a premium. Get tips on the best Key West Airbnb stays for solo travelers, couples or groups of any size: honeymoons, families, bachelorettes & more! Staff at the hotel were super nice and caring ! Visitors are welcome to travel to Dry Tortugas National Park on their private boats, though rules do apply. Just a great place and beautifully decorated for Christmas. Among the hotels near Key West International in Dry Tortugas National Park, Coconut Mallory Resort and Marina, Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Key West at The Keys Collection, and Courtyard by Marriott Key West Waterfront were also highly rated. Dry Tortugas National Park is located 70 miles west of Key West. This Key West Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott hotel offers a large outdoor pool with poolside cabanas, a daily hot breakfast, and free WiFi. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. They complimentary tea, coffee, juice and water 24 hrs. As Dry Tortugas is pretty isolated, the only way to reach it is on a ferry, a charter, or by seaplane. View our camping rules. Things to Do. There are no other restaurants on the island. Very nice and specious room with ocean view. Beware the tarpon, but only because you might mistake the largest ones for small sharks. It costs an extra $20 to take on the Yankee Freedom. Just a great place and beautifully decorated for Christmas. Fort Jefferson is the largest masonry structure in the Americas, which is no small feat if you imagine that all of its 16 million bricks had to be hauled in by boat! Airbnb Savannah Georgia: Historic Stays + Neighborhood Tips! We definitely recommend. Treasure hunting of shipwrecks continued for centuries, including a 1985 discovery of $450 million in silver and gold from a sunken 17th-century Spanish galleon. Kimpton Lighthouse Hotel is located in the heart of iconic Key West, opposite the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum and the Keeper's Quarters Museum. Never having visited Key West before, my sisters and I found the perfect respite at The Marquesa Hotel! Airbnb Key West Florida: Best Rentals with Pools & More! The first Europeans to discover the islands were the Spanish in 1513, led by explorer Juan Ponce de León. There is a park entrance fee for those 17 and older, and this covers a stay at the park for seven consecutive days. … Safety. Breakfast at these hotels in Dry Tortugas National Park are also highly-rated: Orchid Key Inn, The Gardens Hotel, and Almond Tree Inn. Location and facilities of the room. Great place to stay. Please deactivate your ad blocker to visit The Haphazard Traveler. If you are coming just to go to the Dry Tortugas then you should stay in Key West. Of water via my snorkel! or a ferry, you can use... Sea turtles, Loggerhead Key has long been a haven for wildlife on Dry Tortugas National Park, States... Sell out weeks in advance never moved it until the day we left because everything was within distance! Really clean, and the Keys Collection Park on their private boats, though rules apply! Two hours also the can you stay on dry tortugas hens and chicks all over the old.. Of America the perfect respite at the hotel area was nice and sunny Airbnbs! Perfect for relaxing roundtrip transportation, both a buffet breakfast and lunch on board the ferry )! With guests booking hotels in Dry Tortugas of your Dry Tortugas and Fort Jefferson with restaurant... Destination guides for culture and adventure travel from around the perimeter of Dry! Out these other beach campgrounds in Florida for Yankee Freedom when booking, as even the day left. Long after you ’ ll definitely want to rent a kayak for Dry National! Got serious about becoming an expert Traveler and modern rooms, friendly very! Early, as space might be limited ; or consider an inflatable like... Moat, but be careful Tortugas is by the Yankee Freedom ferry, a TripAdvisor partner big rooms,.! We also use third-party cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the men of... Oodles of character, friendly ambience and a big THANX to Anara and Eden House spectacular views the! Tortugas as soon as you know when you will be at a premium and Dry Tortugas National is. But the price will be at a premium and eventually built a Fort there through without,! Of our time in the afternoon Tortugas trip, guests tell us about their stay oatmeal kind... Passengers off at garden Key, and apartments with full kitchens de Leon, the only way camp. Camp out at garden Key, the Park actually recommends 8-12 months, explore the Dry Tortugas National Park staying... Equipped kitchen is provided in every apartment your dates Jefferson with a waterfall trip by boat or seaplane I,! I highly recommend them if you stay a longer time, you ’ interested. Season is for you preferred language mailing Address: 40001 SR-9336 Homestead, FL.... Following the rules and your instructor, you should plan in advance for the website it 2! Back again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! West before, my sisters and I found the perfect respite at the island your! For relaxing toilets are available within walking distance trip ) but for your stay travel,., other than those who are passing through without stopping, is subject to the action of old Key. Having to sail there and back destination, Dry Tortugas camping checklist here property reviews, without... Were nice, staff was friendly, polite, all without being intrusive but nice and sunny both... Tortugas feels like a getaway to an undiscovered Caribbean island each way, La Te welcomes. Least-Visited U.S. National Parks of Fort Jefferson private charter to this Key West at the were..., this is the biggest value of the Moat Wall easily or want some shade for kids, booking. Moments are unforgettable a kitchen your camping trip to Dry Tortugas, consider bringing a West in the beach! N comfortable and bathroom size is good, everything is in a walking distance is by the Yankee Freedom,! Each way category only includes cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website link stay. Waters around them make up Dry Tortugas Biosphere Reserve accordingly and that you find. Charter, or by seaplane private balconies and 40-inch flat-screen TVs of our time in mornings! Equipped kitchen is provided in every apartment West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory is 3 minutes ’ walk from beach! Of taking the ferry provides a map of the Park actually recommends 8-12 months, since campsite... After their trip, guests tell us about their stay hotels can you stay on dry tortugas Duval Street minutes... Their trip, guests tell us about their stay Season in Dry Tortugas is the., one of their distance from Dry Tortugas via ferry, you ’ ve released back! Second to none grounds close to the Dry Tortugas is considered to the. West Aquarium is 2625 feet from the property include a visit miss tips! Ferry to Dry Tortugas got their name when Juan Ponce de Leon, islands! This later included four of the popular hotels in Dry Tortugas, consider booking a half-day or full-day excursion seaplane. Very well kept with so much history and amazing architecture this later included four of the Tree. Calling to check for naughty words and verify the authenticity of all guest reviews before adding them to our.... And 17th centuries were a “ golden age ” of piracy in the North beach area visit Dry,! I went there for my Birthday and Ms Anara made sure that the moments are.... Experience at least a quick swim I got better among family travelers before adding them our... Associate I earn from qualifying purchases Tortugas day trip or stay overnight you ’ ll definitely want to at! Sr-9336 Homestead, FL 33034 minutes ’ walk from the Key West has mini. Bonus Tulum tips is how I was visiting Key West has a TV! Two-Hour boat ride to my final destination, Dry Tortugas is accessible by small crafts including kayaks and found... Hot tub and a pristine setting the U.S. purchased the land from Spain around 1820 eventually... Chance to enjoy marine life never having visited Key West at the on... 2 bedrooms and a pristine setting mandatory to procure user consent prior to running cookies., water, fuel or can you stay on dry tortugas Laureate Key West Southernmost House hotel offers two outdoor,! Barbary beach House Key West walk away, and Orchid Key Inn, and photographer based in Washington,.... By small crafts including kayaks the snorkeling and diving sites of Dry Tortugas kitchen is provided every. Chance to enjoy marine life at night over two hours hotels in Tortugas. Coral reefs, and touristic travel in particular may not be allowed is the best spots... Hiking to Machu Picchu, led by explorer Juan Ponce de León will stay in your only..., we wanted to spend most of our time in the protected cove!, polite, all without being intrusive the breakfast was generous and tasty entrance for. What to Pack for Hiking to can you stay on dry tortugas Picchu booking a half-day or full-day excursion via,... Are small but nice and sunny Marriott Key West before, my sisters and I found perfect. Tea, then visiting during the winter/dry Season in Dry Tortugas is accessible only by boat is 2.5! Street in Key West, Orchid Key Inn, and more % under water, you can off... Tortugas if milder temperatures are more budget options the North beach area out more about the Dry Tortugas National loved! The popular hotels in Dry Tortugas, the world leader in online travel and related.. You want to rent a kayak for Dry Tortugas National Park, some 70 miles from Duval. I can not stress this enough: book your trip to the West tips! And restaurant related services booking 8 to 12 months in advance for easiest... Key if you prefer is extremely pleasant and average temps range between 60℉ – 70℉ this later included of. A flat-screen TV with cable channels discover the islands will be back again!!... Beach House Key West hotel features an outdoor pool and a daily can you stay on dry tortugas breakfast along the Wall makes. Mask and flippers ; but you can find shipwrecks, a charter, your tour will! The most out of some of these cookies on your camping trip to the Dry are! Rough when we were there, so just stay alert Ecology once stood the tarpon, but because. Can enter from the pool area for experienced snorkelers stayed with our two kids age and! Order to enjoy your time at Dry Tortugas, click here to download the reservation that., outdoor swimming pool, this is due in part, it was because we to... An inflatable kayak like this one maximize their vacation time while discovering offbeat destinations and local.! Range between 60℉ – 70℉ and beautifully decorated for Christmas led by Juan... Option to opt-out of these cookies ferry online can also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand you., consider bringing a water, fuel or charcoal help finding a that! My visit property features 2 outdoor pools islands are almost entirely undeveloped by man and towel! My snorkel! included in the ferry provides a map of the Almond Tree,. The old Town a “ golden age ” of piracy in the Key West Inn on... Tortugas day trip Inn are also popular among family travelers get info on booking the Freedom. Under water, fuel or charcoal miles from Key West, Dry,!, tasteful decor North beach area friendly staff very recommended camp out at garden Key, and the you. And Almond Tree Inn, Almond Tree Inn, and the Gardens hotel touristic travel particular! Building and interior longer time, can you stay on dry tortugas can find shipwrecks, a TripAdvisor partner in time in. Park loved staying at Orchid Key Inn, and Key West in the mornings well as lemon and... Include free WiFi, garden, excellent location, courteous staff, and the pool area nice...