Getting Around Dry Tortugas: Access, Crossing, Island Transportation, and Key West Parking

By David Sanchez · Data: National Park Service · ← Complete guide Dry Tortugas

You can't drive to Dry Tortugas. The park lies about 70 miles west of Key West, in the middle of the Straits of Florida, and the only way to reach it is by water or air. In practice, you have three options: the daily concession ferry, a private or charter boat, or a seaplane. There are no roads or parking areas inside the park.

How to Get to Dry Tortugas from Key West

Everything you need to know about getting to Key West, including flights and drives from Miami, Fort Lauderdale, or Orlando, is covered in the Dry Tortugas Access Guide.

The Only Access Point: Garden Key Dock

Dry Tortugas has just one official arrival point: Garden Key Dock, at the foot of Fort Jefferson. All ferries dock there, as do most private boats. There are no roads or entrance gates in the usual sense. You enter the park by stepping onto the dock.

The entrance fee is $15 per person. For entrance fees and national passes that apply to Dry Tortugas, National Park Fees & Passes has the key information.

Options for Crossing: Ferry, Seaplane, and Boat

The Concession Ferry

The Yankee Freedom is the only daily ferry authorized to serve the park. It leaves from the Key West harbor dock at the end of Margaret Street every morning. The crossing takes about 2 hours 15 minutes each way. Breakfast, lunch, and snorkeling gear are included in the ticket. This is the option most visitors choose.

Departure is early, usually around 8 a.m. local time. Arrive at the dock 30 to 45 minutes before departure to check in. The ferry returns in the late afternoon, giving you about four hours on the islands during a round-trip day visit.

Book online in advance, especially from December through April. Seats fill quickly during the high season.

The Seaplane

Several Key West-based companies offer seaplane flights to Garden Key. The flight takes about 40 minutes. It costs more than the ferry, but the view over the coral atoll offers a perspective few parks can match. It's also popular with campers who want to maximize their time on the islands.

Private or Charter Boat

Boaters can reach Dry Tortugas in their own vessel or charter a boat from Key West. Several anchorages are available around the islands, with regulated mooring buoys to protect the coral. You'll need a permit to spend the night at anchor, so check with the park before setting out.

Getting Around the Park

The short answer is on foot, by swimming, with fins, or by kayak. Dry Tortugas is an archipelago of seven small coral islands. There are no roads, motor vehicles, or park shuttles.

On Foot Around Garden Key

Garden Key is the main accessible island. You can walk all the way around it in 20 to 30 minutes. Most of the visit takes place inside Fort Jefferson and along its ramparts, as well as on the beaches beside it.

Underwater: Snorkeling and Diving

At Dry Tortugas, the real way to get around is horizontally, beneath the surface. The coral reef surrounding the archipelago is the park's main attraction. Basic gear, including a mask, snorkel, and fins, is provided by the Yankee Freedom. If you're arriving by private boat, bring your own.

The Outlying Islands

Bush Key, Hospital Key, and the other islands in the archipelago are accessible only by kayak or boat. Some close to the public for part of the year to protect nesting frigatebirds and boobies. Check the current restrictions on the park website before landing.

Parking Before You Board: Key West Parking

Dry Tortugas has no parking areas, so leave your car in Key West. The Yankee Freedom dock is at the end of Margaret Street in Key West harbor. Several paid parking lots are in the area, including one directly at 311 Margaret Street.

Key West is a busy tourist town, and parking can be tight during the high season. Arrive 45 to 60 minutes before departure so you can park without rushing.

Another practical option is to stay at a Key West hotel or rental with parking, then take a taxi or rideshare to the dock on the morning of your crossing.

Distance and Crossing Times Between Areas

Key West is about 70 miles west of Dry Tortugas, according to NPS data. The ferry crossing takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The seaplane takes 40 minutes. By private boat, the trip varies with engine power and the day's sea conditions.

Weather conditions in the Straits of Florida can delay or cancel the crossing. In winter, from December through March, seas are often rough and winds are strong. In summer, from June through November, tropical storm season can lead to postponed departures. Yankee Freedom announces cancellations the evening before, so check your email if you've booked. Weather conditions and the crossing season can help you plan around the riskiest periods.

Special Cases: Camping, Private Boats, Accessibility, and Pets

Camping on the Islands

Garden Key has a primitive campground with about 10 sites. Campers arrive by ferry or seaplane with all their supplies, including fresh water, food, and cooking fuel. Nothing is available on site. Reservations and the packing list are covered in the Dry Tortugas camping guide.

Accessibility

The lower level of Fort Jefferson and part of the ramparts are wheelchair accessible. The Yankee Freedom provides an accessible route to the dock. The island's sandy trails and snorkeling areas aren't suitable for every visitor with limited mobility. Contact both the ferry operator and the park ahead of time to discuss what may work for your situation.

Pets

Pets aren't allowed in Dry Tortugas National Park, except for service dogs recognized under U.S. federal law.

Practical Information: Cell Service, Water, and Fuel

Cell service. There is none in Dry Tortugas. Your signal disappears well before you arrive. Download offline maps, booking confirmations, and emergency numbers before leaving Key West.

Water and food. There are no stores on the islands. Yankee Freedom includes meals and drinks in the ticket price. Visitors arriving by private boat or seaplane must bring everything they need.

Fuel. There are no fuel stations in the park. Boaters fill up in Key West before setting out and make sure they have enough fuel for the return trip.

Emergencies. The park has a radio and access to the U.S. Coast Guard, but any serious medical evacuation requires transport back to the mainland. Bring essential medications and a first-aid kit.

For an overview of the trip, including rules and required formalities, our complete Dry Tortugas guide covers the essentials before you leave.

Frequently Asked Questions