🥾 Fort Jefferson: While not a true “hike,” the only walking you’re likely to do on Garden Key is on and around Fort Jefferson. Accessing the top of the fort requires navigation of some dizzying staircases. Fort Jefferson is only accessible by boat.
🥾 Bush Key (1 mile, flat): During nesting season – which lasts from February to September – visitors are prohibited from venturing out onto Bush Key. Outside of nesting season, however, you can explore this key. It is sometimes accessible by foot from Garden Key, depending on the moving sands. Bush Key is only accessible by boat.

📜 Tour Fort Jefferson: A complimentary historical tour of Fort Jefferson is offered with tickets purchased for Yankee Freedom III. The ferry service offers a 15-minute tour and a longer 45-minute tour. I recommend taking the longer tour.
🤿 Snorkeling (and Diving): Snorkeling gear is provided to those visiting via Yankee Freedom III. Take advantage of that opportunity while you’re in the park, as this provides the best chance to view the tropical marine life in the area. Those with their own boats and SCUBA gear can explore the reefs around Loggerhead Key and shipwrecks within the park boundary.
⛺ Camping: If you want to experience the park to its fullest, plan your trip far in advance to snag a campsite there. I’d recommend making plans at least a year in advance if you want to camp: when I called the ferry service in October 2021 to ask about it, they told me they didn’t have available campsites until the following July.
🔭 Stargazing: If you manage to snag a campsite at Dry Tortugas, be sure to catch views of the night sky. While not officially an International Dark Sky Park, the park experiences little to no light pollution and provides an incredible presentation of the stars.
🎣 Fishing: Those with a valid Florida fishing license who own a private boat can fish in certain areas within the park. Be sure to check Dry Tortugas’ regulations on fishing within its boundaries.

🏙️ Key West: Since Key West is the only place from which to access Dry Tortugas, you’d be remiss if you didn’t spend at least an afternoon in the city. Check out my blog post – linked above – for specific suggestions on what to do in the beachside resort community.
🏖️ Florida Keys: If you want several days’ worth of beach fun, consider planning some activities in and around the Keys.
🚗 U.S. Highway 1: This scenic drive takes you from Mile 0 in Key West all the way to the Florida mainland. Among other things, you’ll see and cross the Seven Mile Bridge.

📅 When to Visit: December through June are the best months to visit the park. If you lean towards the winter, you’ll get a lesser chance of rain and cooler temperatures but more wind. If you lean towards the summer, you’ll get less wind but a greater chance for rain and warmer temperatures.
⌚ How Long to Visit: It’s easiest to visit Dry Tortugas for 1 day using the Yankee Freedom III ferry. However, if you’re lucky enough to snag a campsite, try to visit for 2-3 days.
🚗 How to Visit: It’s imperative that you visit Dry Tortugas from Key West. While you can access the park by chartering a private boat or plane, the most common way to get to the park (and the only way to camp there) is by way of the Yankee Freedom III ferry.
🛏️ Where to Stay: Since the Yankee Freedom III departs Key West at 7:30 AM, you should stay in or near Key West so you’re not late to the ferry. Hotels in Key West are very expensive, so Maria and I stayed at Boyd’s Key West Campground. We talked to people who stayed in Marathon, which has slightly cheaper lodging than Key West and is 1 hour east.
🧳 What to Bring: Yankee Freedom III provides meals, snacks, and refreshments to passengers, and even offers complimentary snorkel gear to borrow. So, you just need to bring sunscreen, swimsuits, beach towels, and water containers. Don’t forget to bring your annual park pass if you have one, since you will get refunded $15/ticket if you present it at the Yankee Freedom III check-in booth. Of course, if you’re coming on a private boat or plane, bring more supplies as needed.

✅ DO plan your visit to Dry Tortugas far in advance if you will be using Yankee Freedom III‘s ferry service. If you intend to do a day trip, plan your visit several months in advance. If you want to camp, plan at least a year in advance.
✅ DO kick back, relax, and enjoy yourself in the park.
✅ DO practice passive observance of marine life while you snorkel.
❌ DON’T forget your sunscreen and beach supplies, as those are the only things not provided by Yankee Freedom III. Obviously, if you have your own boat, bring additional supplies.
❌ DON’T wander onto Bush Key during nesting season.
DON’T touch or disturb coral.