Key West is a sub-tropical destination in the Western hemisphere that offers an unforgettable island adventure without needing to leave the country. If you’re planning a trip to the Florida Keys and trying to figure out what to do while you’re here, we have a few tips that will help you avoid a wasted trip to the Dry Tortugas National Park.

Though a day trip to the Dry Tortugas might sound like an adventurous way to spend a day in Key West, we’d like to share with you a few details that prove visiting Dry Tortugas National Park may be an expensive mistake you’ll want to avoid.

But don’t worry; we have plenty of suggestions on what you can do to make the most of your island getaway to Key West, FL without feeling like you missed out on the Dry Tortugas.

The Best Way To Experience The Florida Keys Without The Dry Tortugas

If you really want to make the most of your Key West vacation without wasting a lot of time or money going to the Dry Tortugas, then you have to look into our day trip options at Key West Boat Trips. Our guides are local enthusiasts who know the waters around Key West like the back of their hands.

Not only can you rely on our expert guides to get you to the best sandbar locations in the area, but they are also knowledgeable about sea life and can share fun facts with you about the creatures you encounter. You’ll park at one of several locations in knee-deep water so you can snorkel, swim, or otherwise explore the area.

Visit our website to check out the different sandbar trips available, and book your day trip in advance to ensure availability before you arrive.

Where Is The Dry Tortugas Located?

The Dry Tortugas is located 70 miles off the coast of Key West and is one of the more difficult National Parks to access. There are seven islands within Dry Tortugas, including:

• Garden Key
• Bush Key
• Middle Key
• Loggerhead Key
• East Key
• Long Key
• Hospital Key

The most popular of the islands to visit at the Dry Tortugas National Park is Garden Key, as it’s home to Fort Jefferson, a campground, and small beaches where you can launch a boat or go for a snorkeling excursion in the shallow waters.

Because of how far Dry Tortugas is from Key West, it’s one of the least visited National Parks in the world, despite being surrounded by stunning seascapes and having a historic fort on the grounds.

How To Get To Dry Tortugas

Is Dry Tortugas worth it if it’s 70 miles away from Key West? Once you find out how to get to the Dry Tortugas, you’ll likely answer that question for yourself!

The only way to travel to the Dry Tortugas is by private boat, seaplane, or the Dry Tortugas ferry, known as the Yankee Freedom. Because Dry Tortugas is the most isolated National Park in the country, there’s no easier way to get there.

The Yankee Freedom ferry ride takes a little over two hours to get to Dry Tortugas, so no matter which way you choose to go, there’s no fast and easy way to get to the Dry Tortugas National Park.

Why You Shouldn’t Visit the Dry Tortugas National Park

Now that you know how to get to Dry Tortugas, you’ve probably already answered the question, “Is Dry Tortugas worth the trip?” but just in case you haven’t made up your mind, here are a few other reasons why you might want to skip a day trip to the Dry Tortugas.

Garden Key is home to Fort Jefferson, which might seem like reason enough to visit the Dry Tortugas, but exploring Fort Jefferson might not be as adventurous as it sounds. Fort Jefferson is a Civil War-era fort, so of course, it’s going to sound like an ideal day trip for history buffs. Unfortunately, the inconvenience of finding a way to get to the Dry Tortugas makes it less appealing to explore Fort Jefferson.

Fort Jefferson isn’t the only cool place to see if you decide to go to Dry Tortugas for a day trip. The National Park Service owns the Tortugas Harbor Lighthouse, but other than a distant snapshot of the landmark; the lighthouse is off-limits to the public. Another reason to skip a trip to these islands is the National Park Pass you need to buy to access the Dry Tortugas. So, on top of paying for a boat, seaplane, or ferry ticket, you also have to purchase a weekly or annual pass to enter the Dry Tortugas National Park.

Once you arrive at the park, there are no concessions or eateries to dine with your loved ones and no fresh water to use the restroom or get a drink. You’ll have to bring your own refreshments and food or bring a sack lunch from the Yankee Freedom. If you do visit Fort Jefferson or any of the other attractions at the Dry Tortugas, you can always use the restroom on the ferry if it’s still at the dock, or use the compost restrooms near the fort.

Though the stunning sea life and colorful coral reefs making up the islands of the Dry Tortugas National Park sound like a magical sight, the expense and inconvenience of traveling to the island are enough to convince us that a half-day trip to the sandbars in Key West is a far better option for a memorable vacation.

Why Our Key West Sandbar Trips Are Better Than A Dry Tortugas Trip

Our Key West sandbar trips are bar far a superior option when it comes to planning a memorable adventure in the Florida Keys. There are several locations to choose from, and our guides know the best times of day and conditions of each location to guide you on an exciting adventure to popular sandbars in Key West.

It will only take about 20 minutes to get to the farthest location on our itinerary, so you won’t waste a lot of time traveling between destinations. Once you arrive at our favorite sandbars in Key West, you’re free to explore the water and search for marine life, like tropical fish and sea turtles.

Not only will you arrive at your destination faster than a trip out to Dry Tortugas, but our boats are all equipped with the means to keep you refreshed and entertained throughout the day. You can even add an extra hour to your private excursion for an additional fee!

The Benefits Of Our Sandbar Trips In Key West

Each of our boats have a stereo system complete with 9 different speakers and Bluetooth connectivity so you can bring your favorite playlist along for the ride. If you don’t have a playlist on hand, we have a few pre-made Spotify playlists to choose from.

There are also iced coolers on board with bottled water and soft drinks, but you’re free to bring your own drinks and snacks, including your favorite alcoholic beverages for the perfect boating excursion. You won’t have to worry about finding your way or boat maintenance because our expert captains take care of everything for you.

All you have to do is sit back and relax as we guide you through the crystal-clear waters of Key West to some of the best sandbar locations in the area. Snipe Point is one of the most popular sandbars in the region, and you’ll find lots of friendly locals to mingle with when we reach this beautiful Key West destination.

How To Have A Blast In Key West

Our sandbar trips are basically a party on the water, so you won’t find a better way to spend the day on the water than with us! Not only are we familiar with the best locations to wade in the water in Key West, but our guides are also knowledgeable about the various marine life you may encounter along the way.

Skip the headache of trying to see the Dry Tortugas and head to our website to choose your sandbar experience, and make sure you get a private boat with our guides for an unforgettable day trip in Key West.