Tours & experiences

Dry Tortugas National Park Day Trip by Catamaran from Key West

About this experience

Explore beautiful tropical beaches on this full-day catamaran trip from Key West to Dry Tortugas National Park. The Dry Tortugas islands were discovered by Ponce De Leon in 1513; he sighted more than 100 sea turtles swimming in the seas surrounding the seven islands. Fort Jefferson, located on one of the islands, was initially designed to serve as a defense for the United States back in 1812. Today, you can relive the history of these islands and take in their beautiful scenery by voyaging on a luxury catamaran from Key West.

At a glance

  • Duration: 10 hr

Choose your tour option

Select a date and travellers to compare current prices and departure times.

Dry Tortugas National Park Day
Dry Tortugas National Park Day Trip by Catamaran

Plan your experience

Time on the tour10 hr
Guide languagesEnglish (live guide)

Set aside 10 hr for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.

Before you go

  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • All adults must have a valid photo ID to get on the boat due to Coast Guard regulations. When booking, you must enter all guest names who will be going on the tour.
  • We suggest you bring the following: bathing suit, comfortable shoes, towels, sun protection (sunglasses, a hat, sun screen) and camera

Local guides to help you plan

What is included

  • Narrated tour of Fort Jefferson available
  • National Park Service Fee (USD15.00)
  • Snorkeling equipment
  • Breakfast and lunch
  • Round-trip ferry service on the Yankee Freedom III

Not included

  • Gratuities
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off

Itinerary and highlights

The Yankee Freedom III catamaran is powered by twin Caterpillar engines that give her a speed of over 30 miles per hour, making Yankee Freedom III Catamaran the fastest vessel of her size out of Key West. Also, below decks are two generators plus a multitude of machinery and equipment to operate the vessel in the safest, quietest, and most dependable manner possible.

Yankee Freedom III passengers have the option of joining a 40-minute guided tour of the fort led by one of our expert naturalists. You’ll hear captivating stories about the fort, its remarkable history and its surroundings. As you explore the fort, imagine life here during the hectic 1860s. At its height nearly 2,000 people lived within this remote city on the sea... The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers faced many challenges during the fort’s lengthy construction. Shifting sands, storms, and harsh conditions were common obstacles. The remote location hampered the shipment of supplies and skilled workers, especially during the Civil War.

See the overview, available options and booking details for the experience schedule.

Meeting and pickup information

  • Ferry departs from the terminal.

Languages and tickets

  • English — Guide
  • Mobile Only

Tour operator

  • Historic Tours Of America - Dry Tortugas

Accessibility and practical details

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • All adults must have a valid photo ID to get on the boat due to Coast Guard regulations. When booking, you must enter all guest names who will be going on the tour.
  • We suggest you bring the following: bathing suit, comfortable shoes, towels, sun protection (sunglasses, a hat, sun screen) and camera
  • Reservations are NON-REFUNDABLE once booked.

Cancellation policy

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

Questions about this experience

How long is this experience?
The supplier lists a duration of 10 hr.
Which guide languages are listed?
English (live guide).
What ticket format is listed?
Mobile ticket.
What ticket age bands are listed?
Child tickets: age 4–16; Adult tickets: age 17+; Senior tickets: age 62+. Check the practical details for participation requirements.
What accessibility information is provided?
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
What is the cancellation policy?
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

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