West of Key West, the snorkeling at Dry Tortugas is popular with tourists coming from Key West by ferry and seaplane. With the winds coming out of the southeast, we decided to try snorkeling Little Africa since it is on the northwest side of Loggerhead Key and would possibly be protected from the winds and seas. This amazing structure is made up of layers of calcium carbonate secreted by coral polyps throughout thousands of years and is the home of hundreds of tropical fish and marine life. The reason Dry Tortugas snorkeling is so ideal is because the islands themselves are part of the coral reef that surrounds Key West and the islands in this area of the sea. One of the park’s unique aspects is the moat wall built around massive Fort Jefferson, famed as the largest masonry structure in the Western Hemisphere. The shallow waters (5-15 feet) make snorkeling at the Dry Tortugas fun for everyone. Dry Tortugas National Park offers some of the best snorkeling in North America. Getting tickets for a Dry Tortugas day trip can be tricky, as reservations are usually made well in advance. Pick up a mask and snorkel at the small shed on the boat dock. Download map of Dry Tortugas Island and snorkel areas. See more ideas about dry tortugas, dry tortugas national park, florida travel. Today’s snorkelers are cautioned to “look but not touch.”. Snorkeling Fort Jefferson, Dry Tortugas National Park - YouTube This is a short compilation video of our snorkeling adventure around Fort Jefferson at Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida Keys. It is important for snorkelers not to touch the corals, as damaging the delicate polyps can make corals susceptible to bleaching and disease. At YKnot Charters, we aim to create enjoyable memories while you explore the marvels of marine life. In fact, our prices are up to 56% Cheaper*, Key West Snorkeling Tours is the #1 Snorkeling Tour and Activity Concierge in Key West. For reservations book online or contact us at (866) 576-9151 for more information. If you came on the Yankee Freedom Ferry, the use of snorkeling gear is included in the fare. The beach was sandy once you got in … Permitted Tour Guides at Dry Tortugas National Park Another option to the daily ferry and seaplane tours is to select one of many tour operators who hold permits with Dry Tortugas National Park to provide services for visitors. As you can see from the many photos here on National Park Planner’s Dry Tortugas review, the water is about as phenomenal a color as you are ever going to see. Yankee Freedom III Dry tortugas national park ferry, Download map of Dry Tortugas Island and snorkel areas. In the shallower waters and near the shore you can also find patches of healthy coral reefs, which are havens for marine life and snorkelers of all levels alike. Here you will also find the South Coaling Dock Ruins, which contain the metal pilings of old coaling docks for experienced snorkelers to explore. There are two options for doing the Dry Tortugas seaplane: half day or full day trip. *Current prices are 30% cheaper than cruise lines! Snorkeling is in only four to seven feet of water, straight off a brilliant white sand beach. So massive that you can’t even swim over the top of them, these coral heads are home to both stony and soft corals, as well as an eye-popping variety of reef fish including angel fish, triggerfish and parrot fish. Our veteran captain and friendly crew will take you on a day trip to one of the most unique and spectacular national parks in the United States: The Dry Tortugas National Park and Fort Jefferson. The half day trip is about 4 hours, with two and a half hours at the park. The park’s remote location, coupled by the easterly flowing gulf current that passes south of the park, creates the perfect habitat for an abundance of marine life. See more ideas about dry tortugas, dry tortugas national park, national parks. Shipwrecks are just as … Florida’s Dry Tortugas National Park spans 100 square miles (25,900 hectares) of open water, protected coral reefs, and seven small islands in the Gulf of Mexico only accessible only by boat or air. Review of: Dry Tortugas National Park Day Trip by Catamaran from Key West Beautiful island and great crew on the Yankee Freedom. Located just in front of the boat pier lies historic Fort Jefferson and the island’s white sandy beaches. Among the park’s wrecks, the remains of the Avanti, commonly referred to as Windjammer Wreck, is one of the most popular and accessible snorkeling sites. Yankee Freedom III, LLC is authorized by the National Park Service and the Department of the Interior to serve the public at Dry Tortugas National Park. Whether beginner or expert, you can enjoy an abundance of colorful tropical fish and living coral among the waters. Jan 4, 2021 - Explore Mary Lane's board "dry tortugas" on Pinterest. Dry Tortugas National Park and Fort Jefferson Ferry Service. DRY TORTUGAS – If you can swim – okay, if you can float – then you can snorkel and the best snorkeling in North America is at Dry Tortugas National Park, nearly 70 miles west of Key West. Mar 3, 2017 - Explore Denise Proctor's board "Dry tortugas" on Pinterest. If you’re planning a day trip to the Dry Tortugas, the best place to start your journey is at Key West. Its shallow waters have spectacular views and are perfect for beginners and experts. Privacy PolicyThis website meets WCAG 2.0/2.1 AA standards set by the ADA. Cultural artifacts visible underwater include massive anchor chains and cement barrels. The trip to the Dry Tortugas was enjoyable and the cite, itself, was fascinating for anyone that is a history buff, but if you're going there for the snorkeling there are a few things to think about. Directly accessible from the brilliant white sand beach are the Fort Jefferson snorkeling areas. One of the most popular snorkel areas is located approximately 75 yards from the western edge of the moat wall and is a great place to start your snorkel adventure! It can cause painful, stinging, burning sensations, and if you're allergic to it, may result in nasty wounds. If you love Key West snorkeling, then Dry Tortugas National Park offers some of the best snorkeling and skin diving in North America, just 70 miles from Key West and the Florida Keys. To reach the pilings, you need to swim out from the beach and around large rocks. Photograph bird migration from exotic distant locations. Dry Tortugas Charters supply you with mask, snorkel, and fins, you’ll enter a beautiful underwater world—a unique ecosystem of aquatic plants and the marine creatures that depend on them. Many of the smaller isles often disappear and become … Located in the westernmost section of the Florida Keys, the Dry Tortugas islands include Loggerhead Key, Garden Key, Long Key and Bush Key. If you can swim—ok, if you can float—then you can snorkel! For your safety, you should always use the “buddy system” and swim with a friend, never alone! The full day gives you about 6 and a half hours snorkeling and exploring the National Park. If you need to stand when you are out in the water, stand in the sand so that you don’t harm reefs or seagrass. And the best snorkeling in North America is at Dry Tortugas National Park right near Key West. The shallow waters (5-15 feet) make snorkeling at the Dry Tortugas fun for everyone. One of the most popular Key West snorkeling tours, a thrilling expedition to Dry Tortugas National Park offers astonishing coral reefs, brilliant marine life and intriguing wrecks. We use cookies to give you the best experience. Yankee Freedom III Dry Tortugas Ferry Take the official Dry Tortugas National Park Ferry, the Yankee Freedom, to visit Fort Jefferson in Dry Tortugas National park. Directly accessible from the brilliant white sand beach are the … Upon arrival at Fort Jefferson, the friendly crew of the Yankee Freedom III will provide you with a snorkel, fins and mask for exploring the nearby reefs. The park’s corals and seagrass communities are among the most vibrant in the Florida Keys. View our ADA Accessibility Policy. Overnight Diving Charters To Dry Tortugas Leave the city stress behind you and bring your family and friends to enjoy a thrilling experience with overnight diving to Dry Tortugas. Follow history in the ultimate Civil War era Fort. My husband and I are big National Park people, and one of the more remote parks is the Dry Tortugas, about a two and a half hour boat trip from this southernmost U.S. city. However, visiting the park's main island, Garden Key, can be easily accomplished with some simple advance planning. First, the water where you snorkel can be very choppy and it's not a gradual decline from knee deep water to over-your-head. The Yankee Freedom Ferry is the most popular option. Bordered by the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, the islands of the aptly named Tortugas are the driest places in Florida. Complimentary fins, mask and snorkel are provided. Download Map. There are a variety of tour operators providing trips for fishing, diving, snorkeling, and wildlife viewing. This area contains beautiful large coral heads, tropical fish, sea grass and various marine life that call the Dry Tortugas home. Can you scuba dive without being certified? The Dry Tortugas also has a considerable amount of fire coral in the area. By using our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Please do not disturb the coral reefs you explore; it is important to remember that all coral (live and dead), shipwrecks and historic artifacts are protected by law. The reef stretches from the Dry Tortugas in the Gulf of Mexico all the way to Miami in the Atlantic Ocean. 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. Where to snorkel at Dry Tortugas National Park There are two primary snorkeling areas at Dry Tortugas, both of which will be noted on your campground map. Includes info on how to get to Dry Tortugas, the best snorkeling spots, and what to take for your day trip or camping adventure! To your left are the picnic grounds and campgrounds, and just a short walk away are the island’s many designated snorkel areas. Explore the coral formations in this underwater wonderland. Sunny Days Catamarans: Snorkeling trip - awesome; Dry Tortugas - don't waste a day - See 123 traveller reviews, 60 candid photos, and great deals for Key West, FL, at Tripadvisor. The park’s most well-preserved coral heads are situated at the edge of Garden Key’s swim area, near Fort Jefferson. Snorkeling the Key West Living Coral Reefs, A Day of Snorkeling and Sailing in Key West. It's a sharp decline. Article by Trips 'n Toys. To prove it we are matching all online pricing on the tours we offer. One is by the dock ruins on North Beach, and the others is by the dock ruins (and moat wall) on South Beach. Sandy beaches that weather can affect snorkeling conditions only four to seven feet of water, straight a. And seagrass communities are among the waters and islands of the aptly named Tortugas are dry tortugas snorkeling trips... Tortugas is famous for its blue waters, wildlife, and you can enjoy an abundance colorful... 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