Dry Tortugas National Park Day Trip by Catamaran from Key West

Once again, we visited the park. The ferry ride went smoothly. The weather was so-so, but we could lie in the sun and swim during the three tours; in Key West, it was flooded because it was underwater.

I will get to the point then explain in detail. Avoid the Yankee Freedom ferry ride to Dry Tortugas and the park itself if you value your safety and peace of mind. Snorkel in your bathtub. We were beyond excited for this trip. We did our research and couldn't find a bad review anywhere. The coral in the water around the park is dead and has been for many years. It is bleached and non existent. There are almost no fish. The current is impossible to swim against, I am a swimmer and swim year round multiple times a week. There was a small area in the water you could swim in. Swimming anywhere near the fort walls meant being pulled and pushed dangerously into the walls. Walking on the beach was painful in sandals, its not "sand," rather pieces of broken shells and other sharp objects. The fort is in absolute disrepair. The Yankee Freedom ferry ride with 6 to 10 foot swells should have been canceled the day we went. A lady at our hotel had scheduled a trip on the same day as ours, with a private boat, the captain canceled their trip 2 days before due to intense currents, stating it was "too dangerous." My friend asked the staff at what point would they also cancel a trip out to Dry Tortugas, they replied "we never cancel." A small plane had crashed in the water, just off the shore the morning of our arrival. The ride back to Key West was AWFUL. It started 5 mins into our journey back and lasted 2 straight hours. Everyone was either screaming, vomiting or being thrown up and out of their seats. There are NO SEATBELTS. My fitbit said I was engage in "Intense excerise" for 40 mins during the ride back. I am very active and strong, yet I was desperately trying to hold on to the table and the lady next to me who was in massive distress, her boyfriend unable to help her as he himself (young, fit and strong) vomited violently for over 2 hours. If you have a baby, toddler or young child, DO NOT bring them, they will go flying. While the staff on the ferry was nice and did their best to provide vomit bags, they also made sure to continue serving alcohol during the hellish trip back. It was definitely disappointing to not be able to swim or see anything while snorkeling, and incredibly sad to know that making money out weighed the safety of the passengers. We paid $250 per person to experience fear, sickness and the thought we might not make it back. I have taken ferries to other destinations many times in the past and while the water conditions can be choppy or difficult, nothing could of prevented me for this.

Great day and great National Park. Unique of the 63 as this is a structure worth exploring. Truly out in the middle of nowhere. Boat ride was smooth - perhaps we go luck weather wise. Snorkeling wise, it is just okay...but we are fortunate in that we've been to some top of line snorkeling spots so maybe that's why?? The staff and crew on the ship were great, there was an informative ranger talk we did that lasted about 20-25 minutes that gave great history for the fort. Not sure if this is place worthy of a revisit, but definitely a bucket list kind of place.

Long ride there and back fine if you don’t mind boat rides. Such an amazing park, water was great people great.

Boat left on time, 2.5 hr ride - if they suggest Dramamine and you aren’t sure—take it! It can be a rough ride. Guided tour by Dora was great. Crew was super friendly. Food was good. Highly recommend. I’d do it again in better conditions because the snorkeling wasn’t that great as the water wasn’t clear due to the storms.

The boat ride is approx 2.5 hours each way, but the crew makes it soo fun you hardly notice!! The crew was amazing!!

Really enjoyed this day trip to Garden Key. 2+ hour ferry trip to and from, and the boat runs about 30 mph, so the ride can get a little rough. If you get seasick, you’ll need to prepare. Staff were super friendly, attentive, and informative. Breakfast and lunch were included, and good. Food and beverages were also available for purchase and reasonably priced. Fort Jefferson is amazing, but requires a lot of walking on gravel and unpaved ground, as well as some narrow railless stairways (if you want to reach the upper levels of the fort), All in all a fun and interesting experience!

Take the ferry out to see this amazing Fort Jefferson built so many years ago. The structure and architecture are incredible for the time. Being able to walk in and around the fort is breathtaking. The staff on Yankee Freedom III were very pleasant and the history of the tour made it even more special. Breakfast and lunch were provided with your ticket. Breakfast is simple but filling with bagels, cereals and fruit. Lunch is a good size sandwich with chips or pretzels, cookies or vegetables and a drink. Your trip back in they offer concessions and beverages. They answer any questions you might have or suggestions on other areas to see. You will not be disappointed

High prices for beverages. Not enough breakfast items for everyone on the excursion. I felt like it was a lot of work. Due to the price we expected more.

I’ll start with the only bummer because the crew already knows it and it can’t be changed. The amount of time you can spend on the island is actually less than the amount of travel time by boat. With that out of the way, it was absolutely worth doing. The crew was great, especially Hollywood. He so clearly loves this place and his job and works to keep up the excitement for the whole trip. You are served breakfast and lunch as part of your ticket price but can certainly purchase more snacks and drinks. I recommend going to their website to read about the trip but they also have a very helpful packing list. It rained a little while we were there making the water a little murky for snorkeling but we were able to see a few fish. There is something for everyone. History buffs can do an extended tour of the fort. You can snorkel or you can just lay on the beach and swim in the gorgeous water.