I'm headed to the Keys next month and the Tortugas has been a bucket list item for quite some time however recent searches don't find much to say about it other than what is written on websites by companies that profit from divers (and snorkelers) going there so I take that with a healthy dose of skepticism. We typically arrive to Garden Key over an hour before the National Park Ferry. Looking For Something Florida Keys Related? More experienced divers can explore deeper waters and visit the Dry Tortugas shipwrecks. Leave the city stress behind you and bring your family and friends to enjoy a thrilling experience with overnight diving to Dry Tortugas. Because the mound protrudes from a much lower reef, it is a magnet for marine life. I'm trying to get a sense of where the Dry Tortugas 'fit' compared to other destination options for the recreational diver. The fishermen among you will find the 70-mile trip an excellent trolling opportunity. Whether you choose to dive all day, or decide to spend some of the day learning about the history of Fort Jefferson, we're sure you will find this trip an unforgettable adventure. Designated a national park in 1935, the seven islands that make up the Dry Tortugas are a protected area for marine life and habitats. Shipwrecks and all historic artifacts are also protected by law. All coral, reef fish, and cultural artifacts are protected. It is safe enough for kids who are comfortable in the water and exciting enough to stimulate the kid in the most jaded adult. Consult the map to see how to locate those points since the ship is broken in half and you may become a bit confused without the guide. Obviously, the more you dive, the better for your body and mind. Custom catering is available, including food, wine, beer and soft drinks. It is an unforgettable experience that you will cherish for a lifetime. The most popular dive in the park is the wreck known as the Windjammer. Hotels and resorts are independently owned and operated. Lunch is provided as well as snacks. Plan your trip to Dry Tortugas, including transportation, eating and sleeping, and safety. From here swim along the moat wall to a point about halfway around the fort and then come back the same way. Because the foundation of the Dry Tortugas islands and park is ancient coral reefs topped by a shallow basin stacked with another layer of living coral reefs, the area is positively teeming with marine animals just below the waters surface. A Guide to Choose Your Perfect Boat Miami, A Perfect Birthday Yacht Party in the Middle of the Sea. And as we all know, where people dont go, animals come in droves. One of the most popular shipwreck dives in the park is the Windjammer. Fill out the form and we will get back to you within 24-48 hours. This is a terrific trip for underwater videos, underwater photography, sea-kayaking, bottom fishing or bird watching. These critters usually hang out on the sea fans and look like a mass of thin starfish legs that are suffering from total confusion. Dry Tortugas National Park prices are available by booking online. The diving is far superior than anything else in the keys. Fort Jefferson, one of the nations largest nineteenth-century forts, sits on Garden Key. Find services that allow you to snorkel the only living coral reef in the continental United States! Islamorada | Hop on the ferry that departs from Key West, take your own boat, or take the ultimate transport with a the best view (seaplane) no matter how you get there, youll return sun-kissed, a bit salt-encrusted, and with plenty of memories. Its real name was Avanti. Flexible times. The site is a veritable aquarium of reef-dwelling, free swimming, and benthic (bottom) life. Just in time for Happy Hour at the restaurant near our shop. Just remember to organize an underwater camera (highly recommended). In fact, this area is used as a coral growth monitoring station for ongoing research. If you want to scuba dive Dry Tortugas and experience a truly unique adventure, this place is a hidden gem. The diving is far superior than anything else in the keys. The fish are much more docile at night and can be approached much closer than during the day. This website uses cookies and similar technologies. Call us today to reserve a spot on our private tour. The reef is rather isolated and is surrounded by sand. You can also expect to see a variety of smaller fish and colorful coral living on and around these pilings. Enjoy a custom private charter & explore the beautiful water. Opal Collection is a marketing company. Benefits of overnight diving to Dry Tortugas. Traveling to the Dry Tortugas by sailing catamaran is an experience in itself. Key West. There are no other boats running out there because we all had other things to do with our boats. To scuba dive Dry Tortugas and/or do some snorkeling is a one-of-a-kind experience that should not be missed. What's keeping the Dry Tortugas out of the lime light? In order to protect Fort Jefferson from an amphibious assault, and to add protection from the rough waters of the Gulf of Mexico, a wall was built around the fort creating a moat in between the fort and the moat wall. Call now! Be sure to stop by the Garden Key Visitor Center for the latest information on tours and transport. Joining is quick and easy. One of the best activities is to scuba dive Dry Tortugas. Dry Tortugas National Park is situated at the southwest corner of the Florida Keys reef system, the third largest in the world. Outfitted with Snorkel or Dive equipment we depart on our 2 hour boat ride. 1. So taken by the abundance of sea turtles living here, the explorer named the islandsLas Tortugas, The Turtles. Finz Dry Tortugas charters are always private and can accommodate up to 6 guests on our boats. The diving out here is not for the timid or the novice diver. It also makes them a snorkelers paradise. Charter Type Charter TypeDeep Sea Fishing CharterFlats Fishing CharterPrivate Custom CharterSailing CharterLarge Group CharterOvernight CharterSunset CharterBoat RentalDry Tortugas CharterCuba CharterJet Ski CharterSpear Fishing CharterSnorkelingScuba DivingGlass Bottom BoatDolphin WatchingCorporate Boat PartyWedding CharterOther. Species like the frigate bird and sooty terns nest nowhere in the continental United States other than the Dry Tortugas. Garden Key is the second largest island in the Dry Tortugas, about 14 acres in size, and has had the most human impact. Theres a small piece of the wreckage that breaks the surface, but the most interesting marine life hangs out 20 feet down. Enjoy snorkeling, bird watching, pristine beaches, and tours of Fort Jefferson. You should not fear an attack from the marine wildlife, but you need to keep a lookout to make sure YOU don't bump into them. Visitors from the world over journey here to explore the amazing ecosystem of coral reefs, mangrove islands, and calcified outcroppings. If you want to scuba dive Dry Tortugas and have fun, just be sure to also be safe! Key West snorkel trips, SCUBA and diving info is at your finger-tips on FloridaKeys.com. Would you prefer to share this page with others by linking to it? Schools of brightly colored tropical fish, sea turtles, rays, starfish, and conch cohabitate in perfect harmony. Finz Dry Tortugas charters are always private and can accommodate up to 6 guests on our boats. Fortunately, it is a working museum. Tourists from all over the world visit Dry Tortugas to enjoy a variety of experiences. With the wind as your engine, the big cats are a surprising combination of speed, space, and comfort. . Could an Aggressor level boat{$2.5k} to the Dry Tortugas be profitable? They will then dart off and run straight into a coral head or the moat wall. The fish population here is also impressive, with over a dozen species to catch, including blackfin tuna, grouper, wahoo, mahi-mahi and sailfish. So what are some of the things to do at Dry Tortugas national park? Stop missing out on all the fun! Limited availability, reserve your trip today! To enjoy these activities at a relaxed pace, we take only small groups of 6 to 11 passengers. A special permit is required by the department of the interior and available through the National Park Service. The Dry Tortugas is also home to green and loggerhead turtles, who nest on the sandy beaches of the parks islands. Floridas best places to get your birding. You can scuba dive with no certification, but it is dangerous to dive alone or if you are not prepared. Dry Tortugas has great historical value and offers wonderful activities. At YKnot Charters, we aim to create enjoyable memories while you explore the marvels of marine life. FloridaKeys.com. Just make sure to stay fit, and we, at YKnot Charters, will wait for your next trip. Seaport 201 William St - Hurricane Hole, DRY TORTUGAS NATIONAL PARK AND FORT JEFFERSON FERRY. (Dry was added later when it was discovered the islands had no fresh-water springs). Be sure to ask about local conditions and the best Dry Tortugas dive sites. The Lower Keys | Despite its comfy climate, there is a tropical storm season that lasts from June to November. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. The national park is a sanctuary for birds and marine life. If you are new to night diving, we offer two bits of advice. Small-Town Charm with a City Feel Described as Mayberry by day, Manhattan by night (but. Three miles west of Fort Jefferson youll find Loggerhead Key, home of the Dry Tortugas lighthouse. Juvenile barracuda, lobsters, corals heads, soft corals, and tropical fish are usually visible. US residents dont even need to travel overseas to enjoy such a beautiful, tropical paradise. Sharks, live corals, lobsters, squid, octopus, reef fish, and grouper are common sights. Your round-trip ferry visit will be a full-day event, so remember to pack accordingly: sunscreen, bathing suit, sun hat, etc. Your email address will not be published. We know that diving is addictive, especially overnight diving to Dry Tortugas. I agree that the information in this form will be shared with representatives of the property and that the property may contact me about this RFP request. Cook your catch on our grill! Its the perfect destination to enjoy a tropical family vacation. Gay Key West FL | Remote and isolated, the islands are almost entirely undeveloped by man and a haven for wildlife. Our Dry Tortugas National Park trip equally lends itself to both scuba diving and snorkeling. It is possible for us to match you up with a dive shop or private group, If your unable to charter the whole boat for your own group, with advanced notice. Besides scuba dive Dry Tortugas, there are other fun activities you can enjoy in this tropical paradise. Key West Paradise | Before diving this site, be sure to pick up a laminated underwater map at the visitor center. How to Sail in The Perfect Yacht in the Bahamas? In order to maintain natures fragile balance, snorkelers are not allowed to touch the living coral. The structure serves as an artificial reef attracting a host of fish ranging from 200-pound jewfish to small tropical. To be able to scuba dive Dry Tortugas you will need some scuba equipment. Used by the Union army during the civil war, Fort Jefferson acted as both a coastal defense fortification and a prison. And please remember to use reef-friendly sunscreen. Depths on this site range from zero feet, where a small piece of wreckage actually breaks the surface, to 20 feet. Joining has its benefits and enables you to participate in the discussions. Here the reef consists of scattered very shallow coral heads. Is this RFP being sent on behalf of a client as a professional planner? A Free photo gallery to share your dive photos with the world. We took a private charter and spent the day exporing these beautiful islands. The Valbanera is one of the more mysterious ship accidents as the passengers are still missing, perhaps diving in Key West you'll find the answer. Many sportfishing boats are as well-appointed as large power yachts, with air-conditioned salons, state-of-the-art entertainment systems, and fully-stocked fridges and bars. Copy and paste it, adding a note of your own, into your blog, a Web page, forums, a blog comment, your Facebook account, or anywhere that someone would find this page valuable. Fahrenheit temperatures range from the low 50s to mid 80s, providing a comfortable year-round climate. The Dry Tortugas National Park is carefully managed to ensure that resources are protected. Just mention Dry Tortugas National Park / Dry Tortugas ferry prices. The shallow waters around Garden Key and Loggerhead Key are perfect for those that are both beginner or advanced snorkelers. Full of marine life and one spectacular fort, the Dry Tortugas is one of the least visited national parks in the USbut a truly worthy day trip from Key West. There are limitless possibilities with Key West snorkel trips, SCUBA and diving. Finz has one of the few permits to be able to legally dive inside the National Park, and will safely take you and your dive buddies to dive sites you could never forget. The wreck has the greatest relief from the bottom and the most marine life at the very bow and the very stern of the wreckage. Named for its abundance of loggerhead sea turtles, Loggerhead Key has long been a haven for wildlife. With Finz you can explore more! Ranger-led tours are regularly available, however you may have to book ahead. Key Largo | There are two ways to visit the park, so let us look at transportation to Dry Tortugas. Be very careful of the currents out here, as they are strong and variable in direction. This map will provide you with a self-guided tour of the wreck and allow you to make sense of what you are seeing. The ferry is big, comfortable and relatively fast. Be sure to visit an information center and obtain a Dry Tortugas national park map. Visitors can expect to see anything from reef squid, cement barrels, nurse sharks, anchor chains, and hogfish. Your world has shrunk and you need to bring your focus into a smaller field of vision. Its timeline of local A-listers ranges from Georgia OKeeffe to Rachael Ray. Charter Type Charter TypeDry Tortugas CharterDeep Sea Fishing CharterFlats Fishing CharterPrivate Custom CharterSailing CharterLarge Group CharterOvernight CharterSunset CharterBoat RentalLuxury Yacht CharterCuba CharterJet Ski CharterSpearfishing CharterSnorkelingScuba DivingGlass Bottom BoatDolphin WatchingLobstering CharterCorporate Boat PartyWedding CharterFilm Production CharterOther, Charter Type Charter TypeDry Tortugas CharterDeep Sea Fishing CharterFlats Fishing CharterPrivate Custom CharterSailing CharterLarge Group CharterOvernight CharterLuxury Yacht CharterSunset CharterLobstering CharterBoat RentalCuba CharterJet Ski CharterSpear Fishing CharterSnorkelingScuba DivingGlass Bottom BoatDolphin WatchingCorporate Boat PartyWedding CharterFilm Production CharterOther.