Dry Tortugas

Seventy miles off the west coast of Key West is the national park of the Dry Tortugas. You can get to the island one of two ways; by a large tourist boat or by seaplane. I recommend the Seaplanes of Key West trip without a doubt . . .this is our second time of taking the trip and with great advice we took the 2 pm flight, this is a TERRIFIC time to fly because you arrive just as the large tourist boat is packing up to return to Key West. This gets you on the island when no one else (with the exception of those who are camping there--but that number is very small) is there. It gives you a private tropical island with the most spectacular water views... The setting is just beautiful from every angle.

First of all the Seaplane trip is a fun ride--you take off from Key West Airport , fly reasonably low over beautiful water views, pass a couple of ship wrecks, and arrive at the Dry Torgugas landing on the water which is such a thrill for all.

You end up on the island about 2 hours. On the island you have a pristine beach for some very nice snorkeling--there are very close coral areas and very calm and clear waters, and then you can walk Fort Jefferson (the largest brick building in the western hemisphere. After the war of 1812 the United Sates of America began construction of a chain of coastal defense forts stretching from Maine to Texas. Construction of Fort Jefferson began in 1846. Construction continued for over 30 years but the Fort, which covers 11 of the key’s 16 acres, was never finished, the hugeness of the fort and the repeating patterns of brick make for excellent photos with the topical blue water background. Dr. Mudd’s cell is the primary point of attraction. Dr. Mudd is the physician who treated John Wilkes Booth (Lincoln’s assassin), who was imprisoned for his act of humanity, thus the saying " your name is Mud".

Without a doubt this is a really wonderful way to spend a day from Key West, the trip is a little costly--it was over 1400.00 for the eight of us, but I can say without a doubt it was worth every cent and I would gladly and willingly do it again’.

There are many ways to get there: fly, boats, ferries, etc. We took the trip aboard the Yankee Freedom. The price was $139 per adult and included entrance fees to the park. The fort is pretty cool, the water surrounding it is crystal clear and beautiful! Great snorkeling water! There are a few options for making the trip: day trips and overnight trips. The Yankee Freedom allowed us to leave at 8am and return by 5:30pm. A continental breakfast greets you. They serve a light lunch of sandwiches, chips, drinks, etc. They offer a tour of the park (40 minutes) and then provide snorkel gear to anyone who wants some. The hour trip that it takes to reach the park is comfortable in the cabin and decks.

The park was fun, the history of it was cool. There are also haunting tours of it if you want to experience it. The island has lots of shade, tables, benches, etc., so it is accommodating for everyone. It isn't overcrowded, although you'll want to claim your picnic spot early.

The kids loved the water and running free in the grass fields within the fort. Climbing to the upper level of the fort was not for them, but they loved the rustic feel of it all and the pretending of "holding down the fort" through the windows.

Beautiful... you arrive by ferry (or seaplane) from Key West and suddenly see this red-brick fort seemingly out in the middle of nowhere. There are frigate birds, gulls, sooty terns, and pelicans all around - and endless sights of brilliant blue water.

Shortly after you arrive (10 to 10:30am) there is a guided tour of the fort. The guide tells you the history - and WHY there is a fort in this particular out of the way place. One wonders to themselves what it must have been like when there were 2,000 people living on this little spit of land (Garden Key is SMALL - the fort takes up most of the land area).

After the tour there is a buffet lunch for ferry guests - seaplane guests have a packed lunch. Then, many folks go snorkeling to see an array of coral and multicolored fish literally using every color in those 64 crayon packs, I think... Those who prefer to stay dry often walk around the moat, as by looking down from it, one can also see some coral and fish - many times starfish and other such creatures as well.

Later in the afternoon there is sometimes an additional tour - ours was up into the Harbor Lighthouse. There is a small gift shop for postcards, books, and other small souvenirs. Then, for daytrippers, it's time to leave (about 2:30pm). For those who are more adventurous, check on camping there (see my camping entry in this journal).