Start Planning! 

You’re about to go on an epic adventure with the Dry Tortugas National Park Tour! Here’s what you need to know before you go. 

• This tour does not include a ticket or reservation for the Yankee Freedom Ferry to Dry Tortugas. Tickets for the Yankee Freedom Ferry must be purchased on its website. 
• Tour takes 3–4 hours with 19 audio tracks, split between ferry and walking tour.
• Access is only by Yankee Freedom Ferry or private seaplane from Key West.
• The best time to visit is from November to April for cooler weather and calm seas.
• Summer offers warmer waters and great snorkeling visibility but brings heat, storms, and hurricanes.
• Bring reef-safe sunscreen, swimwear, a towel, a hat, water, cash, and comfortable walking shoes.
• Snorkeling gear and food are provided on the ferry, but there are no shops on the island.
• Advanced ferry reservations are required; spots sell out months ahead, especially in peak season.
• Watch for jellyfish, stingrays, sharp coral, and sudden weather changes when swimming or snorkeling.
• Be careful around Fort Jefferson’s crumbling walls—stay in marked areas and wear sturdy shoes.
• Tickets for the Yankee Freedom Ferry must be purchased directly at drytortugas.com, as Shaka Guide’s Dry Tortugas Audio Tour does not include ferry reservations.

Budgeting and Hours of Operation 

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Budget

How much you spend truly depends on what you do along the tour route, but here are some costs:

• Yankee Freedom Ferry: Varies; from $200 per ticket: reservations needed far in advance. Seating is limited
• Camping at Dry Tortugas is available, but reservations must be made in advance

Hours of Operation 

The tour stops have seasonal hours of operation. The site’s facilities and restaurants also have varying hours of operation.

• Yankee Freedom Ferry: 
  • Daily: 7 AM to 5:30 PM
  • Boat boards at 7:30 AM
  • Arrives at DTNP at 10:30 AM
  • Leaves DTNP at 3 PM
  • Arrives at Key West at 5:30 PM
• Key West Ferry Terminal: 7 AM to 5:30 PM
• Bush Key: Seasonally; sunrise to sunset
• Moat Wall: Closed for repairs through 2026
• Visitor Center: Open daily, 8:30 AM-4:30 PM

Get Packing!

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​​Here’s our packing list for this tour. It may seem a little long, but remember, what you bring depends on the activities you choose to do for the day. 

• Phone charger, possibly a wireless charger (the GPS part of the app takes a lot of battery power)
• Clothing light enough to layer (shorts, sweats, jackets)
• Swimsuits and towels
• Hat, visor, or ball cap
• Sturdy sandals or comfortable, light shoes
• Reef-safe Sunscreen (year-round)
• Mosquito repellent (especially in the summer months)
• Earbuds or headphones
• Cash and credit cards (some South Florida businesses only take one or the other)

Best Time to Visit     

The best time to visit Dry Tortugas is from November to April because the weather stays cooler, drier, and less humid, with temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to mid-80s°F. 

From May to October, expect hotter temperatures, frequent afternoon thunderstorms, and a higher risk of hurricanes, but you’ll enjoy warm waters and excellent underwater visibility for snorkeling and diving.

Safety Information 

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Water Safety – Always wear a life jacket when boating or kayaking, check weather conditions before heading out, and watch for strong currents when swimming or snorkeling.

Fort Jefferson Safety – Stay in designated areas, wear sturdy shoes, and follow moat wall closures because Fort Jefferson is old and crumbling.

Weather Awareness – Watch for thunderstorms, especially in summer, wear sunscreen and a hat, and stay hydrated to handle South Florida’s rapidly changing weather.

Marine Life Caution – Watch out for jellyfish, stingrays, and sharp coral when swimming or wading, avoid touching marine animals, and follow responsible snorkeling and diving practices.

Park Regulations – Follow all park rules, avoid fishing, leave coral untouched, and respect wildlife to protect the fragile marine ecosystem.

Additional Need to Know Information

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The park does not provide running water, so it offers compost toilets in the camping areas and a restroom on the Yankee Freedom Ferry that patrons can use throughout the day. 

You must make reservations in advance to camp at Dry Tortugas.

Leave No Trace

While exploring, we encourage you to abide by the leave-no-trace principles. Embrace the outdoors responsibly with our commitment to preserving natural wonders. 

Respect wildlife habitats, minimize your footprint, and create memories, not waste. By following Leave No Trace principles, you contribute to the longevity and beauty of our planet's most stunning landscapes.

Take the Dry Tortugas National Park Audio Tour with Shaka Guide and explore at your own pace with stories, directions, and must-see stops along the way.

Still planning? Check out our Dry Tortugas Itinerary guide to prep for an epic day.

Need help? Email us anytime at aloha@shakaguide.com!

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