KEY WEST

KEY WEST’S

CROWN JEWEL Dry Tortugas National Park offers visitors an adventure of a lifetime

By Gabriele Walkow

Key West Seaplane Adventures

Dry Tortugas National Park is a sparkling marine gem in the middle of the Gulf of Mexico and a must-see destination while visiting Key West. Home to turquoise blue waters, abundant sea life, tropical bird breeding grounds, colorful coral reefs and magnificent Fort Jefferson, this remote national park is like no other place on earth.

Located 70 miles west of Key West, this 100-square mile park of mostly open water also protects seven breathtaking islands, offering one of the world’s most unique eco-attractions.

In addition to its renowned marine landscape, Dry Tortugas National Park is home to the massive 19th century Fort Jefferson, where guests can step back in time and savor the legends of pirates, shipwrecks and sunken treasure. Visitors can download a self-guided tour of Fort Jefferson to print out or view on cellphones or tablets.

Dry Tortugas National Park offers some of the best snorkeling in North America. Snorkeling in only four to seven feet of pristine water on the

Prepare for a breathtaking journey with Key West Seaplane Adventures

The Yankee Freedom is the official Dry Tortugas National Park Ferry

Photo of Seaplane Adventures and island aerial courtesy of Key West Seaplane Adventures; The Yankee Freedom and Fort Jefferson by Dan Walkow

shores of a brilliant white sand beach, everyone from beginner to expert can enjoy an abundance of colorful tropical fish and living coral.

To preserve its sheer unspoiled beauty, Dry Tortugas National Park is only accessible by boat or seaplane. The official Dry Tortugas National Park Ferry is The Yankee Freedom, a spacious highspeed catamaran with an air-conditioned cabin and an expansive deck for sunning or spotting marine life such as turtles and dolphins in their natural habitat.

Leaving promptly at 8 a.m., The Yankee Freedom includes breakfast, lunch, snorkel gear and a 45–minute narrated tour of historic Fort Jefferson. Additionally, the vessel docks for the day at the fort so passengers can come back to cool off, eat lunch and relax if they so choose.

Step back in time at Fort Jefferson, Dry Tortugas National Park

Key West Seaplane Adventures, offering scenic half day and full day excursions, is the only seaplane service permitted in Dry Tortugas National Park. Departing in the morning and afternoon, travel time is approximately 40 minutes each way. Complimentary snorkel equipment is supplied, or passengers can bring their own gear. Prepare for a breathtaking journey!

Due to extreme popularity, reserving both The Yankee Freedom (drytortugas.com) and Key West Seaplane Adventures (keywestseaplanecharters.com) well in advance is advised.

For more information on planning your unforgettable Dry Tortugas National Park experience, visit nps.gov/drto/index.htm.