What to do with a Single Day on Dry Tortugas

Dry Tortugas is an incredible National Park off the southern tip of Florida. This park is tiny and difficult to reach but has both incredible wildlife and an amazing history. The fort on Dry Tortugas is truly a massive undertaking and a strategic position for the United States throughout history.

Since most people visit Dry Tortugas for the day from Key West on the Ferry, you will have a a set amount of time on the island. Below you can see some of the best things to do with a Single Day on Dry Tortugas

Planning a Trip? Get my Complete Guide to Dry Tortugas.

A Quick Overview of Spending a Single Day on Dry Tortugas

If you are arriving on the ferry you will have about 4 hours on the island (see details below about the ferry ride, etc). The ferry arrives after 10 am. You will arrive on the island and can disembark and pick up your snorkeling gear from the ferry company. There are generally two things that are scheduled during this time: a tour of the fort and lunch).

The ferry provides a guided tour on the island. You can do either the initial talk (highly recommended) or do the full talk and the tour. This is great but the full tour will take up a lot of your time.

Lunch is also available through the ferry and you will need to pick it up between certain hours. You can take your lunch onto the island for a picnic. The ferry company will also tell you what time you will need to return to the ferry to head back to Key West.

You will have the remainder of the time on the island – but you don’t really need to plan specifically what you will do. Some of the things to do depend on the wind and weather or your preference.

Things to do on Dry Tortugas

Here are the best things to do on Dry Tortugas.

Explore Fort Jefferson
Walk through the historic 19th-century fort and learn about its Civil War-era history and strategic role in the Gulf of Mexico. The fort has a self guided tour or you can simple walk around. I highly recommend listing to the intro talk about the fort from the ferry company.

Snorkeling in Crystal-Clear Waters
Discover vibrant coral reefs, tropical fish, and even shipwreck remnants in the shallow waters surrounding the island. The ferry company will suggest where to snorkel based on the wind conditions.

Tour the Moat Wall
Walk the moat that surrounds Fort Jefferson for panoramic views of the ocean and a unique vantage point of the fort itself. Some of the moat is currently ruined from storms so you may not be able to walk the full moat.

Swim at the Beaches
Relax or swim on pristine white sand beaches like South Beach and North Beach with calm, turquoise waters. The water is beautiful!

Bird Watching
The park is a bird sanctuary, especially during spring migration. Look for sooty terns, brown noddies, and magnificent frigatebirds. Thereare SO MANY birds on the island and many avid birders come to simply watch the birds.

Kayaking and Paddleboarding (With Permit)
Bring your own kayak or paddleboard and explore the waters around Garden Key, Bush Key (seasonally closed for nesting), and Long Key.

Camping on Garden Key
Stay overnight under the stars, camping is primitive and first-come, first-served, but the views and solitude are unforgettable. If you have more than 1 day this is a great option.

Photography
Capture stunning photos of the fort, tropical waters, marine life, and sunrise/sunset over the Gulf.

Learn from Ranger Programs
Join a National Park Service ranger tour to dive deeper into the history, ecology, and wildlife of Dry Tortugas.

Star Gazing
With almost no light pollution, Dry Tortugas offers incredible opportunities for night sky photography and stargazing. You will obviously need to stay overnight to enjoy this part of the experience.

Visitor Center Inside Fort Jefferson
Learn about the park’s unique history and wildlife. Interpretive displays and ranger talks provide context that enhances your visit. This center in small but worth visiting.

Things to Know about Dry Tortugas

Dry Tortugas National Park is located about 70 miles west of Key West. The only way to get there is by ferry (Yankee Freedom), private boat, or seaplane. Plan ahead: spots fill up quickly, especially in high season. Below are some more details about visiting the park.

There Are No Services or Shops
There are no food vendors, fuel stations, or stores on the island. If you’re visiting for the day, the ferry includes a meal and drinks. If you’re camping or coming by private boat, you must bring everything you need: food, water, and gear.

Cell Service Is Limited or Nonexistent
Don’t count on having cell reception once you leave Key West. Download offline maps and any needed documents beforehand. We did not have service when we were on the island.

4. Primitive Camping Is Available
Garden Key offers first-come, first-served camping. It’s primitive: no showers, running water, or electricity. You must bring all supplies, including fresh water and trash bags (pack it in, pack it out!). Learn more about camping.

5. Weather Can Change Quickly
The weather in the Gulf of Mexico can be unpredictable. Always check the forecast before heading out, especially if traveling by private boat. Ferry and seaplane trips may be canceled for rough conditions.

7. Limited Access to Some Areas
Bush Key is often closed during bird nesting season (typically February–September). Loggerhead Key is not accessible by ferry but can be reached by kayak or private boat with permission.

9. Protect the Park’s Fragile Ecosystem
Don’t touch coral or disturb wildlife. Leave everything as you found it. Fishing is only allowed in designated areas and requires a Florida saltwater fishing license.

10. Plan Ahead and Book Early
Due to its remote location and limited transportation options, Dry Tortugas visits require planning. Ferry reservations often book out weeks or months in advance, especially in peak season.

What to Know about the Dry Tortugas Ferry

The best way to get to Dry Tortugas is to take the ferry from Key West. The ferry takes about 2.5 hours and you should plan to book it several months in advance. The ferry is comfortable, but does move a lot in the seas. If you are prone to sea sickness, you may want to be prepared – especially during the winter months.

You are able to sit inside on the top deck or stand on the bow or stern. You can purchase food onboard and the ferry company provides lunch and the ferry provide snorkel gear.