cgenster

Hi, I topped an old thread, but then was afraid if someone saw it was from 2008 they would not go to the last reply, so I started a new thread.

We have rented a house on Cudjoe key for a month with another couple. We have been to the keys many times, starting in the late 70s. We love Bahia Honda, Looe Key, the beach at Fort Zachary Taylor and the easy laid back feeling of the Keys.

One thing we have not done is a trip to the Dry Tortugas. We had one booked, but it was canceled because of the rough weather. We have looked into taking the seaplane, but are really annoyed at the price. $295. per person for 1/2 day, but $515.00 per person for a whole day. I don't understand the difference in price. It should be the same amount in fuel for a round trip whether you stay 2 1/2 hours or 6 hours.

Since there are four maybe five adults going, I think we could rent a boat for $1000.00 for a day and go there ourselves. Does anyone know if that is possible, or does the park service not allow private boats to dock there.

Any info would be appreciated. Thanks.

PaulRabe

www.nps.gov/drto/planyourvisit/drtoboatdock.htm

Note the time limit for use of a slip: TWO HOURS.

http://www.nps.gov/drto/planyourvisi...oringbuoys.htm

Tomsd

My college buddy and his girl friend (she lives in Key West) camped on the Dry Tortugas for two days and he said it was incredible - like nothing they had done before and they have traveled a lot of places.

spirobulldog

The reason the plane is so expensive for the longer trip, is because they are flying it 2 ways with your seat empty, when in fact they could have had it full. Thus the reason for doubling the price. Dry Tortugas has long been on my bucket list and when I do it, I plan on camping there a night or two. A floatplane in Alaska or other places is very similar in price. I don't find it overpriced at all.

Peter_krynicki

I looked into doing this once and got this reply ...

"It would be pretty weather dependent, but I'd say $1500 plus fuel. We could leave before daybreak and return before sunset."

This for a private boat, captain and crew. IMO if you want to go, do the Yankee Freedom. The downsides are two hours out and two back (this is actually a little less now that they are using a newer, faster boat) but also if you are not staying in Key West you have to get there by 7:30 a.m. for boarding.

Pjk

Fra_Diavolo

It's a long way -- seventy miles -- and most boats will be far slower than the ferry. They include lunch (and an air-conditioned refuge from the heat, if it's too much).

volcanogirl

Hi, c - I answered on your other thread, but will post here too since the thread was old and other people may be interested. We did the half day trip via the sea plane and loved it. They provided us with fins and a mask and a small cooler with cold drinks in it. The pilot narrated the trip the entire way through our headphones, and we saw shipwrecks, small islands, turtles, etc. No food or drink on the island, but there are porta potty type restrooms.

After the ferry left, we had the whole place to ourselves aside from a couple of people camping. The fort is really amazing, out in the middle of nowhere and composed of 16 million bricks. Spectacular views, and some interesting history. The snorkeling was good, but not great - we saw some big tarpon and small colorful fish like fairy basslets. I'd highly recommend a visit. We were able to do everything we wanted to, but didn't have a ton of time for snorkeling.

volcanogirl

And we saw the ferry while we were out there, and it looked pretty nice.

Peter_krynicki

Just another head's up. There are places to rent kayaks in Key West and the Yankee Freedom will take them on board. I've always thought it would be great to kayak around the fort and maybe a few more smaller keys. Bush Key for example.

Pjk

cgenster

Thanks for all the replies. One of our group is prone to sea sickness so we wanted to do the plane, but didn't know if 2 1/2 hours would be enough, so thanks for your input volcanogirl.

I also like the idea of taking our kayaks, we'll have our own. We'll digest all this info and decide what to do. I really do want to go, I just have to decide how much I'm willing to pay.

ashleyjade

DO IT! The fort itself is AH-MAZING. Not to mention to pristine beaches and clear water. Wear or bring a swim suit so you can check out the underwater life there. I've traveled around the Caribbean and Dry Tortugas is one of my favorite places.

flpab

The water is amazing there. Bring snorkeling gear. Just relax on the ferry, take bonine and keep your eyes on the horizon.

wintersp

flpab...translate for me please? "keep your eyes on the horizon" Why?

Fra_Diavolo

For pirate vessels . . . actually, it will help those susceptible to seasickness.

Peter_krynicki

FWIW both the Yankee Freedom III and the seaplane provide snorkeling gear. And there is a promo going on until the middle of Dec, 2014 ---> http://drytortugas.com/promo/3052947009.htm

Pjk

bmonster52

I'm fairly certain it doesn't, but not completely sure. I would head over to this site:

http://www.drytortugasinfo.com/

And see if they have any info for you, or try calling them.