Getting to the Dry Tortugas

CrznDnUS1 · Post by **CrznDnUS1** » July 28, 2005 11:56 am

I see that the Yankee Freedom and the Sunny Day both offer trips to the dry tortugas. Can someonoe recomment the best trip? I will be going w/ my wife and two kids so the cost will be around $450, ouch. So i want to make sure I get the best trip out of it. Also does anyone have info on the Marcasis? (excuse the spelling) I heard that they are closer but not a nich in sea life.

prrthd1987 · Post by **prrthd1987** » July 28, 2005 12:56 pm

Check out Seaplanes of Key West... not sure of the costs but I hear the views are great!

CrznDnUS1 · Post by **CrznDnUS1** » July 28, 2005 2:57 pm

I read somehting about the plane trips, saying that if you get there beofre or after the large boats you will find it less crowed. I fear that the Dry Tortugas might be like a Carribean port after a cruise ship docks. Each ferry carries about 100 people and there are two of them. I have never been there so is 200+ people on this small island alot? BTW, the flights are about $190 pp for 2.5 hrs of island time and the boats are $135 pp for about 4 hours of island time. Or would it be better booking a private or semi-private charter to snorkle the many reefs or wrecks? I have a week before we fly down to KW and can't wait.

Crazy Navy Flyer · Post by **Crazy Navy Flyer** » July 28, 2005 3:48 pm

I've been there many times, never paid to get there tho. It's a pretty interesting place, lots of history and beautiful scenery. Last I heard there was nothing at the Marquesas other than mangrove islands, maybe some unofficial campgrounds, good fishing, I've seen many big schools of sharks there, harmless ones.

Can't believe they're taking that many people out there.

Desdamona · Post by **Desdamona** » July 28, 2005 5:31 pm

We've only done the Yankee Freedom trip, but I chose that because of the
open upper deck. It's shaded, but at least you're out in the air. Being closed
up in a box defeats the purpose of a boat trip to me.

As far as being crowded, there's LOTS of room to spread out at Ft. Jefferson,
so you don't really need to worry about that. Just be sure to take your camera,
towels, and lots of energy. The trip is definitely a day full, and if it's hot, you'll
sleep on the ride back.

CrznDnUS1 · Post by **CrznDnUS1** » July 28, 2005 6:01 pm

How about the snorkling or swiming? I'm sure it's not as crowded as the Jersey Shore but real estate must be precious (as far as finding some beach or reef space).

ATLparrothead · Post by **ATLparrothead** » July 29, 2005 9:06 am

Just got back this week from our trip to Key West and loved the Dry Tortugas. We chose the Yankee Freedom b/c of the open decks and the fact that it is a smoother ride. We had some pretty choppy seas and were glad we were on the bigger ship. There was plenty of space on the beaches while both ferries were there. The snorkeling was OK (the water was still a little stirred up from Dennis) Ft. Jefferson is actually a pretty big place so there is lots of places to explore. We had a great time I'm sure you will enjoy it.

CrznDnUS1 · Post by **CrznDnUS1** » July 29, 2005 2:32 pm

thanks, it sounds a pretty good time. appreciate the upto date info!