The Adventure Of A Lifetime – Dry Tortugas, FL
I just couldn’t bring myself to spend the money. I mean we’re talking $329 and given that I’m a frugal gal in all things (well in all things non-food related anyway) I just couldn’t wrap my head around it. It couldn’t possibly be worth that much, right? And besides the ferry was half the price ($165) and would do just fine. Yes, no matter what I was definitely going to take the ferry. End of story.
Then several things happened….
First, there were no slots available on the ferry for the next 2 weeks. What? I knew visitation to the Island was limited to one ferry a day, but I simply hadn’t expected it to be booked out that far ahead. Ugh!
Then I was gently “reminded” about my little sea sickness problem, not just once but twice. I’m talking two short 20-minute boat rides to snorkel spots just off the coast. Both were on a pretty calm days and both trips made everything spin so bad I was literally knocked out for almost 24 hours afterwards, and that was with Dramamine too! Each trip made me feel like I was dying and the aftermath was so bad I’m feeling queasy just writing about it more than 2 weeks later (seriously). There was literally NO WAY I was going to survive a 5-hour ferry ride (2.5 hours each way), no matter how much my frugal mind wanted it so.
Then Jil happened. I’d talked to her about going together while she was here, but didn’t feel right asking her to shell out so much money for a single sightseeing trip, especially after she’d just paid to come all the way out here from WA. And given that the ferry was fully booked, we were just going to have to miss it. What a bummer…
“Let’s go on the plane” she declared one morning “It’s once in a lifetime, so let’s just do it!”
“Really? I replied “But it’s so expensive!”
It took a full day for her (and Paul) to convince me, but in the end I had to admit they were right. This was likely it, the one and only time I would ever do this. So why not just go in style? Clearly I couldn’t handle the ferry and who knows when or IF I’d ever have this chance again? Plus this way Jil and I could go together (Paul graciously offered to stay home with Polly) and make an adventure out of it.
So with that last little push I went ahead and called the sea plane guys. Their popular 8AM plane was already full, but they had space on the 10AM so we loaded it on the credit card and waited for the big day to arrive. It was going to be crazy, it was going to be exciting, and for those of you wandering let me tell you right now folks….it was TOTALLY worth it!!
What/Where Is Dry Tortugas?
Before we hop over the great green-blue ocean I need to backtrack a bit and set the scene for you with some geography.
Many people think the Keys end at Key West, and as far as the drivable road goes that’s absolutely correct. Hwy 1 ends at Key West and once you hit the end of that asphalt, you’ve gone as far as you can physically go on wheels. It’s the southernmost point in the US and it’s waaaay down there, just 90 miles (~145 km) as the crow flies from Cuba.
But the islands don’t stop there. If you look at an expanded map of the Keys you’ll see a slew of additional islands strung out to the left of Key West and if you go to very tippy end of this string, around 70 miles west you’ll hit a final collection known as the Dry Tortugas. Right in the middle of this remote spot, in what seems like the most nonsensical place of all are two things you’d never expect, a lighthouse (well, technically two) and a hexagonal monster of a place called Fort Jefferson.
The whole lot is preserved as part of the Dry Tortugas National Park and there are only 2 ways to get here -> by sea or by air. Plus visitation is strictly limited. There’s only one ferry and a select few sea planes that land here everyday, so unless you’ve got your own boat those are your only options to get out here. Limited visitation means limited crowds (yeah!), but also means you need to book well ahead to get in, plus it’s expensive to catch a ride.
But this is history, and man-made madness, and ocean so intensely green-blue it seems unnatural. It was a trip that had been on my bucket list for over 10 years, and I was finally going to get to do it.
We’re Going On A Sea Plane!
So here we were, bright and early at Key West airport amply pumped and fluttering around like little kids with excitement for our trip.
There is only one company (Key West Seaplane Adventures) authorized to fly to Dry Tortugas and the planes are DHC-3 DeHavilland Turbine Otter Amphibians. I don’t know much (well, anything at all really) about planes, but for my purposes the important details were that they are small (10 seats only) and every person gets a window seat. Plus everyone gets a personal headset/headphone that muffles the noise and allows the pilot to chat to you and play cool music on the way over.
We checked-in 30 mins early, picked up our complimentary snorkel gear plus drinks (water or soda) and got ready for the adventure. 15 minutes later the pilot Gary met us at the check-in, took us out to the plane and loaded our bags (we brought lunch, towels & a change of clothes for post-swimming) into the back of the plane. We took our seat and less than 10 minutes later we were taxi-ing down the runway and in the air!
Oh, What A Joy To See Everything By Air
It’s hard to describe to you how cool the flight was. The plane flies pretty low so you see literally everything on the way over. Mesmerizing patchworks of blue and aqua water, lush green coral atolls, sunken ships and even sea turtles swimming in the water. Everything is so clear and so intensely colored, as if someone took a neon highlighter and painted it all from the sky. From sweeping vistas of Key West to the underwater desert of the “Quicksands” the captivating views never cease, and seeing it from the air really lets you appreciate how unique this corner of the world really is. Plus our Pilot was great and pointed out all the interesting details and history along the way. A mere 40 minutes later we swooped over the Fort, landed on the water and motored to a stop at the beach. We hopped onto the brilliant white sand and we were there!
The Largest Brick Masonry Structure In The Americas
Seeing Fort Jefferson for the first time is quite the thing. She’s a 6-sided monster of a Fortress with walls that span 325 ft-477 ft long and rise 2 levels high. She was built to protect the southern coastline of the United States and her construction started in 1846. It took 16 million bricks and over 30 years to create her (1846-1875) and yet she was never fully finished or fully armed. Despite that she weathered countless hurricanes, and hosted over 420 heavy guns and 2,000 people at her peak. She was used as a Military Base, a Prison, a quarantine station for the Marine-Hospital Service and finally (today) as a historical attraction.
She’s one of the largest Forts ever built and her size is so impressive she holds the title of largest brick masonry structure in the Americas! For folks like us that means acres of tunnels, windows, hidden pockets, topside trails and history to explore. Plus there are not just one but two lighthouses (!), one on the Fort itself (Garden Key Light -> not open for visitation while we were there) and another within view on another Key just a ~3 miles away (Loggerhead Light -> visitation by special permit only).
When you get on the Island they pretty much leave you to your own devices so you are free to climb everywhere on the Fort, take a guided tour (or not), have lunch anywhere you wish, go birding and snorkel the waters around the Fort. For free-spirited tourists it’s the perfect arrangement. Plus given that visitation is low (only ~175 people come on the ferry plus another 20 by sea planes) you’ve got TONS of space to call your own.
Jil and I explored the Fort, climbed to the top, walked the upper level (the absolute best views here), wandered around the moat (yes, there’s a moat!), snorkeled a bit, birded a bit and just generally enjoyed the area. To be honest we aaaalmost felt a bit rushed. We had ~2.5 hours on the Island, but it was so big we could easily have used another hour or three.
On the plane back we were bursting with the fullness of our experience. This is a place I’ve always wanted to see and it absolutely delivered. Between the flight, the amazing Fort, the waters and the history we both agreed that it had been totally worth it. Add it to your bucket list, my reader friends. You won’t regret it!
Trip Details & Info
You can only get to the Island by either boat or sea plane, and there is only ONE authorized ferry & ONE authorized sea plane company. Also be advised that the trips are weather-dependent, so if the forecast is rough (wind/sea) they may not go.
THE FERRY is an all-day event that costs $175/adult ($125/child, $165/senior). The price includes $10 National Park Fee (so you get a $10 discount if you have a National Parks Pass) as well as continental breakfast and lunch. The ferry leaves Key West at 7:30AM, arrives at the Island at 10:15 am. It leaves again at 3PM and arrives back in Key West at 5:15PM. Complimentary snorkel equipment is included. Click HERE for more info.
TOP TIP: RESERVE your spot in advance as these ferries often book out weeks ahead!
THE SEA PLANES cost $329/adult ($263.60/child) for 1/2 day excursion or $578/adult ($462.20/child) for a full-day excursion. The price does NOT include the $10 National Park Fee so that’s additional unless you have a National Parks Pass. Planes depart from Key West Airport at 8AM, 10AM, 12PM & 2PM and take 40 mins to get to the Island. Complimentary snorkel equipment and drinks (water/soda) is included. Click HERE for more info.
TOP TIP: The BEST planes to take are the first plane in the morning (8AM) or last plane of the day (2PM) since the Ferry will be gone, so there’s almost no-one on the Island! These are also the most popular planes so book ahead if you want them.
OTHER WAYS TO STAY/VISIT: If you have your own boat you can certainly sail/motor over and visit the park on your own. A boat permit and entry fee is required. See details HERE. Also you can overnight tent-camp at the Fort, which means you can stay on the Island after everyone has left! This looks like it would be an amazing experience. See details HERE and HERE
PAW NOTES: Dogs are welcome on the Island, but only if you get them here on your own devices (neither the sea plane nor the ferry takes pets). Also you can take doggie all around the park, but not inside the Fort itself.
Other Useful Links:
- Dry Tortugas National Park -> official website HERE
- Our Odyssey -> blogger friends who boated out here on their Trawler. See their blog HERE
- Watsons Wander -> blogger friends who took the ferry. See their blog HERE
- Riveted -> blogger friends who took the sea plane. See their blog HERE
Camping is the way to go! Once the ferry leaves, it’s like your own private island! The ferry costs a little more for campers and they say your gear is restricted by weight, but I never saw them weigh anything. It IS an amazing experience.
Oh, I would LOVE to do that! I did see the campsites on the Island (and the very few campers that were set-up) and I imagined it to be totally magical once the ferry is gone. It’s got to be an amazing experience.
Nina
We camped there over 15 years ago and it was one of our first camping experiences. It was milerably hot, then the wind came and blew down our tent but at least we were cool! Would love to do it again.
What an incredible first camping trip!
Nina
We just couldn’t justify the fare for the two of us, but the ferry takes a loooong time. We had a petsitter for Angel, so that part was ok but I do wish we would have taken the seaplane. We too noticed the campsites and thought it would be lovely to camp there.
Yeah it’s a big investment to go, especially with two of you. I have to say it took some convincing to get me to spend the money, but I’m very happy I did. Thankfully I’ve got a supportive hubby and we had some room in the budget for the splurge. I’m going to convince Paul to go next time (and I’ll stay home with Polly). I’d love for him to see this too.
Nina
Like the lady said ” a trip of a lifetime ” and thanks to my husband for convinvcing me so I could then convince Nina!
That’s right. I really have to thank Tom too!!! Without him convincing you to convince me, we would never have gone. Here’s to the hubbies!
Nina
I went out by Ferry in 2014, took my bivy sac and kayak and stayed overnight.
The BIG SECRET is that the party starts when the ferry leaves; the staff and volunteers open up all the rooms and the beer flows.
I was woken up at 4AM by 5 Cubans landing in a rubber raft…..yes, a trip of a lifetime
WOW…what a great story…and an awesome memory of a special place. Cheers for sharing.
Nina
That was a great story. No beer or open rooms when we camped there. Lucky you!
I’m so glad you got to go. We took the ferry over and while we had no problem with seasickness, it did get boring after awhile. I would have loved to do the seaplane, but it just wasn’t in our budget. Even with the full day ferry ride, we would have liked to snorkel for another hour.
I’m totally with you on the time. An overnight stay (tent camping) would be perfect. The Fort and surrounding area are just so big tha the time passes too fast. With the sea plane we only had 2.5 hrs on the Island, so we only managed to snorkel for 1/2 hour or so which was really too rushed. A few more hours would have been great, and an overnight even better. The ferry does give you more time on the Island (a definite positive), but even more time would be even better.
Nina
A few years back a coworker and his wife went there. He told me ” other than snorkeling, nothing worth seeing.” Now you have shown me it has lots to see and enjoy, thank you. Great pictures also!
I really did think it was interesting. It would have been ever better if we’d managed to get the 8AM flight (gets there before the ferry) or if we’d stayed overnight. A pretty special place.
Nina
DANG (And that is spelled with the leading “D” and last two letters shifted to “MM”:)! the EXPENSE!!!
It’s worth it for the photo’s alone… Amazing. (Do you get tired of complements on your photo’s:)!)
What a neat side excursion for you.
Now is it possible that you were on Margarita Vile Air (Well Sea/Water/Air:)!) – with Jimmy Buffet walking the long aisle way strumming a guitar with one hand – and an ice cold pitcher in the other??? That would have really made it a ‘side excursion’…. (And Nina. Jimmy Buffett is the Abba of the Key’s… You can tell it’s him, as he has a parrot on his shoulder…).
Such a cool place. Many thanks for sharing your experience,
Smitty
Yup with you on that expense. This will likely be the one and only time I ever go, so it’s definitely been a unique experience.
We’ve heard a lot of Jimmy Buffet down here. There was a bit playing on the way over to the Island if I remember correctly too. But no margaritas on this one. That had to wait until we got home 🙂
Nina
We went over by ferry in 2014, and while my seasick prone husband was fine on the way over, he was sick as a dog during almost the entirety of the much, much tougher return trip. I felt so bad for him!
So it’s probably a very, very good thing that you decided to go by sea plane.
Poor hubby! That would probably have been me about 20 mins into the trip, so I totally commiserate. I really, really wanted to take the ferry (mostly for the price), but after the 2 snorkel trips that I made in Key Largo & Marathon (and which my stomach paid for the whole next day) I knew I couldn’t make it.
Nina
So glad you splurged on the adventure so the rest of us can drool over your amazing pictures and story telling!! 🙂 Ok, and I’m glad you had the experience, it sounds absolutely amazing.
And, you say, go by your own boat? Hmmm.. I happen to have one of those.
I thought of you guys when I was out there. You could totally make the trip, and it would be an awesome place to anchor for a while. Plus the Island is pet-friendly (Kiki friendly) aaand you’d be able to go see the Lighthouse at Loggerhead Key too! It would have to be a vacay from work tho as there was literally zero cell signal out there.
Nina
I feel your pain about the ferry ride. My husband and I went there 11 years and I still remember how sick I got on the way over. The seaplane would also have bothered me but at least it would have been shorter. What great pictures!
I’ve heard this from other people too. Some trips are fine and if you aren’t bothered by sea sickness you won’t feel anything, but other folks (folks like me who are sensitive to sea sickness) have told me it was one of the worst boat experiences they’ve ever had. I’m sure much of it depends on how bad (or calm) the sea is the day you go, but it’s still a looooong trip for anyone that’s susceptible to the motion. I’m glad there’s an alternative even though it’s $$$.
Nina
Gorgeous! My husband and I want to visit Dry Tortugas someday. A few years ago I saw that they allowed camping overnight if you brought all your own water and food. Did you hear if that is still allowed?
YES they allow overnight camping! In fact I linked to it at the very bottom of my post under “other ways to stay/visit”.
See here in case you missed it: https://www.nps.gov/drto/planyourvisit/camping.htm
And this link: https://www.nps.gov/drto/planyourvisit/campgrounds.htm
And here’s a really good article on the experience: http://www.floridarambler.com/florida-camping/camping-the-dry-tortugas-national-park/
It looks like an amazing way to experience the Island.
Nina
Thanks Nina, I missed that.
What an absolute awesome trip. Good decision on the plane flight rather than the ferry. Your pics were incredible and such an experience of a lifetime. The fort was much larger than the other ones we have seen.
Just an incredible journey…thanks for sharing.
freedom2roll.blogspot.com
It was HUGE! I’ve been to many forts, but I have to admit this was the largest I’ve ever seen. Quite incredible to explore.
Nina
I’ve done both, and you’re right – the trip of a lifetime!
Imagine bringing all those bricks over there so so long ago. And that it is still standing even with all the storms and hurricanes is amazing. I often wish buildings could talk!
Totally! I had those exact same thoughts as I was walking around the Fort.
Nina
When we went, we camped out and it was so much nicer after the boats (there were two then) left. We did more snorkeling than exploring the island.
If there is a cat anywhere around, I will spot it. Guess what we saw on the Tortugas? Yep. A cat. The park rangers apparently had a cat and I happened to spot it sitting in the window looking out.
Hubby wanted to take the sea plane this year but I don’t think our budget will allow it this trip, but you’ve convinced me that would be money well spent. It sounds like you definitely need to stay off boats. We took the ferry last time, we usually love boats, but I did not like that trip at all. It wasn’t comfortable, it was rough and not a very pretty ride. Maybe if it had been calm, we would have enjoyed it more.
An island cat! Awesome! That just makes me love the place even more.
I definitely think you’ll enjoy the sea plane. My only extra advice is to book ahead so you can catch that first plane (8AM) or the last one (2PM). That way you’ll avoid the ferry entirely! We caught the 10AM (the earlier plane was full) and we did arrive around 10 mins before the ferry, but then 175 people unloaded soon after. It wasn’t bad (it’s a big Island), but being alone to explore would have been even better.
Nina
A great “rationalization!”
I’m loving the color of the ocean down there in the shallows.
The colors in the water are something else here. Full of turquoise, neon greens, blues, and aquas….really striking! I haven’t seen colors like this since we lived in Asia and traveled the Islands there.
Nina
Hi, Nina. My wife and I have been following your adventures in Florida ever since you guys entered the state. We are newbie full-timers (10-months in) who have spent our first winter out of Pittsburgh here in the sunshine state. We have been reading your website posts for the past couple of years, and are disappointed that we keep missing being in the same place here in FL as you’ve been at the same time. We seem to be ahead of you at each destination. We did the boat ride out to Dry Tortugas back in January, while we spending a month at Fiesta Key RV Resort close to Marathon, FL. It was a wonderful experience, but I’m really glad to have taken Dramamine prior to our departure. The weather was not the best, but like you, I doubt we’d ever have the opportunity to go there, so we seized the moment.
After leaving The Keys in January, we spent the month of February in Naples (LOVED Naples), then Kissimmee in March. We are currently in Destin RV Beach Resort (Miramar Beach, FL) until May 1st. Any chance you guys will be heading up this way before we leave?
Great little itinerary! We are headed north from here, but it’s going to be a pretty FAST trip. We’ve got a few days in Fort Meyers, a few days on the Space Coast and then we’re headed straight to Georgia. So I fear we may miss you again. Good travels this summer to you!
Nina
Oh too bad. Well . . . we hop to cross paths with you at some point in the future, Nina. We are planning to head to Portland mid-summer, so maybe??
George and Sandy
We were in the Keys for two months of absolutely horrible weather, raining and windy during November and December 2015 and didn’t do this due to sea sickness and excessive frugality and now I’m kicking myself but who knows, your weather looked great. Not sure we had more than 2 days that looked like that when we were there and vowed never to return.
Oh what a bummer! I have to admit we’ve been incredibly lucky with the weather this past month. It’s been warm, sunny (pretty much everyday) and just windy enough to make it nice (that balmy tropical breeze). I hope you manage to get back here and enjoy some better weather. It really is gorgeous when the conditions are right.
Nina
WE passed on a trip out when we were in the Keys a few years ago, now I almost regret it. Almost. We were new to RVing, new to the Keys, new to a snorkel trip … Now such a trip would be on our to do list. What an adventure. We are traveling to Alaska for the first time this year and I am determined to not pinch pennies! I can do that when I’m too old for travel and adventure. I also tend to pinch pennies on food, not eating out very often, but this year I want to taste all of the great cold water fish I can!
It’s hard to find that perfect balance between spending, budget and enjoyment and I have to admit we don’t always do it right. I’m happy to spend money on food and libations, but I often baulk at spending money on sightseeing. This was a real rarity for me.
Enjoy that trip to Alaska! We still haven’t been in the RV (we went backpacking there many years ago), so I’m dying to go. And definitely take advantage of all that delicious fresh fish!! I’m drooling just thinking about it.
Nina
Absolutely beautiful photos Nina. Especially the one of the fort from the air. Jus gorgeous.
That was one of the coolest parts of the trip…seeing the Fort from the air before we swooped down to land on the water. Just so cool!
Nina
Really amazing pics!! I knew I wanted to see this incredible place, and you may have sold me on the sea plane option. Such wonderful history and beauty here, I’m so glad you went!!
Steve would love that flight, and we wondered why we did not know about it when were there. I bet that flight was so worth the money! and I know 2.5 hours would not be enough. Glad you flew and showed us how cool that fort is. Gorgeous pictures
I thought of all my plane-loving RV friends on the way over including you guys, and of course Sue/Dave. It was so much fun.
Nina
My husband and I took the ferry over to celebrate our anniversary one year… During the summer they offer the trip to residents of the keys for 1/2 off …. The trip was amazing the best part was snorkeling all around the perimeter of the wall. And once you live aboard your boat full time you will get accustomed to the movement you shouldn’t get sea sick anymore.
What a sweet deal!
No boating in my future methinks. I’ve just always been to sensitive to motion. My brother lived on a boat for many years, and I always had trouble visiting, even when he was moored in the marina. I get car sick too and can’t handle curvy roads unless I’m in the drivers seat. Maybe one day I’ll grow out of it all, but for now it just is.
Nina
beautiful, thank you
What a fabulous trip and as a beautiful photos!
One minor correction the southernmost part of the United States actually in Hawaii. The southernmost part of the continental United States is it Florida.
Hi Nina I too have terrible seasickness. It did not work well for a child growing up on an island in the Caribbean with a father who was a sailor either let me tell you! However I discovered in my later years that the pressure point bracelets work wonders for me. I don’t know if you have ever tried them but there is a pressure point about one inch down from your wrist that when pushed actually does relieve sea sickness. Dramamine knocks me out and does not do very much for the sea sickness it just makes me drowsy seasick person. These have worked.
Yes correct, southernmost point in the continental US.
I’ve tried various pressure point techniques, especially back when my brother was living on a boat, but I have to admit none were successful for me. I’ve not tried the bracelets specifically, so that’s another option for me, but pressing the points themselves (I’m familiar with the one on the wrist and the one on your hand in the fleshy bit between your thumb and forefinger) never seemed to work. I’ll look into it though…you never know!
Nina
My favorite quote, “we were bursting with the fullness of our experience.” Loved that!!! Thanks for sharing. This is definitely on our bucket list now!
My husband and I traveled over on the ferry and camped for two nights. It was a trip of a lifetime! The sunrise and sunsets were to die for! Snorkeling around the island was a great experience. We had our own little shade tree at the end of the beach, within walking distance to the tent. I want to go back!
That’s the way to get the full experience, no doubt. What a wonderful memory!
Nina
Just forwarded your blog post to the owner of Key West Seaplane Adventures. He thought it was awesome and is going to share it with his staff. We were able to do the full day trip on a day with perfect weather – 3/22. You must have gone about that time…
Sweet! I did drool a bit over the full-day plane trip, but it was just too much price-wise for us right now, even with convincing 🙂 I do think 2.5 hrs was a bit short on the Island and would have loved to spend more time there. So glad you got to enjoy that!
Nina
As a resident of Florida I have often wondered about going. Now? You’ve convinced me.’BTW, your photography is outstanding. I know they’re enhanced, but you’ve still captured the natural beauty of the island. Good job!
Thanks! I definitely “work” my photos somewhat and in this case I really wanted to showcase how neon crazy brilliant all the colors were. The camera never captures it quite as brightly as your eye does, so a bit of Photoshop enhancement does the rest 🙂
Nina
Ferry = $188 (includes $13 for parking)/4.75 hours = $39.58/hour = 9.25 hours total trip
Sea Plane = $578/6.50 hours = $88.92/hour = 7.83 hours total trip
Sea Plane = $329/2.50 hours = $131.60/hour = 3.83 hours total trip
The ferry is the best bang for the buck on an hourly basis on the island. The all day sea plane trip gets you around 1.75 hours more on the island and you will get 95 minutes on the island before the ferry arrives if taking the 8 am flight. The ferry spends almost twice the time on the island compared to the half day sea plane trip.
Yes, you can camp at Dry Tortugas as there are 10 campsites. However, people should be aware that there is a black rat problem on the island. On the NPS website, it says that the black rats will eat through your tent to get to the food. In addition, the posts to put food up aren’t reliable as the black rats will climb up those. So did the island have some bear proof type metal boxes that people can share to put the food in?
No doubt the ferry provides more hours on the Island and more overall “bang for the buck”…unless you get sea sick of course. Then you might be spending your entire time on the Island lying down with your eyes closed (trying to stop the world spinning) and hoping you survive the trip home 🙂
Didn’t notice any metal-type boxes in the primitive camping area, but admittedly I didn’t really check.
Nina
Thank you for sharing! I’ve not had an interest in dragging our large RV to The Keys due to the expense and the crowds, but your pictures do tempt me. At least now I know what I am missing. If it wasn’t that spectacular then it wouldn’t be as popular. Thank you, thank you.
Yeah unfortunately beauty often leads to popularity once a place gets “discovered”. I have to admit we enjoyed the Keys even more than we thought we would once we figured out how to avoid the crowds. There are still lots of little hidden gems.
Nina
Between reading about this on your blog and on WatsonsWander, I’m now desperate to go back to the Keys and go to Dry Tortugas! On our last trip there, we didn’t have enough time to take the ferry, and I was too chicken for the seaplane. But, after taking a seaplane in Alaska recently, I’m convinced that I’d be just fine on the seaplane to Dry Tortugas!
Tricia and I are starting our RV lifestyle, selling everything, have started a travel blog, etc.; a lot of work! But, the first trip we have planned is to Key West and Dry Tortugas, from Louisiana. Like you, we debated about taking the boat vs. the plane. Thanks for the great post on this topic and having confirmed that we made the right decision to take the plane, at 8:00AM. Also, appreciate all the reviews on the various campgrounds. It has sure helped us in our travel plans. Safe travels… Craig and Tricia
Oh sweeet! Enjoy the trip!
Nina
That’s fine that you liked the airplane. Some people are afraid of heights so that can be hard on the heart. I’ve learned to try to look over the horizon instead of straight down. My wife would probably call me a cheapskate.
Nina since you mentioned that Paul and you lived in Hong Kong, did you ever take the boat from Hong Kong to Macau? How was it if you went?
If we full time RV, I want to take the Alaska Marine Highway, which probably isn’t Nina’s cup of tea. I did notice that it was too costly to go from Glacier Bay National Park to Homer (lower end of the peninsula or whatever you want to call it south of Anchorage). So I guess that I will have to go to Haines and drive the rest of the way by road over to save money.
As a long time resident of Key West and someone who has been to the Tortugas many times, I can tell you that the best experience is to camp there. I never understood the idea of spending more time at sea (on the ferry) than you would spend on the island. Also, the island’s tranquility is magnified 10 times once the day-trippers have left at 3:00 pm on the ferry back to Key West.
That makes total sense. I can just imagine how nice it is in the evening.
Nina