Dry Tortugas National Park: Catamaran Day Trip & Fort Jefferson

The fastest catamaran out of Key West takes you to a Civil War fort in the middle of the ocean

You board the Yankee Freedom III in Key West and spend the day at Dry Tortugas National Park: a guided tour of Fort Jefferson with a naturalist, snorkeling in clear tropical water, and meals included. The 30+ mph catamaran gets you there and back in one day, and the National Park entry fee is already in the price.

Step-by-step itinerary

Catamaran trip to Dry Tortugas

• Depart from Key West by catamaran
• Enjoy scenic voyage to Dry Tortugas
• Join 40-minute guided fort tour
• Explore Fort Jefferson and surroundings
• Relax on tropical beaches
• Return to Key West by catamaran

The experience

The Yankee Freedom III cuts through the water at over 30 miles per hour, and you feel it the moment the twin Caterpillar engines fire up. That speed matters. It means the 70-mile crossing to Dry Tortugas National Park doesn't eat your whole day, and you actually get hours on the islands instead of hours on a boat. The catamaran itself is built for this route: two generators below deck, equipment designed to run quietly and reliably in open water, the kind of engineering you don't think about until you're grateful for it.

Fort Jefferson is the real draw, and it's stranger than most people expect. Nearly 2,000 people lived on this remote island during the 1860s: imagine that, a city built on sand in the middle of the sea, constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers while fighting storms, shifting foundations, and the logistical nightmare of the Civil War. The fort's still there, massive and weathered, and you can join a 40-minute guided tour led by a naturalist who walks you through the fort's history and the landscape around it. The stories stick with you: the challenges of building something permanent in a place that wanted to wash it away.

Between the fort tour, you're in the water. Snorkeling gear is included, and the Dry Tortugas islands sit in clear, shallow seas: the same waters Ponce de León saw in 1513 when he spotted over 100 sea turtles. Breakfast and lunch come with the day, so you're not hunting for food or spending extra. The National Park Service fee (USD 15) is built in. You're on the boat by early morning and back in Key West by evening, which is the whole point of a day trip catamaran from Key West. You get the full experience without the overnight.

What’s included

• Round-trip catamaran service on the Yankee Freedom III.
• National Park Service entry fee.
• 40-minute guided tour of Fort Jefferson with a naturalist.
• snorkeling equipment.
• breakfast and lunch.
• access to tropical beaches and snorkeling sites in Dry Tortugas National Park.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:00

Book up to6h before

AgesAdult (17 to 61 years) · Senior (62 and older) · Child (4 to 16 years) · Infant (under 4): free

GroupUp to 300

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48h

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyPets welcome

Operated by Historic Tours Of America - Dry Tortugas

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to see Fort Jefferson and the Dry Tortugas islands in a single day without arranging your own boat or managing the logistics: the catamaran's speed and included meals mean you spend your time on the water and the islands, not waiting or planning.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 16 years); Infant (under 4): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. No refund if you cancel.

How long is the boat ride to Dry Tortugas from Key West?

The Yankee Freedom III travels at over 30 miles per hour, covering the 70-mile distance in roughly two hours each way, leaving time for several hours on the islands.

What's included in the day trip?

Round-trip ferry service, National Park Service fee (USD 15), snorkeling equipment, breakfast, lunch, and access to a 40-minute guided tour of Fort Jefferson led by a naturalist.

Is the fort tour mandatory?

The guided tour of Fort Jefferson is available as an option. You can choose to join it or explore the fort on your own.

Do I need to bring snorkeling gear?

No, snorkeling equipment is provided as part of the tour.

What should I bring?

Bring a bathing suit, comfortable shoes, towels, sun protection (sunglasses, hat, sunscreen), and a camera. All adults must have a valid photo ID for Coast Guard requirements.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the catamaran and transportation options are wheelchair accessible. Infants and small children can travel in a pram or stroller, and service animals are allowed.

Can I cancel my booking?

Reservations are non-refundable once booked.

What was Fort Jefferson originally built for?

Fort Jefferson was designed in 1812 as a defense installation for the United States. During the Civil War, it served as a remote military outpost and housed nearly 2,000 people at its peak.