Your days may be filled with snorkeling, swimming, paddle boarding, or exploring the sights on land. Mistake #5: Forgetting the Islands are Primitive. Bird migration to the Dry Tortugas is a year-round affair. Due to the remote location, and. Dry Tortugas, named after the presence o f sea turtles and lack of freshwater, is a group of islands located 65 miles west of Key West, Florida. m. Yankee Freedom Ferry limits camping trips to 4 days (3 nights) Reservations have been filling 8-12 months in advance. The national park says one grave has been identified to be that of John Greer, who was a. While the spring brings about the best. Dry Tortugas & Fort Jefferson. Make use of the hot tub on board and take a fun banana boat ride if you wish. Unless indicated below as “ (Obtained at Garden Key)” or “ (Obtained from Park Manager prior to arrival by calling 305-224-4222)”, all other permits must be obtained from the Superintendent, Everglades National. Sting Rays of Key West. - See 5,564 traveler reviews, 4,206 candid photos, and great deals for Key West, FL, at Tripadvisor. Phil and Garth’s Top 5 Dry Tortugas National Park Tips. Two common nesting sea turtles in the Dry Tortugas are the green and loggerhead species. (110 km) The Dry Tortugas Ferry on this route sails once per day. National Parks Service, Message to Commercial Use Authorized permit holders about shutdown in Everglades and Dry Tortugas, Oct. There are seven small islands in the 100-square mile park, but it is mostly open water. Our First Class service has been the premiere charter service in South. Biplane and helicopter tours. Explore the beautiful natural side of the. Tide and current forecast. Terms and Conditions Your credit card is charged in full at the time of making this reservation. Covering about 49 acres, it is the site of the Loggerhead lighthouse, constructed in 1857. See moreKeys Seaplanes is the best way to explore the aerial views here! A one of a kind experience for those looking to see the Dry Tortugas and Ft. Trips to Dry Tortugas National Park depart daily from Key West. The NPS has managed Fort Jefferson on Garden Key in the Dry Tortugas since Fort Jefferson National Monument was established by Congress in 1935. Even though 99% of the park is underwater, they were named “dry” because there is no fresh water source around, and “tortugas” by Ponce de Leon due to all of the huge sea turtles in the area. Price: $360. The Dry Tortugas are the last group of islands of the Florida Keys, sitting 70 miles west of. Complimentary mask, snorkel & fins. It’s also the most remote. Fort Jefferson is open every day of the year from sunrise to sunset. The process to reserve a campsite is to have a reservation with Yankee Freedom. ) Beach at the Dry Tortugas National Park: Campsites are steps away. a helicopter (picking up a visitor with a heart condition), two ferry operations from Key West, the Park Service shuttle. Make sure you check the Dry Tortugas National Park website for information. To reach Dry Tortugas, you have to take the ferry from Key West. The ferry terminal is located on the north side of Key West between Mallory Square and the US Coast Guard property. The largest brick building in the western hemisphere. The Dry Tortugas are located on the northwest edge of the Florida Current and sailors looked for these reef islands to navigate through or around the current. Make reservations for a Dry Tortugas Tour by booking online or. Dinner Cruises. 00 per adult and $297 per child. 00 cancellation fee per passenger to cancel confirmed seat(s), if cancelling more than 48 hours prior to flight time. The Dry Tortugas National Park is 100 square miles of mostly open water. S. The only way to get there is by private boat, charter sea plane, or the Yankee Freedom ferry, which runs daily and costs roughly $200 for the round-trip. Plan to arrive to check in at the seaplane office more than 30. Irony hangs heavy in the air, just like the ever-present humidity, at Dry Tortugas. The island has some of the most pristine beaches in Costa Rica, ideal for swimming and snorkeling. Camping - Dry Tortugas National Park (U. Terms and Conditions Your credit card is charged in full at the time of making this reservation. I have been to the Dry Tortugas several times to fish. At more than 30 mph, the ferry took about 2 hours and 15 minutes each way. Once at the park, there are plenty of activities to keep visitors busy, including snorkeling. soldiers and civilians stationed at Fort Jefferson suffered from yellow fever and are likely among the dozens of people buried at the underwater site. The Dry Tortugas National Park • Approximately 70 miles west of Key West there is a group of small remote islands surrounded by electric blue waters. gov/drto. S. Pay the admission fee to enter the park on your transport. m. We left Ft. There is a beautiful beach for swimming with views of the Loggerhead Key lighthouse, but most of the island is protected. You will also shorten your travel time out to the Dry Tortugas National Park, allowing for more time to tour Fort Jefferson, explore the isles on a nature hike or snorkel at a coral garden. The NTSB launched an investigation which. Tortuga IV $ 65. Friday 81 °F Saturday 76 °F Sunday 76 °F Monday 76 °F. For reservations book online or contact us at (866) 945-7917 for more information. Oct 11, 2023, 11:00 AM. He is a national parks expert and has road tripped. Places to Go. An exhilarating Sea Plane flight out to the beautiful Dry Tortugas gives passengers a one-of-a-kind sightseeing trip of this gorgeous region. See what a survey team at Florida’s Dry Tortugas National Park found underwater. The half-day trip is slightly under four hours long and provides you with two and one-half hours to visit Fort Jefferson, the main attraction of Dry Tortugas National Park. A true hidden gem, this guide takes you on a deep. We offer a fleet of aircraft options and will choose one that best suits your needs. The archaeological remains were located near an island adjacent to Garden Key, Florida. urkeyandcheese roastbeefandcheese hamandcheese a. 5 day) 3) Dry Tortugas NP (0. S. We took the ferry over. There is no cell service, wifi, or air conditioning. Once you arrive at the Dry Tortugas and settle in at anchor, take the dinghy or paddle boards to Garden Key main docks and tour. MIAMI — A Coast Guard Air Station Miami MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew rescued three men, Sunday, after their vessel sank near Dry Tortugas National Park. Dry Tortugas, Florida Shutterstock. If you show your National Parks America the Beautiful Pass upon arrival, you will receive a refund for the entrance fee ($15 per person). Anything related to aircraft, airplanes, aviation and flying. With no car access, Dry Tortugas is only accessible by boat or seaplane. Fort Jefferson National Monument was designated by President Franklin D. When Spanish explorer Ponce de León found these low-lying islands in 1513, he christened them Las Tortugas (The Turtles) due to the profusion of sea turtles. Key West Seaplane Adventures is the only company that flies to Dry Tortugas National Park. 5 hours. With the surrounding shoals and water, they make up Dry Tortugas National Park, an area noted for bird and marine life and shipwrecks. Let's dive into the highlights of this remarkable destination. Departs morning & afternoon. National Park Service estimated that some 300 migrants arrived in the Dry Tortugas National Park over the past couple days. you literally land at Dry Tortugas when the herd of 150+ people are leaving the island via the ferry. For those seeking a more adventurous transportation option, Key West Seaplane Adventures offers seaplane. True professionals – they made sure that all eyes connected with every. Jefferson but do not wish to spend time on the ground at the fort. ; If you hold a National Parks Pass, show it at either check-in, and the entrance fee will be deducted or not charged with transportation costs. It is an ideal fun day for couples and groups of friends. Dry Tortugas National Park is a remote island park 113 km (70 mi) west of Key West between the Gulf of Mexico and the Straits of Florida. They offer seaplane tours to Dry Tortugas & Fort Jefferson – morning, afternoon, or full-day. By Ferry. There are some lights in the fort, but otherwise no electricity in public areas. Continuing our series on MPAs around the world, we look at how protection of an “ecological crossroads” in the Gulf of Mexico has been instrumental in the recovery of local reef species populations. After a 2 1/2-hour boat ride, it finally comes into focus: an enormous fort in the Gulf of Mexico that seems to rise up out of the water. Private boat, private plane or the Yankee Freedom III. Dry Torturgas NP with Ft Jefferson is 70 miles west of Key West, so it's hard to get to. m. U. Our veteran captain and friendly crew will take you on a day trip to one of the most unique and spectacular national parks in the United States: The Dry Tortugas National Park. This 100-square mile park is mostly open water with seven small islands. Spring and Fall Migration – The Dry Tortugas are a perfect layover for bird migrating to and from South and North America. Since their discovery by Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León in 1513, the islands of Dry Tortugas have been a staple of wonder and amazement for Florida Key West travelers all over the. Operators: Seaplane to Dry Tortugas. The Yankee Freedom ferry (The Yankee Freedom III) leaves Key West at 8 am. 05 pound (25 grams) and are about 2 inches long (50mm). In 1992, Congress created Dry Tortugas National Park: a multiple-zone, multiple-use marine protected area established “to. The cheapest way to get from Dry Tortugas to Holbox Island costs only $25092, and the quickest way takes just 10¼ hours. Wild and fun or a bit more upscale or laid back-as Conch travel experts we'll help you plan a trip that's perfect for you. r. – Following guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and local public health authorities, Dry Tortugas National Park is increasing recreational access. There are also sensitive wildlife (bird) areas immediately adjacent to the landing areas around the fort, which must be avoided. 5 hours travel time each way. Things to Keep in Mind. , hoisted the men into the aircraft and transferred them to Key West International Airport in good health. Getting to the park by ferry takes approximately 3 hours, while going by sea plane is the faster option. S. Pilot gives a great tour, knows the island really well and gives a great commentary on the way helping you see turtles etc along the way. The submerged portion of the platform extends to water depths of about 300 feet (90 meters). They offer flights throughout the day, and you can choose between a half day visit and a full day visit. If you want to visit Dry Tortugas National Park, you’ll have several options for transportation. Scott Shetler. Green – you are a lucky guy – that’s a beautiful area – two things – the U. Almost 70 miles (113 km) west of Key West lies the remote Dry Tortugas National Park. Vist the Dry Tortugas with Key West Seaplane Adventures. Sky Zone. No visit to Key West is complete without visiting one of the Key’s best-kept secrets: the protected shores of the Dry Tortugas National Park. Three days gives you enough time to visit the best overlooks on the South Rim, go on a helicopter ride, and spend some time hiking below the rim. Rise. 60 for kids. Almost 70 miles (113 km) west of Key West lies the remote Dry Tortugas National Park. S. Reaching Dry Tortugas National Park by private boat can be an arduous undertaking. The Homeland Security Task Force - Southeast said they have stopped or removed more than 1,300 refugees at sea or from Dry Tortugas National Park and other areas of the Florida Keys since Dec. Scenic flight above Lisbon coast. The archipelago's coral reefs are the least disturbed of the Florida Keys reefs. This remote part of the Florida Keys is accessible only by seaplanes and boats. Taking a seaplane adventure to Dry Tortugas National Park promises an unforgettable experience. Rodenticide is harmful to pets if ingested. These islands change constantly from the effects of tides, weather, air, and other environmental and human factors. The word “dry” began to appear on early maps of the area to warn ships they could find no fresh water there. Modern artillery made the fort no longer useful. Sea plane docking at Dry Tortugas. Miami International Airport (MIA): Distance From Dry Tortugas National Park: 162 miles to the ferry terminal in Key West. Get Soaking Wet, Dry Tortugas-Style. The. Side note: I hadn’t been on a boat type quite like the Nautitech 40 – it has two helm stations at deck level. Two navy helicopters fly over Fort Jefferson Keywords Environmental protection, Wildlife conservation, Dry Tortugas (Fla. The Dry Tortugas has been referred to as an angler’s paradise, so if you’re looking for world-class game fish you’ll be in the right place. The other option is the Yankee Freedom, which is a high speed catamaran that has a passenger capacity of 250 people and takes around 2 hours to travel between Key West and Garden Key. Dry Tortugas National Park is filled with cultural artifacts that tell a rich and fascinating story of human exploration. The trip from Key West to the Dry Tortugas can be an adventure in itself. Archeologists have found the remains of a 19th century quarantine hospital and cemetery on a submerged island in Florida's Dry Tortugas National Park, according to park officials Monday, May 1. Take a flight and soar above the majestic views of our little gem of an island. Green sea turtle nests in Florida typically contain an average of 135 eggs, which incubate for about 2 months before hatching. Beyond its famous Fort Jefferson lies a world of unparalleled marine biodiversity, tales of shipwrecks, and sunsets that paint the horizon. Jeff Carrier, Professor Emeritus at Albion College, Michigan. #13 of 161 things to do in Key West. Fort Jefferson, its central cultural feature, is one of the nation’s largest 1800s masonry forts. Dry Tortugas. Game & Entertainment Centers. Key West Seaplane Adventures is the only company that flies to Dry Tortugas National Park. Marco Island + Sailing back to Marathon →. Campers must call 800-634-0939 to make their reservation. You must bring everything, including your own water. Established in 1935 as Fort Jefferson National Monument, the park occupies an area of about 101 square miles (262 square km). This prohibition was based on data collected by NPS biologists in a 1975 study, which indicated that legal harvesting was removing almost 90% of the lobster within the. Next time we are so paying just a little more for the sea plane! 1. Of the 1,321 sea turtle crawls documented in the Dry Tortugas during the 2013 nesting season, 659 resulted in nests. Be prepared with the most accurate 10-day forecast for Dry tortugas natl park, FL with highs, lows, chance of precipitation from The Weather Channel and Weather. Offshore forecast for Dry Tortugas National Park. Discover Dry Tortugas in Key West, Florida: These remote Florida islands have a history of sea turtles and sunken treasures, and one of the world's largest coastal brick fortresses. Price: $451. Amberjack, Mahi Mahi, Barracuda, Kingfish, Black Grouper, and Yellowtail Snapper are some of the species on your wish list for this. Full-Day Excursion: $792. There is a feeling of awe and serenity , respect and admiration for history, nature and architecture of the "ran down fort" and the utter uniqueness of it. . Most people will pay $190 per ticket for the ferry, which is cheaper than a seaplane or private charter. Accessible only by boat or seaplane, the park is known the world over as the home of magnificent Fort Jefferson, picturesque blue waters, superlative coral reefs and marine life, and the. The only thing we'd do differently next time is to do a full day tour - the half day just wasn't enough time on the island to really take it. Dry Tortugas Seaplanes Need Help Booking? (866) 575-5068 Guaranteed Low Price No Booking Fees Hassle Free Reservations Click To Book Online Limited Spaces Available! For reservations call (866) 575-5068. Checking the awesome Florida scenery package on Aerofly FS 2023 out with the US Navy SAR Sikorsky Helicopter. 00 per adult and $297 per child. S. Park staff on the mainland hope to inspect Dry Tortugas by helicopter today to assess damage there. Take the ferry from Fort Jefferson to Bight Ferry Terminal. Traveling by sea plane is the quickest way to get to Dry Tortugas National Park. Dry Tortugas National Park is located 68 miles off the coast of Key West, Florida, traveling to the islands by ferry or seaplane are the two main public. Explore Fort Jefferson, once used as a prison during the Civil War. The Dry Tortugas Seaplane - Half Day flight from Key West to the National Park is so spectacular, You will fly 70 miles over beautiful islands and ocean. Nick Whitney, senior scientist at the New England Aquarium, joined FOX Weather to discuss a shark mating site in Dry Tortugas that may have been forever changed because of Hurricane Ian. There is no cell service, wifi, or air conditioning. This full-day excursion departs from the Key West Ferry Terminal daily at 8:00 am and returns the same day at 5:15 pm. Location: 3471 S. Tours start at just $99 per person! Get a bird’s eye view over the beautiful waters of Key West, spot wildlife like sea turtles, dolphins, and stingrays, and view parts of the island that are only accessible by air and sea. The data collected during this expedition will inform conservation management and offer. Dry Tortugas is an archipelago composed of seven small islands, with Garden Key being the most notable. About 70 miles west of Key West, Florida, lies Dry Tortugas National Park which is world-renowned for picturesque blue sea waters, white sands, brightly colorful coral reefs, abundant marine life, and legends of shipwrecks and sunken treasures. Load, unload, and moor vessels only as designated on the public dock. Full Day Dry Tortugas Seaplane Excursion. 5. Our survey will be the first dedicated to queen conch abundance and genetic connectivity in this marine reserve. A ferry ticket includes round-trip. Great for first time helicopter riders and younger children, our helicopters take up to 3 lucky guests on an eye-opening sightseeing tour of Key West, focusing on the island's historic and cultural landmarks. The Yankee Fleet in Gloucester, Massachusetts has over 7 vessels and has grown to become New. They also offer full-day service to Dry Tortugas at $697 per adult. 00:00. You can enjoy dramatic landscapes and the history of Fort Jefferson, or explore our beautiful reefs, marine life and shipwrecks. 4 hour half day and 8 hour full day tours daily. Phone Number: 800-634-0939. 00 change fee per reservation to change the date or time of a confirmed reservation. Air Charters & Tours. Arches to the ocean, Fort Jefferson, Dry Tortugas National Park. These trips are roughly 4 hours long, with 2. r. Public ferries and seaplanes depart regularly to the park, and fishing and dive charters can be booked from the Florida Keys and Naples. 5 hours for half day; 6. 5. The island has some of the most pristine beaches in Costa Rica, ideal for swimming and snorkeling. However, space is very limited. Despite the “dry” part of. travlin-easy. Pedro Ramos, Superintendent of Everglades and Dry Tortugas National Parks, announced that the South Florida Water Management District was to construct a seepage wall to protect the 8. Ask CarlSlye about Fort Jefferson. There is no road that connects these islands to Key West. Hurricanes and shallow reef waters made the Florida Keys treacherous, and there are shipwrecks in the waters in and. A very remote one, but a national park nonetheless, and as we said, fishing is prohibited throughout the Research Natural Area. - Videos from The Weather Channel | weather. . (Photo: Bonnie Gross) The payoff: Not much compares with wandering the Civil War-era Fort Jefferson in the late. Dry Tortugas National Park is a cluster of coral islands in the Gulf of Mexico about 70 miles off the tip of Florida's vibrant city of Key West. Sounds like the Caribbean, right? Wrong. This trip is just under 8 hours long, providing at least 6 1/2 hours of island time at Fort Jefferson/Dry. Fort Jefferson National Monument was designated by President Franklin D. Yes, Dry Tortugas is indeed located further south than Key West. A judge was sick of sending kids to prison. Step onto the soft sands of the Dry Tortugas island chain and feel like Robinson Crusoe as you explore this uninhabited paradise. Our destination, Dry Tortugas National Park, lies in the blue/green waters of the Gulf of. It isn’t. The distance from harbor (Key West) to harbor (Dry Tortugas) is about 68 Miles. The Dry Tortugas are a group of small islands composed of coral reefs located in the Gulf of Mexico at the end of the Florida Keys, United States. On the other hand, Key West is the. Situated approximately 70 miles west of Key West, Florida, with no food, water, or fuel available in the park, proper planning is a must. The London tour 【Helicopter experience】Shanghai Helicopter Air Tour Guided El Yunque Rainforest. You can enjoy dramatic landscapes and the history of Fort Jefferson, or explore our beautiful reefs, marine life and shipwrecks. NPS / Rebecca Port, imagery from NASA. Inside Key West Arts and Culture. On average, the warmest months are May, June, July, August, and September. Fort Jefferson consists of a whopping 16 million bricks. The best way for most park visitors to get to Dry Tortugas is by charter boat on the Yankee Freedom iii. Dry Tortugas National Park offers an unparalleled snorkeling experience that will leave you in awe of its natural beauty. There are many areas to explore this park -- both above and below the water!Camping on Garden Key is one of the best ways to experience Dry Tortugas National Park. Visitors that take the Dry Tortugas ferry get about four hours in the park during a day trip. He lives on an. Coast Guard Air Station Miami helicopter crew rescued three men Sunday, April 30, after their vessel sank near Dry Tortugas National Park. The Yankee Freedom is the ferry that connects Key West to Dry Tortugas National Park. The pass must be shown in person with a valid ID. By Armando Garcia. Almost seventy miles west of Key West. It's hard to make a comparison, because the flight saves so much time but costs a lot, but on the half day you get less time. Hatchlings weigh about 0. The park was closed so that law enforcement and medical personnel. Permits which can be obtained at Garden Key at the Dry Tortugas National Park are indicated by “ (Obtained at Garden Key)”. The list of amenities is few. Located off the coast of Florida on a small island, getting to Dry Tortugas National Park is very much a day trip, but it’s worth it. A fleet of migrant boats line the beach of Garden Key, home to Fort Jefferson in the Dry Tortugas National Park. Rescheduling will be accommodated only if space is available for the requested dates. Like the ferry, the park’s service only licenses one seaplane service for commercial flights to the islands. Chart of the Dry Tortugas Background The story of Fort Jefferson lies with the maritime history of the Florida Straits and the excellent harborage afforded by the Dry Tortugas. Bait boxes in the park contain rat poison: Dry Tortugas has an ongoing Rat Management Plan to prevent reintroduction of invasive rats. Ferry ticket includes entrance fee to Dry Tortugas National Park and Fort Jefferson. Key West helicopter tours are one of the most thrilling attractions in Key West. 5-hour tour of the islands. Two navy helicopters taking off from coal docks at Fort Jefferson Keywords Environmental protection, Wildlife conservation, Dry Tortugas (Fla. The. Our flight route takes you due west, over this island chain. This gives you four hours and forty-five minutes to explore this park. The park consists of seven small islands, namely Garden Key, Loggerhead Key, Bush Key, Long Key, Hospital Key, Middle Key, and East Key. From birds, to sea turtles and coral reefs, the park is paradise for wildlife viewing. One of the largest masonry structures in the world, the fort presents an incongruous sight amidst the shallow turquoise seas of the. Its 262 km. Truman Little White House. Please see our website for full policy. I’ve never seen a boat come to such an abrupt st…. Dry Tortugas National Park and Fort Jefferson. 4. Plan Your Garden Key Camping Experience. At Dry Tortugas you can enjoy dramatic natural and cultural features. 00 per person entrance fee (Adults 17 yrs. Number of participants are limited for safety, so buying tickets online for a reserved time is recommended. Dry Tortugas Kayak Rental. The governor's office said the state is deploying airplanes and helicopters. is another private company that offers helicopter tours to Dry Tortugas. In March and April, hundreds of thousands of birds migrating across the water stop here for a break. LIMIT FULL. Not all of the ships that passed through the Straits made it out. Almost 70 miles west of Key West, nestled among coral reefs, and white sandy beaches, lie seven remote islands called the Dry Tortugas. 5,995 likes · 8 talking about this · 1,744 were here. Find the travel option that best suits you. m. The duration of this crossing is 2h 18 mins. Official site of Key West Seaplane Adventures. Panama City Man Dies Snorkeling In Dry Tortugas National Park - Palmetto Bay-Cutler, FL - A couple found the 49-year-old man unresponsive in the water and brought him to land. • Seaplane Adventures Key West is the only seaplane service to Dry Tortugas National Park. Book Dry Tortugas Fort Jefferson. For more than 100 years, the sparkling turquoise waters of Dry Tortugas National Park in the Florida Keys have concealed a grim historical relic. 30-year study of shark breeding ground highlights importance of critical habitat hit hard by Ian. Tip #2: Take coral reef safe sunscreen, sunglasses, hats, beach towels and binoculars for the birdwatching. Unless indicated below as “ (Obtained at Garden Key)” or “ (Obtained from Park Manager prior to arrival by calling 305-224-4222)”, all other permits must be obtained from the Superintendent, Everglades National. See Miami in a whole new way on an exhilarating seaplane tour! Delight in lovely aerial views as you glide over Miami’s stunning coastal hotspots like Key Biscayne, Coconut Grove, Star Island and South Beach. The trip to the dry Tortugas with these guys is awesome, the staff are incredibly friendly, the plane is fantastic and you will never experience anything as cool as the landing on water. Trips to America’s most remote national park – aboard a high-speed ferry or sea plane. For more information including transportation prices, schedules, and reservations, visit the National Park Service Dry Tortugas National Park website or call 305-242-7700. They offer seaplane tours to Dry Tortugas & Fort Jefferson – morning, afternoon, or full-day. By Associated Press. View all Blog Post. Almost 70 miles (113 km) west of Key West lies the remote Dry Tortugas National Park. If you are an avid bird watching enthusiast, the Dry Tortugas are home to over two hundred different avian species, depending on the season. Dry Tortugas Seaplane Full Day – Fort Jefferson National Park. Spring and summer are the best seasons for bird-watching. The rainiest months are June, July, August. The page will go over how to find all four snorkel spots on the island, as well as where you can get there. The Dolphin helicopter crew arrived on scene at approximately 2 p. The Yankee Freedom ferry is a popular Dry Tortugas transportation option. This park protects seven small islands 70 miles west of Key West, Florida, and the ocean waters that surround them. 5,564 Reviews. 1, 2022, after almost. You have basically three choices. Air Force Academy. Dry Tortugas National Park is a remote and captivating destination located in the Gulf of Mexico. Our flight route takes you due west, over this island chain. Getting to Dry Tortugas by Seaplane: Things to Know. The 7 tiny islands that make up the Dry Tortugas account for only 97 acres in total. These two geo-graphic features stand at a nexus of currents, winds, and shipping routes. seymikes®subonwhitebread t. The Dry Tortugas is a slice of heaven on earth for snorkeling aficionados. Key West Seaplane Adventures is currently the only operator of seaplanes to Dry Tortugas Naitonal Park.