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Day Trips

Cruise in spacious comfort to Fort Jefferson in the Dry Tortugas National Park aboard the Yankee Freedom, a high-speed ocean-going catamaran specifically designed for carrying passengers safely across the 70 miles of open water from Key West to the Park. The Yankee Freedom is 110’ long and 30.6’ wide, a broad and stable vessel certified to carry 250 passengers; however, to maximize the comfort of each guest, we limit each tour at 175 passengers. 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 and Fort Jefferson. Almost 70 miles west of Key West, nestled among coral reefs, and white sandy beaches, lie seven remote islands called the Dry Tortugas. Unforgettable adventures await you on this most memorable Key West tour. En route to Dry Tortugas National Park our onboard naturalist will give you an orientation about the area and the national park’s surroundings. During your voyage, you will enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Marquesa Islands, Boca Grande, have an opportunity to see turtles and dolphins, and listen to pirate legends. You can travel inside the upper or lower air-conditioned cabins or outside on one of our observation decks. The bow, or front, deck is tiered so you can get a full vista photo rather than the back of some stranger’s head! The Yankee Freedom features comfortable padded sling seats that allow room for movement and easy access to the tables. There are four heads (bathrooms) and three fresh water rinses (with warm water!) that allow you to desalinize and change into dry clothing for the return to Key West. Bars on both decks stock a full compliment of beverages and the galley is open all day for extra snacks, souvenirs and essentials. The bars and the galley are both limited to cash or credit card sales. Rest assured, our award-winning crew will be there to make your adventure fun, comfortable and safe.

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photo of Dry Tortugas National Park Day Trips Itinerary Tablet Itinerary Mobile
Itinerary
Check in time: 7:00 am (campers 6:30am)
Boarding time: 7:30 am
Departure time: 8:00 am
Arrive at Fort Jefferson: 10:30 am*
Fort Jefferson Tour: 11:00 am
Lunch: 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Depart: 3:00 pm
Arrive in Key West: 5:30 pm*
*Times may vary depending on weather

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A crew member collecting tickets for those boarding the Yankee Freedom to the Dry Tortugas What to Bring Tablet
What to Bring

The following are items we recommend you bring if you are planning on spending just the day at the Dry Tortugas.

  • Bathing suit
  • Camera
  • Sunscreen
  • Sunglasses and hat
  • Binoculars
  • Beach Towel
  • Change of clothing (during your journey back to Key West, you are welcome to use Yankee Freedom‘s three fresh water rinses before the return trip home).
  • Cash – The Park operates a small gift shop selling books, postcards, T-shirts and other items. The Yankee Freedom serves a large assortment of sodas, snacks, candy, beer, wine, tropical drinks, T-shirts, cameras, Dramamine ™, etc. You may use cash or credit cards for purchases.
  • Sturdy pair of walking shoes
  • You may bring your own snorkeling gear if you wish.
  • National Park Pass

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photo of the yankee freedom three ferry Included w/ Trip Tablet
Included w/ Trip
  • Breakfast Snack and Box Lunch. View Menu
  • Complimentary snorkeling equipment
  • No hidden fees – ticket includes entrance fee to Dry Tortugas National Park and Fort Jefferson
  • Fully narrated 45 minute tour of the fort.
  • Beach walking, snorkel, swim, or just relax in the sun
  • Enjoy a picnic in the afternoon

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Two women conversing aboard the Yankee Freedom on the way to the Dry Tortugas Onboard Services Tablet
Onboard Services

The galley on board the Yankee Freedom is a virtual oasis when visiting the Dry Tortugas. Not only do we stock regular and diet soft drinks, but a wide variety of refreshing fruit juices as well. For the adult guest, there is a fully stocked cash bar that is open on the return trip. Popular brands of beer, wine and liquors are highlighted with a tasty array of delicious frozen drinks including Rum Runners, Pina Coladas, Strawberry Daiquiris and frozen Margaritas.

For those interested in a snack, we have fresh popped popcorn, an assortment of chips and candy bars. If you need more than a snack, our galley serves pizza, burgers, hot dogs and soft pretzels. An ice cream bar makes the perfect dessert.

Terrific souvenirs are also available in the galley that include the official Yankee Freedom caps and t-shirts. We also stock suntan lotion, playing cards, and disposable cameras (regular and underwater.)

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A mom and her young daughter and son walking along the shoreline in the Dry Tortugas National Park Trip Details Tablet
Trip Details

Upon boarding at 7:30 am from Key West, you will enjoy a breakfast snack.

En route to Dry Tortugas National Park our onboard guide will give you an orientation about the area and the national park’s surroundings. During your voyage to one of America’s most remote National Parks, you will enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Marquesa Islands, Boca Grande, and frequent turtle and dolphin sightings.

You can travel inside one of our comfortable air-conditioned cabins or outside on one of the observation decks. The Yankee Freedom also features comfortable cushioned seats, four restrooms, three fresh water rinse showers (with warm water,) a full galley serving snacks, soft drinks, beer, wine, mixed drinks (on return trip only), film, and souvenirs. You will reach the National Park boundaries within 2 hours 10 minutes after leaving Key West harbor.

Once at Dry Tortugas National Park, you will disembark at Fort Jefferson and have the option of joining a 45-minute guided tour. Based on the number of guests who sign up for the tour, it is often offered at two different times in order to accommodate other activities while at the fort. You will enjoy a complimentary box lunch aboard the Yankee Freedom in our air-conditioned salons.

Visitors can take advantage of the swimming, snorkeling, beach walking, exploring, birding, and the flora and fauna of this pristine island.

After reboarding in mid-afternoon we will depart, arriving back in Key West at approximately 5:15 p.m.

Click Here to Make a Day Trip Reservation!

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