Hannah | August 2026
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White sandy beaches, crystal clear blue water and an island in the middle of no where?! I knew Dry Tortugas National Park was going to be cool…I did not expect it to become one of the coolest, most beautiful places I have ever visited.
Dylan and I visited Dry Tortugas National Park on May 2, 2024, during our honeymoon trip to the Florida Keys. We booked the morning half-day sea plane excursion from Key West and more than two years later I still cannot stop talking about it!
Flying over Key West, wildlife, snorkeling beside an enormous historic fort, and what felt like a deserted tropical island almost entirely to ourselves. If you’re debating whether the Dry Tortugas seaplane is worth the money, my short answer is: YES!
Our Trip at Glance
When: May 2, 2024
Transportation: Seaplane
Trip: Morning half-day excursion
Departure: 8AM
Booked: Almost 4 months in advance
Would we choose the seaplane again? Absolutely.
Would we choose the half-day again? Nope — I’d book the full day!
Keep reading for all of the details! TLDR here!
Why We Chose a Seaplane to Dry Tortugas
Dry Tortugas National Park is located about 70 miles west of Key West and there are no roads connecting it to the rest of Florida. If you want to visit, you’re getting there by boat or seaplane.
We chose Key West Seaplane Adventures and booked our May 2 trip on January 11—almost four months ahead of time! We chose the 8AM half-day excursion. At the time, I went back and forth with options and chose the half-day. Looking back, I could have stayed all day!
A small disclaimer: this was and currently is my only trip to Dry Tortugas National Park and I cannot speak on the experience ferry-users have. We wanted more of a private island experience and taking the 8AM half-day seaplane and leaving before the “crowd” was what we loved the most.
Our Early-Morning Drive From Key Largo to Key West
We stayed at Kona Kai Resort in Key Largo, which meant our Dry Tortugas day started EARLY. Our seaplane departed at 8AM and we were required to arrive 30 minutes prior to departure, so we were up before the sun! (100/10 recommend Kona Kai Resort BTW).
Since it was such a unique excursion, I booked it months before, and I didn’t want anything to go wrong…I felt a little nervous on the drive to the airport. Thankfully there was no traffic, the drive was easy and somewhere along the way we saw a rainbow. It was a great sign of what was to come.
Seaplane Check-In
Once we arrived at Key West International Airport, everything was smooth and easy! We had an America the Beautiful National Park Pass, so we presented our pass to cover our park fee. Otherwise, it is $15 per person age 16 and over. We checked in with Key West Seaplane Adventures 30 minutes before our flight and received a quick rundown of the morning and what to expect before heading out to the plane.
Key West Seaplane Adventures provided us with snorkeling equipment, including fins, and coolers with water and soft drinks for the island. The plane holds 7 people (everyone has a window seat and a headset) plus the pilot so we had a “full flight” and one lucky passenger got to sit up front!
The Seaplane Flight Was Part of the Experience
Once we were in the air, the views were unbelievable. We waved goodbye to Key West and flew out to the island! The water was clear, and we flew low enough to spot marine life! We saw sea turtles, dolphins, sharks, and even a shipwreck from above. In between the pilot pointing out sights and sharing stories, the headset plays tropical music! The flight to the park definitely felt like apart of the adventure!
Something to note – one passenger on our flight did feel sick, whether from motion sickness, anxiety or some combination of the two. If you’re prone to motion sickness, I’d consider talking with your doctor or pharmacist beforehand about an option that works for you.
Arriving at What Felt Like a Deserted Island
We arrived at 8:30AM, before the daily ferry, so for a while, the only other people around were our small seaplane group, park staff, and anyone who camped overnight. It genuinely felt like we had the place to ourselves.
Exploring Fort Jefferson at Dry Tortugas National Park
We pretty much immediately explored Fort Jefferson. We peered inside, walked around the fort and went up to the top…It was SO unbelievable!!
At one point I looked at Dylan and expressed that it felt like we landed in some beach-themed Super Mario level. Being on top of a fort with an endless sea of clear water around me felt like a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Fort Jefferson also gave us a break from the sun since parts of the fort are shaded. Outside of it, however, you are extremely exposed. There are also uneven surfaces, stairs and areas around the historic structure where you’ll want to pay attention to where you’re walking. Be sure to stay in visitor-accessible areas and follow all posted signs and closures.
Snorkeling at Dry Tortugas National Park
After exploring the fort, we hit the beach! We used our provided snorkel equipment and fins and went for a swim!
A few meters offshore, we swam over an enormous conch shell. It was so big my first thought was genuinely that it had been planted there as a prank. We eventually came to find out we spotted a Horse Conch shell! Of course, admire wildlife and shells where you find them, and leave them undisturbed.
I noticed some underwater structure/debris around the fort and figured there might be fish hanging around it, so I swam over to investigate. Dylan stayed back and swam towards the beach as I met up with a stingray.
The stingray swam along and I followed from a respectful distance. It toured me around to different fish, including a barracuda, and then eventually lead me to another stingray.
I remember swimming back to Dylan afterward thinking: THAT WAS TOTALLY WICKED!! Between the stingrays, fish, pelicans, jellyfish and everything else we saw throughout the day, Dry Tortugas felt absolutely alive with wildlife.
Our Experience With the Birds
We visited in early May, which falls during seabird nesting season. Because of that, some areas weren’t accessible during our trip. It was slightly disappointing that we couldn’t explore everywhere, but we still enjoyed our time! Closures change seasonally, so check the National Park Service’s current conditions before your visit.
Half-Day vs. Full-Day Seaplane: Which Would I Choose?
If I could do it all over again, I would definitely book the full day. Dylan, argues that the half-day was the perfect amount of time.
The half-day gave us enough time to explore Fort Jefferson and snorkel, and we both felt satisfied when it was time to go.
I could have spent hours more snorkeling, relaxing on the beach and taking everything in. However, as we were getting ready to board our seaplane back to Key West, the ferry was arriving.
We essentially had our quiet island experience and left as the much larger group of visitors was beginning their day! If your main goal is to see the fort, experience the island and snorkel for a bit, the half day should cover it! If you’re someone like me who wants to swim, explore, take photos, sit on the beach and soak up every possible second? Book the full day if your schedule and budget allow it.
What I Would Bring to Dry Tortugas
When you’re packing for this trip, think: deserted island. Here’s what mattered most to me:
Sun Protection
I wore a hat, these exact sunglasses and this SPF sun-protection shirt, and I was very happy that I did. Fort Jefferson has shaded areas, but outside of the fort you are extremely exposed to the Florida sun. I’d also bring plenty of sunblock and reapply throughout the day.
Water Shoes
If I did this trip again, I’d bring water shoes. Between walking around the beach and walking around the fort, there were areas that were a little rough underfoot.
Swimsuit and Towel
Bring both if you’re planning to swim and/or snorkel.
Dry Clothes
Our seaplane confirmation specifically recommended bringing a dry change of clothes for the return flight, and it was a tip we were glad we took advantage of!
Food & Water If You’re Staying Longer
Our half-day seaplane excursion did not include food. We ate afterward in Key West, but if I were booking the full-day experience, I would pack lunch, lots of water and snacks.
Camera/Underwater Camera
You are going to want it. Between the flight, Fort Jefferson, beaches, wildlife and that ridiculous blue water, this was one of those days when I wanted to photograph EVERYTHING. I was so upset I didn’t bring my GoPro to capture the underwater magic as well.
National Park Pass
Dry Tortugas National Park currently has a $15 entrance fee per person age 16 and older, which is good for seven consecutive days. Check the NPS website for the most up-to-date entrance fee information. If you already have a valid America the Beautiful National Park Pass, bring it with you! The pass covers the entrance fee for the passholder plus up to three additional adults at the park.
Cash
Don’t forget to tip the pilot! If you loved your flight and your pilot took good care of you, don’t forget to bring a little extra tip!
TL;DR: Dry Tortugas Quick Tips
If one of my friends told me they were planning a trip, this is what I’d tell them:
- Book transportation months in advance.
- If you love snorkeling and beach time, consider the full-day option.
- Protect yourself from the sun.
- Bring water shoes.
- Bring food if your transportation doesn’t provide it or you’re staying long enough to need it.
- Bring your America the Beautiful Pass if you have one.
- Check seasonal closures before your trip.
- Consider motion-sickness preparation if you’re prone to it.
- Take a ridiculous amount of pictures!
Overall: Dry Tortugas National Park – One of the Coolest Places We’ve Ever Been
I’ve been lucky enough to visit some incredible places in the US and overseas, but Dry Tortugas is one of the more unique places I think I’ll ever experience. We flew over and snorkeled crystal-clear water, explored a massive, unfinished, historic fort, snorkeled with sea creatures, parlayed pelicans and other seabirds, swam with stingrays and for a little while, felt like we had landed on our own island.
There are some trips where you’re ready to head back to the hotel at the end and then there are places where you’re boarding the plane home thinking: Wait…can I stay?
Dry Tortugas was that place for me! I would go back in a heartbeat. And next time?
I’m staying longer.
Han & Dyl Rating: 10/10
Scenery: 10/10
Experience: 10/10
Crowds: 10/10 (for lack there of)
Would We Go Back?: ABSOLUTELY