Embarking on a journey aboard the Yankee Freedom, visitors can discover the unique eco-attraction, Dry Tortugas National Park, which comprises seven small islands. Among its highlights is the historic Fort Jefferson, a Civil War-era prison. The park offers:
- A tour through Fort Jefferson, with expert guides providing insights into its rich history.
- A range of activities for every type of visitor.
For a memorable trip, visitors are advised to carry:
- Comfortable footwear, a hat, a bathing suit, sunglasses, towels, and a change of dry clothes.
- Essentials such as sunscreen, a camera, a light jacket/sweatshirt, something to read, and a National Park Pass.
The typical itinerary involves:
- An early morning check-in and departure, followed by arrival at Fort Jefferson by mid-morning.
- A tour of the fort, lunch, and departure by mid-afternoon, culminating in a late afternoon arrival in Key West. Note that timings may vary depending on weather conditions.
Trip inclusions encompass:
- Breakfast and lunch (for campers, on the day of arrival)
- Complimentary snorkeling equipment and a fully narrated 45-minute tour of the fort.
- Entrance fee to Dry Tortugas National Park and Fort Jefferson.
Additional activities for visitors to partake in include:
- A 40-minute guided tour of the fort, where they can listen to captivating stories about the fort's history.
- Snorkeling, offered in the shallow waters of the park, considered some of the best snorkeling and skin diving locations in North America.
- Visiting the secluded beaches of Fort Jefferson Dry Tortugas National Park, lauded as the best beach in the Florida Keys.
- Birding, as the seven islands of Dry Tortugas serve as a vital stopover for migrating birds, forming part of the Great Florida Birding Trail.
- Camping, an opportunity to sleep under the stars, surrounded by palm trees, 70 miles away from civilization, providing a truly unforgettable experience.