We Flew to Dry Tortugas National Park – Was It Worth It?? #drytortugas #fortjefferson

We visited one of the most remote national parks in the country—and we got there by seaplane. Dry Tortugas National Park is located 70 miles west of Key West and made up of seven tiny islands surrounded by crystal-clear turquoise water. It’s home to Fort Jefferson, a massive 19th-century coastal fortress that you can explore at your own pace. We chose the full-day seaplane tour with Key West Seaplane Adventures (6.5 hours on the island, prices from $868 roundtrip per person as of 2025 for the full-day/$494 pp for the half-day). It was an unforgettable flight—our pilot even helped us spot turtles, rays, sharks, and shipwrecks along the way. Once we landed at Garden Key, we spent the morning exploring Fort Jefferson, checking out the visitor center, peeking into Dr. Samuel Mudd’s prison cell, and walking the upper levels of the fort for panoramic views of the island and surrounding reef. We also spotted nesting frigatebirds and explored the sandbar to nearby Bush Key. Later in the day, we went snorkeling on the west side of Garden Key. The water was shallow, clear, and packed with marine life—including a live conch slowly making its way across the sand. Sadly, we also saw evidence of coral bleaching, which has heavily impacted the reef in recent years. ⛴️ Alternate option: If you’re on a budget, you can take the Yankee Freedom Ferry instead—$235 roundtrip for adults, including snorkeling gear and about 4 hours on the island. It books up fast, so reserve early! If you’re visiting Key West and love remote places, history, or marine life—Dry Tortugas is absolutely worth the effort. Just be prepared: it’s hot, isolated, and there’s no cell service… and that’s what makes it so special. Thanks for watching! If you enjoyed this one, hit like and subscribe for more adventures. #DryTortugas #NationalParks #KeyWest #FloridaKeys #SeaplaneAdventure #FortJefferson #Snorkeling #RemoteTravel #Frigatebirds #GardenKey #TravelCouple #GayTravel #BucketList #CoralReef #IslandAdventure #NatureLovers #YankeeFreedom