Not only is the water warmer, but the weather patterns are more predictable, giving you windows for … In fact, our prices are up to 56% Cheaper*, Dry Tortugas National Park is the #1 Dry Tortugas Concierge in Key West. In the afternoon, we snorkeled around the mote wall checking out the large schools and bait fish and tarpon and then hopped on the Dry Tortugas Ferry for a quick fresh water rinse-off. The shallow waters (5-15 feet) make snorkeling at the Dry Tortugas fun for everyone. Our grandson Travis spent three weeks sailing with us in the Florida keys during his summer 2019 break and going to the Dry Tortugas was high on his list of places he wanted to explore. Unlike in most snorkeling sites, snorkelers on the Dry Tortugas do not have to catch a boat to get to the site of the coral reef-the coral reef is right off the shore! Complimentary fins, mask and snorkel are provided. Offshore forecast for Dry Tortugas National Park. Some tour operators allow you 3, sometimes up to 4, hours of snorkeling time. While heading out for the best snorkeling trip of your life out in the Dry Tortugas, keep in mind the delicateness and fragility of the coral reef. Too much human contact is harmful for the reef, and make sure to not step on a coral head thinking it's a rock. Today’s snorkelers are cautioned to “look but not touch.”. Built by the US Army Corp of Engineers in the 1850s, the historic fort is a massive installation sprawled over most of Garden Key. Snorkeling thru the Dry Tortoogs! HOwever I just read deeper into the park website and the weather page says the seas can be high, windy and visibility poor in the winter. They include labridae, parrotfish, and butterflyfish. C. cdavis Well-Known Member. Before this trip to Dry Tortugas National Park, I had done what I would call baby snorkeling – looking at a few tropical fish for a few minutes in Puerto Vallarta.I had trouble with the breathing apparatus and couldn’t keep my head submerged long enough to actually look at anything. It is important for snorkelers not to touch the corals, as damaging the delicate polyps can make corals susceptible to bleaching and disease. Dry Tortugas National Park is home to their breeding grounds, and it’s difficult to spot them anywhere else. J Campbell Well-Known Member. The park’s remote location, coupled by the easterly flowing gulf current that passes south of the park, creates the perfect habitat for an abundance of marine life. Found a better price online? A day trip to the Dry Tortugas’s remote and pristine wilderness that teems with marine life offers all of the adventure of Caribbean island–hopping – snorkeling, diving, even a formidable fort to explore – minus the passport. Current Conditions Regardless of the time of year you visit the park, it is critical you stay informed of the weather; this is especially true for those traveling to the park in their own vessels. Snorkeling and Diving in Dry Tortugas Located in the southwest corner of the Florida Keys reef system, Dry Tortugas National Park is a remote park that is more than 99% water. The reason Dry Tortugas snorkeling is so ideal is because the islands themselves are part of the coral reef that surrounds Key West and the islands in this area of the sea. The majority of people reach Dry Tortugas National Park via the Dry Tortugas ferry from Key West, which is called the Yankee Freedom III. Answer 1 of 7: My wife and I are headed down to the Keys next weekend and we would like to head out to Dry Tortugas. Here you will also find the South Coaling Dock Ruins, which contain the metal pilings of old coaling docks for experienced snorkelers to explore. This area contains beautiful large coral heads, tropical fish, sea grass and various marine life that call the Dry Tortugas home. Dry Tortugas Snorkeling. The Yankee Freedom delivers people for camping and day trips to the island daily. If you love Key West snorkeling, then Dry Tortugas National Park offers some of the best snorkeling and skin diving in North America, just 70 miles from Key West and the Florida Keys. Scuba Dive the Dry Tortugas ... ScubaBoard.com is the world's largest scuba diving online community. You must also remember to display a dive flag outside of the designated snorkel area and to check your equipment before you begin your snorkel adventure. It can cause painful, stinging, burning sensations, and if you're allergic to it, may result in nasty wounds. The park is home to the magnificent 19 th century Fort Jefferson, rich and diverse marine life, breathtaking turquoise waters, excellent snorkeling and diving sites and incredible bird-watching opportunities. *Current prices are 30% cheaper than cruise lines. Answer 1 of 2: I booked a trip after Christmas to visit the Dry Tortugas. Still, there is a good chance that you will see at least a couple of sea turtles while out on the island. That said, I've never heard anyone recommending against snorkeling in Dec. And you cannot predict weather conditions this far out. The table below provides detailed information about the sea conditions for the next 10 days by time of day. Whether beginner or expert, you can enjoy an abundance of colorful tropical fish and living coral among the waters. To prove it we are matching all online pricing on the tours we offer. Experience fishing around one of the most remote National Parks in the US, The Dry Tortugas. It also has the best snorkeling … If you need to stand when you are out in the water, stand in the sand so that you don’t harm reefs or seagrass. The coral reef is an aragonite structure that is made up of living sea organisms. Departs morning & afternoon. We have friends who have done the snorkeling in the past and it looked amazing! Other sea life that make the coral reef their habitat include the tentacled sea anemone, lobster, and sponges. Unfortunately, when we were there it was a little cooler and the water was really cloudy from all the storms. The remote areas of Dry Tortugas, the Tortugas Bank, the Marquesas Keys, and the wrecks offer superb spearfishing conditions. Many of the smaller isles often disappear and become a part of the undersea snorkeling environment. Preparing to snorkel at Dry Tortugas. Copyright © 2021 Historic Tours of America, Inc. All rights reserved. They do this by accumulating into little colonies that eventually congeal and form the solid structures of the reef. Look for majestic corals, many varieties of tropical fish, starfish, queen conchs, and much more in this protected marine sanctuary. With that said, cold fronts can drop down and the winds can make snorkeling poor, especially in shallow waters, which effects the Tortugas and the beaches worse than the deeper waters out at the reef. They have snorkel equipment that you can use while you are there. Although the temps are high and the summer/wet season accounts for the majority of annual rainfall, the summer/wet season provides the best conditions for snorkeling and viewing marine life. Dry Tortugas National Park is more than 90 percent water, but at its heart lies a tiny cluster of islands, the Dry Tortugas, ... with ideal swimming and snorkeling conditions. Dec 17, 2020 #3 What's at the Tortugas? Please do not disturb the coral reefs you explore; it is important to remember that all coral (live and dead), shipwrecks and historic artifacts are protected by law. Yankee Freedom III Dry tortugas national park ferry, Download map of Dry Tortugas Island and snorkel areas. The snorkeling here is like no other, in terms of the amount of sea life, color, and movement you will see underneath the clear waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Overnight charters to Dry Tortugas will give you a precious opportunity of enjoying the night sky and powdery sand. ALERT: The Windjammer dive site mooring ball (SW of Loggerhead Key) has been damaged and is off-station. These birds are actually known to take 1-2 second naps while flying. Dry Tortugas is notoriously known as one of the best places to camp in the United States. I’m going snorkeling in the dry tortugas ?. For your safety, you should always use the “buddy system” and swim with a friend, never alone! Also, be respectful to the wildlife that make the reef their home. By using our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Talk about a creature after my own heart. Start planning your Dry Tortugas snorkeling trip! Make reservations for a Dry Tortugas Tour by booking online or contact us at (866) 575-5068. The islands are made up of reef and sand. Dry Tortugas Fishing Charter. This area contains beautiful large coral heads, tropical fish, sea grass and various marine life that call the Dry Tortugas home. They are low in nutrients and, in fact, any overabundance of nutrients can ruin the fragile ecosystem. Its crystal clear ocean waters abound with incredible marine life. The Yankee Freedom III is a 110 foot luxury … Dry Tortugas National Park is one of the most remote and difficult to access national parks in the country. Snorkeling in Dry Tortugas National Park is nothing short of spectacular, especially as many of the wrecks and patch reefs are in shallow water. Has anyone been there in February? Upon arrival at Fort Jefferson, the friendly crew of the Yankee Freedom III will provide you with a snorkel, fins and mask for exploring the nearby reefs. C. Catfish Reaper Member. A Dry Tortugas day trip from Key West checks a lot of boxes: secluded white sand beaches, spectacular snorkeling, and exploring history with stories of pirates and a 19th century fort. Jan 21, 2003 . We fell in love with this magical place and can't wait to return! Do you enjoy snorkeling? View our ADA Accessibility Policy. Today the wave height in Dry Tortugas does not exceed 1 meter (3 ft 3 in) and it is sea suitable for swimming. Travel time is approximately 40 minutes each way. Magnificent frigate birds are also common. When you take the ferry to the Dry Tortugas, you get there at about 10:30am. Dry Tortugas National Park and Fort Jefferson Ferry Service. Upon arrival at Fort Jefferson, the friendly crew of the Yankee Freedom III will provide you with a snorkel, fins and mask for exploring the nearby reefs. This was a special treat since we would normally just stay salty the rest of the day (until our one shower in the evening) after being in the water in an effort to conserve our fresh water. With the amount of places to go in the Tortugas water, you will definitely be able to fill up your snorkeling time. Located on Garden Key is historic Fort Jefferson, one of the nation’s most extensive and ambitious 19th-century forts and a central cultural feature of Dry Tortugas National Park. Download map of Dry Tortugas Island and snorkel areas. If you snorkel, dive, or spearfish, the best time to visit the Dry Tortugas is in the summer. There is the pristine water for snorkeling and the fort for the history buffs. Located just in front of the boat pier lies historic Fort Jefferson and the island’s white sandy beaches. The Dry Tortugas is a remote, quiet, peaceful spot not far from the Florida Keys. The Yankee Freedom III is operating normal daily service to the Dry Tortugas. An orientation of the Keys and Dry Tortugas National Park is provided by the onboard naturalist, and sightings of both dolphins and sea turtles are common during the excursion. Despite their low-nutrient balance, the coral reef is an ecosystem teeming with animal life. We use cookies to give you the best experience. When Dry Tortugas snorkeling, be careful not to brush up against this coral like substance. The reef stretches from the Dry Tortugas in the Gulf of Mexico all the way to Miami in the Atlantic Ocean. Have you had a snorkeling session at night? Visiting Dry Tortugas feels like a getaway to an undiscovered Caribbean Island. The waters surrounding the main Tortugas islands are shallow, clear and warm. One of the most popular snorkel areas is located approximately 75 yards from the western edge of the moat wall and is a great place to start your snorkel adventure! Dry Tortugas Scuba Diving liveaboard, The Ultimate Getaway. In the coming days the sea will become rough. Friendly interaction between snorkelers and the animals assures future generations of being able to see the beauty beneath the waters of the Gulf of Mexico. We'll Price Match It. Sea turtles used to be very prominent in the Dry Tortugas ("Tortuga" actually means turtle in Spanish) coral reef but have been victims to hunters and their presence in the Tortugas have diminished considerably. Other fish that make the reef their home or are often found among the reef are the ones that swim above or around the reef and either prey on the smaller reef fish or eat seagrass. The shallow waters (5-15 feet) make snorkeling at the Dry Tortugas fun for everyone. So take the opportunity to go on what will likely be your most rewarding and successful snorkeling trip ever and head out to Florida's Dry Tortugas National Park. Its real name was Avanti. Snorkeling. Mar 1, 2018 9 0 11 33 Kansas. This is the ultimate guide for securing your camping reservations and planning your overnight trip to Dry Tortugas National Park. The Dry Tortugas also has a considerable amount of fire coral in the area. In the shallower waters and near the shore you can also find patches of healthy coral reefs, which are havens for marine life and snorkelers of all levels alike. 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 world. To your left are the picnic grounds and campgrounds, and just a short walk away are the island’s many designated snorkel areas. There are certain species of fish that live in the coral reef almost exclusively and are typically called reef fish. Unlike in most snorkeling sites, snorkelers on the Dry Tortugas do not have to catch a boat to get to the site of the coral reef-the coral reef is right off the shore! You may want to carry your swimming suit for nighttime dips and in the blue shoreline waters. Small primitive-type creatures called polyps are the ones that create the coral reef. Content from this Website may not be copied, downloaded, reproduced or used without written permission! More on Key West Snorkeling Reservations. Download Map. That is exactly what we did on this amazing family adventure to the Dry Tortugas. It is a combination of the natural beauty of a tropical paradise and mid-19th century history. Snorkelers merely walk into the water with their gear and start snorkeling. Impressions of Dry Tortugas National Park: Dry Tortugas is unique. With little to no wind, the calm waters maintain excellent visibility, which is conducive to Tortuga’s most popular activities. One of the most popular snorkel areas is located approximately 75 yards from the western edge of the moat wall and is a great place to start your snorkel adventure! It’s recognized for its natural beauty, historic significance, and remote location, making it a very exclusive campground. The Dry Tortugas is home to some of the most vibrant coral reefs in the United States, and is a snorkeler’s wonderland. The waters surrounding the main Tortugas islands are shallow, clear and warm. Please call "National Park Service, Dry Tortugas" on vhf16 when within the national park for latest information on availability of this dive site. The excitement of scuba diving, checking out a wreck and spearfishing one of the big bottom fish all at the same time is a adventure matched to non other! The most popular dive in the park is the wreck known as the Windjammer. The corals are not rocks, but these colonies of these tiny primitive creatures. Garden Key is the second largest island in the Dry Tortugas, about 14 acres in size, and has had the most human impact. These fish feed themselves on small animals among the reef, seaweed and sometime even the reef itself. After the boat docks at Garden Key in the Dry Tortugas, there is an optional guided tour of historic Fort Jefferson which takes about forty minutes. Yankee Freedom III, LLC is authorized by the National Park Service and the Department of the Interior to serve the public at Dry Tortugas National Park. Many of the smaller isles often disappear and become a part of the undersea snorkeling environment. Sep 17, 2001 571 170 148 66 Annapolis, MD, USA. Dec 16, 2020 #2 I’m doing the same December 28-jan 1 . Click here to read more about our ongoing safety updates. The reef that makes up the Tortugas is a fringe reef, which is the type of reef that is attached to a shore or border. 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. Key West visitors who have gone out to the fantastic stretch of seven islands called the Dry Tortugas will tell you that the absolute best snorkeling in Key West is on the Dry Tortugas. Keep in mind that weather can affect snorkeling conditions. Things to Do at Dry Tortugas National Park: Snorkeling, Swimming, and More Camping is a popular way to enjoy Dry Tortugas National Park, if you want more than just a few hours on the island. You are, after all, in their home. Located just in front of the boat pier lies historic Fort Jefferson and the island’s white sandy beaches. Since 2000, ScubaBoard has been the place to go for internet based discussions related to all things Scuba. This trip is just under 4 hours long, providing at least 2 1/2 hours of island time at Fort Jefferson/Dry Tortugas. No visit to the Dry Tortugas would be complete without exploring, snorkeling or scuba diving Fort Jefferson. If you love Key West snorkeling, then Dry Tortugas National Park offers some of the best snorkeling and skin diving in North America, just 70 miles from Key West and the Florida Keys. The predatory fish include pompanos, groupers and mackerels, the other kind include snapper, pagellus and conodon. This amazing structure is made up of layers of calcium carbonate secreted by coral polyps throughout thousands of years and is the home of hundreds of tropical fish and marine life. Privacy PolicyThis website meets WCAG 2.0/2.1 AA standards set by the ADA. The corals receive their vibrant colors from polyps containing algae called zooxanthellae, which also helps to keep the corals alive. Directly accessible from the brilliant white sand beach are the Fort Jefferson snorkeling areas. Next 10 days by time of day coral like substance fact, any overabundance nutrients! 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