Dry Tortugas National Park with Kids: The Ultimate Family Guide (2026)
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dry tortugas national park has incredibly clear water
If you're looking for the best things to do in Dry Tortugas National Park with kids, you're in the right place. Whether you're visiting as a family or planning an adults-only adventure, you'll find everything you need to plan your trip here. Dry Tortugas National Park welcomes approximately 84,000 visitors each year and protects nearly 100 square miles of open water, coral reefs, and seven small islands. Located about 70 miles west of Key West, it is one of the most remote and unique national parks in the United States.
Every visitor to Dry Tortugas National Park should make a stop at the visitor centers to get a park map and find an up-to-date weather update or share info about the park’s road and beach conditions and possible closures.
Park Rangers are also a wonderful resource for learning more about Fort Jefferson, current conditions, wildlife sightings, and areas of the park you may otherwise miss. The Dry Tortugas visitor center and bookstore are located inside Fort Jefferson on Garden Key and are generally open while the ferry is at the island. Hours and ranger availability can vary due to weather, staffing, and transportation schedules, so check the National Park Service website before your visit. Dry Tortugas National Park itself is open year-round, including federal holidays, but ferry and seaplane schedules may change.
To see more photos and videos from our trips to DTNP check out my Instagram Highlight.
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If you are looking for more things to do in in the Florida with kids, check out my all of my guides for exploring Florida.
When to Visit Dry Tortugas National Park
The most popular time to visit Dry Tortugas National Park is during the winter dry season, generally from November through April. These months bring lower humidity, cooler temperatures, and less rain, making them a comfortable time to explore Fort Jefferson and spend the day outside. However, winter can also bring stronger winds and rougher seas, which may make the ferry ride more uncomfortable or affect transportation to the park.
The average annual weather for reference - graph courtesy of Weather spark (Click photo for more weather data)
Summer at Dry Tortugas National Park is hot, humid, and rainy, with the wet season lasting from around mid-May through November. Afternoon thunderstorms and brief rain showers are common, and visitors should be prepared for intense sun, heat, mosquitoes, and rapidly changing weather. Summer also overlaps with Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1 through November 30. One advantage of visiting during summer is that the seas are often calmer, with lighter winds and excellent visibility for snorkeling.
No matter when you visit, ferry and seaplane reservations can sell out well in advance. Dry Tortugas National Park is located nearly 70 miles from Key West and is only accessible by boat or seaplane, so there are limited transportation options and no easy alternative if your preferred trip is fully booked. Weather can also affect transportation, so check the forecast and current park conditions before leaving Key West.
june was a fantastic time to visit
We visited Dry Tortugas National Park in late June, and had beautiful weather for most of the day. The skies were sunny, the water was clear, and the seas were calm for both our ferry ride and our time on Garden Key. A light rain shower moved through as we boarded the ferry for the return trip to Key West, but it passed quickly and did not affect our day. While June is hot and falls within both the wet season and hurricane season, the calm seas and sunny skies made it an excellent time for snorkeling, swimming, and exploring Fort Jefferson.
How to get to Dry Tortugas National Park
Obligatory national park sign photo!
One of the questions I get asked most is how to get to Dry Tortugas National Park. Unlike most U.S. National Parks, there are no roads leading to the park. Located approximately 70 miles west of Key West, Dry Tortugas National Park is only accessible by ferry, seaplane, or private boat. Each option offers a completely different experience, so choosing the right one depends on your budget, how much time you want to spend at the park, and what you hope to do once you arrive.
Yankee Freedom III Ferry (Most Popular)
The Yankee Freedom III is the most popular and affordable way to visit Dry Tortugas National Park. Departing daily from Key West, the high-speed catamaran takes approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes each way, giving you about four hours to explore Garden Key and Fort Jefferson before returning.
all the kids slept almost the entire boat ride to dry tortugas
Your ferry ticket includes transportation, park entrance fees, a narrated ride through the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, breakfast, lunch, snorkeling equipment, and a guided tour of Fort Jefferson. Because everything is included, this is by far the easiest option for first-time visitors and families traveling with children.
The downside is that it is a long day. Check-in begins at 7AM and you'll spend about 5 hours on the boat throughout the day. Ferry tickets also sell out months in advance, especially during winter, spring break, and holidays, so reservations should be made as early as possible.
We visited Dry Tortugas National Park aboard the Yankee Freedom and found it to be an excellent experience. The ride out was smooth with calm seas, and having snorkeling gear, meals, and the ranger tour included made the day completely stress-free.
free ice cream for the kids after showing their junior ranger badges
Dry Tortugas Seaplane
Fort Jefferson from the Dry Tortugas seaplane! Photo courtesy of my sister, Blake Pierpoint!
If you're short on time or want an unforgettable experience, flying to Dry Tortugas National Park by seaplane is hard to beat.
its a SMALL plane!
The flight from Key West takes only about 40 minutes, offering incredible aerial views of the Florida Keys, coral reefs, shipwrecks, and the turquoise waters surrounding Garden Key. Many visitors consider the flight itself one of the highlights of their trip.
a passenger in the cockpit! these planes are very small!
You can choose either a half-day or full-day excursion, allowing more flexibility than the ferry. Because the seaplane lands directly beside Fort Jefferson, you'll arrive well before the ferry crowds and have some of the island nearly to yourself for part of the morning.
seeing the islands as you fly from key west to dry tortugas
The biggest drawback is the price. Seaplane tours are significantly more expensive than the ferry and have limited seating, so reservations should also be made well in advance. However, if your budget allows, this is one of the most unique ways to experience any U.S. National Park.
**We booked the Seaplane originally and they canceled on us 4 days before departure. Luckily the Yankee Freedom was able to get us on a boat while were still in Key West. This made for a very stressful experience.
my sister and her family after taking the seaplane to dry tortugas!
Private Boat or Charter Boat
Experienced boaters can visit Dry Tortugas National Park by private boat or charter boat from Key West, approximately 70 miles away. This option offers the most flexibility and allows visitors to camp overnight at Garden Key or spend extra time fishing, diving, and exploring the park. If you don't own a boat, several companies in Key West offer fishing charters, dive charters, and private excursions to Dry Tortugas National Park. Because of the long offshore journey, always monitor weather conditions and bring all necessary food, water, fuel, and supplies, as there are no services inside the park.
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a view of the fort from the boat
Where to Stay in Virgin Islands National Park
Camping at Dry Tortugas
we squeezed into the bushes to try and find shadein the campground at dry tortugas.
Garden Key Campground is the only campground in Dry Tortugas National Park and one of the most unique places to camp in the National Park System. Located just steps from historic Fort Jefferson, the primitive campground is available year-round on a first-come, first-served basis with a valid camping permit.
There are no cabins, RV hookups, or glamping options. Campers must bring all of their own food, drinking water, camping gear, and supplies, as there are no stores or services once you arrive. Composting toilets are available, but there are no showers or freshwater for washing.
Most campers travel to the park aboard the Yankee Freedom III, which transports camping gear for an additional fee, although experienced boaters may also arrive by private vessel. Camping at Dry Tortugas National Park is an unforgettable experience, giving you the rare opportunity to explore Fort Jefferson, watch the sunset, snorkel, and enjoy the island after the day visitors have returned to Key West.
the yankee freedom is the only option for campers who want to camp at dry tortugas!
the views from the fort are incredible
Where to Stay Outside of Virgin Islands National Park
There are no hotels inside Dry Tortugas National Park, so most visitors stay in Key West and visit the park as a day trip. Since both the Yankee Freedom ferry and Dry Tortugas seaplane depart from Key West early in the morning, staying there is by far the most convenient option. Key West has accommodations for every budget, including hotels, vacation rentals, resorts, and campgrounds.
We stayed at an airbnb about 25 minutes from the yankee freedom. this is a long term rental only, so 30+ days. it was an excellent location.
If you're looking to save money, you can also stay elsewhere in the Florida Keys and drive to Key West for the day, but be prepared for an early morning. We were in Key West for a week and visited Dry Tortugas National Park while on this trip. Use the map below to find hotels, vacation rentals, and campgrounds that fit your family's size and budget.
What to do in Dry Tortugas National Park with Kids
1) Explore Fort Jefferson in Dry Tortugas National Park!
there is no official dry tortugas national park sign, but there is this fort jefferson sign!
Fort Jefferson is the centerpiece of Dry Tortugas National Park and one of the largest masonry forts ever built in the Western Hemisphere. Construction began in 1846 to protect the strategic shipping lanes through the Gulf of Mexico, but the massive fort was never fully completed.
Today, you can explore its six-sided brick walls, walk the the moat, climb the spiral staircases to the upper gun deck, and enjoy panoramic views of bright the turquoise water. Don't miss the historic parade ground, the old soldiers' quarters, the lighthouse, and the cells where Dr. Samuel Mudd, the physician who treated John Wilkes Booth after President Abraham Lincoln's assassination, was imprisoned.
Wear comfortable walking shoes, bring plenty of water, and allow at least an hour to explore. Be prepared for uneven brick surfaces, steep stairways, and very little shade.
2) Go Snorkeling in Dry Tortugas National Park
Snorkeling is one of the best things to do in Dry Tortugas National Park. With crystal-clear water, shallow reefs, and abundant marine life, this remote island is a snorkelers dream.
The waters surrounding Garden Key are home to colorful tropical fish like blue tang, sergeant majors, parrotfish, French grunts, yellowtail snapper, angelfish, and barracuda. If you're lucky, you may also spot southern stingrays, nurse sharks, sea turtles, or eagle rays gliding through the water.
South Beach is typically the calmest and most family-friendly beach, making it a great choice for beginners and young children, while North Beach offers beautiful views but can experience stronger currents depending on weather conditions. The most popular snorkeling spot is around the outside of the moat wall surrounding Fort Jefferson, where coral, sponges, and schools of fish thrive among the historic brick ruins.
We spent about an hour snorkeling around
If you're arriving aboard the Yankee Freedom III, complimentary snorkel gear is included with your ticket, making it easy to jump in and explore. Visitors arriving by seaplane should plan ahead, as snorkel equipment is not provided and must be brought with you if you want to snorkel during your visit.
both big kids found giant conchs
We chose to spend the majority of our time snorkeling in Cinnamon Bay by our campsite, snorkeling in open water with Reef Sunfari, and we spend half a day snorkeling in Salt Pond Bay which is by far the best snorkeling in Virgin Islands National Park we had.
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Be sure to Check out my Other Caribbean Islands Guides
3) Dry Tortugas Junior Ranger Program:
While visiting Dry Tortugas National Park you can earn a Junior Ranger badge by completing the park's activity booklet. The booklet teaches about Fort Jefferson, marine life, wildlife, and the unique history of the Dry Tortugas while encouraging exploration of the park. Once you've finished the activities and taken the Junior Ranger oath, they'll receive an official Dry Tortugas National Park Junior Ranger badge to take home.
all 3 kids got their Junior ranger badge
When kids complete the Dry Tortugas National Park Junior Ranger booklet, they earn a badge. National Park Junior Ranger program is one of the best family friendly things to do in Dry Tortugas National Park.
free ice creams after showing their junior ranger badges!
If you're visiting on the Yankee Freedom III, be sure to have your child show their new Junior Ranger badge to the crew before departing—they'll receive a free ice cream as a special reward for completing the program. It's one of the best free activities for kids in Dry Tortugas National Park and a fun way to make their visit even more memorable.
**If you don’t have time to complete the booklet at home, you can complete it at home and mail it in. (We have done this at several parks and NP sites)
4) Join a Ranger Talk
One of the highlights of visiting Dry Tortugas National Park on the Yankee Freedom III is the complimentary Fort Jefferson guided tour led by a National Park Service ranger.
the ranger led talk inside of fort jefferson
Lasting about 45 minutes, the tour brings the massive coastal fortress to life with fascinating stories about its construction, military purpose, and the people who lived and worked there. You'll learn why Fort Jefferson was built to protect one of the busiest shipping routes in the Gulf of Mexico, hear the story of Dr. Samuel Mudd—who was imprisoned here after treating John Wilkes Booth—and discover why the fort was never fully completed despite using more than 16 million bricks.
The ranger also points out architectural features and shares interesting details you might otherwise miss while exploring on your own. Even if you plan to wander the fort afterward, the guided tour is well worth attending and provides valuable context that makes the rest of your visit even more meaningful.
**If you arrive by seaplane, I am sure they will allow you to join the 11am tour.
If you're planning a family trip to Dry Tortugas National Park, this will be one of the most unforgettable Parks you’ll experience. Families can explore the massive walls of historic Fort Jefferson, snorkel in crystal-clear waters filled with tropical fish, relax on sandy beaches, spot seabirds and marine life, earn a Junior Ranger badge, and learn about the park's fascinating history through ranger-led programs. Whether your kids love history, wildlife, or simply splashing in the ocean, Dry Tortugas National Park offers a one-of-a-kind adventure for every age.
fort jefferson is a huge fort on a tiny island
As a mom who's visited 52 National Parks with kids, I can promise Dry Tortugas National Park will leave your family with lasting memories.
Have you been to Dry Tortugas National Park? If so, I would love to hear from you and if I missed anything you did and loved.
To see more photos and videos from our trips to DTNP check out my Instagram Highlight.
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