"What's this tour all about? If you want to get out to the Dry Tortugas—a collection of seven tiny islands in the Gulf of Mexico, located about 70 miles west of Key West—you’re either going to need a boat or a seaplane. If you don't happen to have a spare of either, the Yankee Freedom III is your next best choice. The ferry makes the two-hour journey to and from the Dry Tortugas each day, and the price of a ticket ($180 for adults, $125 for kids 16 and under) includes more than just a comfortable boat ride. It also includes breakfast and lunch, complimentary snorkeling equipment, admittance to Dry Tortugas National Park , and entry to Fort Jefferson, a massive, if unfinished, military fortress that dates back to the Civil War. For those who want to take a guided tour of the 16-acre facility, that’s included, too. Just know that there are no shops here, so you’ll want to remember to bring a beach towel and some sunscreen. (The ferry itself serves up drinks and snacks.) Who else tends to take this trip? While Fort Jefferson may be more popular with tourists, locals regularly make the trek to the Dry Tortugas, too—mainly as a way to get away from the crowds and spend the day (and night, for those who like to camp) exploring the islands’ pristine beaches and wildlife. How are the guides, then? The team is comprised of pros, both on the water and on land. They do the to and fro thing on a daily basis, so they move everyone on time and with every amenity needed. Once at the islands, they’re happy to offer advice and tips if you plan to explore on your own. But if you want an expert in tow, their guides—expert naturalists—will spend at least 45 minutes leading groups through the 16 million bricks that make up Fort Jefferson, including its barracks and the Fort’s prison (where Dr. Samuel Mudd, an accomplice in the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, was once imprisoned). Why would you recommend taking this ferry trip to Dry Tortugas? In a way, it might seem odd to leave one beachfront wonderland to go and visit another. But the isolated nature of the Dry Tortugas, their glistening white sand beaches, and bountiful wildlife, coupled with its unique place in American history (Fort Jefferson is the largest brick masonry structure in North or South America), make it feel like a private tropical island—even if you are making your way there alongside dozens of other serenity-seekers. Any parting words of advice before we set sail? While history buffs will love the hour-long walking tour of Fort Jefferson, those looking to explore the great outdoors—either by observing the island’s wildlife, or snagging a spot on the beach—will find a way to make a wonderful memory of time spent here. For visitors who want to try “roughing” it, there’s a simple campsite on Garden Key just a short walk from where you dock. If you prefer to have lots of restaurants, bars, and shops nearby to duck into during a day in the sun, this trip is probably not for you." - Jennifer M. Wood
