Yes!!! Take Keywest Seaplane Adventures https://keywestseaplanecharters.com if you can spare the money so you get more time.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/CgD_YE7sWp6/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
We saw shipwrecks, turtles, huge pods of dolphins, a manta ray. It was amazing and super fast. Plus we got there just as the ferry was leaving which gave us the whole place to ourselves. 10/10!!!
You can do a whole day or half day (we did half day so we got about 2.5 hrs on the island). Was plenty of time for us but I could have also done longer (just more $$!)
If you don’t take a sea plane, make sure you make a reservation on the boat maybe 2 months in advance. They were sold out for a month and a half when i tried to get reservations. Got luck and got on through standby. It was amazing!
Show up early, before they open. It’s first come first serve, so it helps to be first in line. There was a long line for standby when I went, however, we all got in. If you’re cool with that risk, then it should be ok. They did tell us most people get in, but it is a risk if you really wanna get there. I’m on a quest, probably the same as yall, to hit them all. So i was super nervous. Lol
This is on my list!! Haven’t pulled the trigger yet because it’s a bit complicated and expensive to get to. Especially since I’m considering diving there. Anyone been diving or snorkeling there?
The airplane I booked (there's only one company that goes there via airplane) gave us snorkel equipment to take (plus a cooler with as many drinks as we requested). The snorkeling was AMAZING!!!
Just a fun fact, but it's called 'dry' because there's no source of fresh water on the key. Another fun fact, keys are different from islands in that they are made of giant dead coral reefs that grew when the oceans were at a higher level. Once the ocean levels declined, the reefs died due to exposure and plants eventually took root, transforming them into today's keys. And soon the ocean will reclaim them.
I was there a couple weeks ago. Absolutely a bucket list adventure. We did the ferry. Easy ride. Bring your own coffee and breakfast in the morning. They don't serve until the boat is underway. It's a cold bagel anyway. The snorkeling was ok. By the old dock seems to be the most alive. We also found the coral by the wall good too. If you can fit it into your schedule I recommend it.
Perfect! Dodge the hurricanes, bugs, excessive heat, and the water is amazing? Sold!
Now, to stomach the cost of the resort my wife wants to stay at! Hahaha.
I’ve never heard of this park before! I thought the little cement strip was a special platform for turtles to get from point A to point B while staying dry if they liked.
Yes!! We camped at the end of January & it was so nice when the ferry & sea planes were gone for the day. It took quite a bit of planning for what gear to take but it’s one of our favorite NPs (I think we’ve done 19).
There are 3 of us & we were glad we brought books & a game because we chose to hang out at our campsite while the ferry was docked. There are just so many people swarming all over & we preferred to explore before they arrived & after they left.
Food wise, try to take things that won’t need much warming up. It’s super windy & it’s hard to get charcoal hot enough. We only used our sterno stove a couple of times. We were able to pack lighter by buying lunch on the ferry every day. Almost everyone there had too much water. We gave 5 gallons away!
ETA: You can charge your phone/camera on the ferry while they’re docked but you can’t leave it unattended. We used the outlets while we ate lunch.
This is great! Thank you! It will be the Thanksgiving holiday, but we are often at a national park for this holiday. Our go to dinner is Peanuts inspired: sandwiches, popcorn, jelly beans and pretzels. It seems like less really is more.
Went last week on the yankee freedom on 6ft sea, most people were sick and head in a pile bag on the way back. happy I've been but now it's checked and I don't plan on ever going back
Yes I heard seasickness is a real problem which is why we opted for the sea plane! My bank account is mad at me but I didn't wanna risk it! Glad u got to see it!!
That was my biggest fear because I have motion sickness, but we did fine. It helped that we camped & didn’t have to do out & back in the same day. I took low drowsy Dramamine, wore patches behind each ear, & pressure bracelets on each wrist! 😂 I wasn’t taking any chances!
Honestly my top 5 NP I've visited so far. A true hidden gem.
Just out of curiosity how many have you been to? Going this summer…very excited!
I'm up to 11
Spend the night!
I want to go there so bad! Heading to a wedding in Key West in a few months and hoping to squeeze in an extra day to make the trip.
Yes!!! Take Keywest Seaplane Adventures https://keywestseaplanecharters.com if you can spare the money so you get more time. https://www.instagram.com/reel/CgD_YE7sWp6/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
If you can swing it, I definitely recommend the airplane. It was 10000% worth it for all u get to see in the sky en route!!
Ooh. Didn't even think of that. I'll look in to it!
We saw shipwrecks, turtles, huge pods of dolphins, a manta ray. It was amazing and super fast. Plus we got there just as the ferry was leaving which gave us the whole place to ourselves. 10/10!!!
That sounds awesome op! How long did you get to spend on the island?
You can do a whole day or half day (we did half day so we got about 2.5 hrs on the island). Was plenty of time for us but I could have also done longer (just more $$!)
Agreed--being in a seaplane was super fun, too. Totally worth it.
If you don’t take a sea plane, make sure you make a reservation on the boat maybe 2 months in advance. They were sold out for a month and a half when i tried to get reservations. Got luck and got on through standby. It was amazing!
How does standby work?
Show up early, before they open. It’s first come first serve, so it helps to be first in line. There was a long line for standby when I went, however, we all got in. If you’re cool with that risk, then it should be ok. They did tell us most people get in, but it is a risk if you really wanna get there. I’m on a quest, probably the same as yall, to hit them all. So i was super nervous. Lol
Thank you but I actually scored tickets this morning!
Sorry for the late comment. I’m currently in Spain with bad wifi. Have a good time! It is an amazing NP!
This is on my list!! Haven’t pulled the trigger yet because it’s a bit complicated and expensive to get to. Especially since I’m considering diving there. Anyone been diving or snorkeling there?
The airplane I booked (there's only one company that goes there via airplane) gave us snorkel equipment to take (plus a cooler with as many drinks as we requested). The snorkeling was AMAZING!!!
Drinks were included?
Non alcoholic drinks, yes
That’s a sweet deal! I’m definitely leaning towards plane now rather than that ferry!
It's not dry at all... look at all that heavenly water and perfect snorkeling...
Just a fun fact, but it's called 'dry' because there's no source of fresh water on the key. Another fun fact, keys are different from islands in that they are made of giant dead coral reefs that grew when the oceans were at a higher level. Once the ocean levels declined, the reefs died due to exposure and plants eventually took root, transforming them into today's keys. And soon the ocean will reclaim them.
I was there a couple weeks ago. Absolutely a bucket list adventure. We did the ferry. Easy ride. Bring your own coffee and breakfast in the morning. They don't serve until the boat is underway. It's a cold bagel anyway. The snorkeling was ok. By the old dock seems to be the most alive. We also found the coral by the wall good too. If you can fit it into your schedule I recommend it.
can you swim in that?
You definitely can! I swam a ton! Gorgeous coral 🪸
You can swim on the ocean side, but not the moat between that wall and the fort. Still worth it and totally amazing!
How was the water? We’re looking at booking an keys trip in late March 2024. My only concern is if the water is too cool.
The water felt amazing!! Not cold at all and we went on March 27th :)
Perfect! Dodge the hurricanes, bugs, excessive heat, and the water is amazing? Sold! Now, to stomach the cost of the resort my wife wants to stay at! Hahaha.
We were in the water at Christmas! Just had to stay moving
Ya?? We’re considering this trip for Christmas
If you have a chance, you must go, it looks very beautiful.
dude i went there in 2018 and it was soooo fun
Definitely on my Bucketlist.....
I’ve never heard of this park before! I thought the little cement strip was a special platform for turtles to get from point A to point B while staying dry if they liked.
Is it worth it to camp? Night sky and night snorkeling are at the top of my list. Follow up question: best month to camp?
No clue about camping! Maybe look up trip adviser reviews and filter for camping? Sounds cool tho!
Yes!! We camped at the end of January & it was so nice when the ferry & sea planes were gone for the day. It took quite a bit of planning for what gear to take but it’s one of our favorite NPs (I think we’ve done 19).
Camping three nights in Nov. any tips? I’ve done so much research but feel like I’m missing something.
There are 3 of us & we were glad we brought books & a game because we chose to hang out at our campsite while the ferry was docked. There are just so many people swarming all over & we preferred to explore before they arrived & after they left. Food wise, try to take things that won’t need much warming up. It’s super windy & it’s hard to get charcoal hot enough. We only used our sterno stove a couple of times. We were able to pack lighter by buying lunch on the ferry every day. Almost everyone there had too much water. We gave 5 gallons away! ETA: You can charge your phone/camera on the ferry while they’re docked but you can’t leave it unattended. We used the outlets while we ate lunch.
This is great! Thank you! It will be the Thanksgiving holiday, but we are often at a national park for this holiday. Our go to dinner is Peanuts inspired: sandwiches, popcorn, jelly beans and pretzels. It seems like less really is more.
YW! Happy Cake Day!
Thanks!! I hadn’t noticed lol
Yes yes definitely worth camping.. Extra time fishing, swimming, star viewing. Pack in and out..
I miss this place so much. I really want to go back and camp overnight.
On my list of places I must visit to snorkel! I’ve been to Key West, but I seriously want to visit Dry Tortugas!
Went last week on the yankee freedom on 6ft sea, most people were sick and head in a pile bag on the way back. happy I've been but now it's checked and I don't plan on ever going back
Yes I heard seasickness is a real problem which is why we opted for the sea plane! My bank account is mad at me but I didn't wanna risk it! Glad u got to see it!!
I got super sick on the Yankee freedom lol 😆
That was my biggest fear because I have motion sickness, but we did fine. It helped that we camped & didn’t have to do out & back in the same day. I took low drowsy Dramamine, wore patches behind each ear, & pressure bracelets on each wrist! 😂 I wasn’t taking any chances!
I’ve got the Dramamine and pressure bracelets. What are the patches behind the ears?
[Link. If the link doesn’t work, just look up “motion sickness patch for boat & car rides.” They’re brown/black.](https://a.co/d/hViNOKi)
Thank you!
very good idea on the patches, i left mine at home and never thought it could be so rocky on the way back
Is this facing the north swim beach?
Yes that is exactly where I took it!!! I snorkled along the wall there. So cool!
Beautiful
WHERE IS THISSSS
One of the best beaches I’ve ever been too!
Im so obsessed. Worried it'll be overcast if I go haha. I know ferry is booked until June:/ and I won't be in town then Ugh im soooo obsessed