Dry Tortugas
Dry Tortugas Info
April 1 - April 9 Spring break
Ferry from Key West Takes 2.5 hours, ~70 miles
Camping overnight first come first serve
http://www.parkcation.com/nationalparks/drytortugas/ferry/
Private boaters can and do arrive on the island whenever they like, and they can take up campsites as well. 10 campsites, if full there is a grass overflow area.
Mosquitoes are virtually nonexistent since there’s no fresh water on the island.
The showers are just a couple of fresh water sprinklers on the back deck that you can use to rinse off.
Can use toilets on the boat while it's there for the day 10am-3pm
No hammocks between trees
Alcohol is permitted on Dry Tortugas, but glass bottles are not
Timing:
April and May are the driest months with ~4days of rain.
Cost:
Ferry is $200p
Camping is ~$20pp
Ferry:
The baggage area on the Yankee Freedom will get wet on the trip over. Campers are advised to put their gear in waterproof packs, or use plastic tote bins.
Limit 60 pounds of gear each (doesn't include water)
You need to have your camping gear on the dock at 6 a.m.
What to do:
Swim.
Snorkel.
Kayaks require special permit and VHF rescue radio
Weather/Temp
The coldest time of year is January, when high temperatures average 73 F (23 C) and lows average 64 F (18 C.)
Gear List:
No Glass
Charcoal
Stuff to light charcoal with
Cash for ferry food
Sunscreen. lots of it
Brimmed Hat
Portable charger
Headlamp
Hard-sided storage container
Shade tent
References:
https://tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/noaatidepredictions.html?id=8724697&legacy=1
Charters:
https://keywestcustomcharter.com/dry-tortugas-charter-trips/
https://www.bluesailcharter.com/post/charter-a-private-boat-to-dry-tortugas sleep on boat