Itinerary · 2 days · Florida
2 Days in Dry Tortugas National Park: The Perfect Itinerary
Two days is enough to see the best of Dry Tortugas National Park without rushing. Here is the day-by-day plan, built around the park's highlights.
Best time to go: Mar–May. Closest major airport: Key West (EYW), then a 2.5-hour ferry or a seaplane.
Day 1: The icons
- Morning: Explore Fort Jefferson. Start early to beat the crowds.
- Afternoon: Snorkel the moat wall.
- Evening: Swim at the beaches of Garden Key.
Day 2: Go deeper
- Morning: Camp overnight on the island.
- Afternoon: Watch migrating birds in spring.
The Yankee Freedom ferry sells out months ahead. Camping spots are very limited and require a ferry reservation too.
When to go
The best time to visit Dry Tortugas National Park is March–May.
Best time to visit Dry Tortugas, month by month · What to pack
Questions
How many days do you need in Dry Tortugas National Park?
Two full days covers the highlights: explore fort jefferson and snorkel the moat wall on day one, then camp overnight on the island on day two. Add a third day if you want a long backcountry hike or a slow morning.
When is the best time for this Dry Tortugas itinerary?
Go in Mar–May, when the park is rated at its best. May offers the best balance of good conditions and smaller crowds.
Can you do Dry Tortugas in one day?
You can see the highlights in one very full day by doing day one below and skipping day two, but you will miss camp overnight on the island. Two days is the sweet spot.