Everything You Need to Know About Taking a Seaplane to the Dry Tortugas
If you’ve ever dreamt of stepping into a postcard-perfect paradise with turquoise waters, remote beaches, and centuries-old history, Dry Tortugas National Park should be on your bucket list. And the most thrilling way to get there? By seaplane.
Flying to the Dry Tortugas is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that’s equal parts adventure and convenience. Here’s everything you need to know before you buckle in and take off.
Why Take the Seaplane?
While you can also reach the Dry Tortugas by ferry, the seaplane wins for speed, views, and an overall epic experience. The flight from Key West to the Dry Tortugas takes only about 40 minutes (versus over 2 hours by boat), giving you more time to explore and less time rocking on open waters.
Plus, the aerial views are stunning. Think shipwrecks visible through clear water, coral reef patterns, and miles of untouched coastline. You can even spot sea turtles, dolphins, and sharks! It’s basically a sightseeing tour built into your transportation.
The Difference Between Taking the Ferry and Seaplane to the Dry Tortugas
The biggest difference between taking the ferry and the seaplane to the Dry Tortugas comes down to time, experience, and cost. The ferry is more budget-friendly and includes breakfast and lunch, but it takes about 2.5 hours each way, meaning a long day on the water and less flexibility. In contrast, the seaplane gets you there in just 40 minutes, flying low over the Florida Keys and offering incredible aerial views of shipwrecks, reefs, and open ocean — it’s an experience in itself.
While the seaplane is pricier and has more limited seating, it gives you more time on the island and a much smoother, more scenic ride — especially ideal for those prone to seasickness or short on time.
As of April of 2025, the cost was:
Seaplane Pricing From Seaplane Adventures:
| Per Person | Adult | Children 12 & under | Children Under 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Half-Day Excursion | $494.00 | $395.20 | Free* |
| This trip is just under 4 hours long, providing at least 2 1/2 hours of island time at Fort Jefferson/Dry Tortugas. Travel time is approximately 40 minutes each way. Departs morning & afternoon. | |||
| Full-Day Excursion | $868.00 | $694.20 | Free* |
| This trip is just under 8 hours long, providing at least 6 1/2 hours of island time at Fort Jefferson/Dry Tortugas. Travel time is approximately 40 minutes each way. Departs morning only. (The Full Day is more expensive than the Half Day because we hold a morning & an afternoon seat). | |||
Note: You will have to pay a National Park Service Entrance Fee $15.00 per person over the age of 16 when you arrive for your flight. National Park Passes, Golden Eagle, Golden Age & Golden Access Passports are honored.
Ferry Pricing From The Yankee Freedom:
- Adult: $235
- Child: $185
- Infant: $0
The Ferry Features:
- Large, fully air-conditioned main cabin
- Comfortable seats, three large restrooms, and fresh water rinse showers
- A full galley where you can purchase snacks, drinks, and souvenirs
- Upper deck open to the sea-air and sights and sounds of marine life
- Spacious, shaded, and unshaded sundeck seating
- Included with trip:
- Breakfast snack and box lunch – Lunch is often Jersey Mike’s Subs.
- Complimentary snorkeling equipment
- Entrance fee to Dry Tortugas National Park and Fort Jefferson
- Fully narrated 45-minute tour of the fort
- Beach walking, snorkeling, swimming, or just relaxing in the sun
- RESERVE EARLY! This is a very popular trip that will sell out weeks in advance.
Tip: Pack Dramamine if you choose to ride the ferry. A storm passed by during our visit, and the ferry ride can be rough.
What Age is This Bucket List Adventure Best For?
The Dry Tortugas can be a magical experience for kids, but the ideal age for visiting, especially by seaplane, is generally 6 and up. Younger children may find the small aircraft and the island’s limited amenities a bit overwhelming, and the heat, sun, and lack of shade can be particularly tough for toddlers.
Older kids, on the other hand, are more likely to appreciate the adventure of the flight, the history of Fort Jefferson, and the snorkeling opportunities in the crystal-clear waters. If your child loves nature, history, or flying, they’ll be in awe from the moment the seaplane lifts off to the final splashdown.
However, with that being said, there were kids of all ages there. We are never guaranteed tomorrow, so if this has been on your bucket list, you have the financial means and want to go and take the kids, go. Pack things for the little ones to keep themselves occupied and make those memories!
Booking the Flight
The main provider for seaplane service is Key West Seaplane Adventures. Their planes are 10-seaters, and you can choose between half-day and full-day excursions.
- Half-day trips (about 4 hours total, with ~2.5 hours on the island)
- Full-day trips (about 8 hours total, with ~6.5 hours on the island)
Pro tip: Book well in advance — seats fill up months ahead, especially in peak season (winter and spring). You’ll need to pay when booking, and cancellations have a strict policy.
Insider Tip: If you’re booking a half-day trip, opt for the afternoon departure. You’ll arrive just as the ferry is leaving, meaning you’ll have the island—and those stunning beaches—almost entirely to yourself.
What’s Included In A Seaplane to the Dry Tortugas
Your fare includes:
- Round-trip flight from Key West
- Snorkel gear (mask, snorkel, fins)
- Cooler with water and soft drinks
- Informative commentary from your pilot
You’re also allowed to bring your own snacks, lunch, and adult beverages (I recommend packing food for a half-day or a full-day trip). There’s no food available on the island, so pack accordingly!
Insider Tip: If bad weather is encountered during your visit, you will have to stay on the island until it is safe to fly back to Key West. This could add hours to your trip, which is why it is best to be prepared with food and drinks!
What to Pack For The Dry Tortugas National Park
Keep it light — space is limited on the plane. Bring:
- Swimsuit + cover-up or lightweight clothes
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Towel
- Hat and sunglasses
- Waterproof phone case or dry bag
- Camera (but no drones allowed)
- Snacks/lunch/ drinks
- Hair ties are essential for those with long hair, as the island is often windy.
- A small garbage bag or a plastic bag to pack out the trash.
- Small Travel Umbrella– Perfect to shield from the sun or rain.
- Water shoes (optional, but helpful on rocky spots)
- A first aid kit, any medications you may need, and an extra pair of contacts or glasses.
What not to bring:
The Seaplane cannot carry:
- Dive tanks, weights or knives
- Underwater scooters
- Flammable liquids or gas stoves
- Large coolers
- Styrofoam coolers
- Dogs or any pets
- Beach chairs or shade umbrellas. (There are plenty of picnic tables provided by the National Park Service)
- Drones
What It’s Like to Fly in a Seaplane
Expect a small, intimate aircraft with everyone getting a window seat and flying at a low altitude — perfect for views and photos. You’ll fly low over the Gulf of Mexico, and the pilot often points out marine life, islands, and wrecks below. The landing is surprisingly smooth, right on the water next to the historic Fort Jefferson.
You will fly out of the Key West International Airport. You will park your car in the Short-Term Parking at Key West International Airport. Expect to spend $20. Then, you will make your way to the seaplane hangar, located on the far left, and look for the signs.
After checking in, you will watch a short informational video, get a small cooler for any cold items, and then the pilot will walk your group to the plane. There is a small ladder that you will need to climb to get into the aircraft. All coolers and bags are stored in the back of the plane.
Each seat has a set of headphones that stream relaxing music and allow you to hear the pilot’s commentary. It is excellent at cancelling the outside noise of the plane.
Seaplane Adventures often allows one person to fly up in the cockpit with the pilot. On our return trip, our daughter had an incredible experience that has become a core memory for her.
The plane parks on a beach just steps from the fort. Shoes off, hop into the clear water, or head straight into exploration mode.
Exploring the Dry Tortugas
The main highlight is Fort Jefferson, a massive 19th-century coastal fortress. You can wander through its brick corridors, climb to the top for panoramic views, and discover its fascinating history, including its connection to Dr. Samuel Mudd and the Lincoln assassination.
Moat Walk
Snap your Insta-worthy pictures along the Moat Walk. The Moat Wall takes guests around Fort Jefferson and is excellent for spotting fish, conch, coral, and other marine life from above. It is a 0.6-mile walk, but note that part of the moat walk is still undergoing repair from hurricane damage. Check the Dry Tortugas National Park Page for updates and closures.
The Snorkel Trail
The Dry Tortugas boasts some of North America’s best living coral reefs, and it is easily accessible straight off the main swim beach. The waters around the fort are shallow, calm, and teeming with coral, tropical fish, and even sea turtles. The North Beach and South Beach areas are great for relaxing, picnicking, or swimming.
The Snorkel Trail is a .4-mile-roundtrip trail that runs along the outside of the moor wall. Underwater exhibits identify corals, fish, and other marine life seen along the trail. Look for the first exhibits near the first bend in the moat wall.
Note: Snorkeling is in very shallow water; most areas are only 4-7 ft deep. Please do not touch or stand on the coral, as it is easily damaged and can be killed.
Bush Key
Bush Key is a small island located just east of Fort Jefferson, connected to Garden Key by a narrow sandbar during certain times of the year. While it’s often closed to visitors during nesting season, it’s a vital sanctuary for thousands of seabirds, including sooty terns and brown noddies. If it’s open during your visit, you can walk across the sandbar and enjoy a peaceful stroll with stunning views and incredible bird-watching opportunities. It is closed from January to October for bird nesting.
Things to Know Before You Go
No cell service — disconnect and enjoy!
No food or amenities on the island — bring everything you need.
The restrooms are primitive, featuring composting toilets. While the ferry is in, the ferry’s restrooms become the island’s bathrooms.
Weather can impact flights — always have a backup plan in case of delays.
Don’t forget to stop by the gift shop to snag your Dry Tortugas souvenirs.
Don’t forget your National Park Passport, it is located in the visitors center and books are available in the gift shop.
Final Thoughts
Flying to the Dry Tortugas has been one of the most unique and memorable experiences my family has had in all of Florida. From the moment the wheels lift off in Key West to the time you touch down back on land, it’s pure magic.
If you’re chasing that perfect blend of history, adventure, and tropical serenity, this is it.
Looking for more things to do while exploring the Florida Keys? Check out our Ultimate Florida Keys Road Trip itinerary.
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