Fort Jefferson
Fort Jefferson
4.5
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This is the largest all-masonry fortification in the western hemisphere and served as a Civil War federal prison.
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- dmbakerphd185 contributionsSeaplane ride to Dry Tortugas NP-Fort JeffersonAmazing trip out to Fort Jefferson. We waited too long to take the ferry to the island so we took a 1/2 day seaplane trip. We got to enjoy the 30 minute ride out to the island while looking for marine life in the water. We relaxed a bit by eating lunch at the picnic tables and then began to tour the fort. We ended up running out of time. we would have like to walk around Bush Key to see the nesting birds and in warmer weather, perhaps even try snorkeling.Visited January 2024Travelled with familyWritten 8 March 2024
- giwpriestapErie, Pennsylvania166 contributionsAbsolutely incredibleIf you have ever visited the Grand Canyon, you know that no matter how it is described or photographed, it is immediately overwhelming when seeing it in person. The same can be said of Fort Jefferson! To think of the effort that went into building such a structure in the middle of "nowhere." Approaching the fort via ferry, and then touring it, gives you a feel for its size...but just walking the grounds and hearing about how people lived (and died) here is something to be experienced. It's a trek to get there, but well worth the time and effort. See it if you can.Visited April 2024Travelled with familyWritten 10 April 2024
- NorthStar605697899571 contributionUnvelievably beautifulThis was the hot spot of our road trip all the way from Michigan. Every aspect of the tour was organized, informative, and designed in a way that every person aboard could enjoy. Our guide, Hollywood, was absolutely fantastic. His exuberance for this beautiful place, the history... good and bad, biology, knowledge and passion of the ways of this particular part of the sea was contagious and is still leaving me wanting to go back. It is unbelievably vibrant and full of all sorts of life that most of us can only dream of.Visited May 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 10 May 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
479 reviews
Excellent
387
Very good
68
Average
17
Poor
2
Terrible
5
Bassmanblues
Cape Coral, FL28 contributions
Mar 2021
We have been wanting to get here for years so when we got the chance we took it. We were not disappointed. It is a full day trip as it takes the ferry 2 1/2 hours to get there one way, so there is 5 hours of your day. The time at the fort is interesting. You can do the history tour, which I recommend, We planned on snorkeling, but the winds in the previous days had been strong and made the visibility cloudy. We took the rest of our time bird watching as the east side of the island is a bird sanctuary/rookery. The trip back the ferry opens the bar and we enjoyed adult beverages during the trip back. Overall this was a great trip.
Written 17 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Terry F
Madison, AL74 contributions
Oct 2020 • Couples
Fort Jefferson was beyond a shadow of a doubt the high point of our trip to the Florida keys. The guide who explained the place to us was fantastic, so we learned things we would not have known had we gone on our own. The place is absolutely gorgeous, although we had terrific whether that is oftentimes not the case. We highly recommend the ferry trip to see Fort Jefferson in the Dry Tortugas
Written 17 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
OrlandoDivingDuo
Orlando30 contributions
Oct 2020
Yankee Freedom was great. We were on one of the first full capacity trips after COVID restrictions but still had plenty of room. Staff was great - food much better than expected. Long but enjoyable day. Parking tip - we parked in the public garage at $32/day as suggested on the website but walked past a sign for Conch Harbor Plaza parking lot for $15/day to get to the ship. Worth checking before hitting the public garage
Written 3 December 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vicki M
60 contributions
Aug 2020 • Couples
We enjoyed walking through the 3 level fort located at the Dry Tortugas park and learning about its history. Beautiful views and access to beaches on several sides. We took a seaplane (instead of ferry) and would recommend it to anyone interested in taking a seaplane ride (see sunken ships, turtles).
Written 29 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
FlashVirginiaUSA
Leesburg, VA123 contributions
Sept 2020
Visiting the Dry Tortugas and Fort Jefferson was a highlight of our trip to Key West.
We took a sea plane from Key West, it was about a 35 min flight in a very sturdy, but small plane. We flew about 500 feet above the water and this enabled us to see dolphins and turtles. Our pilot kept pointing out sights for us. Once on the National Park, we were able to walk thru the 3 levels of the Fort and around the Island.
Some in our group snorkeled and said it was fantastic.
A trip well worth taking.
We took a sea plane from Key West, it was about a 35 min flight in a very sturdy, but small plane. We flew about 500 feet above the water and this enabled us to see dolphins and turtles. Our pilot kept pointing out sights for us. Once on the National Park, we were able to walk thru the 3 levels of the Fort and around the Island.
Some in our group snorkeled and said it was fantastic.
A trip well worth taking.
Written 27 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TrailTrekker15
Tallahassee, FL5,500 contributions
Jul 2021 • Solo
I visited and toured Fort Jefferson as part of my time at Garden Key in the Dry Tortugas. The first part of my time in the fort was on the tour provided by the Yankee Freedom Ferry tour guide. He was fantastic and brought that old ruin to life! The purpose of the fort was primarily to act as a deterrent against European aggression in the region and to protect New Orleans. The fort served a number of other purposes as well including a military prison. The size of the fort is truly astonishing as it’s hard to see the other side in some locations on the parade grounds. There are some cannon along the top of the fort. I was able to wander around most of the fort on my own which a really cool experience. Definitely take at least an hour of your visit to tour the fort before snorkeling and other activities.
Written 4 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BelleKreyol
Washington DC, DC438 contributions
Dec 2020 • Family
Unfortunately, our trip was cold and cloudy. The water was rough and choppy and it seemed half the ship was throwing up. We were disappointed and shocked to see that the Yankee Freedom ship was 100% packed during Covid. Absolutely no way to social distance. Though everyone had masks, most people seemed to keep them off. Food was not good. At this price point, expected better quality food. The mixed drinks were good on our way back. The crew was good, did their best to take care of folks throwing up all over the place. At the Fort, rich history. Stunning views. Too bad it was so cold and windy to get in the water. That was a big disappointment. Other than that, highly recommend to do at least once. If you can get away with adjusting your travel for another day to avoid cold, cloudy, rainy, do it!
Written 28 December 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rebecca H
Woodbridge, VA174 contributions
Oct 2020
The fort is amazing! Our tour guide was wonderful in explaining the history of the fort and how much effort it took to build it out in the middle of the Gulf of Mexico. Just know that there are no amenities on the island. No food, no water, no restrooms. Come prepared.
Written 16 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Teardrop Trailer Traveler
United States782 contributions
Dec 2020
Fort Jefferson is a large star for that covers most of Garden Key. The fort is three stories tall and is surrounded by a moat. Part of the fort juts out over the blue waters that surround the island. Like many forts, there are cannons and there is also a lighthouse. (Unfortunately, the lighthouse was partially disassembled for repair at the time of our visit.)
The majority of the fort is open to exploration. (The fort also serves as housing for the park rangers and this area is not accessible to the public.) The top level of the fort offers great views of Garden Key and the surrounding area. It's a great spot for photography. I only wish that we had more time during our visit to explore Fort Jefferson.
The majority of the fort is open to exploration. (The fort also serves as housing for the park rangers and this area is not accessible to the public.) The top level of the fort offers great views of Garden Key and the surrounding area. It's a great spot for photography. I only wish that we had more time during our visit to explore Fort Jefferson.
Written 27 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TravelingLight50
Myrtle Beach, SC31 contributions
Jan 2023 • Friends
Loved the Seaplane ride! Everything about it was great. Once landing you are on your own. The Fort is interesting and climbing to the top is worth it—view is a showstopper! If you like snorkeling there is a lot to see. One afternoon is a bit rushed if you want to see the whole fort & snorkel. The water is blue & you can see to the bottom in not so deep waters—fun for those not snorkeling. Beaches are rough, rocky but have sea glass and some shells. Loved it.
Written 7 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We will be at the park on February 20. Will we need a wetsuit to snorkel?
Written 18 February 2024
I noticed that someone said the snorkeling wasn’t great. Was it because of the time of year or always like that? I am considering bring three teenagers that haven’t ever snorkeled and was wondering if it would be good enough to satisfy them?
Written 3 June 2019
We did not snorkel and did not notice anyone else snorkeling. I have done snorkeling in various places. It was very windy the day we were there (February). I would caution against snorkeling for first timers.
Written 12 June 2019
Does anyone know of a company we could use to do a 3-4 day trip to Fort Jefferson on a private yacht?
Written 5 August 2018
I am not sure. Just do as much internet research as possible and call around.
Written 6 August 2018
I am planning a trip to key west and would like visit, are their certain hours or days the park is open? are there certain times? when is the best time to book the ferry ride?
Written 19 March 2018
They have a website that has all of that information on it. I believe the ferry only goes in the am, it is a 2hr ride out to Fort Jefferson. I would check the website because it could change daily depending on the weather and sea conditions. It's worth it if you can book it
Written 20 March 2018
Eric P
Asheville, North Carolina
I intent to take the sea plane. Once I arrive are there:(1) bathrooms or port-a-pottys to use and (2) are there lockers on the island to put personal items in when you snorkel?
Written 16 January 2017
This answers your question. Yankee Freedom Ferry seem to have campers limit one can book through them.
permitsandreservations page on nps_gov official web site.
Written 18 January 2017
Camping...we would like to camp but are concerned about the "first come..."/no reservations policy. We have time during spring break (second week of March) Should we worry that we would travel so far only to be shut out of a campsite?
Written 14 January 2017
They have good overflow camping which cannot be reserved. We actually chose an overflow campsite. It was in the open area, sunny during the day, no shade, but didn't hang out at the site, stayed in the water or on the beach all day! I preferred the overflow. better stars at night, better breeze. Only thing is, the march of the hermit crabs. It lasts 20 min. at dusk. They come out of trees and go into bushes. Don't ask why just sit up on your picnic table and ponder them.
Written 15 February 2017
We are planning a trip in April, 2017 to the keys. In the past few years whenever we had planned a trip to Ft Jefferson the seas were projected to be 3-5 ft and windy 10-15 mph. What was your forecast and how did the trip work? Is there a site to see the projected forecast for Ft Jefferson?
Written 25 November 2016
look at the local forecast in the Keys. the ocean was not rough and usually is not during the summer. unless there is a hurricane brewing. have fun, take a swinsuit and walking shoes. also a hat and Suntan lotion.
Written 2 February 2017
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