Dry Tortugas, An awesome adventure, Don't miss it ! !
Written: Sep 05 '02 (Updated Aug 03 '04)
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Pros: great history, awesome snorkeling, two hour plus boat ride
Cons: two hour plus boat ride
The Bottom Line: The Dry Tortugas is a hidden wonder that is definitly out of the way. It has so much to offer. You must get there!!
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| popsrocks's Full Review: Dry Tortugas National Park |
In April my wife and I were in Key West. We read about The Dry Totugas. We found out it is a series of small islands about seventy miles west of Key West. The island was named Tortugas because of the abundance of turtles (tortugas) that were found there in the 1500's By Spainiard Ponce de Leon. Though the counts have dwindled you can still spot turtles there now. These island have no fresh water source thus, they are considered dry.
In the mid eighteen hundreds the US wanted to protect it's interests in the Gulf of Mexico. A fort was built. It was named Fort Jefferson. Through it's very presence alone it never had to fire a shot. The fort was made into a prison for deserters during the Civil war. After the war it held Dr Mudd along with three others convicted of complicity in the affairs of the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln.
Life on the island was very hard for the prisoners and military alike. There was an effort made to store rain water on the island but it never worked. They all lived on very controlled rations due to never knowing when the next shipment of goods and water may arrive. The prisoners were not kept in cells during the day. They were free to roam the parade grounds and the beaches. There really wasn't anywhere to go.
Today people pay ninety-five dollars for the trip. At first I balked when I heard the price, and then gave in. In hindsight I can tell you it was really worth the money to spend a unique, and interesting full day with food included.
The islands and fort lived up to all the hype of it's history, great beauty, isolation, and terrific snorkeling.
A couple of boats do make the run everyday. My choice was the "Fast Cat" a very sleek, jet powered boat of very unique design for cutting through waves. It really hauls pASSengers. It is like nothing you have ever seen before. Really!!
The boat leaves the Key West docks at eight am after boarding at seven-thirty. Do reserve early. It is a very popular excursion. Also be there early for boarding for choice seats and be sure to pick up your tickets at the booth before waiting at the dock in the morning. The ticket booth is about fifty feet from the boat.
Being prone to seasickness I will not travel in seas of more than two to four feet. I get this info from the weather channel or a computer. I use the wristbands to help against seasickness. They seem to work for me. They can be purchased at most drug stores.
I sat in the open back area with room for about twenty people. I enjoyed the sea spray on my face sitting on the side in the back. Inside are ample tables that seat about six to eight each. There is another nice inside area all the way up where the captain is. On most boats the captain is above the passenger area. This boat, that rests on two very slim and sleek pontoons, has the cabin area raised well above the sea. The views from all the boat are very good. Well maybe not that good from the "head" This one as on most boats is tight and uncomfortable. The day we took the trip the toilets on the island were broken so we had to use the facilities on the boat.
The boat trip was pleasant and went very quickly. They serve a continental breakfast on the way there. Available were donuts, bagels, fruit, refreshments and coffee. Refreshments and water were available all day. Do be on the watch for the fort as it starts to come into view. It's pretty cool seeing it come out of the complete vastness of the sea.
Once on the island you can follow the guide from the boat and you will get a tour of the island. It takes a little over a half hour. It is a good way to get information. I stayed with them for half the talk then continued on my own following self guided signs for info. The fort is a very good size. I think you could fit about three football fields inside the parade grounds. What I liked about the island is that even though a couple of hundred people were there you could still get to quiet, and isolated areas.
The island is definitly a place to take your camera and plenty of film. The fort with it's arches, parade grounds, roof top vistas, and views of the lighthouse will have you snapping away. There are beautiful trees, flowers, and cacti with which to frame your pictures.
There is a small giftshop in the fort. Very small but they do have some great books about the history, birds, fish and other facts about the islands. many pirates were to have traveled there. The store also sold film. The store did close an hour for lunch. it was here I was able to get my national Parks Passbook cancelled. For more information on this program look up my review "Passport to your National Parks, All the info you may want to know. It is listed under "National Parks and reserves".
For those who do not know, you can purchase a National parks passbook at all National Parks. It is divided into areas of the United Stated. The Northeast, Mid Atlantic, etc etc. The idea is that you go to any National park, Historic site, recreation area, etc and go to the visitors center. There you get the stamp and make a cancellation in your book. It will have the name of the park and day of visit. I think this is a great way to get enthusiasm and knowledge about our parks. Again, for much more detailed info look up the review. It's a great program for kids and adults alike.
Don't forget your underwater camera. Due to the clear waters, shallow reefs, and abundant fish and coral you will be able to get some great shots. The boat does offer snorkeling equipment or you can bring your own. I did. I also brought a swim suit, sunlotion, and a towel.
For bird enthusiasts don't forget your binoculars. These islands are stops for many different kinds of migratory birds. There is also a huge nesting area on very nearby Bush Key.
I liked the itinerary on the island. There was none. You could stay with the guides or just wander about and adventure. The only thing you might keep in mind is that they serve food for about an hour. The crew will give you exact times. Lunch was served near the camping area and was available for about an hour. Breads, good cold cuts, salad, chips, fruit, and refreshment were available. There was plenty of food for all.
The camping area consists of about a dozen sites with a small overflow area. The cost is three dollars per night. You could not camp while we were there because the toilets that are saltwater flushed were not working. I understand there is a fourteen day limit to campers,and there is an extra charge on the boat if you are camping and bringing gear. Talk to them for more information. If you ever did camp there remember you must bring in everything including water!
The real reason I went to the island was because of the snorkeling. It was great! I went into the water from the beach on the west side of the island. I swam along the outside of the moat in a clockwise direction. The first thing I spotted was a cannon on the sandy bottom near the beach. I then swam up to the moat walls. I was amazed at all the fish and coral right there in four or five feet of water. The fish just stayed around and seemed to be posing for my pictures.I continued around the fort to the east side and then spent a little time sunning and talking to people on the lovely beach there.
I was told by someone about snorkeling the old pilings of the coal dock ruins. It was awesome!! Gorgeous fish, fan ferns, and coral. This really is a special place. This is right off the beach by the campgrounds.
The boat also advertises a side trip to a sunken schooner for an additional fifteen dollars. I was considering it but it took two hours of your island time. One hour traveling to and from, and another in the water. Having never been on the island before I opted not to go. I am happy I didn't, though if I visit again, I would consider it.
When all was done we headed back to the boat A little over four hours on the island worked out well. Before boarding they set up freshwater rinse areas off the boat. It's a good way to freshen up a bit. We left the island somewhere about two thirty, three o'clock and arrived about five.
I loved this excursion of learning history, photographing, discovering and snorkeling. It is something everyone should experience.
other reviews by popsrocks
http://www.epinions.com/content_80668429956
Dry Tortugas National Parkoff Key West
http://www.epinions.com/content_75011886724
Hampton Inn, Key West
http://www.epinions.com/content_74483338884
Wyndham, Casa Marina, Key West
http://www.epinions.com_75390619268
Hampton Inn, Islamorada Key
http://www.epinions.com/content_74425929348
Robies Charters, Rentals, and Tarpon Feeding
http://www.epinions.com/content_80761556612
Biscayne National Park
http://www.epinions.com/content_78785056388
Everglades National park
http://www.epinions.com/content_75027549828
Hampton Inn, Homestead, Florida City area. Centrally located between the Everglades and Biscayne National park
A couple of helpful books
National Parks for Dummies A great book for planning a trip
National Geographic Guide to National Parks A good reference book
http://www.epinions.com/content_77241290372
National Park System
http://www.epinions.com/content_2908004484
Passport to National Parks
http://www.epinions.com/content_76095131268
Recommended:
Yes
Best time to go: Anytime
Recommended for: Anybody
Review Topic: Overview
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