Experience everything that you can in a half day with double the time to take in more activities. Boat Rental Captain Success Story: Meet Captain Larry. Before going ashore, I dove on the anchor and was visited by the largest barracuda Ive ever seen. tortugas snorkel snorkeling Only one boat was available through DYC that fit our size requirements a 2018 Bali 4.3 with a flybridge. It is your responsibility to make sure you are aware of and understand all restrictions pertaining to this tour before booking online or over the phone. You can also find anchorages southwest and west of Garden Key. Enjoy an evening at the Fort as you have it all to yourself, walk to moat or relax on the yacht with breath taking views. We got our first taste of the Florida sun as we explored downtownKey Westand secured some souvenirs for the kiddos back home. Our goal for today is to reach the Marquesas Keys, which will also be where our first night is spent. Youll be back by 5:00pm. Day 8: Key West. This made visibility for the helmsman especially difficult. ), Dodging the lobster trap buoys was very frustrating heres my advice: charter a boat with good visibility from the helm station and go farther south on your route to the park (time and weather permitting), I asked the operator of the Yankee Freedom (high speed catamaran that takes tourists to the park daily) if there was a better route to avoid the buoys they confirmed there is no better route than the one we took, Less predictable weather shiftier trade winds, hurricane season, and cold fronts in the winter, 3 barracuda (one of which was the biggest Ive ever caughtand I seem to catch a lot of them). The main attraction at Garden Key is the richly historical Fort Jefferson, the largest all-masonry fort in the United States, which stands incomplete due to interruptions by theCivil War. Nothing is better than having your fresh catch on the grill or fry pan for dinner. This day typically lasts about four hours from the time you leave the marina to the time you get back and may include fueling time. You can also look into apowercatamaranoption if you have some boat know-how. The Dry Tortugas is about seventy miles west of Key West at the farthest end of the Florida Keys. If you choose this anchorage, expect to swing with the changing tide, so make sure you get that anchor set well. It helps cover the costs of hosting the website. The 24 hour charter is pure tranquility and peace. But wait, no AC! So join us and take in the sights in a private rental boat from Boatsetter. You will need at least five hours to make the trip there and back, in the light of day, which will give you three to four hours to explore the Dry Tortugas. I slept on thecatamaran trampoline out front each night, and this was the only time I was scared away below decks due to the approaching storms! Learn about the millions of bricks needed to build this military base. Indian Key is a deserted 11-acre island with ruins of an 1800s town & reefs for snorkeling, which is accessible by your tender. Here you must pay an entrance fee and acquire any necessary permits for your visit. The Dry Tortugas is a designated preserve, and the marine life here is protected, and spearfishing and lobstering are prohibited. There was a massive thunderstorm complex to our north that put on quite the lightning show for hours and hours.

Turtle sightings are common in the spring time by many anchorages. If you enjoyed it, please subscribe or check out some of my other articles, like this one about sailing to St Croix and visiting the Spanish Virgin Islands. Prices were high, but its much cheaper than youd pay on a bareboat trip in theCaribbean.

The Florida Keys are the only place you can cruise within the continental United Stateswith Caribbean-like climate and conditions- and around this area, the farthest pointof all the keys is the Dry Tortugas, best accessed from Key West at a distance of 70nautical miles/80 land miles. Plot your course past the Yellow "O" marker and leave the Red "2" (south and east of Garden Key) to starboard. Sailing from Key West to Dry Tortugas: What to Expect? Next time we return, well make sure we have more time for adventuring and exploration in the park, including Loggerhead Key. Most had taken fishing boats to the fort, enjoying the bountiful waters surrounding the National Park. Motor carefully through the channel between Garden and Bush Keys and your anchorage is just south and east of Garden Key. Best On Key West is the official vacation guide for tours, activities and things to do in Key West Call (877) 243-2378, Our professional and local staff is here to help, #1 Tour and Activity Concierge in Key West. Track your position carefully as there is a strong north/south current running through the area. Dinghy ashore and explore Fort Jefferson. The beautiful beaches and diving spots draw visitors worldwide to aquamarine waters, beautiful sunsets, and the laid-back atmosphere. The Dry Tortugas are the last seven coral islands that flow westward from the Florida Keys into the Gulf of Mexico. After the challenge of dodging lobster trap buoys throughout the trip, lets just say I wont charter a boat like this in the future (unless of course its my only option). Please see the charter manager before departing the marina. A special visit over to Loggerhead Key is also possible and we are one of the few that are licensed to visit, even Ferry and Seaplane guests are limited to Garden Key and the fort. From here you can dinghy ashore and walk around the island or dinghy around the southern tip to the reefs off the western side of Loggerhead Key. The 5night excursion allows for even more time to explore other islands during the sail back to Key West and breaks up the long distances that are covered. It is three miles west of Garden Key and is open for day use only. It had everything we were looking for in a short guys trip: close to home, excellent fishing prospects, long days on the water, pre-Civil War era fort exploration, and a bit of nightlife on Duval St inKey West. The Windjammer is over 150 years old and is the only ship wreck that protrudes out of the water. Keep in mind you will pay a transient slip fee at the marinas. Swim and snorkel through the remains of this historic wonder. Check out our starter guide here if its something you are interested in. Take a day trip over to Loggerhead Key. Take in the beautiful landscapes of Key West. However, when visiting the Dry Tortugas, you are required to make a stop at Garden Key. Kick back, relax, unwind, and enjoy the beauty on your next private yacht charter. Take in one of the most famous coral reefs in all of the Florida Keys, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. The Marquises, also known as Quick Sands, a beautiful uninhabited island chain centrally located half way between Key West and The Dry Tortugas. Use both anchors as the holding ground is "iffy".

The remaining 50 nautical miles to Fort Jefferson at Garden Key we would tackle the next day. Within a mile of the Garden Key, fishing is permitted from a boat. Your course will take you through West channel staying south of Man Key, Woman Key, and Boca Grande.

Be sure you can make it to Key West with day light to spare. Adventure was the objective for this trip, and what could answer more than a long journey to the least visited lower 48 National Park with plenty of history? So join us and take in the sights in a private, So Many Reasons To Teach Your Child To Fish This Summer, Luxurious Boat Voyages in Los Angeles, CA, Best Myrtle Beach Restaurants on the Water. You can exit the anchorage at Garden Key either the same way you came in or go out through the channel which is southwest of Garden Key. The office also posts daily weather reports for theboatingcommunity. Be sure not to leave your dinghy on the beach where the daily sea planes take off and land. Arrive at Garden Key in The Dry Tortugas National Park where you will take your third nights anchorage. This charter takes about ten hours, one way by sail and eight hours in a motor yacht. Make sure to dive or snorkel the San Pedro Wreck located a mile south of Indian Key Historic State Park. After checking the long-range weather models routinely onTropical Tidbits, it looked like we had a clear weather window so we went for it. Charter customers find that it is nearly impossible to take in all these activities in a half day yacht charter. Hang out on the yachts spacious deck watching the stars light up the sky light and sea life light up the ocean beneath you. Because with a boat of your own, you can explore at your leisure, come, and go as you wish. There are plenty of protected anchorages here. It is three miles west of Garden Key and is open for day use only. One of the more popular is to snorkel the Christ Abyss Statue of Jesus that lies at the bottom of the ocean. The city of Marathon is your first destination with services where you can get out and have access to retail shops, restaurants, and entertainment. Marquesas Key is a convenient anchorage for the Tortugas, since it providesprotection against the prevailing easterlies. All of our yacht charters check in after 3 PM and check out prior to 11 AM. Touring the moat, snorkeling around the fort, and climbing to the top of thefort to get a close-up view of the lighthouse are obligatory expeditions once you enter thisterritory. If you stay on your boat, you must anchor a nautical mile from the Fort Jefferson harbor light. You can snorkel many reefs located close to Marathon. The remainder of this afternoon will be spent fishing, snorkeling, exploring, and relaxing before settling down for the night.Day 3 - After another starry night slumber, our 3rd day is a casual day at Garden Key. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are medically qualified and within any limits listed below in order to participate in this activity. Most charter customers take in a sunset sail or motor cruise back to the marina to close out their day. If youre fortunate to spend another night at the Dry Tortugas, you will check out on the eighth day. The Dry Tortugas is a collection of reefs, shoals, andislands founded by conquistador Juan Ponce de Leon, including Loggerhead Key, BushKey, Garden Key, Middle Key, Hospital Key, Long Key, and East Key. Found a better price online? ETA back into Key West is approx. It is time to start back to Key West today. , you can rent a boat large enough to ply the waters of the Florida Straits and Gulf of Mexico and keep it for a day, two, or a few. Unfortunately, the next morning we learned that an engine water pump was failing and the inverter was busted. This PrivateYacht to Dry Tortugas provides the opportunity for you to spend 3to 5 nights under the stars and to experience a truly unique visit to the most popular of Key West destinations! This is one opportunity that few get a chance to do in their lifetimes! East of the fort, on the sandy Bush and Long Keys, is a bird sanctuary closedto visitors during the terns nesting season, February through September. Do some fishing, snorkel the pristine reef system, enjoy tanning on the beach, or just relax and embrace being stuck on a deserted island oasis for the day!

We jammed some sailing tunes and got underway. Take the dinghy into the park and spend the day there kayaking, paddle boarding, fishing, or relaxing. You can fish while moving or at anchor. Aside from navigational info, there is good discussion about activities to enjoy in each area. There is so much to see and do on a yacht charter. The days are delightfully warm in Key West and the Florida Keys. You should be able to leave Key West around sunrise and be back in time before the sunsets. It was the perfect place to wind down and share sea stories from ourKey Westsailing chartertrip. This is the firstsailingyachtchartertrip Ive booked during hurricane season. We'll Price Match It. Watch dolphins as they jump and play with you while under way. By subscribing you accept Boatsetter Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. We arrived at the Garden Key anchorage and found that we had the it all to ourselves (one boat later arrived)! The best resource for that info is Garmin ActiveCaptain. Those sailing to the Dry Tortugas find that every imaginable vessel seems to end uphere: most of the visitors are sailing vessels followed by commercial fishing ships, andit is not uncommon to see tall ships, sea planes, ferries from Key West, and shuttles ofthe National Park Service. In addition, Marathon offers great fishing and beautiful back water areas to explore on the yachts tender. You can learn how to sail or drive the yacht. Miami to Bimini: 4 day Sailing Itinerary from Miami Beach, Florida, Miami to the Keys: 7 day Sailing Itinerary from Miami Beach, Miami to Key West: 7 day Sailing Itinerary One Way from Miami, Florida Keys: 7 day Sailing Itinerary from Marathon to Key West, Upper Florida Keys: 7 day Sailing Itinerary from Fort Lauderdale, Key West to Dry Tortugas: Yacht Charter 8 day Sailing Itinerary. You can enjoy spectacular sunsets here over the Marquesas Keys. If you make an early start and are making excellent time, you may be able to make it back to Key West. Atop the fort next to a monsterParrot Rifle, it was fun to see ourcatamaranlying peacefully in the anchorage below. Day 2: Garden Key The commercial ferry trip from Key West takes two to three hours, and you will share the boat with many other people and be on the same itinerary. Just a short distance north east of Marathon is Duck Key were you will find one of the finest resorts in all the Florida Keys, called Hawks Cay Luxury Resort. Snorkel, fish, or relax on top of this endless aquarium. Distance: 20 miles. Can you still take a similar trip inKey West? Dolphin and other wildlife shows happen here seven days a week. The Florida Keys is a natural destination for sun worshippers, divers, snorkelers, boaters, and anglers. They also have a small store a short distance walk from the main building. Your email address will not be published. In fact, our prices are up to 56% Cheaper*, Best On Key West is the #1 Tour and Activity Concierge in Key West. Pull into the fuel dock at Oceanside Marina, fuel up and pump out before docking. End with a sunset sail to close out your day! Learn about a famous doctor that was imprisoned for plotting President Lincolns assignation and then later discovering a cure for Malaria while there and later pardoned by the President for his efforts. Relax, unwind, decompress with no sounds other than the wildlife around you. This famous Key holds the only lighthouse in the Dry Tortugas National Park. Day 4 - During3 night trips, this is the day we make the sail back to Key West. We may be compensated if visitors choose to click on some of the links located throughout the content on this site. However, the islands are actually in international waters, as the Continental United States ends at South Beach, Key West. This area is widespread with abundant reefs and mangroves to explore. The Marquises lies about 30 miles west of Key West and makes a great place to spend your second night on your way to The Dry Tortugas. Please see the charter manager before departing the marina. The barrier reefs of Key West have been compared to the quality of that of the Bahamas. Our professional and local staff is here to help. 50 mile journey over. Anchorages are limited here with a south or westerly wind. If you do fish, be aware of the thefishing regulationsfor theDry Tortugas National Park certain areas are restricted and you should stow your gear before arriving. The Lighthouse was built in 1858 and suffered hurricane damage in 1873 that required replacing the top nine feet of the structure. We appreciate your support! The Dry Tortugas and Ft Jefferson is located 70 miles west of Key West. We spent another night at Boca Grande with a mesmerizing sunset, one of the most magical Ive seen. We looked at a couple nearby destinations, such as Miami, the Bahamas, or the Caribbean. Enjoy the clear and bright blue waters that the Gulf of Mexico provides. 3:00PM. You will find crystal clear water and breathtaking coral reefs. On your second night find a protected anchorage in New Found Harbor. There are no stores or marinas along the way, so take your time provisioning appropriately. Our flights didnt leave until the next evening, so it allowed us a refuge to hang out for the next 24 hours. Blue Ocean Yacht Charters in Key West will set you off in a sail boat or power boat tailored to your expectations. We chose thePerry Hotel, a welcome respite from the heat at neighboringStock IslandMarina. Yacht Charter Services in Key West, Florida. Can private boats go to the Dry Tortugas? The most popular activity on this charter is to sail or motor to the coral reef system (45-60 mins one way), grab a mooring ball, and snorkel. Yes, Im spoiled. Contact a Best On Key West representative by calling (877) 243-2378 or click the live chat button to right. 2022 Boatsetter, Inc. All rights reserved. With ideal conditions, this will take just over half a day. If time doesnt allow you will head back to Key West stopping one more time for your last anchorage at the Marquises, fishing, sailing, relaxing along the way. The dinghy makes a great vessel for exploring the island chain and encountering dolphins. After stowing away our provisions and gear, we moved thecatamaranover to the pool dock where we could better take advantage of the prevailing breeze (no shore power AC either since the boat was 220v). Please note: After your purchase is confirmed you will receive a complete tour itinerary with check-in time, location and what to bring. Required fields are marked *. Stop and moor along the way on some of the most beautiful coral reefs. Make sure to visit Indian Key on the way to Islamorada or take a quick sail over from your anchorage in Islamorada. This charter requires a minimum of 3 nights. The anchorage at Loggerhead is east of the island just off the light in the center. Experience the beautiful landscape of numerous Keys (islands), breathtaking sunsets on the crystal clear, bright, blue, ocean. With aprivate boat rental from Boatsetter, you can rent a boat large enough to ply the waters of the Florida Straits and Gulf of Mexico and keep it for a day, two, or a few. If you enjoyed reading this story, Theres also a quick sightseeing sail around the harbor before heading in to the dock. On this charter we recommend you take in a snorkel on the beautiful Looe Key Reef located close to Little Palm Island. Copyright 2022 - Fun In The Sun Yacht Charters. Head back to Key West the following day to spend your last night at the marina or continue up the Florida Keys. DISCLAIMER: Yacht Warriors provides this information for planning, information, and entertainment purposes. Day seven, you will check out prior to eleven oclock.

You can alsocamp at the fort and we spent some time mingling with a few of the campers. There is no chance to forget anything as you will go out on the same yacht for the ocean excursion as you stay on at the marina. Arrive early enough before the fuel dock closes. It was helpful to understand the cruising grounds and key landmarks.

Fishing is also a popular activity on charters. In 1513, Juan Ponce de Leon discovered the Islands, as he did much of Florida. This gives you a vast area to explore, snorkel, dive, and enjoy the peacefulness of nature. , where the Loggerhead Lighthouse warns mariners of the shallow shores. Day 7: Key West, If you stopped in the Marquesas yesterday, continue on to Key West today. Plan on making a stop again at the Marquesas on the way back especially during the winter time when there are limited day light hours. Check in with DYC went smoothly and it was a luxury to have a well-established food delivery program available through Instacart. Tourists come for the day and even spend the night in the campground. This is a useful guide to help plan your trip to the Dry Tortugas or elsewhere in the Florida Keys. The high-speed ferry Yankee Freedom also leaves Key West daily at 8:00am to bring you to the Dry Tortugas. Here you can find anchorage but make sure to go in and out on high tide. Many overnight anchorages are surrounded by crystal clear bright blue water and beautiful wildlife. Bright blue, crystal clear water under you with visibility of tropical fish swimming around you in Garden Key. Day charters aboard catamarans are available for reef snorkeling and sunset cruises. DISCLAIMER: Yacht Warriors provides this information for planning, information, and entertainment purposes. Depending on the weather, the anchorage can be extremelycrowded or nearly vacant. If time allows, there are many other beautiful keys and islands in the Dry Tortugas. Day 3: Fort Jefferson I picked up a copy of the Waterway Guide Florida Keys to help with our route planning. Thanks for reading my post about a Key West bareboat charter to the Dry Tortugas and making it all the way to the end! While on Garden Key, you can take time to see Fort Jefferson and learn a bit about the islands history. Approaching the southern tip of the Marquesas Keys, the best anchorage is west of the islands if the prevailing southeast winds are blowing. I was also hoping to see some of the goliath groupers during the day, but they only showed up after dark. About 17 nm north east of Duck Key is Islamorada not far from Long Key Bight. Similar to Bahia Honda State Park, Long Key Bight offers amazing water clarity and contrasts in the ocean. This park holds the distinction as the only underwater archaeological state park in the Florida Park Service. Todays goal is to reach the island by early afternoon, in time to complete the guided tour of Ft. Jefferson provided by the park ranger. During the4 night trips, well explore other scenic islands like Boca Grande or Woman Key within the Key West National Wildlife Refuge for our last day of excitement, snorkeling, fishing, beach combing, and of course your final amazing night under the stars.Day 5 - We depart on our sail to Key West.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. End your night on top of the beautiful wall that surrounds Ft Jefferson taking in a magical sunset over Loggerhead Key and Lighthouse. Your boat is due back today at 10 a.m. Head back to Key West or continue up the Florida Keys. If you make an early start and are making excellent time, you may be able to make it back to Key West. Today, Fort Jefferson, located on Garden Key, can be explored, along with Loggerhead Key and the adjacent Islands. Depart the Marquesas in the morning and continue your westerly course, staying south of the Quicksands, Halfmoon and Rebecca Shoals. He named the island Tortuga, which is Spanish for tortoise, because of the enormous sea turtles that inhabited the islands and waters of the area. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. How long is a boat ride to the Dry Tortugas? You may also findNavtours in a search, but they are a DYC partner, so you can choose to book through either (as of July 2022, its not clear if DYC and Navtours are still running their Key West operation). Ilander skirt lures were rigged with ballyhoo.

Except there are fewer loggerhead turtles there now than when Ponce de Leon plied these waters searching for bounty and new lands. Reservations may be required so call ahead. On this day, learn about this historic landmark and the influences it has had in the past. Before dark, head back over to Garden Key to anchor for the evening.

Take in the famous Little Palm Island Resort for adults only. Because with a boat of your own, you can explore at your leisure, come, and go as you wish.

Day 8: Key West There is so much to see and do on this yacht charter. You should be able to get in early if you want to have some time to explore Key West. Day 7: Key West Unfortunately, I came up empty handed on the spiny lobster this time. Distance: 45 miles Bush Key is protected bird Sanctuary and during nesting season it is interesting to dinghy slowly around the island Observing the bird life ashore and all the sea life in the shallow water. You will not find any cell tours here, so enjoy a vacation away from your phone and distractions. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Yacht Warriors is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Take the dinghy to the island from the boat. The dinghy makes a great vessel for exploring remote areas and encountering dolphins if you see them on your anchorage. Take a private boat to the Dry Tortugas for the trip of a lifetime, Private boat owners in Key West rent their boats to people who want a boat to, . If you have more time, heading to Key Biscayne in Miami would make your next unforgettable yacht charter anchorage. For more information please read our cancellation policy and terms and conditions page or call our staff with any questions regarding your ability to participate. Our company specializes in making your private yacht charter a forever memory. Im sure he makes the anchorage his home he hung around under the boat during our entire visit. Sadly, nothing was caught that we wanted to make fish tacos out of. We spent the night at anchor outside ofStock Islandto soak in as much breeze as possible. Whether you come for a few hours or a few days, you need to experience the peaceful beauty of the Dry Tortugas at least once. Found a better price online ? Here you will find some of the most pristine waters in the United States. One of several parks in the waters of the, The farthest Key to the west of Garden Key is. Ask your charter company and they can help pair you with a skipper for theFlorida Keys. This park makes a great anchorage with our prevailing winds from the east. Please consult the captain you hire and follow all local and federal laws. Most of all enjoy the stars as there are too many to count as they light up the sky. The live music was already jamming. A round trip bareboat charter from Key West to The Dry Tortugas National Park and Ft Jefferson is an unforgettable vacation experience. , on Garden Key or staying aboard your boat. On our way back to the marina, we enjoyed some more fishing andsnorkelingat Western Dry Rocks. One of the most popular attractions here is to interact and swim with the Dolphins.

You may also stay in Key West and take some day trips. To prove it we are matching all online pricing on the tours we offer. We enjoyed showers, a poolside happy hour, and of course some AC! Be sure you can make it to Key West with day light to spare. We were careful to avoid the fate ofErnest Hemingwaywho was marooned at Fort Jefferson for 17 days when a tropical storm moved through! Day 5: Dry Tortugas Please make sure to bundle your linens, remove trash (trash containers are located at the beginning of the dock), top off the fuel tank and pump out, if you haven'.

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