The highlight of our visit to the Keys was our visit to the Dry Tortugas National Park. This place had been recommended to us by several friends. The park can only be accessed by boat or plane and is 70 miles from Key West (only about 30 miles from Cuba). We took a high speed ferry called the Yankee Freedom and spent about 4 1/2 hours at the park before returning. It was a fascinating trip where we explored coral reefs, a fort, and underwater wildlife.
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| Yankee Freedom II |
The ferry ride took about 2 hours. They offered a nice breakfast on board and told the history of the fort, the islands, and wildlife while in route. The largest American fort is built on this island and during the Civil War was a Union military prison for deserters and held four men convicted for complicity in the murder of Abraham Lincoln including Dr. Samuel Mudd.
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| Leaving Key West going past cruise ships in port |
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| Approaching Dry Tortugas |
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| Park Rangers live on the island (they work 10 days and are off for 4 days) |
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| Diane telling us about the history of the fort |
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| Amazing construction |
There is not any water on the island, hence the name Dry. The original aqueduct system failed. It was a miserable time for the solders who were stationed here. Many of them died from yellow fever.
The water around the fort was spectacular. You could walk around the moat of the fort and see all types of fish and shells. This very special place is protected and only visited by about 200 people a day.
Snorkeling gear was provided. We bought an under water camera and took these pictures. Click on the video for a peak of the underwater world.
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| Debbie enjoying the beach |
You can also primitive camp here for up to three nights ($3/person/night). You have to bring all your supplies including water. This is such a birders paradise.
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| Bird Island |
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| Debbie took this spectacular photo of a Pelican in flight |
The cost of the tour is $160 per person ($145 military). It included ferry ride, tour, breakfast, lunch, and admission to the National Park. We debated whether to spend this amount for a tour but afterwards did not regret the decision to go. It was well worth the price and an adventure we will always remember.
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| Walking around the moat |
boy oh boy!..what a great tour..and well worth the money!!!
ReplyDeleteIt looks like you had a very nice day. We spent the night there once in a tent and would love to do it again! Nice underwater pictures!
ReplyDeleteGreat tour. That is still one place we need to see.
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