While this is a full day trip and initially seemed a little pricey ($200 pp), it was well worth the cost - a great value for what we got (breakfast, lunch, travel to/from, fort tour, and snorkel gear rental) and also an incredible experience. Besides seaplanes, this was the only boat going to the Dry Tortugas so the island wasn't overcrowded. Although the boat was nearly full, there was plenty of room to spread out, which was great because its a 2-3 hr trip each way. (I would recommend bringing something to entertain yourselves, which we didn't but that was our mistake.) On the way out, they served breakfast/coffee and on the way back they had a bar and snacks available for purchase. Our tour guide Asa was very sweet and seemed a little nervous since she was a new guide but honestly for no reason because she knew it all! Once we got to the island, you could do what you wanted and I wanted to go on the complimentary Fort tour. Since it was very hot, she kept us in the shade while giving us all the historical detail about the Fort, which was appreciated. In addition to that, the boat has snorkeling gear so many people spent their full time doing that - with the water so clear, you see a lot of fish! While docked, they also served lunch and were kind enough to make me a vegetarian option (gluten-free and other dietary restricted options were also available). Note that toilets are only available on the boat, not on the island, but they were kept fairly clean. Overall we had an amazing time and I would recommend making time for this experience.

Yes , it’s a 2.5 hour boat ride , each way, to Fort Jefferson, Dry Tortugas National Park, but I can tell you it’s absolutely worth it!!! What a spectacular visit to the Largest Brick structure in the Western Hemisphere, built in the 1830’s in the middle of the Gulf !! The main tour guide, “ Hollywood” is fantastic, and really brings you back in time, so that you actually feel , and experience the moment of what it was like to be there, back then! The entire crew is friendly, and very helpful; and they said they do it 365 days, a year. It’s a lot of work to bring 250 customers to a park, 70 miles away, but they do it with ease. The Fort is unbelievable, and such a fascinating segment of American history, you really need to experience it! Go , and enjoy something very unique, and special!

Wonderful experience. Worth the cost to go visit. The Ferry ride was even more fun due to the great staff. Smooth from beginning to end. Hollywood seems to truly enjoy his job!

Wonderful bucket list trip.we had tried to do this for several years and finally made it. Enjoyable trip out and back with knowledgeable helpful crew. Accommodations and lunch not fancy but wholly adequate. The fort itself was spectacular and ferry’s tour guide excellent. Not the best day for snorkeling when we were there, but enjoyable swimming as birds plunged near swimmers to snag fish. Like everyone we wished for more time in the park but NPS time limitations allowed no more. Very happy we finally did this.

We booked this trip and were excited about it. As our trip approached the weather interrupted our travel. I was NEVER able to get ahold on anyone from Yankee Freedom for assistance with rescheduling our trip or seeing if anything could be done to do a different day. They never returned my phone calls or messages, which is unacceptable. I would be weary of this operator, they can do better supporting people trying to go on their trips, once they have tour money they will ghost you.

I am working on visiting all of the national parks, and Dry Tortugas is certainly on of the more remote ones. While not exactly cheap, using the Yankee Freedom to get there is the best way to go for most people. The boat ride was pleasant and all the crew very friendly. They provided a reasonable breakfast and lunch; and even the snorkeling gear for use at the park. The tour guide, was great, providing background and a tour of the fort and then we had a couple hours to spend on the beach and and in the water. Overall, it was a very enjoyable trip and I would recommend it if you have a free day while visiting the Florida Keys.

Captain Megan’s crew was friendly, attentive & professional. They kept the boat spotless and the passengers moving around in an organized fashion. This was great while getting coffee, lunch and anything you wanted to purchase. A huge shout out to Daniel who prepared a great sandwich with my long list of food restrictions. Hollywood, who has done his research well, is a wealth of knowledge! Thank you all for a most enjoyable day!

One of my new favorite National Parks. The boat ride was great, had outside deck for viewing along with seating inside with air. Highly recommend the tour of the fort and snorkeling.

This is an adventure not to miss!! This was my second time taking the Yankee Freedom to Dry Tortugas National Park, but my first time doing it on stand-by. My fiancé and I weren’t able to score tickets a few months prior so we didn’t know if we’d be able to secure stand-by tickets. BOOK AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE! By a magnificent stroke of luck, we got on the boat. The crew is world class. They made everyone feel like a celebrity. Hollywood, the boat’s fantastic guide, gives excellent tours. Jackie, a boat mate, goes out of her way to get to know the passengers. Asa was running the food bar and made me a custom vegetarian sandwich for lunch! Yankee Freedom provides great amenities: bagels and coffee for breakfast, Jersey Mike’s (or veg, gluten free options), snacks and drinks for lunch. The bar opens on the ride back to Key West ;) snorkel equipment is included in the ticket price. HOW TO DO STAND-BY for those riddled with anxiety (like myself): -get to know the ferry terminal as early as possible. People start lining up as early as 4:30 am. I got there at 4:55 and there was one family of two already there. -head to the second floor where there are exterior wooden benches. Sit it the order in which you arrived. -the ferry staff puts out a sign up sheet no later than 6:30am. The morning we were there the list was posted at 6:05am. -all you need is one representative from your party to put a name on the list. Next to your name you will write how many people are in your group and whether or not you are willing to split up. -after writing your name, you can leave and come back at 7:30. You won’t know if you are getting on the boat until around 7:45 so don’t go far! -the day we went, Thursday, May 16th, 2024, there were four no-shows and two cancellations, so 6 available spots! WE GOT ON! -if it’s after 7:45, do not leave the the terminal until you see the boat leaving. Sometimes people opt out at the very last minute. -there is a cafe around the corner that opens at 6/6:15ish so you can grab waiting coffee. This trip is absolutely worth waking up hours before the sun. Ignore any tips that say show up around 7:00am. If you show up to late and are far down the list you will not get on the ferry.

The trip out and the fort was great. I really enjoyed it. Forts are my thing and lighthouses. The only complaint I have is the woman with the Steelers tattoo was really rude and nasty. I was skeptical of going aboard. If you have 1 employee thats rude it makes the costumer's think that the ones on the boat are also. That woman should not be working there. It would also be nice if the announcer would explain the seat like the airport does. Good morning folks we will be boarding shortly. You will be called by the number on your ticket to board so please remain seated until your number is called. Then go on with your normal speech.other than the the crew was awesome and nice. We had a lot of fun. Thank you to the crew 🥰🤗❤️

Holy moly, one of the best experiences! It was very pricey, but I was so glad we did it! I booked for a family of 5 in January for a trip in May. I had no issues booking on the website. Check in at 7 was super easy, everyone was really friendly. Our crew for the day did an amazing job. They were super knowledgeable, interactive and approachable. The fort itself was probably one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen. Just gorgeous views everywhere you look. We walked around and got into the history and then we went swimming & snorkeling. Just amazing. I would absolutely go back.

What an amazing day! We took the ferry out to the fort, the whole crew was incredibly friendly, sharing information, and stopping to talk to everyone. They all showed interest in each person the ferry. The fort itself was a step back in time, sad to see that it is crumbling...but I imagine time and weather really puts a high price on upkeep. The views from the upper floors and incredible colors of the water surrounding the fort make the trip. The waves and winds were high and made snorkeling challenging...so we opted to wander the grounds and do a self tour. If you are a history buff...it is definitely worth a trip out.

We have been twice to this magical place, it's awe inspiring and hauntingly beautiful. 2 hours off the island in the Atlantic is this amazing Mason's Fort, where your imagination can go wild. The Yankee Freedom is a safe and comfortable ride out to the Fort, with plenty of cold drinks, masks and equipment for snorkeling. On the journey there you might spot Sea Turtle's and playful Dolphins and stunning water views every where you look. Don't miss this opportunity to ride the Yankee Freedom out to try Dry Tortuga's !!!

I absolutely loved this! It is a 2.5 hour ride out to the national park. We went snorkeling which was so much fun! You can also take a tour of the fort or walk it on your own. The waters surrounding the park was the so blueish green I had never seen anything like it. You get a bagel for breakfast and they also have drinks available. Then they do serve you a sub for lunch with a choice of chips etc. And cookies! This ferry leaves from Key West.

We thoroughly enjoyed our visit here. Even the boat ride coming and going was great fun. Certainly a Must Do, as part of a Great Key West Experience.