PigNaPoke

Gonna try to run out during race week this year...

tommymonza

Helt

We did the trip in 2017 and its a great day trip. We rolled out about 8:30-9 am grabbed a slip and spent a 1.5-2 hours roaming around the fort. There was a crocodile in one of the pools that was believed to be washed in by a hurricane which was cool to see. Sea planes in and out constantly so don't try to beach where they do. We left shortly after lunch and went North to a ship wreck that had a mooring ball to tie the boat off to and did some snorkeling around it. Either when you get there or leave boat all the way around the island it's very cool sight. On the way back we stopped outside KW and floated on a sandbar to watch the sunset.

Jupiter Sunsation

I can't believe BobtheBuilder didn't chime in............he has to have made that trip, heck he ran his boat to Mexico! I think I remember Jayboat posting photos of the fort.

Jupiter Sunsation

Found it:
Dry Tortugas Key West Runaround Aboard Team Predator - P H O T O S

Bobthebuilder

Thank you for finding and sharing that JS. It brings back great memories. I will share a picture album and a few thoughts on Dry Tortugas this afternoon.

Bob

Bobthebuilder

Interesting thread.

I first visited the Dry Tortugas in 1991 in my Top Gun and have enjoyed several return trips in various go fast boats over the years since. It is an interesting day trip and you can see most of Garden Key / Fort Jefferson and have time for a swim and snorkel before heading back to Key West. A few times I have done a 120 mile straight shot from Marco Island before heading the 70 miles over to Key West for the night. Check the weather carefully for the duration of your trip and do not get caught by a fast moving front that once greeted me on arrival from Marco Island about 1997 in my Formula 419. The seas went from 2 ft to Facebook 12 footers in 15 minutes. I had to abort entry into the DT because of the conditions and proximity to the reefs and change course for Key West. It really was touch and go for several hours of terror.

There is a campground on Garden Key if your into the pup tent thing or the boat may provide a more comfortable sleep if staying over. As has been mentioned bring everything you need for your stay including fuel as nothing can be bought there. Navigate carefully as reefs abound. The Marquesa Keys lay midway between Key West and Dry Tortugas and you can pass them either on the north side or south.

One thing has not been mentioned. Do not take any firearms as the Dry Tortugas is in a Federal, not a State park. You can read my story about this unfortunate guy who found out the hard way : A bedtime offshore adventure story by Bobthebuilder

Also here is my Flickr album from a trip in August of 2011 : https://www.flickr.com/photos/20990989@N05/albums/72157627477807178
https://www.flickr.com/photos/20990989@N05/albums/72157627477807178

Enjoy the trip, It is well worth it. Just go prepared.

Bob

Got Cigs

Bobthebuilder, Thanks for sharing. Would say its better to come in from the north?

BBB725

I went 2011 here's a link to the adventure

Boatfreaks

Bobthebuilder

If you mean approach from the north side of the Marquesa Keys, yes unless the winds are from out of the north then best to travel and approach from south side of the Marquesas. They can provide some protection for part of the journey. If winds are less than 10 knots from any direction, take your pick, north or south.

Bob