Day-walk storage
30–35L Hiking Daypack
Carry spare layers and walking supplies; check fit and use a liner for valuables.
Fly & Drive guide
Fly into EYW, drive to Dry Tortugas National Park
18 min drive4 milesReservations: moderate
Trip snapshot
Arrival airport- EYW
Airport drive- 18 min · estimate
Suggested stay- 1–2 days
Reservation demand- Moderate · check entry notes
Vehicle notes- No vehicles are permitted in the park; transportation is by boat or seaplane only.
Your route
EYW
Key West International Airport
Dry Tortugas National Park
About 18 min · 4 mi by car, no stops. Estimate only.
Your arrival plan
Step 1Flights to EYW
Compare fares into Key West International Airport.
Find flights
Step 2Standard car at EYW
Pick up at the airport and drive straight to Dry Tortugas National Park. Compare rental companies in one search. Est. from $45/day · typical rate.
Compare rentals
Step 2SUV at EYW
Select an SUV, pickup location and dates on Airport Rentals. Est. from $55/day · typical rate.
Compare SUVs
Before you goStore extra bags
Early arrival or late flight home? Drop luggage nearby and keep the car light for the park.
Find storage
03 · First night near Dry Tortugas National Park
Sleep close after the drive so day one starts in the park.
Step 3Hotels near Dry Tortugas National Park
Est. from $110/night · typical rate. Compare hotels and lodges; check cancellation terms on Expedia.
Search Expedia
Step 3Cabins & homes near Dry Tortugas National Park
Est. from $120/night · typical rate. Whole homes and cabins for families or groups.
Search VrboBefore you land
Reservations
Mandatory Ferry and Seaplane Transportation Booking
Reach the park by reserved concession ferry or seaplane, private vessel, or permitted tour operator. Campers cannot travel by seaplane; reserve limited ferry camping transport well ahead. Regular Garden Key campsites for up to six people are first come, first served on arrival, with camping fees paid on the island; large groups of 10–20 require advance park reservations.
Official reservation infoBest time to fly in
November – April
Your route
Day 1 · Fortress in the Gulf
Fort Jefferson → Moat Wall Walk
Day 2 · Coral Reefs and Marine Life
South Coaling Dock Ruins → Garden Key Beaches
Day 3 · Avian Observation and Isolation
Bush Key → Fort Jefferson Ramparts
Viator
Tours & experiences near Dry Tortugas National Park
Explore guided activities around Dry Tortugas National Park. Check the meeting point, dates and availability on Viator before booking.
Open tour listings separatelyCurated Trip Essentials
Five picks for Dry Tortugas National Park
Water on walking days
2L Hydration Pack
Carry drinking water on longer walks; refill before leaving services.
Sunny outdoor stops
Cooling Neck Gaiter
A light neck covering for sunny walks; use alongside sunscreen, not instead of it.
Eye protection
Polarized Cycling Sunglasses
Wrap-around cycling sunglasses with polarized lenses and a lightweight TR90 frame, according to the listing.
Wildlife & night viewing
WG9801 4K Night Vision Binoculars
3″ HD display · 48MP photo · 8X digital zoom. Check park rules before using lights at night.
$189.99 USD · store price
Shop at WILDGUARDEROptional picks, not a complete packing or safety list. Photos from the ROCKBROS and WILDGUARDER stores. Prices as of 2026-10-19 / 2026-10-20; price, stock and shipping may change.
Quick answers
What is the closest airport to Dry Tortugas National Park?
Key West International Airport (EYW) is the nearest commercial airport we route from.
How long is the drive from EYW to Dry Tortugas National Park?
Roughly 18 min (about 4 miles) by car, without stops. Times are estimates.
Do I need a reservation to visit Dry Tortugas National Park?
Reach the park by reserved concession ferry or seaplane, private vessel, or permitted tour operator. Campers cannot travel by seaplane; reserve limited ferry camping transport well ahead. Regular Garden Key campsites for up to six people are first come, first served on arrival, with camping fees paid on the island; large groups of 10–20 require advance park reservations.
Keep planning
Full guideStays, 3-day plan and route map for Dry Tortugas National Park
