A Note From Captain Zak
Snorkeling is one of the most fun things you can do in Key West. Where else in America can you get on a boat, go out to the reef, and see abundant marine life in clear tropical water?The best part of boating in Key West is expecting the unexpected. Whether thats a visit from a sea turtle, a school of spotted eagle rays, or a pod of dolphins, theres always something memorable to see when were at sea. Id love to show you my backyard the exceptional Florida Keys.Captain Zak
What Is The Duration Of A Boat Tour From Key West
The duration of cruises and boat tours from Key West depends on the type of tour.
- Sunset cruises last approximately 2 hours.
- The kayaking and snorkeling boat tours last half a day, ranging from 4.5 to 6 hours.
- Dolphin watching and sunset boat tours last approximately 3 hours.
- Boat trips to Dry Tortugas National Park last a full day, approximately 10 hours.
Whats The Best Way To Get To Dry Tortugas
The best way to get to Dry Tortugas National Park is by private boat! Chartering a yacht provides an exclusive experience to discover more of the area at your own pace. Day tours via ferry or seaplane are usually rushed and overcrowded, whereas a private yacht charter provides a fun, multi-day excursion from Key West. The best part of visiting this historic national park on a private charter though, is once the crowds from the high speed ferry and seaplane are gone, you’ll have the entire park, campground, and beaches all to yourself!
Bluesail offers 5 day/4 night yacht charters onboard a 38.5 foot and 44 foot sailing catamaran from Key West. Guests can travel with a hired captain as well. Sailing to the Dry Tortugas is a blast as youll get to discover the beautiful Florida Keys and Florida Barrier Reef in comfort and style!
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With Your Special Guests
Imagine hosting your closest friends and family for an amazing outing that theyll remember for years. Or show your important clients or colleagues how much they are valued with a one-of-a-kind experience. Or even pop the question in a way that almost guarantees a YES! with a romantic proposal trip. Lifes big moments deserve special treatment.
Hopping Sandbars In Key West
DETAILED INFORMATION
Tour Size: Private – 6 people max
Price: 3 hours = $550 | 4 hours = $600
Meet at Marriott Beachside Marina
On this Key West boat tour you will get to see not one but few breathtaking locations. The first sandbar we will take you to is just about 25 minutes boat ride from our marina. It just gets more interesting from there. We will make longer stops on locations you like the most but well also cruise around to see other sights.
See the mangrove trails of Mud Keys and go mingle with locals at Snipe Point sandbar after. You will not want this day to be over.
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Choose Your Own Adventureevery Sebago Ship Is Available For Private Charters
All of Sebagos ships are available for private charters with each trip fully customized to your specifications, including beverages and food from Sebagos own catering kitchen. We can arrange music for your special day from a DJ, to a steel drum percussionist, to a 5 piece band. Or use the satellite radio on our catamarans.
Popular sailing charters are morning or afternoon sails and, of course, the spectacular Key West sunset cruise. Full day charters are popular for private snorkel trips. Our combo packages, the Island Ting Eco Tour and Power Adventure, are great for corporate team building activities and family get-togethers alike.
All size groups are welcome for your private sailing charter, from a cruise for 1 up to 125 on a single ship. Or charter several ships for a larger group. Our sailing catamarans are all licensed for full liquor bars.
Be sure to check out our all new Axopar 37 charter boat. A perfect experience for groups of 12 or less.
Dry Tortugas Transportaion Info
Other questions regarding ferry travel can be answered through our live chat feature or by calling Key West Charter Boat. Just mention Dry Tortugas National Park / Dry Tortugas ferry prices. Well check schedules, availability, and costs.
Your round-trip ferry visit will be a full-day event, so remember to pack accordingly: sunscreen, bathing suit, sun hat, etc. With advance reservations, you also have the opportunity to spend the night camping on the islands. With our Dry Tortugas charters, your options are vast.
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What Is The History Of Dry Tortugas National Park
Before you make the 70-mile journey to a secluded national park in the Gulf of Mexico, its probably a good idea to learn some background information about the area.
The Dry Tortugas is made up of seven keys Garden Key, Loggerhead Key, Bush Key, Long Key, East Key, Hospital Key, and Middle Key strategically located at the main shipping channel of the Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, and Atlantic Ocean. The area was first discovered by Ponce de Leon in 1513 the name was given for its large population of turtles and for its lack of fresh water .
The Dry Tortugas is known for its beautiful coral reefs so a lighthouse was built on Garden Key in 1825 to guide ships. Fort Jefferson was built on Garden Key in 1846 to protect the shipping channel and Gulf of Mexico. But the fort was never completed nor fully armed and is now a popular tourist attraction.
Key West Private Boat Tour In The Morning
Set sail for the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary on this private boat tour. Head to the coral reef to snorkel. You will see an abundance of animals living in their natural habitat, such as tropical fish, sea turtles and starfish. You can also stop on the beach of a desert island to enjoy the sun and take a paddleboard ride! The captain of the boat will be available for all your requests.
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What Should I Bring To The Dry Tortugas
A multi-day trip to the Dry Tortugas on a private boat is the most comfortable way to experience the park! Bluesails Sailing catamarans can sleep 6 people across 3 cabins. Each catamaran has a fully functioning galley with supplies for cooking and storing food. Theres also freshwater tanks onboard to keep you hydrated and clean. The boat is also equipped with all the latest navigation and radio equipment.
We already know what to pack for a day sail charter, so more clothes, bathing suits, food, and drinks are all you might need to add for a multi-day charter. Bonus: two stand-up paddle boards and snorkel gear come standard with your private catamaran! Remember, there are no restaurants, shops, water, cell service, or fuel available at the Dry Tortugas, so keep that in mind when planning. Bluesail will help you prepare for your multi-day Key West sailing trip so that you have a smooth experience!
Weve Got Fort Jefferson & Loggerhead Key
Dry Tortugas Charterssupply you with mask, snorkel, and fins, youll enter a beautiful underwater worlda unique ecosystem of aquatic plants and the marine creatures that depend on them. Schools of brightly colored tropical fish, sea turtles, rays, starfish, and conch cohabitate in perfect harmony. In order to maintain natures fragile balance, snorkelers are not allowed to touch the living coral. Please leave the reefs in the same beautiful condition in which you found them.
Like many places in the Florida Keys, snorkeling in the Dry Tortugas can be enjoyed by experts and novices alike. The shallow waters are easily accessible straight from the beach. Even if youve never snorkeled before, youll get right in the swim of things very quickly. So have fun. And please remember to use reef-friendly sunscreen.
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What Other Water Activities Can I Do In Key West
Key West offers a perfect year-round environment for water activities. The tropical climate allows you to enjoy sea activities all year round. In addition to sunset cruises and sailing tours, the must-see water activities are definitely snorkeling, kayaking, dolphin watching and jet ski tours. Also, don’t miss the chance to visit the Dry Tortugas National Park, which offers an incredible environment for snorkeling.
Dry Tortugas Catamarans & Yachts
Traveling to the Dry Tortugas by sailing catamaran is an experience in itself. With the wind as your engine, the big cats are a surprising combination of speed, space, and comfort. Holding 30 people or more, catamarans are perfect for big private groups and corporate outings.
Custom catering is available, including food, wine, beer and soft drinks. Snorkeling gear can be provided as well. Private charter a cat and a trip to the Dry Tortugas becomes an ocean-going party.
No matter how you get to the Dry Tortugas, youll find these isolated islands, unlike any place youve ever been before. The combination of turquoise water, pure white sand, extraordinary wildlife, and no high-rise hotels is unique and special. Call Key West Charter Boat or fill out a quote form to learn more. Or book a trip immediately online.
The Dry Tortugas National Park was absoulutley stunning. We took a private charter and spent the day exporing these beautiful islands.
More Dry Tortugas Info…
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Key West Sunset Dinner Cruise With Tropical Buffet
Choose this sunset cruise if you want to combine the charm of the ocean sunset with a gourmet dinner served on the boat. Savor the buffet with tropical food and cocktails and drinks included as you watch the sun turning the sky into a colorful painting. Live music will brighten the atmosphere on the boat for a pleasant dinner.
Key West Custom Yacht Charters
Topping the food chain of Key West exclusive charter boats are the big power yachts, 75 to over 300 feet in length. With a captain and full complement of crew, these are the perfect vessels to charter for special events or corporate retreats. Having a destination wedding in the Keys? Why not hold your reception on a mega yacht? All-inclusive reception cruises are available for wedding parties as large as 300 guests. Or why not entertain your most important clients on a two-day cruise to the Dry Tortugas or up the entire Florida Keys archipelago? Key West private charter boats can be hired for as long as you like, a few weeks or a couple of hours. And anything can be arranged with a little advance notice, from catering to live music to theme party decorations.
Key West private charter boats make for special vacations. Days filled with fun on the water followed by nights of lying on the deck and gazing up at the stars. For the best Key West charter boat prices, call us or fill out and quote form. With years of local knowledge under our belts, Key West Charter Boat will make sure you get the best boat at the best possible price.
We wanted not just a boat charter but a Florida Keys nautical excursion. Our charter took us to the Dry Tortugas and back on an amazing catamaran. If youre contemplating doing this prepare to be blown away
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Key West National Wildlife Refuge
The Key West National Wildlife Refuge is a part of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, where uninhabited wild islands are surrounded by the only remaining coral reefs in North America. Many boat tours head to this area as it is possible to get over the coral reefs and do snorkeling. The area is very close to Key West and can be reached within a few minutes by boat.
Boat tours that include a kayaking excursion head to ‘Ting Island, which is covered in mangroves that create many channels with a perfect environment for kayaking. Other famous islands are the Marquesas Keys and Boca Grande Key.
Courage Charters Offers The Very Best In Key West Leisure And Sea Limousine Style Tours
Our private charters are built around comfort. The shallow draft and smooth ride make for a peaceful cruise through the backcountry islands of the Lower Keys. This semi-custom built 36 foot Hinckley Classic Picnic Boat is class all the way. Courage features a spacious deck, a handcrafted teak interior, multiple seating options, and a below deck bathroom. Complimentary ice and bottled water are provided with ample cooler space to accommodate any refreshments you would like to bring. To complete your experience, ask about adding a private picnic at sea.
Truly a limousine on the water.
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Is The Dry Tortugas Worth It
Yes! The Dry Tortugas is 100% worth a visit! The parks history combined with the beautiful setting of teal blue water, white sand beaches, and a 19th-century fort makes for an unforgettable experience! The Dry Tortugas has some of the best snorkeling in North America and youre bound to see native wildlife throughout your charter.
While snorkeling, fishing, scuba diving, bird watching, kayaking, and paddle boarding are fun activities in the Dry Tortugas, its also the perfect destination to get off the grid and relax for a few days. A private boat is the best way to experience this tropical paradise as you can customize your trip and enjoy the Florida Keys at your own pace, so Book your Dry Tortugas catamaran charter with Bluesail today!
Dry Tortugas Charter Options
A special permit is required by the department of the interior and available through the National Park Service. Key West Charter Boat can make camping arrangements for you but you must plan ahead. Space is limited and slots sell out 9-12 months in advance.
The ferry is big, comfortable and relatively fast. But if you want to get there even faster, charter one of Key Wests high-speed private boats. With the right sea conditions, private charters can take you from Key West ferry terminal to Fort Jefferson in as little as 90 minutes.
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Americas Oceanic National Park
Rising out of deep waters in the Gulf of Mexico, the Dry Tortugas are a migration waypoint and breeding ground for hundreds of thousands of birds. Birding enthusiasts will definitely want to bring binoculars for spotting sooty terns, masked booby, and the magnificent frigate bird, to name a few. And anglers will want to bring their rods and reels. The fish population here is also impressive, with over a dozen species to catch, including blackfin tuna, grouper, wahoo, mahi-mahi and sailfish.
Designated a national park in 1935, the seven islands that make up the Dry Tortugas are a protected area for marine life and habitats. That designation has ensured the islands remain the way Mother Nature intended. It also makes them a snorkelers paradise. Visitors from the world over journey here to explore the amazing ecosystem of coral reefs, mangrove islands, and calcified outcroppings.
How Much Do The Boat Tours Cost From Key West
The prices of the boat tours from Key West vary considerably depending on the activity and the tour operator:
- Sunset cruises cost between $ 45 and $ 80.
- Dolphin watching boat tours cost approximately $ 70 per person.
- Private sailing tours cost between $ 500 and $ 1000 per group, depending on the duration of the tour.
- T’ing Island sailing excursions with kayaking and snorkeling cost around $ 120.
- Catamaran trips to Dry Tortugas National Park cost around $ 190.
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Itinerary Snorkel Cruise Trips Key West Fl
Your Key West day trip snorkeling adventure departs the marina at 9:00 am, 12:00 pm, or 2:00 pm and lasts about four hours. Just let us know what time you prefer, and we will make it happen to fit your schedule.
Your private snorkel tour in Key West leaves Hurricane Hole Marina. Load up the boat and leave the marina Head out to snorkel spot First guided snorkel tour Key West style Next, well re-board the boat and weigh anchor Cruise to the second snorkel spot or sandbar Snorkel or enjoy a sandbar Cruise back to the marina
While enjoying your snorkeling boat tour of Key West, youll enjoy a comfortable, private ride on Casual Mondays. The best snorkel trips Key West FL offers are out at the reef and arent accessible from the beach. It takes about 45 minutes to reach the snorkel spots. Along the way, you can enjoy being on the water and watching for wildlife.
You might see dolphins frolicking or fish darting through clear waters. Lucky guests might see a sea turtle moseying along. Some guests like to visit two different snorkeling sites, and some prefer to check out a sandbar for their second stop. Sandbars are great spots to just hang out and relax with your family and friends. We often spot stingrays and fish lurking in the clear, shallow waters.
On the sandbar, you can lounge, wade, snorkel, or float with a refreshing drink. Have fun splashing your kid or watching your dog run free.
Adults Only Sunset Cruise With Champagne Party From Key West
This sunset cruise from Key West is specially designed for an adult audience. The atmosphere is intimate and the number of passengers is limited to 14 people.
The cruise includes champagne, red and white wines, beers and soft drinks, as well as a cheese buffet to be enjoyed with drinks. Some bottles of fine champagne, such as Moët et Chandon, are available for purchase.
Enjoy the best sunset over the sea from Key West on this 2-hour cruise.
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