There is no road to Dry Tortugas.
Dry Tortugas National Park is about 70 miles west of Key West. NPS lists boat or seaplane as the only ways to reach the park, including private boats, permitted charters, the Yankee Freedom ferry and Key West Seaplane Adventures.
1. Private charter
A private charter is the first path on Explore Dry Tortugas because it gives a group its own boat and more itinerary flexibility than fixed scheduled transportation. The actual route still depends on conditions, park rules and the captain.
Why Loggerhead Key comes up so often
NPS says Loggerhead Key has no public transportation. It is about three miles from Garden Key and is reached by private vessel or appropriate paddling craft. A private boat does not guarantee every stop, but it creates options a Garden Key-only schedule does not.
2. Shared small-boat trip
For travelers who do not need the whole boat, shared seats can sit between a full private charter and the ferry. Reel Paradise offers shared Dry Tortugas seats with live online dates and pricing, and the trip runs when the required passenger minimum is reached.
3. Yankee Freedom ferry
NPS identifies Yankee Freedom as the park ferry concessionaire. Its day trip travels from Key West to Garden Key and gives visitors about 4.5 hours at the park. Reservations are strongly recommended.
Go straight to official ferry reservations →
4. Seaplane
NPS lists half-day and full-day seaplane formats. Current operator information lists about 40 minutes of flight time each way, roughly 2.5 hours of island time for the half-day and roughly 6.5 hours for the full-day.
Go straight to official seaplane reservations →
Entrance fees
NPS currently lists a $15 standard entrance pass per person age 16 and older. Ferry tickets include the park entrance fee. Private boaters are directed to purchase a digital pass before arrival through Recreation.gov or use the cashless payment process at Garden Key.