Both reach Dry Tortugas. The day feels very different.
| Question | Private charter | Ferry |
|---|---|---|
| Who is aboard? | Your group on a private boat | Scheduled passenger service |
| Main arrival area | Garden Key plus potential flexibility elsewhere, subject to rules/conditions | Garden Key / Fort Jefferson |
| Schedule | Operator-specific and condition-dependent | Fixed daily schedule |
| Other park areas | Potential access by private vessel | Ferry does not transport visitors around the rest of the park |
| Price structure | Typically group charter price or shared-seat product | Per-person ticket |
Choose based on the experience, not a winner
The ferry is a scheduled, straightforward way to reach Garden Key. A private charter is for travelers who value their own boat, a smaller group and more itinerary flexibility. The relevant choice depends on budget, group size, tolerance for the open-water run, schedule and what parts of the park matter most.
What about shared charter seats?
Shared small-boat seats sit between the two models. Reel Paradise offers shared seats with live online dates and pricing. Shared departures require enough paid guests to confirm and carry up to six shared-trip guests, so availability depends on enough travelers choosing the same date.
Compare private boats before defaulting to the ferry.
Reel Paradise is listed first, then the other core providers.
Compare private chartersOfficial ferry reservations