Seaplane floating in clear turquoise water beside Fort Jefferson at Dry Tortugas National Park

OTHER WAYS TO VISIT

Dry Tortugas
Seaplane Guide

Fast scheduled air access to Garden Key, with a different schedule, price and experience from traveling by boat.

LOCAL REVIEW
Reviewed by Carlos Montero, USCG-licensed captain in Key West

Park facts are checked against official National Park Service sources, while charter and trip-planning notes are reviewed from practical Key West boating experience. Explore Dry Tortugas is affiliated with Reel Paradise Charters and discloses partner relationships.

How we review our guides →

The seaplane is the fastest scheduled way to reach Garden Key.

Key West Seaplane Adventures is the permitted scheduled seaplane service. NPS lists morning, afternoon and full-day formats.

Current trip timing

The operator currently lists approximately 40 minutes of flight time each way, about 2.5 hours of island time for the half-day and about 6.5 hours for the full-day.

Where it goes

Seaplane passengers arrive at Garden Key. NPS says ferry and seaplane services do not transport visitors to other areas of the park.

Camping

NPS says the seaplane does not transport campers.

Ready for the seaplane instead?

Go directly to the operator's reservation page.

Official seaplane booking

Want the private-boat version of this trip?

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