What is the cancellation policy for this tour?

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

How long does this tour take?

Please check the tour page for the exact duration.

Dry Tortugas National Park Self-Guided Audio Tour

Q: Where does this tour start?

This tour starts at: To get to the Yankee Freedom Ferry, go to 100 Grinnell Street in Key West. It's in the Historic Seaport. You can park across the street at 300 Grinnell Street in the city garage. Be there by 7:00 AM so you don’t miss the 8:00 AM ferry!.

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Overview

Explore an island paradise 70 miles west of Key West. Visit Fort Jefferson, a massive 19th-century coastal fort, and walk its brick walls while hearing stories about soldiers, prisoners, and shipwrecks. The tour even works on the ferry to this remote national park.

Snorkel in clear blue water filled with coral, tropical fish, and sea turtles. Relax on sandy beaches and look for seabirds that nest only here. Stroll through the fort’s archways, climb to the top for ocean views, and learn how the fort defended the Gulf of Mexico.

You choose what to do first—swim, explore the fort, or enjoy the beach. The tour works without internet, gives GPS directions for walking the site, and offers local tips you can keep forever.

Download the tour, take the ferry or seaplane, and explore this unique national park at your own pace—where history, nature, and crystal-clear waters meet.

*Download the Shaka Guide app to access the purchased tours*

Gallery

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What's Included

✓ Included

Offline access after download—no cell service or Wi-Fi required
Engaging storytelling based on firsthand travel experience and historical research
Pause, rewind, or replay audio anytime
Lifetime access after purchase—reuse anytime
Pre-planned route with turn-by-turn directions
Self-paced experience with no fixed start time
Perfect for solo travelers, couples, families, or groups
GPS-triggered audio tour
Use your own smartphone—no equipment pickup required

✗ Not Included

Transportation (self-guided tour using your own vehicle or on foot)
Entrance Fees
Parking Fees
Optional Meals and Refreshments
Yankee Freedom Ferry (price varies)

Itinerary

Stop 1

The Yankee Freedom Ferry is the official ferry to Dry Tortugas National Park, departing daily from Key West. This high-speed catamaran takes visitors on a 70-mile journey across the Gulf of Mexico to explore historic Fort Jefferson and the crystal-clear waters of this remote island paradise. The trip includes breakfast, lunch, snorkeling gear, and entrance to the park. Along the way, passengers may spot dolphins, sea turtles, and other marine life. It’s the most convenient and scenic way to experience one of America’s most isolated-and breathtaking-national parks.

Stop 2

The Yankee Freedom Ferry departs from the Key West Ferry Terminal at 100 Grinnell Street. The terminal features a check-in counter, restrooms, and a waiting area right by the waterfront. Passengers are advised to arrive early—boarding starts around 7:00 a.m. Parking is not free, but convenient, shaded parking is available across the street at the City of Key West Parking Garage (300 Grinnell Street) for about $32–$40 per day. Be sure to pay in advance and place your receipt on your dashboard. The terminal is also within walking distance of downtown Key West.

Stop 3

Garden Key is the main island in Dry Tortugas National Park, home to historic Fort Jefferson and surrounded by turquoise waters and coral reefs. Visitors can explore the massive 19th-century fort, snorkel along the moat wall, or relax on white sand beaches. The island also features a small visitor center, restrooms, and primitive campsites. Accessible only by boat or seaplane, Garden Key offers a rare blend of history, nature, and solitude—70 miles west of Key West.

Stop 4

Fort Jefferson is a massive coastal fortress located on Garden Key in Dry Tortugas National Park. Built in the mid-1800s, it’s one of the largest masonry structures in the Americas, made from over 16 million bricks. Originally intended to protect shipping routes, the fort was never completed or fully armed. Today, visitors can walk its towering walls, explore the powder magazines and prison cells, and learn about its Civil War-era history. Surrounded by crystal-clear waters and coral reefs, Fort Jefferson is both a remarkable feat of engineering and a strikingly remote piece of American history.

Stop 5

The Garden Key Lighthouse, perched atop Fort Jefferson, has guided mariners through the remote Dry Tortugas since 1826. The original brick tower was replaced in 1876 with the current iron structure, which still stands today. Though no longer active, the lighthouse remains a striking landmark and a reminder of the island’s maritime past. Visible from much of Garden Key, it offers a picturesque backdrop to the fort and surrounding turquoise waters, capturing the spirit of isolation and resilience that defines Dry Tortugas National Park.

Stop 6

Bush Key is a small, uninhabited island just east of Garden Key in Dry Tortugas National Park. Accessible by foot via a sandbar during certain times of the year, the island is closed seasonally to protect nesting seabirds—especially sooty terns and brown noddies. With its white sand beaches and protected status, Bush Key offers a rare glimpse into a thriving, untouched seabird sanctuary. While visitors can't always set foot on the island, its natural beauty and bird activity are easily admired from nearby Garden Key or along the connecting sand spit.

Stop 7

North Swim Beach is a small sandy shoreline on Garden Key in Dry Tortugas National Park, just steps from Fort Jefferson. It’s a popular spot for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing in calm, clear waters surrounded by coral reefs. The beach offers easy access from the fort and is ideal for families and visitors seeking a peaceful place to enjoy the island’s natural beauty. As with all areas in the park, visitors should respect fragile marine life and follow safety guidelines, including watching for changing tides and currents.

Stop 8

South Swim Beach is a tranquil sandy spot on the southern side of Garden Key, Dry Tortugas National Park. Known for its calm, crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral reefs, it’s perfect for swimming and snorkeling. The beach offers beautiful views of the open sea and is less crowded than the north side, making it a peaceful retreat for visitors. Like all park beaches, guests should respect the fragile ecosystem, stay aware of currents, and follow safety precautions while enjoying the sun and water.

Stop 9

The Visitor Center at Dry Tortugas National Park is located on Garden Key near Fort Jefferson. It provides essential information about the park’s history, wildlife, and regulations. Visitors can find exhibits, maps, restrooms, and ranger assistance here. Due to the park’s remote location, services are limited, so planning ahead is recommended. The center helps guests make the most of their visit, whether exploring the fort, snorkeling, or camping.

Meeting & End Point

📍

Meeting Point

To get to the Yankee Freedom Ferry, go to 100 Grinnell Street in Key West. It's in the Historic Seaport. You can park across the street at 300 Grinnell Street in the city garage. Be there by 7:00 AM so you don’t miss the 8:00 AM ferry!

🏁

End Point

Find Hotels in Key West

Good to Know

Wheelchair accessible
Service animals allowed
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
This is a self-guided audio tour. There is no live guide or group.
You’ll need a smartphone with the tour downloaded before arrival; cell service may be limited during the experience.
Transportation is not included. Some tours require your own vehicle to follow the route.
Entrance fees, parking, and attraction tickets are not included and must be purchased separately if required.
Expect walking at some stops and uneven terrain in certain areas, depending on the location.
For the best experience, we recommend charging your phone fully and bringing headphones.

Known For:

Cultural Tours in Key West, Audio Guides in Key West, Full-day Tours in Key West, Private Sightseeing Tours in Key West, Walking Tours in Key West, Car Tours in Key West, Nature Walks in Key West, Day Trips in Key West, Bus Tours in Key West, Private and Luxury in Key West, Historical Tours in Key West, Hiking Tours in Key West

Special Instructions

HOW TO REDEEM YOUR TOUR:

Thank you for purchasing the Dry Tortugas Tour.

Before you start your adventure, you'll need to redeem and download the tour in the Shaka Guide app. Follow the instructions below:

*Please Note: The redeem code is the 10-digit booking reference number on your ticket (located under the barcode).

1. Download the Shaka Guide app from the App Store or Google Play
2. Open the app and sign up or sign in
3. Tap Support
4. Tap Retrieve Purchases
5. Tap Redeem Purchase
6. Enter the 10-digit Booking Reference number (under the barcode on their Viator ticket)
7. Hit Redeem Purchase and download the tour(s)

Once you've redeemed your tour, you'll find it under "My Stuff" in the app.

For a smooth ride, download the tour with wifi before you go.

We can't wait for you to explore with Shaka Guide!

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out to aloha@shakaguide.com or call (808) 201-8138

DOWNLOAD THE APP HERE: www.shakaguide.com/download