Dry Tortugas possible?

Is a trip to Dry Tortugas possible while docked from 8am to 4pm?

Thanks!

It's a seventy mile trip, one way....would need a very fast,reliable boat on flat seas.....or a seaplane.

You could do a half day flight out on the seaplane ---> http://keywestseaplanecharters.com/Rates/default.asp

The first flight goes out at 8:00 a.m. and takes about 1.5 hours round trip. They leave off the first batch of people then head back for the next flight.

Time at the fort is between 4 and 4..5 hours, so if you caught the second flight it would fit into your day. Something to remember is that you will have to cab it to the airport and back which adds to the time and cost, and they want a check-in 30 minutes before take-off.

I would contact them and explain your situation and see what they say.

Pjk

Is a trip to Dry Tortugas possible while docked from 8am to 4pm?

Thanks!

What is your port prior to Key West? If you are coming from a foreign port, the ship and you will need to clear Customs and this can take some time. A 8am KW arrival means 9 am debarking if that's the case.

Seaplane is an option, but considering transport times to/from airport along with the 70 mile one-way flight, I wouldn't take the chance. That's cutting it way too close. Maybe if your ship stayed later, but not with a 4pm departure...which means all aboard by 3:30.

If you are going, be sure to take snorkel gear - great, great snorkeling by the old coaling pilings.

This was from a few years ago but you can just make out the pilings for snorkeling. Most of the other places off small beaches are just good for swimming.

And the views from the top of the walls are good in any direction. You can walk around the entire fort on top of the walls

Pjk