Ron Boudreaux

Review of Dry Tortugas National Park

What an absolutely wonderful day.

What an absolutely wonderful day.
staff: the employees of the Yankee Freedom (ferry to Dry Tortugas) we re above and beyond with their service. We were thoroughly briefed before embarking. We were told exactly what to expect and the schedule for,the day. Embarking was swift and orderly. You were handed numbers coinciding with when you checked in. The lower the number, the earlier you checked in. The lower numbers were called first, affording us a better seat selection on the boat.
Breakfast was continental and good. The coffee was good, hot and never ending!
vessel: the Yankee Freedom ship ferrying us to the park was a very nice, clean, well maintained vessel. The indoor cabins were air conditioned. There were 4 heads( bathrooms for you Land lobbers...arrrrr) it is open seating both going and returning. You are not guaranteed the same seat for the return trip as you have to remove all your belongings disembarking at the park.
The Fort grounds are amazing. Be certain you avail your selves to to the free guided tour. Then definitely go snorkeling. Great visibility and fish if you hug the moat wall. SUNSCREEN .......make certain you take and use sunscreen. I used PF 50 and still got fried. Will wear a shirt next trip...And we will go again.
Lunch was included and was actually quite tasty. Just build your own sandwiches, but we found the fixings to be very good quality.
Bar: the ship bar opened for the return trip back to Key West, a 2 1/2 hour ride. They actually made very good mixed drinks at reasonable prices.
To be a fair review, the negatives must be discussed.
The snorkel masks were annoyingly cheap. I forgot my prescription dive mask and had to use their mask. Gave both my wife and I splitting headaches after wearing them for an hour snorkeling. Bring your own mask. Fins were okay.
Another annoying trait of excursion trips is the guides begging tips from the guests. Then standing on the gangway with their large jar as you disembark. The cost of the trip is $350.00 for two. For that price, you should get great service without the tip intimidation.
Just to clarify: We tipped and would have done so because of the superior service, I just did t care for the manner in which is was solicited.
It is a long day and well worth it. Book your trip well in advance as they will sell out.