Dry Tortugas national park

[hillbillydiver]

I'm heading to the keys in a couple of weeks and am thinking of taking a day trip to the Dry Tortugas national park.I've looked up some of the ferrys that run over there and with me and my family $150.00 per person is a little more than I'm willing to pay.Most of them were big catamarans with meals and other stuff provided.Does anyone know of a ferry that just provides a boat ride without all the frills?
Thanks.

 

[Buoyant1]

Wow...looks like the prices went up a tad...I don't remember paying quite that much...Anyway..I know that there is a sea-plane ride out there, but not sure of the cost. But I only know of two boats that go there. (and both do the lunch and tour deal)

 

[Speargirl]

That I know of you only have two choices Yankee Freedom which is 169 for adults and 139 for kids or Sinny Days 155 for adults and 120 for kids. Forget the the plain way over these costs. But don't forget about the car parking they charge $5
for that also.

 

[deepstops]

To run commercial ferry service to the park, you must be approved by the NPS. There are only two: Dry Tortugas National Park - Directions (U.S. National Park Service)

 

[ektess1]

A day trip over really does not give you enough time to do the place justice. You may want to concider camping for a night or two. The added cost in small but the extra time is priceless. Check the weather before you go. When my wife and I went, a cold front went through. The temperature dropped 20 degress, the surf got rough, the the ferry did not run for two days. We froze our butts off and could not snorkel. It did give us plenty of time to explore the fort. I do recommend going. My wife, who gets seasick in the bathtub, and who is not a fan of 'roughing it' enjoyed it so much that she wants to do it again.