Yankee Hot!: Freedom Iii Dry Tortugas Ferry

But the ocean had one more show. As we cruised through the channel, the water turned to gold under the setting sun. Flying fish burst from the waves, skimming the surface like silver stones skipped by a giant.

The ferry operates daily, departing from the Key West Ferry Terminal located at 100 Grinnell Street. Because the park limits visitors to preserve the sensitive habitat, the ferry is often fully booked months in advance. 7:00 AM (6:00 AM for campers). Departure: 8:00 AM sharp. Travel Time: Approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes each way. Arrival at Fort Jefferson: Around 10:15 AM. yankee freedom iii dry tortugas ferry

First, it was just a smudge on the horizon, a break in the line where the sky met the sea. As we closed the distance, the smudge took shape. It was red. A deep, rusty red brick. It was Fort Jefferson. But the ocean had one more show

The departure is one of the most deceptive parts of the trip. As we idled out of the Key West Bight, the water was glass. The sunrise was just beginning to bleed purple and orange over the horizon, illuminating the masts of the sailboats in the harbor. It was peaceful. It was serene. The ferry operates daily, departing from the Key

I took two. I wasn't taking chances with the Gulf Stream.