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How long is the trip from Key West to Fort Jefferson? |
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The ride on the Yankee Freedom II usually takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes. |
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How much time do we spend at Fort Jefferson? |
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You will have a little over four hours to explore and enjoy Fort Jefferson and the beaches of the Dry Tortugas. |
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What time will we arrive back in Key West? |
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We usually arrive in Key West by 5:30 p.m. |
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Are trips available year round? |
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The Yankee Freedom II travels to Fort Jefferson Dry Tortugas National Park year round, with the exception of Christmas Day. |
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What is the cancellation policy? Are refunds given if there is inclement weather? |
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If you plan to cancel your reservation, you will need to do so by 3:00 p.m. the day before your trip. Trips are not cancelled due to rain. The captain may cancel the trip or issue a warning if he feels the conditions are too rough. |
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Are ID’s or passports necessary before boarding? |
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While you do not yet need a passport to travel within the United States, it is advised you bring a form of ID if you plan to use a credit card on your trip. Seniors, Students, and Military personnel should also bring their proper ID if they are eligible for discounts. |
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Can we bring a small cooler with water, food, and beer to enjoy at the Dry Tortugas? |
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You may bring a small cooler with beverages to take to the beach, but don’t forget that the Yankee Freedom II provides you water and lunch for day trips and has a galley with drinks and snacks available for purchase! |
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What should I bring on my trip to the Dry Tortugas? |
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Most passengers will spend their time exploring the beaches, sunbathing, or snorkeling along the shore. You should bring a bathing suit, towels, sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. A change of dry clothing will come in handy after using one of the Yankee Freedom II's three fresh water rinses during the return trip home. |
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What is the weather like at the Dry Tortugas? |
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The weather is generally beautiful at the Dry Tortugas. Although showers do occur, we suggest you bring plenty of sunscreen! |
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Will I get seasick during the ride on the Yankee Freedom II? |
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Most people will not get sick, although you should take precautions if you are prone to motion sickness. There are various remedies sold at local pharmacies which can help relieve motion sickness and will make your trip on the Yankee Freedom II more enjoyable. |
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Are there mosquitoes at Fort Jefferson? |
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No, there are no mosquitoes due to the lack of standing water on the island. |
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I am camping at the Dry Tortugas, is there anywhere to buy ice on the island? |
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There is nowhere to buy ice, although you can bring your own in a cooler. |
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Is fishing allowed on the island? |
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Yes, fishing is allowed from the shores of the Dry Tortugas. If you are not a Florida Resident, you will need to apply for a fishing license which allows you to fish from shore. |
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I’m going to Ft. Jefferson on the Yankee Freedom II, where can I park my car while we are away? |
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You may park your vehicle either in the city parking garage across the street or the city parking lot on the corner. Both locations are nearby the Yankee Freedom II’s departure point. |
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Are there restaurants and gift shops on the island? |
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There are no restaurants at the Dry Tortugas, but there is a visitor center and a book shop. The Yankee Freedom II will provide lunch, drinks and snacks on all day trips. |
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Can we bring scuba gear to the Dry Tortugas? |
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Scuba gear is not allowed, but we do provide you with snorkel gear and fins for snorkeling the reefs along the shores of the island. |
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Will there be sharks in the water surrounding the Dry Tortugas? |
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Yes, sharks are part of the majestic ecosystem of the Caribbean, although no Yankee Freedom II passenger has ever been injured by a shark. If you happen to see one swim by, simply look, but don’t touch! |
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Do cell phones work at Fort Jefferson? |
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No, there are no cell phone towers in the Dry Tortugas. |
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Can I make bonfires on the beach, or bring lighter fluid to start my grill? |
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Flammable liquids and bonfires are not allowed. You may use self-starting charcoal or sterno for cooking on the grills that are provided. |
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Can I bring my pets to Fort Jefferson? |
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No, only assistance dogs are allowed with passengers to the island. |
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Is there shade on the island? |
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Shade is very limited outside of Fort Jefferson. There is a covered area with benches on the dock where you can rest and take a break from the sun. |
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Are there lockers where I can store my valuables? |
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There are no lockers on the boat or on the island. This is because no thefts have ever occurred. Additionally, all national park personnel are also police officers. |
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Do you have corrective lens masks for snorkeling? |
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No, however they can be rented from our local dive shop. You will need to make arrangements for renting a corrective lens mask before your trip; please contact us for more information. |
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How deep is the water we will be snorkeling in? |
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The designated snorkel area is right off shore, and depths generally range from very shallow to 15 feet. |
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