Dry Tortuga Island

[ericmcj31]

Anyone ever been there? It is like 70 miles west of Key West-If so, how's the diving? Would you recommend it?

 

[washowi]

Been there 3 times...as for diving it? Unless you have your own boat, and bring your own stuff....

However I snorkeled the moat and outside of the walls....GREAT!! also one of the largest congregations of nurse sharks anywhere...

 

[ericmcj31]

we have our own stuff-but were gonna take the charter boat over--is there not a way to dive once you get there??

 

[washowi]

It's a State Park...not sure on the rules....I know you can sleep over if you have a tent....I guess if you take the charter over like we did....take your tanks and gear..and jump in....I assume it would be OK....but only get one tank dive...

But hell, you will be in 20 feet, so I guess you could get 2 hours?

Sounds Like a plan..

Check with the charter as well about transporting compressed air.....maybe a law thing?

 

[ericmcj31]

yeah-it's just another idea we've tossed up--it's not concrete or anything--heck-at this point the trip isn't even concrete; but thanks and any more input is well invited--thanks todd--

 

[budsreef]

I've been there several times and am going again in May, but not for diving. I know you can snorkel as Todd said but not sure about diving. I don't remember ever seeing anyone taking any gear over or even seeing them in the water. Here's a link to companies that look like they provide diving services for the Tortugas, check with one of them. http://www.nps.gov/drto/planyourvisit/upload/DRTO%20Service%20Providers%20with%20permits%202008.pdf">http://www.nps.gov/drto/planyourvisit/upload/DRTO%20Service%20Providers%20with%20permits%202008.pdf</a>

When are you thinking about going? I go for the birds at the end of May to see the Brown Noddys, Magnificent Frigatebirds and Sooty Terns that nest there as well as some lingering migrants and possibly some rarity. Now through the middle to the end of May will really be crowded since it is a migration fallout spot and there will be lots of birders chartering everything they can to get out there.

 

[lifestudent]

While it's been ~6 yrs since we were last there, it was one of the most memborable places we visited/snorkled! :thumbs:

I do not recall any diver gear on board the regular boat that takes you there. Be sure to take dramamine (sp?) if the weather appears rough. Lots of folks get queezy or worse on the trip. :yuk:

Regarding the places to snorkel, make sure you snorkle "along the wall". On our trip, several folks saw wonderful fish and sharks and big fish at the old boat dock area where the water can get to 40+ feet.

I my opinion, it's the most pristine and unspoiled area to snorkle in The Keys.
IMHO, in part because it takes an entire day to visit and because it's part of the National Parks System.

My daughter's first "National Park Passport" stamp was at Dry Tortugas and she still comments about how wonderful it was out there each time she flips through her "passport".

Let us know how your trip turns out!

 

[brian carter]

not much out their but great for getting away

 

[brian carter]

we go once a year

 

[mkinna1]

I have been twice for a week at a time. THe best fishing in florida!! Permit, tarpon, bonefish, sharks, snapper, and grouper they are all there. If you spend more than a day there, there is so much to explore!! Lots of reefs away from the island. My buddy caught his first slam two years ago there.

 

[miami dolfan]

I used to go once every two weeks when I lived in Fl. Just a reminder...DON'T TAKE ANYTHING!!! It is a major crime to take anything from a State park, especially ones in the Keys!

 

[wmboots]

there used to be a liveaboard dive charter that did a 3 day trip based in Tampa it has been a few years since I looked into it but it was fairly inexpensive

 

[wmboots]

http://www.ultimategetaway.net/about/itinerary/">http://www.ultimategetaway.net/about/itinerary/</a>

you can check this out 4 days at a good price