Wow! Seaplane adventures is the best way to see the Dry Tortugas. The whole experience exceeded my expectations and more. I'm glad the ferry was sold out, so this was our only option. Licia checked us in and gave us a great overview before we took off of all the things we should look for and the best place to set up. She was really nice and knowledgeable. Truly above and beyond customer service. Britt was a great pilot and narrated all the things to look out for on the 30-min plane ride to and back from Dry Tortugas. We only fly at 500-feet, so you can see the clear water and sea life on the plane. I spotted a few turtles as we were flying there. Best seat on the ride there is the right side and highly suggest the 8am half day. It gives you enough time to snorkel quickly and enjoy the fort. They also give you a cooler of water and soft drinks, which was perfect for a hot day. The early timeslot also avoids the ferry, which got there at 11am as we finished our 2.5 hrs on the island. We met a mother/daughter snorkeling who mentioned they saw a hammerhead shark while they were snorkeling! Most efficient and smooth way to see the Dry Tortugas. We heard the ferry seldom cancels, even if there are 6ft swells (yikes). read more

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We flew out to the dry tortugas on a half day trip. Whether that's worth $1000 for two is your decision. The trip out and back was wonderful. So cool to be low and fast over the ocean and lots to look at. Such a fun experience! The fort itself is massive and not in the best condition. Fun to explore. The snorkeling is bad. No other word for it, but the water was beautiful. Just not much to see. read more

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Well, you might feel queasy at the end of each leg of this trip, but its a far superior way to reach Dry Tortugas than taking a 3 hr boat in 5 ft swells. The views are stunning over crystal clear water with shipwrecks and all kinds of marine history and the pilots are bare foot and carefree because they have the best job in the world. Check in was fast and easy and the whole operation was super profesh. This isn't a luxury jet though, its old and smells like fuel but its an adventure to be enjoyed for sure. read more

This was an amazing adventure for our family of 5 to the Dry Tortugas NP. Joe was an amazing pilot. Safe, personable and engaged. He gave us local history and helped us spot wildlife (turtles, dolphins, sharks) as we flew over the beautiful water. Fort Jefferson captivated the imagination of my husband and three children (ages 4-9). The largest masonry structure in the Western Hemisphere, complete with a moat, in the middle of the ocean. It was an incredible sight to behold. The Seaplane operation delivered flawlessly. Check in was a breeze. I would highly recommend this tour and operation. read more

Honestly the coolest thing I've ever done and I cannot recommend this enough. Very much a once in a lifetime trip! Our captain was amazing and was very knowledgeable about the route, historical sites and pointed out wildlife as we flew! I saw so many sea turtles, pods of dolphins and sharks on the journey! It took us about 40 minutes to get to and from the island but I wish it was longer tbh. The flight was so smooth and we were so close to the water. We had plenty of time to explore the island and use the snorkel gear they provide! I would have loved it if they also provided reef safe sunscreen to use. read more

Amazing. Fort Jefferson is spectacular but getting there and back by seaplane is an experience all itself. From the shipwrecks to the marine life, you'll have hundreds of pictures before you even arrive at the fort. I'd advise the half day trip, but I'll let you choose your adventure. Enjoy. read more

Key West Seaplane Adventures - Tours Near Me - Key West, Florida

We couldn't make the ferry so we decided to pony up and pay the money to go on the sea plane. We have never been on a sea plane so this was a great experience. This was well worth the money. We got free snorkel gear and got to snorkel and stay over at dry Tortugas for over 2 1/2 hours. This was a highlight of the trip and definitely recommend it. read more

Key West Seaplane Adventures - Seaplane - Tours Near Me - Key West, Florida

Britt was awesome, the ride ways smooth and educational and epic!! Can't wait to do dry tortures again!! read more

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In my opinion the only true way to get to dry tortuga. Kris was a great pilot and he gave a great tour to and from the island. It was really cool flying over the sunken ships and wildlife such as turtles, sharks, and dolphins! It's a quick Uber or car ride to the airport. You'll go to the general aviation area off to the left hand side. There's a small parking lot there and then a little pathway to a trailer. Signs should point the way. After a few waivers and information you'll be on your way. The trip to the island is only about 45 minutes. What's great is the only people on the island in the morning is your seaplane, and anyone camping on the island or offshore on their boat. I recommend the half day. It was a good amount of time and ready to head back to enjoy the rest of the day! read more

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Would give it a 10 if I could. Awesome. We got to fly only 500 ft above the surface of the water. Kris flew our plane and was spectacular. Let people ride in the copilots seat. We got to see a manta Rey from the plane. Along with about 1,000,000 sea turtles and a handful of sharks. The pilot also narrates for you. So we got a history lesson on shipwrecks. We even got to see the mast of a ship. It was soooo cool. read more

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Taking KEY WEST SEAPLANE ADVENTURES to get into Dry Tortugas National Park is not cheap, but it can be affordable. Driving to Dry Tortugas NP is not possible sit is a group of islands. You can swim, boat, ferry or fly in. If you choose to fly in, this is the only company permitted by the NP to do so. It was my first time in a seaplane so I had a ton of questions. Their FAQs answered a lot. Calling and speaking to someone answered the rest. I really like the fact that they provide snorkeling equipment and a cooler full of drinks. If you bought a half-day package, you really only need to bring sunscreen, towel and some cash for a souvenir. Would totally do again. The only thing I didn't like is that your option is limited to two: whole day or half day? Half day means a bit more than 2 hours on the island, which isn't enough. Whole day feels like too much. read more

Key West Seaplane Adventures - Cooler, drinks and snorkeling equipment included. - Tours Near Me - Key West, Florida

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It was amazing! You definitely should go! The pilot, Kris, was awesome, the snorkeling is easy, and the surroundings are beautiful! read more

Key West Seaplane Adventures - Tours Near Me - Key West, Florida

The lady at the front desk was sweet and super helpful, the plane was clean and seemed in great shape and Kris was a rad pilot, tour guide and host! I can't wait to take the trip again for literally the plane rides alone. Of course Dry Tortugas was beautiful and the fort is so unique and fun to explore! Highly recommend this trip to anyone who is excited to check it out read more

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As most other reviews have said, this was a once in a lifetime adventure. Britt was our pilot and made the whole journey so much fun. We did the full-day and definitely recommend doing this. It was great to have a bit of time before the ferry arrived and a bit more after they left. We had plenty of time to walk the fort and get a great spot on the beach. If it's an option, ask to sit in the copilot seat! It was a special treat :) read more

This was awesome! I was sooo scared to fly, but my husband love's adventure. I booked a trip to the Dry Tortuga's. Kris was our Captain and he was skilled and very professional. The take off and landing were so smooth. He noticed how nervous I was and was very kind to me about it. He talked me thorough the flight and went out of his way to check on us while we were on the island. On the way back he pointed out a pod of dolphins and made sure everyone had and an opportunity to see them. He narrated most of the flight and was impressively knowledgeable about the sea and ecosystem as well as the history of Fort Jefferson. It was and amazing experience and I would highly recommend this adventure to everyone even those that are nervous to fly! Kris is awesome!! read more

Key West Seaplane Adventures - Sea Plane - Tours Near Me - Key West, Florida

Got this trip as a birthday gift from my wife. Great flight over to Dry Tortugas with excellent commentary by our pilot Kris. Being able to fly "right seat" was a treat. Very comfortable ride and having cold water and snorkel gear provided was a plus as there is NOTHING on the island. Most of trip was at 350 feet so easy to see sharks, turtles, rays. Snorkeling is ok, nothing to write home about. The fort is impressive and worth a walk thru. Bring your passport and get it stamped on the island. read more

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We drove into the parking lot found a spot and walked into the trailer where we checked in. We signed lots of releases and watched the short safety video. We will given a map of the garden key that identified the visitors center, bathrooms and areas good for snorkeling. We gave our shoe size and we're given fins, goggles a mask, cooler with ice and bottled water. We flew 500 feet above the water & our flight was narrated with everyone having a window seat. We were on the island for 2.5 hours at a cost of $351 pp and our National parks pass. The keys continue for 70 miles past key west, beyond where the highway ends. We had a beautiful clear day & calm flight on our de Havilland DHC otter seaplane. The views were awesome! Take off & landing on sea & water was so calm; Marcos s was an incredible pilot!g read more

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I would rate a 5 Hubby a 4 So 4 1/2 if possible. Bucket list Adventure. Everything was just as they said. Instructions were clear. Pilot Marcus was very capable and put everyone at ease. View from the plane was amazing. Some seats/windows provide a better view. So nice to have coolers/beverages included as well as snorkel gear. read more

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Just wonderful. I had grave anxiety about the small plane experience but my fears quickly dissolved. Our pilot, Adam, was just super. When you check in they give you papers with the pilot's bio and qualifications and history of the fort. They walk you through where to snorkel and swim and provide plenty of info about restrooms and other scarce amenities on the island itself. The walking tour of the fort doesn't take too long and if you climb the stairs to walk the top level you'll be rewarded with stunning views. Word to the wise: there are very few shady spots to sit so slather yourself in sunscreen! Please! Here is some info I was wondering about before I went: -The coolers provided are the teeny ones. They will give you water and soda to go in the coolers but not much else will fit, just FYI. -When the ferry is docked at the island you can get a reprieve from the heat by going in and using the restrooms (with running water) and purchasing food or drinks. The drinks must stay on the ferry. -Snorkeling is lots of fun unless you're a pro then it might seem a bit novice. I loved it though! -The half-day trip is four hours total so includes flight time. I was unclear on this so we had less time on the island than I thought - but this was ok with hubby who was hot and tired of walking. I can't wait to do this again next year! read more

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Yes, yes, and more yes! This was by far the highlight of our Florida National Park/Southern California trip and it came in a roundabout way. You see, we actually got stranded in Peru when our flights from Cusco to Lima were cancelled, causing us to miss our connecting flights to Fort Lauderdale. It was a mess, and expensive, but everything happens for a reason! Since our flights were essentially delayed by a day, we missed the Yankee Freedom ferry and our camping reservations. Even so, we are National Park geeks and HAD to get to Dry Tortugas while were in Key West - no matter what. I contacted Key West Seaplane Adventures and was able to book for a Thursday morning. I was super excited because the first plane out meant we would be some of the first on the island (and miss the mass quantity of ferry people!) Our Captain, Charlie, was knowledgable and funny. My favorite part of the ride over was definitely the views and the audio that told us all about the island and Fort Jefferson. Upon arrival at Fort Jefferson, I couldn't believe my eyes. The largest brick building in the US was breathtaking. I easily could have spent all day at the Fort. Alas, we had snorkeling to squeeze in as well... Off we went after a stop at the visitor center. Again, I could have spent all day snorkeling as well! This was my first time snorkeling among corals and I think I'm hooked. I am so thankful Key West Seaplane Adventures provided us with the snorkeling gear to use out on the island. And, our stop at the visitor center/bookstore enlightened us that the ferry actually wasn't running since Monday evening due to engine problems. SO, even if we didn't get stuck in Peru, we wouldn't have been able to take the ferry anyways. Unbelievable! I'm SO thankful Key West Seaplane Adventures exists and highly, highly, highly recommend them. The extra money is worth the short, scenic trip to the island. My only regret is not getting the whole day option!!! I will be back! read more

Wonderful adventure! Such beautiful waters and smooth flying. Would love to do it again!

Fantastic opportunity and fun adventures! Our pilot and guide Chris created a great experience for our group of 8! Our seaplane was from the 1960s and what a cool experience. If you are able to do this, what a fun 1/2 day adventure to the Dry Tortuga and the National Park. Easy to find at the airport and we all felt very safe the whole time. No parking fee. read more

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One of the best experiences of my life!! Britt was our captain and he was very knowledgeable about Dry Tortugas and Key West in general. We saw turtles, dolphins, sharks, manta rays, and shipwrecks on the way. If you are going to the park- this is the way to go!! read more

Key West Seaplane Adventures - View from the plane - Tours Near Me - Key West, Florida

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The ONLY was to see the Dry Tortugas! The flight each way goes as low as possible (typically ~500') so it is easy to see all the variations in the water. You can even spot turtles and other see creatures from above. You will fly over a couple of wrecks and learn the history of why they are there. You will be given a small cooler full of water (or you can bring your own drinks/snacks) that you can just leave on the beach near the plane when you arrive at the fort. Nobody will bother your stuff......amazing! You can bring your bathing suit and snorkel (they provide the gear if you don't want to bring your own). You are on the island just long enough to see the fort and/or get in the water. Any longer would be too much. Our pilot was Joe and he was outstanding! read more

My wife and I flew with Key West Seaplane Adventures at the end of May and we both agreed that it's one of the best things we've ever done! Our pilot, Kris was awesome! My wife gets motion sickness and Kris did so well with making it a smooth flight that she never felt sick at all. The flight was great and the views from the plane were unmatched. If we ever get another opportunity, we'll definitely be doing this again! read more

Key West Seaplane Adventures - Tours Near Me - Key West, Florida

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Best money spent on this vacation! Dry Tortugas was amazing and our pilot, Gary, got us effortlessly in and out of the park. What a great way to see Key West! I've recommended this trip already! read more

Key West Seaplane Adventures - Tours Near Me - Key West, Florida

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Do it, don't second guess. On of the best tours we have had in our many travels in US. Really, take this opportunity and go on this tour.

Wow!!!!! John was our pilot for this half day adventure. Flying so low over the ocean was stunning. The narration was good. Fort Jefferson Dry Tortugas was a jewel of 1860's history. Beautiful weather. Perfect flight. Great experience!!! read more

Ok, this is WORTH EVERY PENNY. We wanted to see the dry tortugas but I get seasick easily and didn't want to be miserable all day. I read a review that talked about the same problem and suggested the seaplane. I did not feel sick! This is the way to get to dry tortugas!! The journey there is insanely beautiful. Our pilot, John, talked about the sites as we were flying past and gave us tips when we landed. Once you're there, they supply equipment for snorkeling. The snorkeling was perfection. The water is warm and clear and calm. You can see everything. read more

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Aaaah this was absolutely amazing. From the second we walked through the door to the nice office, everything was perfect! Friendly and helpful check in staff, Captain Kris was our pilot, he did an amazing job, very smooth flight with plenty of really interesting facts about the trip. And the best thing was having the Fort to ourselves for almost the whole time we were there. Only 20 of us on the entire island for a few hours thanks to flying. Up until a ferry of several hundred turned up just as we were leaving, so very worth it. Best excursion I've done of any kind in years, i strongly recommend it!! read more

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The only reason we flew to the Dry Tortugas National Park, which is America's most remote National Park, is because the ferry was completely booked out for weeks. But this was on our list, so we sucked up the price and went. It was so definitely worth the price! The flight was incredible, with pilot Gary as our guide. We saw sharks, sea turtles, sunken boats, shipwrecks, and many other sites. We took the 2pm tour, and the best part about the later tour is that the ferry, with lots of people on board, was leaving to head back to Key West, just as we were arriving. So with only 10 of us on the plane, it was almost like we had the place to ourselves. The fort is incredible, and very well preserved. The park rangers were friendly and informative, without being intrusive. The snorkeling was just okay, the areas around the old pilings were the best, but still not great (we are used to the South Pacific, so are a bit spoiled). It was so obvious that the coral there is not being protected enough. Even though we were given instructions on how to to protect the coral, by not stepping on it or breaking it, it was clear that most people aren't taking those precautions. The coral was broken and looked like locusts had come through and ravaged what was there. Very sad. I wish they could do more to protect this National site. Overall, a wonderful experience with Key West Seaplane Adventures, and this is a must-see National Park read more

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Amazing crew! Always helpful with scheduling. Pilots are amazing and go the extra mile to ensure that you have a great flight! Thanks!!

The best part of our entire trip!! The seaplane made it AMAZING! I'd do this again and will recommend to anyone! read more

Key West Seaplane Adventures - Tours Near Me - Key West, Florida

If you want to have an amazing experience visiting the Dry Tortugas, go this route. Kris was our pilot and he was awesome. We did the afternoon flight and got there right as the ferry was leaving. Kris had a ton of information and made sure our trip was perfect! The snorkeling was amazing. What a cool idea to combine and National Park and snorkeling. read more

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Adam was an amazing pilot and guide. We felt super safe. Sea plane is an awesome and best way to visit the Dry Tortugas. They provided drinks, cooler, snorkeling equipment. This was the best part of our Key West trip. It's a definite must to fly by sea plane. read more

Key West Seaplane Adventures - Tours Near Me - Key West, Florida

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Cannot rave enough about our experience. Great pilot with lots of info and tips (thank you Chris!) Having the opportunity to see dry tortuga without the 2hour ferry ride (it's about a 30 min flight) would have been worth it alone, but in addition we got a cooler packed with drinks of our choice, snorkel gear, and an excellent tour of the keys from the air on our way to the fort. So worth it! read more

Key West Seaplane Adventures - Tours Near Me - Key West, Florida

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If you're going to Fort Jefferson and the Dry Tortugas - THIS is how you should do it!!! There are only a few ways to get there. You can sail a boat yourself, ride on a ferry allllllll day with a lot of people, OR you can hop into a sweet little sea plane with a cool pilot and see KW and the journey from above. It is totally worth the cost! But book early, because the flights fill up quickly. To take off, you need to get to the departure spot, which is at the Airport. Not in the terminal where the regular flights go out, but past it, in the business looking area just beyond the drop offs. You're greeted by friendly people who give you paperwork to sign and fill up a small cooler with sodas and water for you. When it's time to go, you walk out across the taxiway to the plane and hop in! Put on your headphones and listen to some great music that fits the journey and the pilot will narrate the trip and point out awesome sights along the 40 or so minute flight to your destination. We took a half day trip, and had a few hours to explore this amazing place. We took the 2 PM flight, and the ferry was leaving the island just as we arrived, so it was practically empty! Take a little cash to tip your pilot, and make sure to wear shoes you can get wet. This was our favorite KW adventure and I highly recommend you do it! read more

Captain Kris is a rockstar . Did an amazing job describing the sights and made the plane trip an awesome part of the trip ! The fort is amazing! Trust me you want to fly out . You will see things you would never see from a boat ! Maximize your day .thanks Kris read more

Key West Seaplane Adventures - Dry Tortugas return trip - Tours Near Me - Key West, Florida

Loved my trip with Key West Seaplane Adventures. The staff are professional and friendly. Informative flight and safe. I took a flight to and from Dry Tortugas National Park and loved it. I saw tons of sea turtles and a shark. The different colors of the water was also amazing. Such a memorable trip. Book with Key West Seaplane Adventures you wont regret it. Have Fun! read more

We booked this months out and it was going to be the highlight of our week for our family vacation. I called to verify we were good to go the afternoon before and we were told yes. Got our whole family up at 5:30 am to get us to the airport from Marathon on time. Had our picnic packed and bags ready to go when we got a call as we were leaving to go. We were told that the plane had failed it's inspection so they were canceling our flight. They did not do anything to make it up to us. Just stated we'd get a refund and they were sorry. Sucked so bad! Apparently it's just luck of the draw when you book so just know that if they cancel your flight you are completely out of luck. The thing we were looking most forward to became the biggest disappointment of our week. read more