The Florida Keys are rich in history. Take the road less traveled and visit Dry Tortugas

(TRAVPR.COM) UNITED STATES - December 7th, 2014 - I am fortunate to live in the Florida Keys so for my husband’s birthday, I booked a day trip to Fort Jefferson Dry Tortugas National Park.  The park is located on an island about 70 miles West of Key West, Florida and you can only get there by Ferry or Sea Plane.  They offer a day trip which leaves Key West, Florida and lasts about 10 hours from start to finish so plan ahead.  I packed swimwear, sunglasses and a change of clothes as well as beach towels and sunblock.  We boarded The Yankee Freedom III catamaran early in the morning.  They provided breakfast and lunch as well as all of the snorkel gear and fins for us.  A tour of the fort was also included.  The ferry boat ride took about 2 hours each way.  You are on a two story catamaran that has both open and internal seating and was very comfortable.  The crew were so personable and very friendly.  We took cards to play when we were not amazed by the views and colors of the water.

The island is full of history and my husband and son went on a tour of Fort Jefferson and absolutely loved it.  They learned that it was made of over a million bricks and they all to be shipped to the island.  Construction lasted 30 years and it was never completed.  They also used it as a prison during the Civil War.  It has so much history!  

While the boys did the tour the only thing this mom was wishing was that her toes were in the sand!  WISH WAS GRANTED!  The only people that are on the island are those who came on the ferry with you so it’s a very peaceful place.  Not over crowded or even crowded at all.  You feel like you’re on your own.

When my husband and son finished their tour of the fort we all went to the ferry and had lunch and after that we went snorkeling.  We saw so many fish and even a stingray!  There is a reef just off the island that is teaming with fish of all kinds.  There are several types of birds and other creatures on the island too.

The trip was $170 per adult

Children under 17 years old $125 per person

Seniors/Students/Military $160 per person

We absolutely fell in love and are planning a return trip!

I'm an independent travel consultant with World of Magic Travel.  I love to travel and explore new destinations.  If you would like more information about a trip on board the Yankee Freedom III or would like to visit Key West or any other destination, you can email me at tina@worldofmagictravel.com

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