Fly 70 miles into the open Straits of Florida aboard a seaplane, land on turquoise water beside Fort Jefferson, and snorkel reefs that see fewer visitors in a year than most museums see in a day.
What to expect
Lift off from Key West's Historic Seaport and within 45 minutes you're banking low over the remote Dry Tortugas archipelago — coral heads glowing beneath you like stained glass. After a water landing, wade ashore to the colossal Civil War-era Fort Jefferson, whose 16 million bricks rise from the sea with no land in sight. Snorkel pristine reefs alive with sea turtles, tarpon and rays before your pilot signals the return flight with one last sweep over the open Straits. Return to Key West by midday with hours to spare.
Good to know
Book as far in advance as possible — seaplane seats sell out months ahead in winter/spring. Carry snorkel gear or rent on-site. All-aboard is typically early evening; the half-day flight returns by early afternoon with comfortable margin. Key West Seaplane Adventures also holds the exclusive seaplane landing concession at the National Park.