Dry Tortugas Ferry to Fort Jefferson facts for kids
Imagine a fun boat trip to a faraway island! The Dry Tortugas Ferry to Fort Jefferson is a super popular adventure in Key West, Florida. This ferry takes you on an exciting journey to Fort Jefferson. This amazing fort is located in the beautiful Dry Tortugas National Park.
The ferry service is provided by a special boat called the Yankee Freedom III. It's a fast catamaran, which means it has two hulls. This boat takes visitors on a long trip, about 70 miles (113 km), out into the ocean. The Yankee Freedom III is the only ferry that regularly goes to the Dry Tortugas. It has been doing this for many years, helping people explore this unique park.
Meet the Yankee Freedom III
The Yankee Freedom III was built by a company called Gladding-Hearn Shipbuilding. This powerful catamaran has two large engines. These engines help the ferry travel very fast, up to 30 knots (about 34 miles per hour or 56 km/h).
The ferry is designed to carry many people. It can hold up to 250 passengers at once. There are comfortable seats both inside and outside. The inside part of the boat is fully air-conditioned, which is great for hot Florida days. There's also a snack bar where you can get drinks and treats. For your convenience, the boat has three large bathrooms, including one that is accessible for everyone.
The Yankee Fleet Family
The Yankee Freedom III is part of a group of boats called the Yankee Fleet. Jerry Hill owns and runs this company. The Yankee Fleet has more than seven boats. You can find their boats in Key West, Florida and also in Gloucester, Massachusetts.
Besides the Dry Tortugas Ferry, the company offers other exciting trips. They take people on whale watching excursions to see amazing marine animals. They also organize deep-sea fishing trips for those who love to fish. The Yankee Fleet is also very interested in environmental conservation. This means they work to protect the ocean and its creatures.
Your Trip to Fort Jefferson
The ferry ride to Fort Jefferson is an adventure itself! On the way, you will pass by the Marquesas Keys. These are islands that no one lives on. If the weather is clear, you might even spot an old U.S. Air Force radio tower far away on the horizon.
The trip to Fort Jefferson usually takes about 2.5 to 3 hours each way. Once you arrive, you get to spend about four hours exploring the fort and the surrounding area. This gives you plenty of time for sightseeing. You can also go swimming in the clear blue waters around the fort. It's a perfect way to spend a day learning about history and enjoying nature!
