Dry Tortugas

[Boatdreamer]

I'm not sure why I was thinking about this, but has anyone taken their Ranger Tug out to Fort Jefferson in the Dry Tortugas? It looks like it would be a nice trip to do in the spring if the weather is right. I was looking at some pictures on the Forts website an saw a couple of smaller center console boats with single outboards. I think this would be a cool four or five day adventure. If you have done it, what was it like, and would you do it again? Thanks

Tim and Donna
Gratitude

 

[bbrh842]

In a previous life I sailed from Key West to the Dry Tortugas in a four foot draft sail boat. The Dry Tortugas is one of the most incredible places I have ever visited. Everyone should add it to their bucket list. The Marquesas Keys is a good safe anchorage at the half way point. Even with my four foot draft, I had no trouble motoring into the lagoon in the center of the island to anchor for the night. Be aware there are absolutely no services in the Torgugas. You have to bring everything you need with you.

 

[JamesTXSD]

... You have to bring everything you need with you.

Everything; even potable water... that's why it is called the Dry Tortugas. 😉 Great snorkeling. Touring the fort is very interesting. But, you can't buy food, fuel, ice, or water.

If (when) the wind comes up, it can be a very lumpy ride between Key West and the Dry Tortugas. The water can be shallow and wind driven waves stack up steep and close. The Gulf Stream is beginning to build up steam in that area, and wind against current can be ugly.

After touring the fort and snorkeling, you have done the activities. When the weather is calm, you are in some of the prettiest water in the Keys. A beautiful place to "hang out." But, if you are looking for other "destination activities", they are 70 miles east, in Key West.

It is still part of the Florida Keys Marine Sanctuary Area - no discharge.

We have been there a couple times - so worth the trip.

Best wishes,
Jim B.

 

[trailertrawlerkismet]

While in Key West during the winter of 2013 we had visions of going to the Dry Tortugas. We were in the Key West area for a month and only had one small weather window and as pointed out we do need to be careful. The benefit of our shallow draft boats is that we can cruise thru the flats area....directly west of Key West. Once you exit the flats Marquesasis is only 5 or so miles further. I only mention this for you so you know you do have another option for heading over or returning from Dry Tortugas if the weather turns bad or you want to break up your trip or wait out weather. We actually made it to Marquesas and anchored but when the water conditions changed we pulled anchor and headed back to the flats for a more protected anchorage and have still not made it to the Dry Tortugas....maybe this winter!

Jim F

 

[sportner]

Toni and I anchored in Marquesa Key in 2011 for one night, we explored and fished a little bit. The wind and sea conditions didn't allow us to go any further. When we returned to Key West we took the huge catamaran to the Dry Tortugas and spent the day touring the fort and snorkeling, its well worth the trip.

If you have a good weather window its very doable in a 25' plus Ranger Tug.

 

[Boont Boater]

This is all very interesting. The only time I heard of the Dry Tortugas was when I read "Treasure Island".

 

[Boatdreamer]

Thanks for all the great information. I think we might try to go sometime next year, it looks like a fun trip. Work keeps getting in the way of our boating but we'll have to work it out. We live in Stuart FL so it wouldn't be a problem to trailer most of the way down to Keys. Any thoughts on a safe place to leave our truck and trailer? Thanks again for the great info.

Tim and Donna
Gratitude

 

[trailertrawlerkismet]

In Marathon we stored our truck and trailer at Knights Key Rv Park and Marina. They have a rather large lot specifically for storage. On Stock Island, just next to Key West, you might check with Key West Yacht Harbor. We stored our trailer their for a month however we were also docked there for the same month. It might be worth a call to them and ask your questions. We'll be at Key West Yacht Harbor for the month of March, if you're coming then please look us up.

Jim F

 

[captstu]

Tim and Donna,

I'm a new R25 owner - but have sailed to the Dry Tortuga several times, since it is a convenient sailing stop on the trip from Cuba to Texas.

Would love to do it again some time in the Ranger - if you decide to make the trip, Shearwater is dry stacked in further south from you and we could meet up and do the trip together.

/Stu

 

[pattijerry2013]

Have a 27 and have been to the Tortugas a couple of times but went there on the Yankee Clipper which is the high speed catamaran. It is both beautiful and amazing and we would be interested in making the trip. However, it would seem best to leave from Key West rather than marathon (shorter trip). It is totally dry so you have to have water, fuel and anything else that you might need for the trip there and back.

JerryC