Dry Tortugas Packing List — What to Bring on the Ferry Day Trip

You booked your Yankee Freedom III tickets. Now what do you actually bring to an island 70 miles out in the Gulf of Mexico with zero stores, zero restaurants, and zero cell service?

Here's everything you need — and a few things you definitely don't.

What's Already Included with Your Ferry Ticket

Before you overpack, know what the Yankee Freedom III provides:

• Breakfast and lunch — continental breakfast on the way out, a hot lunch on the island
• Snorkeling gear — mask, snorkel, and fins included at no extra charge
• Drinking water — refill stations on the boat
• Guided tour — a National Park Ranger leads a Fort Jefferson tour at 11 AM
• National Park entrance fee — included in your ticket price

That covers the basics. Here's what you need to bring yourself.

The Essential Packing List

Sun Protection (Non-Negotiable)

There is zero shade on most of the island outside Fort Jefferson's walls. You will burn.

• Reef-safe sunscreen — required by park rules; regular sunscreen damages the coral
• Wide-brim hat — baseball caps leave your neck and ears exposed
• UV-blocking sunglasses — polarized lenses cut the water glare for snorkeling spotting
• Lightweight long-sleeve shirt — UPF-rated if possible

Water & Hydration

• Reusable water bottle — refill on the boat; bring at least 32 oz capacity
• Electrolyte packets — the heat and sun drain you faster than you'd expect

Clothing & Footwear

• Swimsuit — wear it under your clothes; there are changing rooms on the boat
• Dry clothes for the ride back — you'll want them after hours in saltwater
• Water shoes or sport sandals — the beach has coral rubble and the fort has rough surfaces
• Light rain jacket — afternoon squalls are common and fast

Snorkeling Extras

The ferry provides gear, but experienced snorkelers often prefer their own:

• Prescription snorkel mask — if you need vision correction
• Rash guard — sun protection while face-down in the water for hours
• Underwater camera or GoPro — the visibility is often 60-100 feet
• Mesh gear bag — keeps wet gear contained on the ride back

Health & Comfort

• Dramamine or motion sickness remedy — the crossing is 2.5 hours through open ocean; take it 30-60 minutes before departure
• Any prescription medications — there is no medical facility on the island
• Basic first aid — bandaids, antiseptic wipes
• Insect repellent — not always needed but occasionally the no-see-ums come out

Tech & Documentation

• Waterproof phone case — your phone still works as a camera even without cell service
• Portable battery pack — no charging outlets on the island
• National Parks Passport book — there's a stamp station at Fort Jefferson
• Cash — for tips and any onboard purchases

What NOT to Bring

• Coolers or alcohol — not allowed on the ferry or island
• Drones — prohibited in the national park
• Fishing gear (for day-trippers) — only campers with a saltwater license can fish
• Bulky bags — you carry everything yourself; there are no lockers

Pro Tips from Regulars

Timing your snorkel: The ferry arrives around 10:30 AM. Snorkel first before the ranger tour at 11 AM — the water is calmer in the morning and you'll have the reefs mostly to yourself before afternoon winds pick up.

Bring a dry bag: A small waterproof dry bag protects your phone, wallet, and keys while you're in the water. The $10 investment is worth it.

Don't skip the fort: Some people spend the entire time snorkeling and skip Fort Jefferson. The views from the top of the fort walls are spectacular, and the history — including the story of Dr. Samuel Mudd's imprisonment — is fascinating.

What If Your Date Is Sold Out?

If you're reading this while trying to plan a trip and your dates are already gone, don't give up. Ferry cancellations happen regularly. Set up a ferry availability alert and we'll text you the second seats open up on your dates.

Final Checklist

Before you walk out the door:

• Reef-safe sunscreen applied
• Hat and sunglasses
• Water bottle filled
• Dramamine taken (if needed)
• Swimsuit on under clothes
• Dry clothes packed
• Water shoes
• Phone in waterproof case
• Camera charged
• Snacks if you want them

That's it. Travel light, protect yourself from the sun, and enjoy one of the most remote and beautiful spots in the United States.