Dry Tortugas open?

Question

Can you visit the Dry Tortugas with the govt shutdown? I think the ferry is not running but is the sea plane or any other boat tours where you still go ashore? Thanks very much.

Answer

Good question. Yes — you *can* potentially visit Dry Tortugas National Park during a government shutdown, but with important limitations. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what is and isn’t likely to be available, and how you can still get there:

Current Status During a Government Shutdown

According to the NPS contingency plan, during a lapse in federal appropriations, Dry Tortugas National Park remains “publicly accessible” in terms of its marine waters and Garden Key / Fort Jefferson.
However, “visitor services” are *not* available: during a shutdown, there are no rangers on duty, no trash collection, no restrooms maintained, and minimal to no emergency response from NPS staff.
Campgrounds are closed in the sense that NPS won’t provide services or check-in, though people already camping may not necessarily be asked to leave.

Transportation Options (Ferry, Seaplane, Private Boat)

Yankee Freedom Ferry — This is the main ferry operator to Dry Tortugas. According to NPS, it “will operate as usual” even during a shutdown. That means, in principle, you could still take the ferry if the operator is running trips. Several sources note the ferry continues under furlough conditions.
Key West Seaplane Adventures — The seaplane operator is *also* listed by NPS as continuing service during a shutdown. That gives you another viable way to get to Garden Key even if NPS staffing is limited. Reddit trip reports support this: users mention the seaplane is a reliable way in, and sometimes gives more flexibility.
Private / Charter Boats — You can also consider going via private boat or a charter. There are some restrictions: for instance, docking is limited. According to NPS, only limited space is available at the Garden Key main dock, and usage priority goes first to emergencies and government vessels, then to the public. Also, note that there’s a dinghy beach on Garden Key where small boats or kayaks can land.

Risks & Things to Be Careful About

Because NPS staff are furloughed, there is no visitor support — no rangers to patrol, no staff to answer questions, and no services (bathrooms, trash). You are essentially on your own.
“Extreme caution” is advised by NPS for marine access. That means you should be confident in your boating or travel plans, especially if you're using a small or private vessel.
No special permits or guided tours will be issued: the NPS contingency plan notes that special-use permits cease during a shutdown.

Bottom Line

Yes — Dry Tortugas is not completely off-limits during a government shutdown. You *can* still get there via the ferry (Yankee Freedom) or via seaplane (Key West Seaplane Adventures). Private boat access is possible but limited. That said, the experience will be more “back to basics” — no staff, no amenities, and more risk because of minimal oversight.

If you decide to go: make sure you book your ferry or seaplane in advance, plan carefully, bring supplies (water, trash bags, etc.), and be very comfortable with limited infrastructure. And double-check with the concession operators just before you go to confirm they are still running their trips.

Dry Tortugas open?

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