Crews In The Wild

In August 2025, while visiting friends in Miami for a Howdy 30 birthday party, I went to Dry Tortugas National Park. It was my 22nd national park. I did a quick a little day trip and stayed down in Key West at a place called Tropical Inn for 2 nights. It is a small hotel and cost around $330 for 2 nights. The room definitely gave Carmen Miranda vibes. It was painted a bright orange and very tropical which makes sense since it is Key West, but I guess I wasn’t expecting it to be that bright. I’ll show you a picture of the room so you get an idea of how bright it is. It’s positively glowing.

There are one of two ways to get to Dry Tortugas from Key West. You have the option to take a seaplane or by boat. I chose to travel on the Yankee Freedom Dry Tortugas Ferry due to the cost difference. A day trip is $260 versus taking a seaplane which is well over $500. Through the Yankee Freedom Dry Tortugas Ferry, they provide breakfast, lunch, snorkeling equipment, and the entrance fee into the park. They are also options for camping in the park if you want. The boat departs Key West at 8 am and leaves the park at 3 pm. You arrive at the park after 10 am and have plenty of time to explore.

When you get to Fort Jefferson they give you a little history background about Fort Jefferson. You have the option to listen to a more detailed tour if you want or explore the park on your own. I chose the latter.

After exploring, I went snorkeling for a bit. The water is such a beautiful clear blue. It’s mind boggling to me. This park may be a little harder to reach due to logistics but its definitely worth a visit.

After arriving back in Key West, I explored for a bit and watched the sunset at Mallory Square. Just a heads up this is a popular location to watch sunset so be prepared for lots of people. I even witnessed a proposal while I was there. It was kind of funny though the guy was on one knee behind her and she’s just watching the sunset completely oblivious to him proposing behind her. Everyone is watching him and waiting for her to turn around. It took a minute or two but she did turn around eventually and say yes.

The next morning I had to fulfill a dad request. My dad was told I needed to take a photo with the southernmost point sign. I had been to this sign multiple times in the past because I used to live in Miami but I never actually took pictures in front of the sign.

I hoped you enjoyed coming along with me for a quick trip to Dry Tortugas and Key West. See ya on the next adventure.

Yours truly,

Crews In The Wild