Seaplane to Dry Tortugas

[Wismgari]

Hi all - we have 4 nights in the Keys this year and I would love to visit Dry Tortugas and go snorkelling whilst we are in Key West! Everywhere I look I only read good things about the trip! Has anyone been on the seaplane and can tell me what it is like? I am scared of flying and the idea of a 10 seater plane is pretty scary to me! How were take off and landing - do they feel really different as they are a sea plane? Is it bumpy/ noisy throughout? How was it in general - scary or really not too bad? Appreciate any thoughts thanks!

Oh, and I can't do the boat option as I get seasick and have a phobia of vomiting so the only way you would get me on a boat is knocking me out first!

[Mary A]

We thoroughly enjoyed our seaplane trip to the Dry Tortugas. Yes it's noisy but there are headphones giving a commentary for most of the flight. I don't remember the take off/landing being bumpy (it's only 18 months ago). We're off to key west again in May and might do this again.

Take the morning tour if can, island almost deserted, just Rangers and a few people camping when we arrived. It's a fascinating place

[Wismgari]

Originally Posted by Mary A

We thoroughly enjoyed our seaplane trip to the Dry Tortugas. Yes it's noisy but there are headphones giving a commentary for most of the flight. I don't remember the take off/landing being bumpy (it's only 18 months ago). We're off to key west again in May and might do this again.

Take the morning tour if can, island almost deserted, just Rangers and a few people camping when we arrived. It's a fascinating place

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Thanks for the reply It is reassuring that you didn't find it bumpy! Is it weird being so low to the ground (sea) throughout? Maybe I will prefer it as it isn't as high so maybe not as scary!

I was thinking about the last tour of the day (2pm) as I think you get the same benefits? The ferry leaves at 3pm, so it would be quiet for most of the trip. Later in the day would work better for our plans I think (other things I want to do first thing before it gets busy! )

Thanks again for replying - I am definitely tempted... and once I have booked I won't want to waste the money so I will just have to get on with it!

[Vanillapod]

This was the highlight of our last trip.
I’d recommend getting the 1st plane out and the last one home.
The time flew even though we had the whole day.
You have an empty island for a couple of hours before the ferry gets in and again when they’ve all left.
I’m wary of flying but not to the extent I’d not get on board and was a bit worried about it. However, it’s so much fun. At no time did I feel unsafe or sick. The commentary is really interesting and Take off and landing really smooth.
On our way home the sun was illuminating the water so beautifully and as we flew over a section called Turtle Alley we saw dozens of them!
It was incredible.

Please do it. You will not regret it!
Make sure you buy food the day before. We got sidetracked on Duval Street the night before and ended up with nothing but giant gherkins and crisps from Circle K to take with us 😆
They provide plenty of drinks though so no need to worry about that.

[Mary A]

Originally Posted by Wismgari

Thanks for the reply It is reassuring that you didn't find it bumpy! Is it weird being so low to the ground (sea) throughout? Maybe I will prefer it as it isn't as high so maybe not as scary!

I was thinking about the last tour of the day (2pm) as I think you get the same benefits? The ferry leaves at 3pm, so it would be quiet for most of the trip. Later in the day would work better for our plans I think (other things I want to do first thing before it gets busy! )

Thanks again for replying - I am definitely tempted... and once I have booked I won't want to waste the money so I will just have to get on with it!

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It's great being so low, you can see the reef and marine life as Vanillapod has said.

[Wismgari]

Originally Posted by Vanillapod

This was the highlight of our last trip.
I’d recommend getting the 1st plane out and the last one home.
The time flew even though we had the whole day.
You have an empty island for a couple of hours before the ferry gets in and again when they’ve all left.
I’m wary of flying but not to the extent I’d not get on board and was a bit worried about it. However, it’s so much fun. At no time did I feel unsafe or sick. The commentary is really interesting and Take off and landing really smooth.
On our way home the sun was illuminating the water so beautifully and as we flew over a section called Turtle Alley we saw dozens of them!
It was incredible.

Please do it. You will not regret it!
Make sure you buy food the day before. We got sidetracked on Duval Street the night before and ended up with nothing but giant gherkins and crisps from Circle K to take with us 😆
They provide plenty of drinks though so no need to worry about that.

See more...

Thanks Vanillapod - this was a very reassuring reply I have always got on big flights fine (and no longer cry so we shall count that as progress! ) - however I have always insisted I only like huge planes and you would never get me on a tiny plane or a helicopter... but I am being seduced by the amazing views and the chance to go to a reef (as I know I will never get on a boat to one).

I really want to see turtles... turtle alley sounds amazing!

I think we will probably do the half day tour - based on price and limited time on Key West (only 1.5 days) and lots to fit in! Hopefully we can get everything done OK in a half day!

[Wismgari]

Originally Posted by Mary A

It's great being so low, you can see the reef and marine life as Vanillapod has said.

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Thanks again The views from the plane do sound amazing - one way to get me to look out of a window when flying!

We are there end of April so sounds like we will be just before you. Hope you have an amazing trip when you go in May

[Vanillapod]

Originally Posted by Wismgari

Thanks Vanillapod - this was a very reassuring reply I have always got on big flights fine (and no longer cry so we shall count that as progress! ) - however I have always insisted I only like huge planes and you would never get me on a tiny plane or a helicopter... but I am being seduced by the amazing views and the chance to go to a reef (as I know I will never get on a boat to one).

I really want to see turtles... turtle alley sounds amazing!

I think we will probably do the half day tour - based on price and limited time on Key West (only 1.5 days) and lots to fit in! Hopefully we can get everything done OK in a half day!

See more...

You’ll love it!
Have an amazing time

[Wismgari]

I have booked! Eeeekk! 2pm trip - so hopefully it will be quiet after the ferry leaves. I am both very excited and terrified! Thank you both for the helpful replies and encouragement

[Mary A]

Originally Posted by Wismgari

I have booked! Eeeekk! 2pm trip - so hopefully it will be quiet after the ferry leaves. I am both very excited and terrified! Thank you both for the helpful replies and encouragement

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Great! You'll have a wonderful time. Let us know what you thought when you return please?