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Hello, ICON drivers!

Last week I visited Dry Tortugas, and I would say this was the best aviation day trip I ever done. I did it in 2 days to be honest) First leg from Fort Lauderdale to Key West, then overnight and early morning (8AM) to Dry Tortugas.

I met great guy Joe from SeaPlane Adventure, they fly Otters to Dry Tortugas with tourists from Key West, he gave me a lot of hints and advices. I would share some of them and my personal experience with you as I still remember them:

1. Do not forget to obtain permisson from National Park Services. Email: [email protected] or (305) 242-7734. It takes up to 2 weeks (as they said over the phone) but I've got mine in 4 days.: Fee: $100.

2. Do not forget to file DVFR flight plan. Joe told me to do 1 plans for roundbound for 4-5 hours (as long as you want be there, park closed at sunset). I filed plan for departure from KEYW at 8:45AM and return at 14:00. I was late and Flight service was looking for me.

3. Don't forget - Dry Tortugas has no cellphone network and no wifi. I had my Starlink mini with me however. It's a good choice if you want to file DVFR plan TO and BACK separately.

4. Before leaving Key West (about 5 min after departure) - contact to Miami Radio, 122.2 to activate your flight plan. Or I activated from ForeFlight and call Radio just to check if plan is active and confirm my squawk code. Yes, you need squawk becasue you will cross the ADIZ.

5. SeaPlane Adventure using Pilot to Pilot communication frequency on 123.65 around Dry Tortugas. So my advice to stay on this frequency because they are flying 4 times a day starting 8:30AM and last flight around 4:30PM. They have 2 designated spots on the beach where you will park. so they asking about 70 feet distance to park your plane to allow them for turn around. You will see parking spot on your permission or I can share my pictures with you.

6. When you are flying back - call 122.2 before entering to the US airspace and make sure your plan is still active and you might have new squawk. Do not cross ADIZ without checking with Miami Radio. I heard some stories about Coast Guard following another seaplane in KEYW.

7. Almost forgot to tell you. The sea conditions around Dry Tortugas is not easy at all! I had south west wind (pushing me to the beach) and swell with very light wind (7-10kts). I will be honest - I did 6 approaches and splash-and-go before I was able to land. I also pick a few different spots to land before the final decision. Be very caution, you can expect rough water landing for sure!)

Despite that, I highly recommend to visit this place, it's unique and only one.

Let me know if you have any questions! I'm working on video guidance now, will be posted soon on my YouTube channel.

My insta: @pilot_wildbars
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@About_Aviation

Andrey

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Andrey — Thanks for posting as we are planning to make this trip later this year. This is very helpful information.