Picking the right boat is a big part of planning your Dry Tortugas fishing trip. Since the Dry Tortugas are located about 70 miles west of Key West, getting there requires a capable and comfortable vessel. Fishing charters going to the Dry Tortugas operate different types and sizes of boats, each offering a different experience.
Think about how you choose a car for a road trip. A small, zippy car is great for short trips around town, but for a long journey, you might prefer something bigger, more powerful, and more comfortable. The same idea applies to choosing a fishing boat for the long ride to the Dry Tortugas.
Table of Contents
Here’s a look at the kinds of vessels you might find available for a charter to the Dry Tortugas:
Center Console Boats
These are very common and popular choices for fishing charters, especially for faster trips or slightly smaller groups.
What they are:
Open boats with the steering console located in the center, allowing for 360-degree fishing access around the entire boat. They often have powerful engines.
Pros:
Generally faster than larger sportfishing boats, allowing you to get to the fishing grounds quicker. Excellent for stand-up fishing because you can easily move around the boat. Often more maneuverable for certain types of fishing.
Cons:
Less protection from the sun, wind, and waves compared to boats with cabins. Limited onboard amenities (like restrooms, comfortable seating inside, or air conditioning). The ride can be bumpier in rougher seas.
Capacity:
Usually best for groups of 1 to 6 passengers. If you’re not sure how to decide, here’s a guide on choosing the right Dry Tortugas fishing charter boat.
Sportfishing Yachts (Convertibles)
These are the larger, more traditional offshore fishing machines you often see in fishing tournaments.
What they are:
Larger boats with a cabin forward and an open cockpit in the back for fishing. They have a “flybridge” (an upper steering station) that gives the captain a better view.
Pros:
Offer much more comfort for the long ride, including enclosed, often air-conditioned cabins with seating, bunks, and a restroom (head). The size and weight generally provide a smoother ride in rougher conditions. Well-equipped cockpits for fighting fish, often with a fighting chair for battling large fish.
Cons:
Slower than most center consoles. Can be more expensive to charter due to their size and operating costs.
Capacity:
Can comfortably handle larger groups, often from 4 to 6 passengers on smaller ones, up to 8 or more on larger vessels (check the boat’s specific capacity). Are you trying to be budget-conscious? See our breakdown on Dry Tortugas fishing trip costs.
Other Vessel Types
While Center Consoles and Sportfishing Yachts are the most typical, you might occasionally find other options:
- Cruiser/Fishing Combos: Some boats are primarily cruisers with fishing capabilities. They offer great comfort but might be less optimized purely for hardcore fishing compared to dedicated sportfishing vessels.
- Headboats (Party Boats): These are large boats that take many people out fishing for a per-person fee. While some go offshore from Key West, Dry Tortugas trips from Key West are almost exclusively private charters (where you book the whole boat).
Amenities to Consider
When choosing a charter boat, think about what amenities are important for a long day offshore:
- Restroom (Head): Essential for comfort on a full-day trip. Most sportfishing yachts and larger center consoles will have one.
- Cabin/Shelter: Protection from sun, rain, and wind. Important for comfort, especially on the long ride out and back. Sportfishing yachts offer the most shelter.
- Air Conditioning: A huge plus during the hot summer months on boats with enclosed cabins.
- Seating: Comfortable seating for the journey is important.
- Fishing Features: Livewells for bait, fish boxes to keep your catch cold, rod holders, outriggers (for trolling), and quality fishing gear included.
Be sure to confirm these details when booking your Dry Tortugas fishing trip.
Final Thoughts
Your choice of boat should match your group size, budget, and comfort preferences for the journey. Don’t hesitate to ask charter companies in the area about the specifics of their vessel(s). A good captain will also advise you on the best boat for your planned trip and conditions.
Understanding the different types of boats is just one part of planning. You’ll also want to be familiar with Dry Tortugas National Park regulations for fishing, what permits are needed, and what kind of gear to bring. You can find all of this in our Dry Tortugas Fishing Charter Guide.
