When you book a fishing charter to the Dry Tortugas, one of the big decisions is how long you want to be out there. Because the destination is roughly 70 miles offshore, Dry Tortugas trips aren’t just a couple of hours—they require a real time commitment.
Think about it like this: if you’re driving three hours to a scenic destination, staying for only 30 minutes wouldn’t be worth it. The same logic applies to fishing the Dry Tortugas. The ride itself is several hours each way, so the trip length needs to justify the travel time.
Table of Contents
1. Full-Day Trips
This is the most common Dry Tortugas fishing charter option.
- Duration: Usually 10 to 12 hours
- What to Expect: Early morning departure from Key West (often before sunrise), followed by 3–4 hours of travel each way. That leaves about 4–6 hours of actual fishing time. You’ll be back in the late afternoon or early evening.
- Best For: Anglers looking for a complete day of fishing without the commitment of an overnight trip.
- Considerations: You’ll be on the water all day, so plan ahead with the right gear and comfort items.
2. Extended Full-Day (Long Day) Trips
These offer more time on the fishing grounds compared to standard full-day trips.
- Duration: Around 14 to 16 hours
- What to Expect: Similar travel time, but with more fishing once you arrive. Your captain may fish later into the afternoon or explore additional spots.
- Best For: Those who want a little extra time to target more species without staying overnight.
- Considerations: It’s a very long day, so ensure your group is physically prepared.
3. Overnight Trips
Overnight charters bring a whole new level of adventure and opportunity.
- Duration: Typically 24 to 30 hours
- What to Expect: You’ll fish during the day, anchor overnight, and continue fishing into the early morning hours. These trips let you fish at sunrise, sunset, and even at night—peak times for many species.
- Best For: Serious anglers looking to maximize fishing time and experience a full cycle on the water.
- Considerations: These require overnight-capable boats, and are best booked with charters experienced in extended trips—see Dry Tortugas fishing charter boats & yachts to understand which vessels are built for it.
4. Multi-Day Excursions
This is the ultimate Dry Tortugas fishing experience.
- Duration: 48 hours or more
- What to Expect: Multiple days offshore with the opportunity to fish different reef systems, ledges, and pelagic areas. You’ll live on the boat and experience total immersion in the fishery.
- Best For: Hardcore fishing groups or anglers looking for a once-in-a-lifetime trip.
- Considerations: These trips are the most expensive and logistically involved. Be sure to talk to your captain about what’s included and what to pack.
How to Choose the Right Trip Length
Here are some factors to help guide your decision:
- Your Budget: Longer trips cost more, and may also require more prep in terms of food and personal items.
- Time Availability: Can you set aside two full days or more, or just one long day?
- Group Dynamics: Is everyone in your group okay with sleeping on a boat or being offshore for 12+ hours?
- Fishing Goals: Are you after a broad experience or do you want to maximize time targeting specific species like Amberjack or Tuna at sunrise or sunset?
Your captain is your best resource—they’ll recommend the best option for your goals, group size, and time of year. You can also check our full guide on booking and planning your Dry Tortugas trip for more logistics and prep tips.
Deciding on the right trip duration is a major part of planning your Dry Tortugas fishing charter. Whether it’s a long single day or an extended overnight journey, you’re in for a unique adventure in one of the most remote and exciting fisheries in Florida.
Still figuring out the cost side of things? Check out our guide to Dry Tortugas fishing charter costs for everything you need to plan your trip.
