Stay at the dock the first night to provision & prepare for a morning departure.
Depart Key West early morning and make straight for the Marquesas. There are two lovely wild beaches on the Western Keys to explore once you arrive. There is no access to the interior of the island group due to the extreme shallow conditions and strong tidal currents. Guests are restricted to walking the beach as the inland areas are protected as bird preserves.
Navigation: Passing the Southern tip of the Marquesas, the anchorage is accessed by going out and around the shallow sand bars and into an 8-10 depth area off the western beach. There is a secondary Southern anchorage point to use in the event of Northern winds only. There are no Eastern or Northern anchorages at the Marquesas and sailing over quicksands to attempt access is not allowed.
Approximately 35 miles six hours from dock to anchor down cruising at 7 knots
Depart the Marquesas after weather check to ensure a 72 hour favorable weather window. An early morning departure will get you to the anchorage in time to enjoy an afternoon touring the Fort with very few other people as the Ferry leaves at 2:00. Garden Key is the second largest island in the Dry Tortugas group, about 14 acre in size. Located on Garden Key is historic Fort Jefferson, an architecturally unique 19th century fortress and the largest brick structure in the Western Hemisphere. Garden Key is also home to the park headquarters, visitor center, campgrounds, great swimming and snorkeling areas. When arriving by personal vessel you must pay the entrance fee and file for a free boat permit upon arrival.
When adjoining Bush Key is open, visitors are welcome to walk out and back on the 1 mile round trip shoreline trail from sunrise to sunset. Bush Key closes every year around February to September, when up to 80,000 Sooty Terns and 4,500 Brown Noddies make nests and raise their young on the island. This is the only significant breeding colonies of Sooty Terns and Brown Noddies in the United States.
Navigation: Departing Marquesas, stay south of the Quicksands, Halfmoon and Rebecca Shoals. Watch for strong north/south current running through the area after passing the tip of the Quicksands. Access to the anchorage area is by the Northern route over the top of Garden Key and using the well marked channel access around the west side and then south into the anchorage area in close proximity of the Fort. access to garden Key from the charter vessel is by tender. Coming ashore is allowed at dinghy beach, or you may use one of five slips at the dock on a first come first serve basis, with a maximum two hours of use.
Approximately 35 miles six hours from dock to anchor down cruising at 7 knots
The largest island in the Dry Tortugas. Loggerhead is a site of shipwrecks, a significant lighthouse installation, and where the historic Carnegie Laboratory for Marine Ecology once stood. Named for its abundance of loggerhead sea turtles, Loggerhead Key has long been a heaven for wildlife.
Located 3 miles away from Garden Key, Loggerhead Key is open to the public for day use only. Visitors must stay on marked paths. All buildings and boat docks on Loggerhead Key are closed to the public. Private vessels must check in and file a boat permit on Garden Key before visiting Loggerhead Key or recreating within the park.
No overnight anchorage allowed - make your way back to Garden Key before sundown.
Early morning departure, especially during winter months with limited hours of daylight. The predominant Easterly winds we usually count on can make for a slower return, often motor sailing.
Approximately 35 miles six hours from dock to anchor down cruising at 7 knots
If time allows it's an additional 90 minutes to the Boca Grande anchorage.
Depart the Marquesas and sail to Key West. Plan to arrive at marina fuel dock no later than 5:30 to refuel & if you haven't dumped tanks offshore have them pumped out at the fuel dock. Overnight at the marina
Approximately 35 miles six hours from dock to anchor down cruising at 7 knots
In preparation plan to have time allotted to remove & dispose of all trash & food, wipe out any spills in fridge, freezer, microwave, broom sweep and tidy the inside, return items to their proper storage area and do a fresh water rinse of the vessel. The charter base manager will arrive to do the check in at the agreed upon time. The charter check in process takes about 1 hours. Express check in is an option available.
