CUDJOE KEY PRIVATE FIELD GUIDE
A Private SeaVee Run to Fort Jefferson: A Day of Brick, Reefs, and Open-Water Passage
A private full‑day charter from Key West to Fort Jefferson and Dry Tortugas National Park aboard a 2025 32' SeaVee; this guide lays out logistics, highlights, and what to bring for the 10‑hour outing.
A Private SeaVee Run to Fort Jefferson: A Day of Brick, Reefs, and Open-Water Passage.
Adventure brief
A Private SeaVee Run to Fort Jefferson: A Day of Brick, Reefs, and Open-Water Passage
This is a private, full‑day charter from Key West to Dry Tortugas National Park, centered on a visit to historic Fort Jefferson and time snorkeling the park’s reefs. Travel is aboard a new 2025 32’ SeaVee with a small‑group, customizable itinerary that combines history, wildlife and offshore cruising comfort.
Cudjoe Key, situated amidst the turquoise waters of the Florida Keys, offers a backdrop of vibrant marine life, coastal mangroves, and historic sites. Above & Below Adventures delivers a distinctive experience combining leisurely exploration and a touch of history. Their Fort Jefferson Adventure spans approximately 80 miles, taking visitors on a gentle cruise that offers sweeping views of the iconic fort, a preserved relic dating back to the 19th century. This trip isn't a typical boat tour; it's a curated journey blending scenic cruising with a two-hour in-depth exploration of the historic stone fortress. As the boat approaches Fort Jefferson, travelers are treated to the sight of seemingly endless ocean, with the sprawling fort rising majestically against a backdrop of wide-open blue skies.
During the visit, guests are encouraged to walk the grounds, learn about the fort’s曾 role in maritime history, and take in the expansive panoramic vistas of the Keys’ islands. As dusk approaches, vibrant sunset views cast golden hues across the structure, amplifying the trip’s visual appeal. Fresh drinking water is provided onboard, ensuring comfort as visitors absorb both the natural beauty and historical significance.
What makes this adventure stand out is its unique combination of leisure, history, and scenic beauty in the Keys, making it ideal for history buffs and outdoor lovers alike. The trip is accessible and relaxed, suitable for all ages and fitness levels, but also offers enough to keep avid explorers engaged. With comfortable boat facilities and expert guides, Above & Below Adventures makes sure each journey is both informative and memorable, cementing their reputation as a premier outfit in the Florida Keys’ outdoor recreation scene.
Route Schematic
Route schematic and main stops
A typical private itinerary moves from marina briefing to open‑water transit, on‑site time at Fort Jefferson and a return cruise with optional stops.
Oceans Edge Marina, Key West — Meet & briefing
Meet Captain Jose Rodriguez at Oceans Edge Marina for a safety briefing, review of the day’s plan and loading of personal food, drinks and snorkel gear.
Transit through the Florida Straits
Cruise approximately 70 miles west through the open waters of the Florida Straits aboard the 2025 32’ SeaVee, watching for seabirds, turtles and dolphins as the captain shares local knowledge.
Fort Jefferson & Dry Tortugas — Explore and snorkel
Arrive at Fort Jefferson, explore the historic fort, walk white‑sand beaches, snorkel surrounding reefs and relax — the visit is fully customizable to your group and includes about two hours to explore the fort.
Return cruise with optional stops
Depart the Dry Tortugas in the afternoon with optional sightseeing or quick fishing stops if requested, and watch the sun begin to set on the return to the Keys.
Back at the dock — Wrap up
Return to Oceans Edge Marina in Key West with assistance unloading gear and catch (if fishing was added) and local dining recommendations from the captain.
This is an offshore ocean transit; pay attention to the captain’s safety briefing and be prepared for a breezy ride and sun exposure.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Fort Jefferson — a sheer brick presence
Fort Jefferson is the centerpiece of Dry Tortugas National Park and one of the largest brick structures in the Americas; arriving on a private charter lets you explore the fort and its beaches on your own schedule.
Snorkeling clear water and vibrant reefs
Just offshore the fort are crystal‑clear waters and thriving coral communities where snorkelers encounter tropical fish and reef life — a major draw of the Dry Tortugas.
Fast, comfortable passage aboard a modern SeaVee
Travel aboard a brand‑new 2025 32’ SeaVee powered by twin 300 Mercurys, with onboard comforts and the captain’s local knowledge making the offshore transit part of the experience.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
You meet the captain in Key West, complete a safety briefing, then head offshore for a roughly 70‑mile cruise to Dry Tortugas aboard a stable, fast SeaVee. Expect a mix of open‑water watching for seabirds, turtles and dolphins, followed by a two‑hour exploration of Fort Jefferson and time for snorkeling, beaching or a picnic before a late‑afternoon return to Key West.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this private charter suits — and what to keep in mind.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
This is a full‑day private charter with a total duration of 10 hours.
Meet Captain Jose Rodriguez at Oceans Edge Marina in Key West for the pre‑departure safety briefing and loading of personal gear.
Bring food and drinks for the day (a cooler with ice and bottled water is provided), snorkel gear (mask, fins, snorkel, wetsuit if desired), a towel, hat, sunglasses, reef‑safe sunscreen, camera/GoPro, and the National Park entrance fee ($15 per person, ages 16+) or a valid Park Pass.
The charter provides the boat, safety gear, a cooler with ice and bottled water, and a private bathroom aboard the 32’ SeaVee; gratuity for captain/crew (15–20%) is customary.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Fort Jefferson Adventure?
The charter is a full‑day outing with a total duration of 10 hours.
Where do we meet the captain?
Meet Captain Jose Rodriguez at Oceans Edge Marina in Key West for the safety briefing and boarding.
Is the trip a private charter?
Yes — every trip is a private, customizable full‑day charter.
What should I bring for snorkeling and shore time?
Bring your own snorkel gear (mask, fins, snorkel, wetsuit if desired), towel, hat, sunglasses, reef‑safe sunscreen, camera/GoPro, and food and drinks for the day; a cooler with ice and bottled water is provided on board.
How much time do we get at Fort Jefferson?
The itinerary includes approximately two hours to explore Fort Jefferson during the visit.
Are there restroom facilities aboard?
Yes — the SeaVee used for the charter is equipped with a private bathroom.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-09-08T19:50:40.093Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.