KEY WEST PRIVATE FIELD GUIDE
Moon Over Masonry: Private Charters to Fort Jefferson and the Dry Tortugas
A private Havana Fleet charter delivers uncrowded access to Fort Jefferson, snorkeling at Loggerhead Key’s pristine reefs, and unrivaled stargazing in one of the nation’s few naturally dark places.
Moon Over Masonry: Private Charters to Fort Jefferson and the Dry Tortugas.
Discover Fort Jefferson, a monumental brick fortress set on Garden Key in the Dry Tortugas. This private charter experience from Key West pairs shoreline strolls on white sand and reef snorkeling with close encounters of local wildlife on Loggerhead Key—and, as night falls and the day-trip boats return to port, some of the best naturally dark stargazing in the United States.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Fort Jefferson’s monumental brickwork
Fort Jefferson is a massive brick fortress and one of the United States' most important historical landmarks, built to protect a strategic sea location and to serve as a resupply and refuge point for ships in the region.
White sand beaches and pristine reefs
Stroll the fort’s white sandy beaches and snorkel reefs around the Dry Tortugas; Loggerhead Key—known for its abundance of loggerhead sea turtles—offers some of the most pristine reef environments and abundant wildlife in the park.
Uncrowded stargazing in a naturally dark park
After day-trip boats depart, private charters give guests quieter access to the islands, and the Dry Tortugas—classified as one of the few naturally dark areas in the country—offers exceptional opportunities for stargazing.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
The trip unfolds as a private escape from Key West: a boat ride out to Garden Key and Fort Jefferson, leisurely walks along wide white beaches and the fort’s historic walls, a visit to Loggerhead Key to snorkel pristine reefs and look for sea turtles, and the rare chance—when the larger day boats have left—to experience the islands’ solitude and dark skies.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits best
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Please dress appropriately.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
What is Fort Jefferson?
Fort Jefferson is a massive brick fortress on Garden Key and one of the United States' most important historical landmarks, originally intended to protect a strategic sea location and support ships in the region.
Will I have the fort to myself on a private charter?
A private charter grants guests a chance to view the landmark with minimum encroachment by large tour groups, and once the day-trip boats go home you will have the opportunity to tour the fort without the crowds.
Can I snorkel on this trip?
Yes. Guests can snorkel the surrounding waters, which are described as some of the most pristine reefs in the world, especially around Loggerhead Key.
Will I see turtles or other wildlife?
Loggerhead Key is named for its abundance of loggerhead sea turtles and has long been a haven for wildlife.
Is stargazing possible on this trip?
Yes. The Dry Tortugas National Park is noted as one of the few naturally dark areas in the country, offering some of the best stargazing in the USA.