Over 55 years in the making.

As a child, my parents would take us to Key West the last week of January and first week of February. This was in the late 60's through the 70's.

Always wanted to visit The Dry Tortugas, but with a family of 6, it would have cost lot of money.

Our last trip as a family was in 1978. I remember hearing Margaritaville while we were there and thinking that the song was perfect reflection of Key West, a year later, I learned that JB lived in Key West and it all made sense.

Fast forward to 2019. As a family, we traveled to Key West. In preparation, I purchased tickets for the boat to the Dry Tortugas. We made it to the terminal very early in the morning, for departure. Well, there were 10-12' seas and they offered everyone their money back, something they said rarely happens. I tried to get on the waiting list for the following day, but it was already full, with several on the waiting list.

I was beginning to think, I would never make it to Fort Jefferson.

On my last birthday, my Son's gift to me was a trip to Key West and the Dry Tortugas. I was shocked and so extremely grateful for his thoughtfulness.

Well last Wednesday we left for Key West.

Wednesday we visited the Hemingway House, the Mel Fisher museum and the shipwreck museum. Thursday, we took the float plane to the Dry Tortugas. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. Friday, we flew to Cuba, for a day trip, also highly recommended.

Due to the weather forecast and the fact my Son had to get back to CA. we decided to come back yesterday instead of today.

For me, this was a bucket list item.

I am so incredibly grateful to my Son, for such a gracious gift.

This was a trip I will remember forever.

Thank you William!!!!!!

Very cool family adventure.

What a great story, Steve! Glad you got to experience something you've been waiting for. But a bummer to return to weather. Enjoy the memories!

Cuba is open for US citizens?

Yes, Cuba can be visited, but not for tourism, at least for US Citizens.

There are 12 reasons which US citizens can visit Cuba. We visited for the support of the Cuban economy, or something like that.

The company we went through, in Key West, takes care of everything.

Very cool trip, we got to visit Hemingways home, see his boat the Pilar, drink in two of the bars he hung out in, see the original Sloppy Joes bar, toured old Havana. Saw lots of old, incredibly cool, well kept cars. There are also a lot of old roached cars that they just keep them going.

It is a third world country and may not be for everyone. There are no toilet seats there, not even in the really nice restaurant we visited. People will steal the toilet seats. No toilet seats, even in the airport. It was also recommended we bring toilet paper, because they do not keep toilet paper in the bathrooms.

That's awesome! I've always wanted to visit the Dry Tortugas. Like your family, there are 6 of us so it's just to expensive to take the whole family. Cuba would definitely be interesting, too.

Do you have any pictures from your trip?

Outstanding! Going to the Dry Tortugas was on my list as well, and we made it there several years ago. It is a very cool place. So glad you went!

My Son is loading the pics into a folder, I hope to be able to post them soon.

A float plane to the Dry Tortugas, that’s classy of your son. Well done.

That is great. Glad you got to go and better that your son made it happen.

Wow! I would love to have an opportunity to do that. What a great gift from your son!

OZ

It is truly a special place and I’m glad you went. I’d be interested in finding out about the company that you booked the Cuba day trip through. That’s on my list as well.

quote:

Originally posted by smlsig:
It is truly a special place and I’m glad you went. I’d be interested in finding out about the company that you booked the Cuba day trip through. That’s on my list as well.

Here is who we used for the Cuba trip. They took care of the Visa and the tour, including the food and some of the drinks.

https://airkeywest.com/day-trips/

Nelson was our guide and Juan was our driver. It was my Son and one other couple from Ohio/Ft.Myers.

quote:

Originally posted by P-220:

Here is who we used for the Cuba trip. They took care of the Visa and the tour, including the food and some of the drinks.

https://airkeywest.com/day-trips/

Nelson was our guide and Juan was our driver. It was my Son and one other couple from Ohio/Ft.Myers.

Were you able to buy and bring back any cigars?

Cuba would be an interesting trip to make...

Sadly, it is still on my list.
As long as I have lived here, and as much time I have spent in Key West, I still haven’t made the trip. I need to suck it up and just go by myself.

quote:

Originally posted by HRK:

quote:

Originally posted by P-220:

Here is who we used for the Cuba trip. They took care of the Visa and the tour, including the food and some of the drinks.

https://airkeywest.com/day-trips/

Nelson was our guide and Juan was our driver. It was my Son and one other couple from Ohio/Ft.Myers.

Were you able to buy and bring back any cigars?

Cuba would be an interesting trip to make...

No cigars and no alcohol. They tell you multiple times in the US and in Cuba, you cannot bring back to the US either of those items. The Customs Agents in Key West came out to greet us in the plane. They asked if we had anything to declare, we responded "no". They then asked if we brought back any alcohol or cigars.

Sadly we did not have an opportunity to smoke one in Cuba, which would have been pretty cool.

This sounds soooo coool!! Your son is amazing. Any pics?

This is really cool. I have passed by Cuba 10NM offshore when running a yacht Key West to Cancun or vice versa, but always wanted to go. I might have to do this trip.........

Spent 3 days on a sailboat in the Dry Tortugas back around 1990. Spent the time fishing(outside the park) and snorkeling and visited the fort.