Dry Tortugas Captain of the Seas: Fort, Fishing & Shipwrecks

Three day program

Subjects: Early American Maritime History, Marine Ecology, Nautical Archaeology 

Course Description: 

We will explore by land and sea the rich history of Key West and its influence on culture and country. We will start with a marine archeology lab tour, learn about the shipwrecks surrounding the Florida Keys and their role in Maritime History. The Shipwreck and Treasure Museum tour will delve deep into the wrecker lifestyle. We will explore the museum’s extensive collection of items collected from Shipwrecks throughout the history of Key West. 

The program at Fort Jefferson National Park in the Dry Tortugas will take us back in time. We will embark on the Yankee Freedom for a 90 minute trip 70 miles west of Key West to the Dry Tortugas National Park. This area is known for birds, marine life and shipwrecks. We will have a narrated historical and ecological boat tour on our way to the fort. Once we arrive, we will have a tour of the fort and explore the area. As a part of the educational program on the Yankee Freedom, continental breakfast and lunch is provided. Snorkeling is included at the Dry Tortugas National Park, if interested. 

Florida ecology through fishing will help students will gain hands-on knowledge of marine ecosystems by observing fish, sea turtles, dolphins, rays and seabirds in their natural habitat. Professional fishermen will teach practical fishing skills such as proper rod handling, knot tying and casting techniques. Responsible fishing practices are emphasized including catch and release methods and the importance of respecting marine life and the environment. Marine conservation will be presented through real time examples understanding why certain fish are released, how fishing regulations protect species and the importance of healthy reefs and seagrass beds to support ocean life. 

The Charter Fishing experience will introduce students to the maritime and fishing industry and vocational skills necessary. Exposure to boating safety, practical seamanship, boat operations, navigational tools, emergency procedures licensure and teamwork.

August 24

8am-1pm - Fishing Experience

6:15 pm - Welcome meeting and optional dinner

August 25

7am - 5pm - Dry Tortugas

August 26

10:15-11:15AM - Mel Fisher Guided Conservation Lab Tour

11:30-12:30pm - Shipwreck Museum

Optional explore on your own or departure

Learning outcomes:

• The economy of the island throughout history and present day.

• The military significance of Fort Jefferson and the island through past wars and in modern times.

• Ecology and ornithology of the Tortuga Triangle where the Gulf of America, the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea meet. 

• Marine wildlife observations including dolphins, turtles, corals, fish and more.

• Current shipwreck excavations and marine archeology techniques.

• Underwater archaeology and the science of shipwreck preservation.

• Maritime history including pirates, treasure hunters, and wreckers.

• The economy of the island throughout history and present day.

• The military significance of Fort Jefferson and the island through past wars and in modern times.

• Ecology and ornithology of the Tortuga Triangle where the Gulf of America, the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea meet. 

• Marine wildlife observations including dolphins, turtles, corals and fish.

• Practical fishing skills

• Responsible fishing practices and marine conservation

• Respect for nature helping to build lifelong environmental stewardship

• Basic seamanship including how to read water

Program Format: Family - open to all ages 

Tuition and Fees Schedule:

Ages 3 and Under: free

Students Ages 4-15: $535

Students Ages 16 to 18:  $565

Adult: $565

Adults riding not fishing: $525

(Payment plans available)

*This program is approved as direct pay for Step-Up for Students in Florida and may qualify for other school voucher programs. All food, transportation, and hotel costs are paid for by the parent and not with scholarship funds. No refunds will be issued as per SUFS policy.

All travelers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult at all times. 

What's included:

The Shipwreck and Treasure Museum

Mel Fisher Maritime Museum in Key West Guided Conservation Lab Behind the Scenes Nautical Archeology Tour 

Narrated educational ferry tour and Admission to Dry Tortugas National Park 

Ranger led tour of the Dry Tortugas National Park

Professional charter fishing boat program

Fishing rod rental, use of tackle and bait

Study Guide

What’s not included:

Transportation 

Hotels

Meals

Souvenirs

The charter boat is equipped with bathrooms, a kitchen galley with snacks and drinks for purchase, and inside air conditioning. Please plan to dress appropriately for the weather. 

Note: Some older buildings and museums have stairs and limited accessibility. This program involves walking around Key West, exploring museums including indoor and outdoor activities and embarking on a historical fort. Please plan to dress appropriately for the weather. 

Cancellation Policy: We understand that unforeseen circumstances can arise, and we will always do our best to work with you! Sometimes we have a waiting list and can transfer your space to another family. However, once payments are booked and committed to our location partners, we cannot recover them after certain dates. This is why travel insurance is suggested to cover any unexpected events, and we’ll strive to transfer funds to other trips whenever possible. Deposit is not refundable.

PARTICIPANT CANCELLATIONS & REFUNDS:

Notification of cancellation must be received in writing to info@northwindsinstitute.com

Dry Tortugas tickets only may be rescheduled to a later date one time up to 4 days before the trip. Rescheduled reservations are non-refundable. The rest of the program experiences will be forfeited if you cannot attend at the dates specified above and no refund will be issued after the cancellation period. 

Cancellations received within 14 days of booking:

100% refund, less deposit.*

No refund after 14 days. 

Final Payment Due: 60 days prior to program starts

*If paying with Step Up for Students funds in FL, there are no refunds after booking due to SUFS policy.