Paddling in Dry Tortugas National Park is an open-ocean experience requiring significant preparation and skill. The park is located approximately 70 miles west of Key West, Florida, and consists of seven small islands and the surrounding saltwater of the Gulf of Mexico. Access is exclusively by private boat, commercial ferry, or seaplane. For those arriving via the Yankee Freedom ferry, transport for kayaks is limited to three per trip, and kayaks must be under 17 feet long; this service is only available for campers, not day trippers. The primary launch and take-out point is the dinghy beach on Garden Key, situated between the main boat dock and the old south coaling dock ruins. Before paddling, all visitors must obtain a free boating permit and receive a briefing from park staff, who are based at the Visitor Center or Park Headquarters on Garden Key. Required equipment includes a personal flotation device, a sound-producing signaling device like a whistle, and a flashlight; a portable VHF radio, first aid kit, and GPS are strongly recommended.

The paddling environment is characterized by deep, open water with strong currents and significant exposure to wind and waves. Calm seas are most likely during the summer months from June through September, though this period brings high heat and humidity. Winter months can bring higher winds. A notable hazard is the crossing to Loggerhead Key, which lies three miles west of Garden Key across deep water with very strong currents; this trip should only be attempted by experienced paddlers with appropriate equipment and requires listing Loggerhead Key on the boat permit, as visitor numbers there are limited. Closer to Garden Key, Bush Key and Long Key are easily accessible, though these islands are often closed seasonally to protect nesting bird colonies; paddlers must stay at least 100 feet offshore from keys with active wildlife. The tidal change, while not extreme, affects the shallow marine waters. There are no services, food, water, or fuel available within the park, so all provisions and safety gear must be brought from the mainland. The area offers clear water for viewing marine life, coral reefs, and seagrass beds, with opportunities for snorkeling directly from your kayak using a dive flag.