The discussion below was copied from the T&T (Trawlers and Trawlering) mail list. There is some good info here for those contemplating this southernmost USA destination!

What is a good staging point from the Naples area to get the shortest/fastest run to the Dry Tortugas?
Larry
M/V Cigano
Lying Crystal River

Not sure this will answer your question. (not exactly sure what the question is?) Anyway, on my trip there a couple of years ago, we did a crossing from an anchorage at Marco Island to Key west, an easy day trip to the anchorage there. From there it was about a 10 hour run to the Tortugas. If I remember correctly, it was 74 or 75 statute miles from Key West anchorage to the Tortugas.
Hope this is what you were asking for.
And the Dry Tortugas is a beautiful place! Well worth the trip!
Brent Hodges
Friendship
Albin 43

Larry,
It depends somewhat on the boat. Fast boat could run from Naples straight out. Slow boat probably from Naples, EC or the Little Shark to Key West, provision at Key West, and then out. It’s 65 NM from Key West to Las Tortugas. The first 40 miles are “on the reef;” shallow water that builds up into nasty, short period waves. The last 25 miles is in deeper (100 ft) water, and the character of seas in more like ocean swells with wind driven waves. DO NOT UNDERESTIMATE how challenging that crossing can be in a pleasure craft. Prevailing winds are easterly or southeasterly. The last two winter seasons, winds have blown 25+ kts for seeral weeks at a time. There are NO facilities there; not even porta potties. The tourists use the facilities on their boats.
Make sure you are fully provisioned and could stay a couple of weeks or more, worst case. When the winds blow at 25kts for 20 days, you will be hard pressed to run to the groceria for milk. I know one sailboater who took the tour boat in and back to get some galley stores.
Fort Jeff is very interesting, and the place is very lovely; a lot like the Bahamas. But, with no water available, prolonged stays may not be what you wanted.
Jim
Peg and Jim Healy aboard Sanctuary
Currently at Charlotte Harbor, Punta Gorda, FL

Larry,
We’ve only been to Dry Tortugas once, but we liked staging from Turkey Creek (our home in Ortona). It’s about 26 hours to Ft. Jefferson, so you can arrive in mid-morning with plenty of time to get snorkeling while the sun is high.
Mark & Joyce,
Winnie the Pooh

Larry,
Its about 100 NM from Marco Island to Dry Tortugas and about 105 NM from Naples. The course difference is only 3 degrees. Pick your spot.
Naples has a mooring field but it is “up the creek” a bit. However, you can anchor in one of the residential canals for the night and leave before first light.
In Marco, Coconut Island used to be a popular anchorage, right near the mouth of the inlet. However, the State of Florida removed all the Australian Pines (non-native species) and the island started to erode away. Its been several years since I’ve been there so I’d recommend calling TowBoatUS or Sea Tow for some local knowledge. There is an anchorage at Johnson Bay. Its little more than a deep-water crook in the channel but would be OK for an overnight staging point.
In either case, both Marco and Naples have short runs out to the entrance buoys. Its nothing like Crystal River or other Big Bend ports. You will be in the Gulf 30 minutes after you pull the anchor.
Regards,
Randy Pickelmann
MORNING STAR