Things to do nearEgmont Key
Egmont Key is a secluded barrier island off Florida's Gulf Coast, celebrated for its clear turquoise waters, historic lighthouse, and abundant wildlife.
Egmont Key has served as a strategic outpost since the Second Seminole War, when it held Seminole captives awaiting relocation. During the Spanish-American War, the U.S. Army built Fort Dade here, and remnants of gun batteries, foundations, and brick streets still thread through the subtropical vegetation.
The Egmont Key Lighthouse, first lit in 1848, remains an iconic landmark and one of Florida's oldest active lighthouses. Its white tower rises above the tree line and can be seen from the water long before you reach the shore.
Snorkeling is rewarding along the island's northern and western edges, where submerged ruins attract sheepshead, snook, and an array of reef fish. The clear, shallow Gulf water makes it accessible even for casual swimmers.
Egmont Key rewards the effort it takes to reach it, offering a rare combination of natural beauty, Gulf Coast wildlife, and layered American history in one quiet, car-free setting.
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Tips for visiting Egmont Key
Arrive early by ferry or private boat, as the island has no shade structures and midday sun can be intense.
Bring water shoes for wading, since the shallow flats around Egmont Key are ideal for spotting starfish and small rays.
Visit between November and April to enjoy cooler temperatures and calmer Gulf waters.
Walk the interior brick paths to find the ruins of Fort Dade, where interpretive signs explain the island's military history.
Pack everything you need, including food, water, and sunscreen, as there are no concessions on the island.
Top tours & experiences near Egmont Key
Egmont Key Ferry From Fort De Soto With Snorkeling
Ride the ferry from Fort De Soto to Egmont Key, with snorkeling available
Private Dolphin Boat Tour Around Anna Maria Island
Private coastal cruise with dolphin and wildlife viewing
3-Hour Shell Key Dolphin Cruise From St. Petersburg
Explore Gulf islands with time ashore and chances to spot marine life
Guided Hobie Pedal Kayak Tour in Tierra Verde
Explore more of the waterways with foot-powered kayaking and a tour tailored to you
Private Egmont Key Boat Tour & Snorkel from Holmes Beach
Discover island history and white-sand shores at the mouth of Tampa Bay
4-Hour Dolphin & Snorkeling Charter in Bradenton Beach
Search for dolphins, snorkel in shallow waters, and cruise Florida’s coast privately
Private Sarasota Boat Charter to Egmont Key or Boca Grande
Explore island destinations beyond Sarasota
Tampa 44' Power Catamaran Charter
Design your own Tampa Bay escape aboard a spacious private catamaran
Private Custom Boat Tour on Anna Maria Island
Shape your day on the water with island stops, shallow-water exploring, and time to relax
Private 3-Island Snorkel & Boat Tour From Madeira Beach
Snorkel and island-hop on a 5-hour private charter for up to 6
Shell Key & Egmont Key Boat Tour from Madeira Beach
Shell, snorkel and look for wildlife on a captained Gulf Coast cruise
8-Hour Private Boat Charter in Siesta Key
Build your own full-day private boat charter from Siesta Key
Egmont Key Snorkeling & Beach Boat Trip
Pair snorkeling with time in the sun at Egmont Key
Private Gulf Coast Boat Tour in St. Petersburg
Cruise St. Pete and Clearwater your way on a private 23‑ft catamaran
Dolphin Cruise in St. Petersburg
Cruise Gulf waters and explore barrier islands on a private boat tour
Sunset Cruise Anna Maria Island
Tailored private cruises for sunsets, wildlife, and celebrations
Private Tampa Bay Sunset Cruise from Holmes Beach
Discover island history and coastal nature on a private sunset cruise
Custom Boat Charter in Bradenton Beach
Set your own course for snorkeling, island stops, sandbars, and dolphin searches
Private Boat Charter in St. Petersburg
Cruise St. Pete waterways with sandbar stops, swimming, and island exploring
Jet Ski Snorkel Tour to Egmont Key
Ride a 2025 Sea-Doo to Egmont Key and snorkel its reefs
St. Pete Beach Fishing & Sightseeing Charter
Build a private day of fishing, islands, and sandbar swimming
Egmont Key Snorkeling & Dolphin Cruise from Madeira Beach
Snorkel island ruins and grass flats with a narrated cruise
Family Fishing & Sandbar Charter in Bradenton
Pair fishing with a sandbar or island stop
Private 42' Sandbar Boat Charter Around Anna Maria Island
Customize a private cruise for sandbars, islands, and waterfront stops