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.
7-day forecast
Chance of rainTips 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
Captained Pontoon Cruise to Egmont Key
Relax aboard a captained pontoon to discover shell-strewn islands and spot Gulf wildlife
Cruise From St. Pete Pier to Egmont Key
Ferry from St. Pete Pier to Egmont Key with time to explore beaches and ruins
Egmont Key Ferry From Fort De Soto With Snorkeling
Ride the ferry from Fort De Soto to Egmont Key, with snorkeling available
Private Boat Tour to Egmont or Passage Key from Anna Maria Island
Customize a private 3–6 hour cruise to Egmont or Passage Key with snorkeling and sightseeing led by experienced captains
Private 4-Hour Snorkeling Charter in St. Petersburg
Cruise St. Pete on a private, captained snorkeling charter
8-Hour Private Boat Charter in Siesta Key
Build your own full-day private boat charter from Siesta Key
Private Gulf Coast Boat Tour in St. Petersburg
Cruise St. Pete and Clearwater your way on a private 23‑ft catamaran
Private Sarasota Boat Charter With Captain
Customize a 4–8 hour private Sarasota cruise with a captain
Madeira Beach Island Cruise
Shell, snorkel and look for wildlife on a captained Gulf Coast cruise
Tampa 44' Power Catamaran Charter
Design your own Tampa Bay escape aboard a spacious private catamaran
Yacht Charter in Sarasota on a 58' Yacht
Cruise, swim, and gather across three decks of a private motor yacht
Clearwater 23' Catamaran Private Charter
Tailor a private Gulf Coast cruise around snorkeling, sandbars and island stops
St. Petersburg Sunrise Cruise
Watch Tampa Bay wake up while you look for dolphins on a calm morning cruise
St. Petersburg Island & Wildlife Cruise
Cruise Boca Ciega Bay for bridge views and chances to spot coastal wildlife
Private Shell Key Beach Charter
Cruise Florida's barrier islands, search for shells, and spot marine life