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
Full-Day 22' Deck Boat Rental in St. Petersburg
Explore Tampa Bay your way, from island stops to waterfront restaurants
Clearwater 23' Catamaran Private Charter
Tailor a private Gulf Coast cruise around snorkeling, sandbars and island stops
8-Hour Boat Charter in Bradenton Beach
Design a private day of snorkeling, sandbars and island cruising
Sunrise Dolphin & Island Cruise in St. Petersburg
Explore Tampa Bay’s dawn views, island shorelines, and wildlife
Private Shell Key & Dolphin Boat Tour from St. Pete Beach
Customize a private cruise for island stops, shelling and wildlife viewing
Full-Day 22' Pontoon Boat Rental in St. Petersburg
Explore Tampa Bay your way, from island stops to waterfront restaurants
St. Petersburg Island & Wildlife Cruise
Cruise Boca Ciega Bay for bridge views and chances to spot coastal wildlife
Full-Day Tampa Bay Boat Rental in St. Petersburg
Take the helm for a day of island stops, waterfront dining, or fishing
Private Shell Key Beach Charter
Cruise Florida's barrier islands, search for shells, and spot marine life
Private 4-Hour Snorkeling Charter in St. Petersburg
Cruise St. Pete on a private, captained snorkeling charter
Private Island & Sandbar Boat Charter in Sarasota
Customize a Sarasota cruise with an experienced captain
Yacht Charter in Sarasota on a 58' Yacht
Cruise, swim, and gather across three decks of a private motor yacht
Egmont Key Boat Tour & Fort Dade Ruins Snorkel
Discover island history above and below the water
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 Boat Tour & Fort Dade Ruins Snorkel
Explore island history above and below the water
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 Egmont Key Excursion & Fort Dade Snorkeling
Discover island history on land and beneath the water
Private Egmont Key Boat Tour & Fort Dade Snorkel
Explore island history above and below the water