Approximately 400 acres, 1.6 miles Boat ride very kid friendly. Located in Pinellas County, between Fort Desoto Park and Pass-A-Grille Beach, you can load your kayak or boat off State Road 679 by taking the Pinellas Byway South through Terra Verde. At the time of writing the return journey costs $25 per adult and $12.50 per child. Egmont Key is conveniently located less than 30-minutes from St. Pete beach. Anything you plan or save automagically syncs with the apps, ready for you to hit the road! Our ferry boat operates from the Fort De Soto Boat Ramp daily in the spring and summer and nearly every day in the fall and winter (check the schedule for exact times and days of availability). Egmont Key is also home to a large nature preserve nearly half of the island is blocked to guests, allowing the native seabirds and sea turtles a section of undisturbed beach. The Ultimate Guide to Biscayne National Park, The top things to do on an I-95 road trip, The top things to do on an I-10 road trip, Pay Tribute and Reflect at These US Monuments and Memorials, The top things to do on a Blue Ridge Parkway road trip, Visit the spooky real-life locations from 'Hocus Pocus', Things to do on a South Dakota RV road trip, A cross-country road trip to U.S. presidential libraries, A cross-country road trip honoring LGBTQ+ Pride. 34. The ferry to Egmont Key runs twice each day (10:00am and 11:00am) during the regular season (Feb 17 - September 7.) Its a MUST SEE! You will encounter deep water, This fort dates back to the Spanish American war era and is spread out along the islands interior. Call Us, Text Us, or Live Chat to speak with a Cool St Petersburg specialist! Located within Egmont Key State Park are the 1858 Egmont Key Lighthouse, maintained by the U.S. Coast Guard, and the ruins of . If its canceled due to poor weather, youll be offered a different date or a full refund, This tour/activity will have a maximum of 49 travelers. Florida Trails: Biking, Hiking and Paddling, Certified Visitor Information Centers North Central Florida, Certified Visitor Information Centers Northeast Florida, Certified Visitor Information Centers Central West Florida, Certified Visitor Information Centers Central Florida, Certified Visitor Information Centers Central East Florida, Certified Visitor Information Centers Southwest Florida, Certified Visitor Information Centers Southeast Florida, Florida Travel and Vacation Guides - United States, Exchange Rates, Conversions, And Processes. Begin and end your adventure at historic Fort De Soto, a military outpost constructed during the Spanish American War, listed in the "National Register of Historic Places". Please arrive 30-45 minutes prior to departure. 3500 Pinellas Bayway S. Tierra Verde, FL 33715 . Reviewed by Kasey C. March 09, 2019. . Use the ferry service from Fort De Soto or travel here with your own watercraft to enjoy our beautiful island. Watch. Southern end of the island a bird See the crew for your free parking pass to leave on your dashboard while taking the ferry. Watch, take pictures, and let them go their way. No climbing on the rocky ruins off Fort Dade. The island is located in the middle of the . The ferry leaves Fort de Soto Pier and the journey takes between 25 and 30 minutes. Getting to Egmont Key The Tampa Bay Ferry operated by Hubbard's Marina leaves from Fort De Soto Park, south of St. Petersburg and St. Pete Beach. Where can I find the best art attractions. The lighthouse was built in 1858.Anyone who finds Fort De Soto interesting should make a point of visiting Fort Dade too. Clean restrooms, modern snorkeling equipment. Egmont Key is a pristine island, so there isnt a bathroom or any type of shop on the island so make sure to come prepared with a cooler full of water, food and drinks. TOLL BOOTHS ON ROUTE TO FORT DE SOTO PARK We saw plenty of wildlife on the island: gopher tortoises, dolphins, and schools of fish in the water. Alcohol is not permitted on the island but can be enjoyed on the boat and while standing on the shore. 3500 Pinellas Bayway S, Tierra Verde, FL 33715-2529 Tampa Bay Inshore Fishing Charters 3 Book in advance from $615.00 per adult Check availability View full product details BeachLvrCapeCoral Cape Coral 6 2 Ferry to Egmont Key Review of Fort De Soto Park Reviewed October 27, 2014 Had a great day exploring Egmont Key again. Wander along the red brick streets, still in good condition! The Egmont Key Ferry is run by Tampa Bay Ferry, and is the only ferry service to the island. The ride to Egmont Key is 25-30. 2004-2022 Cool Destinations. We have 3 single-hull boats going out twice a day, carrying 125 people. Passengers are given three hours to explore and enjoy the island. No alcohol is permitted in state and county parks. Most people, like my family, instead book the popular Hubbard's Marina Ferry, which departs from Fort De Soto Park near St. Pete. In fact, on a clear day you can see Egmont Key from the Anna Maria Island area. When hiking and exploring around the ruins of Fort Dade, do not damage structures or remove artifacts. I found this on the Visit Florida App! On an absolutely stunning Florida day, the Egmont Key Lighthouse stood gleaming white, resplendent against a cloudless azure sky. Easy ramp access to beach means it's easy for everyone to enjoy access to pristine Egmont Key. Any required or suggested items listed on your confirmation email. 33715 The snorkeling cruise is first come first serve and you reserve this on your way out to the island on our boat. Two piers, beaches, picnic area, hiking trails, bicycling trails, kayak trail, and a ferry to Egmont Key State Park are available. All rights reserved, 49 Passengers ~ Groups larger than 4 require 1 form of payment. ST39306. You can download a Membership Application and mail it to the Egmont Key Alliance, P. O. May 9, 2010. Accessible only by private boat (or ferry), Egmont Key has a unique natural and cultural history, including a lighthouse that has stood since 1858. We have partnered with other historic and environmental organizations in the Tampa Bay area to raise awareness of all that Egmont Key has to offer. Make a reservation by calling (727) 398-6577. | Contact Us. We have several partner organizations that offer discounts on either membership or admission to their venues. During the 19th century, the island served as a camp for captured Seminoles at the end of the Third Seminole War and was later occupied by the Union Navy during the Civil War. Explore. While the boat is docked, you will be able to use the bathroom,buy snacks, soda and water from the galley on board. Take an adventurous ride to beautiful Egmont Key on a 46-foot, U.S. Coast Guard Certified Tour Boats ferry. This trip is for agile people without physical challenges, not for anyone who may be at risk. PURPOSE AND GOALS OF THE EGMONT KEY ALLIANCE. The guns of Fort De Soto and Fort Dade jointly controlled the shipping channel between them. If you want to spend some time on a beautiful pristine island paradise, the ferry to Egmont Key State Park from Fort De Soto is a great choice for you and your family! Audubon migratory bird count. Jan 15, 2016 - The ferry ride to the island is about twenty five to thirty minutes and offers great chances to spot dolphins, sea turtles, and sometimes even manatees! 4-Hour St. Pete Pier to Egmont Key Tour 43 From the Pier to Paradise. Add to Trip. All rights reserved. Egmont Key is located at the mouth of Tampa Bay; south of De Soto State Park and north of Anna Maria Island. mild to strong currents and other natural water conditions. The ferry ticket allows a three-hour visit with a specific time to board for your return. The gopher tortoises live in burrows, and sometimes share their space with lizards, frogs or snakes. . Anyone who finds Fort De Soto interesting should make a point of . When you become a member of the Egmont Key Alliance you can be a part of restoring, preserving and protecting Egmont Key and assist the Florida State Park Service in its goals. Located on the south end of the island is the Egmont Key National . Despite their reputation for being slow, these turtles are surprisingly fast. At low tide, snowy egrets,american oyster catchers and sometimes blue heron search for fish, shrimp and mollusks in the rich waters. Just make reservations in advance. The Shell Key Ferry will take day visitors and campers to the South Public Use Area of the island. Do not handle turtles! Egmont Key lies southwest of Fort De Soto Park and can only be reached by boat or ferry, so this is your opportunity to check out this neat, historical site! NO SPLIT PAYMENTS, Assist and work with the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service. You can take a private boat or book a ferry from Fort DeSoto. Return Details: Returns to original departure point. The ferry service does not include camping permits . The captain and first mate were Read more, Booked a trip with Hubbard's Marina. The ferry ride to the island is about 60 minutes and offers great chances to spot dolphins, sea turtles, and sometimes even manatees! The cost is $20 for each passenger. Refreshments and snacks are available on board. Anyone who finds Fort De Soto interesting should make a point of visiting Fort Dade too. The forts were to work in conjunction with each other and protect Tampa Bay from attacks by the Spanish Navy. Beach erosion has depleted the prime Fort De Soto Boat Ramp 3500 Pinellas Bayway S, Tierra Verde, FL 33715, USA Open in Google Maps The ferry departs from the boat ramp before you enter Fort De Soto park. The Egmont Key Lighthouse Constructed in 1858, the 87 foot tall lighthouse on the northern end of the island still helps to guide ships safely into Tampa Bay. The snorkeling option is $25 per person and offers about an hour in the water for confident swimmers. This is the company we used and we had a great experience with them. Our ferry boat operates from the Fort De Soto Bay Pier daily in the spring and summer and nearly every day in the fall and winter. Once on the island, Egmont Key offers great shelling, swimming, and opportunities for adventures. ATTENTION:Due to the multiple trips that we offer, the boat will not always be present. We often spot sea birds on the ride to and from Egmont Key Island aboard the Hubbard's Ferry, our big blue boat. However, we wanted to make sure you were aware of this fee. On nearby Egmont Key, Fort Dade, with five batteries, was built. Parts of the interior designated as a Egmont Key State Park secluded island at the mouth of Tampa Bay holds rich American history and stunning natural beauty Hours 8 a.m. to sunset, 365 days a year Fees No fee required Location 4905 34th St. South, #5000 St. Petersburg FL 33711 Get directions Contact Info 727-644-6235 Park Menu Experiences & Amenities History Download Park Map If you expect to snorkel, good swimming skills are required. Explore Fort DeSoto Park and ride the ferry to Shell Key for the ultimate beach day! Reservations Required Call 941-780-8010. Your browser is not supported for this experience.We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari. Flotation devices are available, also instruction on snorkeling. When you enter the park, you'll turn right and . $480.00 minimum for the first 6 people. Getting to Egmont Key by Ferry The most affordable ferry option to get to Egmont Key is Hubbard's Marina Ferry. Now that the Guardhouse has been restored and interpretive displays added, continue to add more displays that are relevant to the history and natural resources of the island. Box 66238, St. Pete Beach, FL 33736 or complete and online membership. The Fort DeSoto-Egmont Key ferry is open-air and two-thirds under roof. However, the total of the tolls is less than $3 but make sure to have quarters with you for the tolls and some cash to make the entrance payment quick and easy. VISIT FLORIDA is a service mark of the Florida Tourism Industry Marketing Corporation, d/b/a VISIT FLORIDA, registered in the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office. This is the only charter offering service from downtown St. Petersburg traveling to Egmont Key and passing under the Sunshine Skyway. The ferry took a short 10-15min to reach Egmont Key island. sanctuary, the site for twice-yearly Edit Place; Force Sync. Egmont Key Ferry from Fort De Soto Park. Wander along the red brick streets, still in good condition. This fee is to enter the county park and is not something we have control over. The Egmont Key Ferry transports visitors from Fort DeSoto Park, the most southern point of Pinellas County, to Egmont Key State Park. Interior sand is extremely hot. The ferry ride to the island is about 25-30 minutes and offers great chances to spot dolphins, sea turtles, and sometimes even manatees! Art and Skip were our captains and they were great! Location. Up to 24 cash back The ferry ride to the island is about 25-30 minutes and offers great chances to spot dolphins sea turtles and sometimes even manatees. Get ready for a day of fun in the sun with Hubbards Marina. The island is only accessible by boat, is roughly 440 acres and has a beautiful beach that runs along the entire western shoreline. Wear shoes while hiking, take caution on uneven walkways. Distance from Mad Beach to either of the 3 Ferry providers would be . No. Click on the Become A Member button above to accessprintable application. Egmont Key Ferry 101 Ratings Instant Confirmation E-Ticket 4 hr If you want to spend some time on a beautiful pristine island paradise, the ferry to Egmont Key State Park from Fort De Soto is a great choice for you and your family! All tours are fully narrated, informative and fun, providing insightful information about the key and the wildlife you might spot along the way, including dolphins and rare birds. Bring water. US Coast Guard Certified Tour Boats: 46 foot ferry - Refreshments/snacks available - Covered, comfortable seating - Open deck area, easy ramp access to beach - Clean restroom, modern snorkeling equipment - All tours fully narrated- informative and fun. We often spot sea birds on the ride to and from Egmont Key Island aboard the Hubbards Ferry, our big blue boat. But, there is no direct way to get to Egmont Key from Anna Maria Island other than a handful of private (and expensive) ferries.