Surrounding the waters of Tampa Bay are several islands, keys and sandbars, many of which can only be reached by boat. To explore these remote places you can use a private boat or hop on a ferry. One such key is Egmont Key, which is full of history just off the coast of Fort DeSoto. You can easily take a day trip to Egmont Key from Tampa, St Pete, or Sarasota.
Egmont Key as a is full of character and history, not all of which is pretty but it is worth learning about. It is a remote island off the coast of Fort DeSoto but it is far from deserted, especially on the weekends. This is a popular hangout spot for locals and visitors alike so don’t expect to come here and have miles of beach to yourself.
Here is everything you need to know about visiting Egmont Key so that you have a wonderful trip.
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History of Egmont Key
The island was first utilized in 1848 when a lighthouse was built to help guide ships safely into Tampa Bay. It was the only light house between Key West down south and St. Marks up north on the panhandle. Which is crazy, that is a huge distance apart. Later after sustaining damage from a few storms and hurricanes the lighthouse was rebuilt stronger than ever (FSP).
In the 1850’s the island served a much worse purpose as a camp for captured Seminole Indians. Then later still it was occupied by the Union Navy during the civil war (FSP).
Most of what you will see remaining on the island is actually from the late 1890’s-1920’s during the Spanish-American War. During this time Fort Dade was built as well as a town occupied by over 300 people. They had everything they could need from a movie theater, electricity from a power plant, and even a bowling alley (FSP). Not such a bad place to live at all, and you could probably hear the waves at night from just about anywhere.
Getting to Egmont Key State Park
The two ways to get to Egmont Key State Park are either a ferry or a private boat. There are no roads, no trains, no buses or alternate modes of transport. Just boats. Which my toddler LOVED so hopefully your kiddos will too.
Boating to Egmont Key
When we planned our day trip to Egmont Key we thought we were visiting a remote, rarely visited island. What we came to find out was that this is a popular destination not just for ferry riders but also for people that own or rent boats going out for the day.
You and your crew can rent a boat anywhere in Tampa Bay and visit Egmont Key yourself. This means no time limits, no crowds, and a whole fun day on the water.
Getting to Egmont Key by Ferry
The most affordable ferry option to get to Egmont Key is Hubbard’s Marina Ferry. This is the company we used and we had a great experience with them. The Hubbard’s Marina Ferry costs $40 per adult person, $20 for kids ages 3-11 and kids 0-3 are free.
There are three time slots each day at 9 AM, 11 AM and 2 PM. Everyone is asked to arrive 45-60 minutes early in order to find parking, check in and board the boat in time to leave. Each time slot takes 5 hours total. Roughly two hours are spent on the ferry which leaves 3 hours on the island.
Unfortunately 3 hours is not quite enough time to see everything on the island so you will have to pick and choose the activities that sound the best to you and your group.
When you are looking for the ferry you DO NOT enter Fort DeSoto park anymore. Enter at Hubbards Marina, you will turn in when you see a sign that says “Boat Ramp” and two giant white anchors. Once you enter the parking lot look for the colorful booth in the far right corner of the lot. That is where you check in and they will tell you where to park and give you your parking pass.
About the Egmont Key Ferry
Egmont Key is a completely deserted island, there are no restrooms, no stores, no restaurants so you will need to bring anything you’ll need for the day. If you do forget to bring anything along, the ferry most likely has what you need and is the last place to purchase it.
Two hours of your time will be spent on the ferry, enjoy it! The views are spectacular from the water and the ferry ride is a great opportunity to talk and relax. We rode with Robyn and Captain x and they were AWESOME! On hot days they come around with a mister and offer a cool spray while you ride. They share some of the history of the area, are very knowledgeable about the island and will offer tips for an enjoyable day if you just ask.
The ferry sells water and snacks on board. You can also rent snorkels, pool noodles, beach chairs, umbrellas and more if you need to.
My husband and I visited Egmont Key with my parents and our son. My son was 19 months old when we visited Egmont Key and he loved playing with the sprayer and the captain even let him sit in the captain’s chair and hold the steering wheel for a little while. We all enjoyed the ferry ride a lot.
What to Do at Egmont Key State Park
Beach
There are beaches on the east and west sides of the island. The best beaches though are on the west side. The sand is nice and there are so many seashells. Do keep in mind that this is where most people who visit by private boat anchor their ships. The boats create quite a bit of waves and there is a strong current so be careful of your belongings as well as young kids.
Ghost Town
In the early 1900’s around 300 people lived here on Egmont Key. There was a proper town with homes and businesses alike. The town was eventually deserted and then burned to the ground during a fire that was meant to smoke out the rum-runners hiding on the island during prohibition. The ghost town that stands now is nothing more than roads and building foundations. However there are signs marking what each building is and this is a fun and unique spot to explore during your day trip to Egmont Key.
Ruins
The ruins of Fort Dade still stand and are open to be explored by anyone who visits the island. The large concrete structures are sturdy and if you climb to the top you can see the ocean in some areas.
Snorkeling
There are so many fish to see around Egmont Key. You can bring your own snorkeling gear to use or rent gear from the ferry. On some days of the year Hubbards Ferry also offers a snorkeling cruise and they will guide you around sunken ruins or grass beds. This does cost extra and is for confident swimmers only. It would be a great way to see more aquatic wildlife around the island.
More to Do in Tampa Bay:
- The Ultimate Guide to Beaches In and Around Tampa Bay
- 11 Restaurants in the Tampa Bay Area to Try Today
- Best Fun Things to Do in Tampa, FL
Lighthouse
The old lighthouse still stands on the island and still works too. It is estimated that the Egmont Key lighthouse is the oldest structure in all of Tampa Bay. You can walk around the lighthouse and the lightkeepers house that stand in a clearing nearby the facilities used by the park rangers and other staff on the island. There are also a few signs talking about the establishment of the island and a sign announcing you are at Egmont Key State Park. This is a great place to take a picture.
Look for Wildlife
Much of the island is reserved for wildlife as a wildlife preserve or a bird sanctuary. You can find all kinds of animals such as gopher tortoises, birds, dolphins, manatees and more! Just keep a close eye out as you’re walking or swimming and see what you can spot. You can also hike along many of the trails, bring some binoculars and really try to seek out some of the birds that live near the shore bird refuge on the southern side of the island. Make sure you don’t touch or disturb the wildlife on the island.
Shelling
As you walk along the beach keep an eye out for fun and unique shells that are brought to shore daily by the waves. This activity is called shelling and is a popular beach day pastime. Here you can find shells in all colors from blue to pink to gray and even fun texture shells as well.
What to Bring to Egmont Key
It is hot in Florida most of the year and this is a remote island with no amenities at all. Make sure you pack in everything you need and be prepared to pack it all out as well since there is no trash service and therefore no trash cans on Egmont Key. Here is everything I recommend bringing with you to most fully enjoy your day trip to Egmont Key.
- Lunch
- Water
- Snacks
- Beach Umbrella
- Beach Toys
- Beach Chairs
- Towels
Make sure you bring plenty of water. One water bottle per person per hour is a great rule of thumb especially on hot summer and fall days when you’ll be sweating a lot.
Shop Egmont Key Essentials:
What Not to Bring to Egmont Key
About two-thirds of Egmont Key is actually a wildlife preserve. Because of this there are several items that are prohibited no matter how to arrive at the island. So make sure you leave these items at home:
- Alcohol
- Glass of any kind such as glass containers, bottles etc.
- Pets
- Kites
- Drones
Tips for Visiting Egmont Key
I’ve said it a few times but I’ll say it again: this is a remote island. There are no restrooms, no snacks, no gift shops, no trash cans. So make sure you are prepared and that you bring everything you need. If you forget anything, the ferry or a nearby convenience store on the mainland will be your best bet.
Please follow the leave no trace principles while you visit and leave the island better than you found it. Pack out all your trash as well as any you may find on the beach or on the trails. It will greatly benefit the animals that live here and leave the island looking nice for other visitors.
It’s hot and the walk is long from the ferry to the beach or the ghost town. Dress for the weather and the walking and bring LOTS of water.
Day Trip to Egmont Key State Park
I hope you enjoy your day trip to Egmont Key, whether you visit by ferry or by private boat you are in for a day of fun in the sun. There is so much to see and explore so use your time wisely. At $40 a person this day trip is on the more expensive end so I recommend going in with a game plan so that you can make the most of it and get to everything you would like to do and see.
Let me know if you have any questions.
