However, youll be asked to arrive 45 minutes prior to your departure time in order to get through the parks entry gate ($5 per car), park by Bay Pier, and check in. We saw kids quite thrilled to explore this space. Hubbard's Marina | Deep Sea Fishing | Dolphin Watching Tours | John's Pass Madeira Beach FL, Duration: 5 hours total | 3 hours island time | 60 mins to and from dock. Egmont Key Ferry | St. Pete Beach Today [2] Egmont Key is located in Hillsborough County Florida on a narrow strip of the county that extends along the Tampa Port Shipping Channel. Today, pathways take you past the three batteries, which you are free to wander and explore. Egmont Key Lighthouse: Welcoming Beacon on a Wilderness Island Its worth several hours of exploration. Keep in mind that the boat ramp and the island are not wheelchair accessible. At its heyday, Fort Dade had 300 residents, red brick roads, electricity, telephones, a hospital, jail, a movie theater, bowling alley and tennis courts. Learn how your comment data is processed. The ferry picks up and drops off at the Fort DeSoto Bay Pier, which means you have to enter Fort DeSoto Park and pay the park entrance fee of $5 to access the pier. Insider's Guide to Egmont Key State Park: Taking the ferry, the beach Theyre everywhere and when you meet them on the brick roads, they stand their ground. Improve this listing Still, we enjoyed our first stop. I could feel the excitement and anticipation of everyone on board. After the storm had passed, the keeper rowed to Fort Brooke and tendered his resignation. Home \ Places To Go \ Central West \ Egmont Key Egmont Key As a refuge for wildlife, the Tampa Bay island known as Egmont Key is home to gopher tortoises and myriad seabirds. PDF Egmont Key, Tampa Bay Real Florida Guide - Florida State Parks This fee is to enter the county park and is not something we have control over. On our last night we decided to have dinner here. *By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: Hubbards Marina 170 Boardwalk Pl. The ferry ride over from Fort Desoto Park reminded me of going on an excursion when on a cruise vacation. Land Experiences. 032 W 82 45. Cross Bay Ferry Great article, I found that the prices for the FERRY changed as of January 2022 as follows: Adults(and children 12 and above) $40, children 3-11 $20, infants 2 or less FREE. You must arrive by boat and, no, you cant camp overnight. I am already trying to figure out when we can do it all again. Strategically located at the mouth of Tampa Bay, this island refuge was once the site of the United States Army's Fort Dade, and abundant reminders of this unique military past can be found scattered throughout the island today. Tampa Bay Ferry. Egmont Key State Park - Seas The Day Florida 170 Johns Pass Boardwalk, Madeira Beach, FL 33708, Copyright 1928 2023 |Hubbards Marina. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. I just jumped off the boat and bamgone! There are no refuge or state park fees for visiting the island (this is excluding ferry tickets or boat rental fees). The ferry rents beach umbrellas and snorkel masks. (Remember: Never take a shell that still has a live animal inside.). Be safe. But be prepared, because while plenty of people may be on the island, Egmont Key is remote. We saw dolphins jumping in the wake playing. We loved our day on Egmont Key, but it wasnt what we expected. Explore the fort that is still equipped with 12-inch rifled . The island is situated between Fort de Soto and Anna Maria Island. Egmont is accessible by private boat or local ferry from Hubbard's Marina at Fort De Soto Park. Egmont Key is open 365 days a year from 8am until sunset. The plane had been originally built as a F.VIIIb/3m for Colonial Air Transport. 1 of the 5 occupants, Norman Ageton, died. As a Florida native I absolutely loved the fried fish and grits. Suggest edits to improve what we show. Five or More Dolphins Swim Along Side Us Near Shell Key island. Come aboard the 60-foot passenger boat and relax in comfort with: Come aboard The Pelican, and enjoy the ride as much as the destination. Not surprisingly, great seafood abounds in the nearby seaside communities. Adult beverages are permitted. 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. Egmont Key is about 1.6 miles from Fort De Soto Park at the bottom of St. Pete Beach, and it's also about 1.6 miles long. Explore the beautiful beaches and keys around Tampa Bay. The Tampa Bay Ferry operated by Hubbards Marina leaves from Fort De Soto Park, south of St. Petersburg and St. Pete Beach. Their articles have been published in the Sun Sentinel, the Miami Herald, the Orlando Sentinel, The Guardian and Visit Florida. My family and I were booked wrong by Hubbars Marina accidently and did not get to go on the Shelling trip to Egmont as planned but they tried to make it right and gave us a free boat ride over there. Our ferry boat operates from theFort De Soto Boat Rampdaily in the spring and summer and nearly every day in the fall and winter (check the schedule for exact times and days of availability). We told her she earned her tip right there and to go away if she was going to be rude. Explore Egmont Key! Egmont Key NWR was established in 1974 and includes the entire island. All rights reserved. Wander the islands nature trails and deserted brick roads and check out historic Fort Dade, which was built during the Spanish-American War. We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. The new offering is a ferry providing service from the St. Pete Pier on a larger boat with bathooms called the Pelican. The standard view does overlook the parking lot and street, but it also offers views ofNeal Preserve, a lovely nature preserve right across the street from the hotel. Some have been moved to Fort De Soto, the park from which the ferry leaves. GDPR FAQ | Privacy Policy. Numerous private charters from other companies depart from various points on Anna Maria Island. More information and reservations are here. And while the beach is beautiful, it really isnt any nicer than the beaches of Anna Maria Island to the south or Pass-a-Grille to the north, and it is far from deserted. Visiting Egmont Key is a fun excursion to tack onto a local staycation. Call 727-393-1947 for the latest information. Sharks teeth everywhere along Egmont key and Shell key, especially behind the storms! Explore Florida's beaches and backwaters, islands and prairies, campgrounds, trails and historic sites. Egmont key was surveyed by Spanish explorers in 1757. On the 30-minute ride to Egmont Key, the boat captain will relay insightful and fun facts about the area. Snorkeling is dependent upon water clarity, strong winds/currents, or predators/jelly fish. Fort De Soto Park, 3500 Pinellas Bayway S, Tierra Verde, FL 33715. NO boat landing or foot traffic is permitted anywhere on the southern half of Egmont Key. Since the island is only accessible by boat, and since becoming a Florida State Park and National Nature Preserve in 1974, the island has become home to plenty of local wildlife and migratory birds. Hubbard's Marina runs a daily ferry service from the Fort De Soto boat ramp. Climbing the stairs to the top provides nice views over the sand dunes to see the many shades of blue in Tampa Bay. Egmont Key is also home to a large population of native gopher tortoises! TOURISM SPOT New boat tour offers trips from St. Pete Pier to Egmont Key By Josh Rojas Tampa UPDATED 7:07 PM ET Jul. A few boats had music playing, and suddenly our secluded island felt more like a hangout spot. Consider visiting the Morean Art Center and its Chihuly Collection; Florida CraftArt (formerly the Florida Craftsmen gallery), the Dr. Carter G. Woodson African-American History Museum, and explore the many additional independent galleries. If you go, you may share the beach with pelicans, terns, egrets and other shore birds. Think of it as your ticket to island paradise as you hop aboard the scenic ferry ride to Egmont Key, a secluded island at the mouth of Tampa Bay thats home to pristine beaches, a wildlife preserve, historic fort, working lighthouse and lots of wildlife. Egmont Key State Park | Florida State Parks Rather than beckoning you to spend all your time at a sprawling resort, the Compass Hotel serves as a splendid jumping off point to go explore. We loved starting our days with breakfast here, which featured plenty of hot selections like eggs, potatoes, bacon, and sausage, as well as yogurt, fruit, and cereal. There are picnic tables in a grove of trees not far from where the ferry lands. In the heart of Florida's Tampa Bay is the picturesque Egmont Key, with its beautiful emerald-green waters, sugary white sand beaches, and . It has an outdoor bar that overlooks the hotel pool and the water. The Egmont Key Ferry transports visitors from Fort DeSoto Park, the most southern point of Pinellas County, to Egmont Key State Park. Egmont Key State Park (Florida) - What to Know BEFORE You Go - Tripadvisor Egmont Key National Wildlife Refuge and State Park is a National Wildlife Refuge and State Park located on the island of Egmont Key, at the mouth of Tampa Bay. The weather was a little cool for Florida standards which seemed to keep a lot of people away. But people can walk right up beside it to observe. According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Egmont Key State Park: Egmont Key Snorkeling Dolphin Tour (From 76.37) 4-Hour St. Pete Pier to Egmont Key Experience by Ferry (From 53.60) Dolphin and Shelling Tours Snorkeling Tours Private Charters (From 44.22) Allens Aquatic Adventures (From 281.38) E. Madeira Beach FL 33708. As a refuge for visitors, Egmont Key State Park is a state park rich in history. Hubbard's Ferry (previously Tampa Bay Ferry), family-owned and operated since 1928, is the official ferry service to and from Egmont Key and Shell Key. This is actually a relaxing island to hang out at and just sit on the beach.There is an Alliance group that is attempting to raise money to restore some of the island. Not really much to do on the Island. All rights reserved. Egmont Key Experience the pristine island paradise of Egmont Key. Built in 1858 and still operating to this day, it is the longest-running lighthouse still in operation in the state of Florida. This pristine island has. Re-publication without written permission is against the law. For years, downtown St. Petersburgs best-known galleries were the Dali Museum and the Museum of Fine Arts, and both of these thriving institutions have expanded in recent years. Once on the island, Egmont Key offers great shelling, swimming, and opportunities for adventures. Visitors can also tour the fort ruins and gun batteries. We booked a standard view, which we would do again rather than spend more money on the marina view. Sail Away to Egmont Key State Park for the Day - Tampa Bay Date Night Guide The cost is $40 per person ages 12 and up ($20 for kids ages 3 -11). Capacity: 49 passengers, Groups larger than 4 require 1 form of payment. Copyright 2023 Friends of the Tampa Bay National Wildlife Refuges - All Rights Reserved. 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". When we disembarked the ferry, the bulk of the crowd headed up the main walkway that bisects the island, ultimately walking less than ten minutes to the other side of the island. Egmont Key was beautiful, and the water was nice and clear., Amazing experience. This is a multi-purpose trail for hikers, bikers and roller skaters. In fact, on a clear day you can see Egmont Key from the Anna Maria Island area. We chose the 11:00 a.m. time slot and arrived around 10:15 a.m. on a Sunday. If you like visiting crumbling old forts or ghost towns in a jungle, as I do, then Egmont Key makes a splendid adventure. The trip fantastic. Thank you for also mentioning what you cannot bring to the island including pets, alcohol, drones, and kites. Egmont Key is about 1.6 miles from Fort De Soto Park at the bottom of St. Pete Beach, and its also about 1.6 miles long. Just a quick boat ride from either side in generally calm waters, it is a must do destination. Our Company. $59.00 FOR CHILDREN 3-12. You will want to keep a close eye on children and keep them on the path. | All rights reserved. This trip starts with an hour-long boat ride past the St. Petersburg skyline and under the Sunshine Skyway. 217 were here. Its a very, very special place and its got a tremendous amount of history, starting with the lighthouse, he added. St. Petersburg arts & brew walk: Explore brewpubs and galleries with this detailed guide. Beach with dead palm trees on west side of island. 3500 Pinellas Bayway S Saint Petersburg FL 33715 (727) 398-6577. Conchs, whelks and other shells can be collected, although the shelling varies according to tides and recent weather. FYI: There are no facilities for snacks, drinks, or beach equipment rental on the island. and last updated 6:07 AM, Apr 29, 2022 PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. Accessible only by private boat or ferry, Egmont Key is one of the most secluded state parks in Florida. Our king bed room gave us plenty of space and comfort. His family came over by boat with friends, and they were all cooking lunch on a small grill set in the sand -- kind of an island tailgate. The island is largely uninhabited except for park rangers and the Tampa Bay ship's pilots. It is a designated State Park. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data. A visitor center, staffed by volunteers, is located in the guardhouse and is open on special occasions. In fact, snorkelers love to explore old fortifications which are now submerged, because the island has eroded over decades. SEE SCHEDULE. Much of the bayside waterfront and the southern half of the island is off-limits as part of the bird habitat of Egmont Key National Wildlife Refuge. Egmont Key is also home to historic Fort Dade, built in 1898 and served during the Spanish American War. On the Friday after Thanksgiving, we had booked the 11 a.m. ferry from Fort DeSoto to Egmont Key. Laney started again and again in front of everyone. From spring to fall, Egmont Key is a popular place for snorkeling. Walking further, you come to the red brick roads through the ghost town of the community built around the fort. My husband and son enjoyed exploring the ruins. Snorkeling Option: Snorkeling is sold separately on the day of your trip, and not always guaranteed. We walked through some seagrape tree canopies and saw multiple gopher turtles, which are a protected species. It sits on a wilderness island in the mouth of Tampa Bay, a beach-lined paradise that is only half an hour by private boat or ferry from the mainland. More information and reservations are here. Tampa Bay Ferry - Official MapQuest [11] On August 15th that year, a Fokker/Atlantic F.VIIIb/3m that was turned into a "C-2 Tri-motor", General Machado (NC55 or 53[12]), was operating a Pan Am flight from Havana to Key West, when it became lost and ditched off of the island after running out of fuel. Most importantly, bring a small bag for trash as there are no trash cans, and this is a wildlife refuge. At best the day was an average experience. Learn more in ourCookie Noticeand ourPrivacy Policy. Depending on the weather and currents, theres a snorkeling option available on the day of the trip. This trip departs from the Ft Desoto Boat Ramp. Hubbards Ferry (previously Tampa Bay Ferry) is family owned and operated since 1928. $69.00 FOR ADULTS 13 & UP. The shelling is only average and unless you are a real history buff the old ruins aren't much to see. After exploring, we followed the pathway that runs along the ruins. 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. For a trip to Egmont Key that also includes a dolphin sighting experience, the Dolphin Snorkeling Cruise leaves daily from the city marina in Gulfport. When checking in for the ferry, a staff member will also review a map of Egmont Key with you. No alcoholic beverages, glass, kites, drones, fireworks, hunting, or pets of any kind are permitted on the island due to the island being a National Wildlife Refuge. While the Fort De Soto Park Bay Pier is under construction, the ferry departs from the Fort De Soto Park boat ramp multiple times a day, depending on the season and the days weather. I am a big Jimmy Buffett fan so the chance to stay at a more affordable Margaritaville brand hotel appealed to me. Explore the fort that is still equipped with 12-inch rifled mortars and two British breech-loading 6-inch Armstrong rapid-fire guns. We make a living on tips only **mother-in-law still trying to get the rest of the money out of her case and told her I am getting it so hold on please. The ferry boat ride from Fort DeSoto is only about 20 minutes, but it is a pleasure, with views of sailboats, the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, the lighthouse on Egmont Key and the skyline of St. Petersburg. As an Orlandoan myself, I am often envious of the sheer amount of pristine beaches and islands available to those in the Tampa area. It is these ruins of Fort Dade that you now are allowed to wander. This page may include affiliate links from which we earn modest commissions. Its a popular destination for people arriving both by ferry and private boat, so it isnt empty. Activities include sunbathing, swimming, shelling (shell collecting - collecting of live shells is prohibited), boating, picnicking, snorkeling, and wildlife viewing within designated areas. Here's 2020 data, for bird nesting: Anywhere from 25,000-48,000 pairs of birds have nested on Egmont Key in the past 10 years. Although it never saw any battles it was occupied as a military reservation protecting the inlet of Tampa Bay until 1923. Confirm details when planning visits. It's best to book in advance. Video byChris Zuppa and Willie J. Allen Jr. for VISIT FLORIDA. In fact, a portion of the island has been set aside as a national wildlife refuge. Egmont Key is a Florida State Park and a barrier island separating Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. more, This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. There are now two options for taking a ferry to Egmont Key: The original, a ferry from Fort DeSoto Park takes 20 minutes and allows a three-hour visit. We ended our time on Egmont Key by checking out the lighthouse. Few snorkeled on our late November visit, when Gulf waters were a chilly 68 degrees. Heres more about the Pelican tour to Egmont Key. However, the main reason we went was shelling. This ferry is the most affordable option I found when researching our trip. Categories Tampa Bay, Beaches in Florida, Historic Florida. (Well, one is falling into the Gulf.) Egmont Key is within the jurisdiction of the city of St Petersburg. Egmont Key - At the Entrance to Tampa Bay - Luxury boat rentals for Yes, experienced paddlers with the right kind of kayak in the right weather and knowledge of tides and currents do make the trip. So come prepared with your own food, drinks, and beach equipment. Friends of the Tampa Bay National Wildlife Refuges, Visitors to Egmont Key can view the abundant wildlife, walk the roads of the abandoned town, explore the ruins of the gun batteries and visit the Guardhouse, Interested in visiting Egmont Key? The island has lost nearly 50 percent of it's land mass to coastal erosion and rising sea levels. Egmont Key is managed by the U.S. Bring bug spray. 623, This page was last edited on 11 June 2023, at 15:39. Egmont Key Ferry from Fort Desoto Park | Hubbard's Marina Egmont Key National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1974 and protects a diverse community of animals and plants, many of which are either threatened or endangered, including nesting sea turtles, gopher tortoises, over 40,000 pairs of nesting birds, and other spectacular wildlife. Being the family that likes to chart our own path, we headed to the right. But we enjoyed taking photos and reading the historical plaques. Egmont Key National Wildlife Refuge | U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service However, you'll be asked to arrive 45 minutes prior to your departure time in order to get through the park's entry gate ($5 per car), park by Bay Pier, and check in. Visitors are asked to be mindful of staked out sea turtle nests on the beach - please do not disturb the nests! We found shade in the trees that line the beach and spread our beach towel on the sand, enjoying the picturesque scene of waves and ruins. We often spot sea birds on the ride to and from Egmont Key Island aboard the Hubbards Ferry, our big blue boat. [9] The lighthouse keeper reportedly rode out the storm in a rowboat tied to a palmetto. Egmont Key State Park is one big tropical island playground Silent gun batteries testify to a time when mighty battleships reigned supreme on the worlds oceans, and a brick carriage road meanders across the island recalling the days when mules and horses carried military personnel and their dependents on sunny picnics to the beaches. Take a 60-minute ride to the 1.6-mile island and enjoy two hours surrounded by crystal clear water, seashells, and white sand.
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