Egmont Key State Park is located at the mouth of Tampa Bay, southwest of Fort De Soto Beach. The park GPS coordinates are: the ranger station: N 27 36. 032 W 82 45. 623, and the lighthouse: N 27 36. 047 W 82 45. 634. To get to this pristine island, use your own boat or the ferry service from Fort De Soto, located at 3500 Pinellas Bayway South, Tierra Verde, FL 33715 .
Vibe
Remote island escape with a historic fort and glorious beaches.
Nature, history, and shimmering blue-green waters take center stage at Egmont Key, accessible only by boat. Here, abundant gopher tortoises amble through the grass and nibble on flowers; families hunt for colorful shells with names like cockles, whelks and olives; and adventurers climb the ruins of Fort Dade for blockbuster views of the beach. Forget the crowds- this place is only party-central for the birds and wildlife.
See, feel
Hop on Hubbard’s Ferry for the thirty-minute ride to Egmont Key, where the water is shallow, clear, and a brilliant emerald color. The white sand beach is peppered with Megalodon Teeth and shells. Beyond, the dunes, Fort Dade and the lighthouse provide a fairytale backdrop.
The ferry only carries 40 people, so the island will be mostly empty. Consider water shoes, as in some areas there are the ruins of the fort underwater.
The water is normally calm, but tides, winds and offshore systems can occasionally cause rough conditions.
On or near the beach
Swimming and beachcombing are popular here, and birders won’t know which way to look: osprey, pelicans, ibis, hummingbirds, terns and other species call the island home.
Anglers can fish for sea trout, tarpon, snook, grouper and snapper.
Exploring the historic ruins of Fort Dade, built in 1898 and spread throughout the park – is a must do. The Fort is connected with six miles of nature trails and brick paths that remain from the days when the island was home to 300 residents.
You can even discover the Fort underwater, on a snorkeling expedition among its ruins, beloved by a vast array of sea life.
Accessibility
Due to its remote location, there are no accessible features on Egmont Key.
Facilities
At the north end of the island, you’ll find picnic tables and a shaded area—but that’s it. There’s no drinking water on the island, no stores, and no bathrooms. Remember to bring water, food, sunscreen, towels, sun-protective hats, shirts and any other gear you need.
While the ferry from Egmont Key is docked, you’ll be able to use its bathroom and buy snacks, soda and water from the galley (cash only). The ferry also rents snorkel gear.
However, due to the multiple trips that it offers, the ferry won’t always be present.
Lifeguards
There are no lifeguards on duty. Swimming is at your own risk.
Parking
Here’s information about parking and tolls from Hubbard’s Ferry.
