Egmont Key & Fort Desoto Regulations

No alcohol is permitted in state and county parks.
 
Interior sand is extremely hot. Bring water. Wear shoes while hiking, take caution on uneven walkways.

Do not handle turtles! Watch, take pictures, and let them go their way.

Take nothing but photographs, leave nothing but footprints.

No littering. All trash must be taken back on the ferry boat and disposed of properly.

Follow maps, roads and paths.

When hiking and exploring around the ruins of Fort Dade, do not damage structures or remove artifacts.

Beach and Swimming Cautions

This trip is for agile people without physical challenges, not for anyone who may be at risk.

If you expect to snorkel, good swimming skills are required. You will encounter deep water,
mild to strong currents and other natural water conditions.

Flotation devices are available, also instruction on snorkeling.

Wear SUNSCREEN.

No lifeguards on duty.

Do the “stingray shuffle” while wading.

No climbing on the rocky ruins off Fort Dade.
 

Ferry from Fort De Soto to Egmont Key $20

Daily Egmont Key Ferry from Fort DeSoto County Park
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

Private Charters Available for any Occasion ▪ 727.867.6569

“Interested in knowing more about Egmont Key
- read http://www.egmontkey.info

Fort DeSoto Ferry to Shell Key Preserve

2013  Schedule

Helpful Cruise Hints...

• SUNSCREEN for our Florida-intense sun!
• Hats advisable.
• Carry a drink when hiking on the island,
    and watch the time.
• Be back to the ferry boat a few minutes before boarding time.
• Proper footwear recommended for wading & hiking.
• Bring cash for the snack bar for drinks and snacks.
• Make the beautiful sights memorable...bring a camera and binoculars.
• Clothing required on ferry boat and on the island.
• Reference books available aboard on sea life, wildlife, and history.

We’re here all year! Please call for departure times. Reservations are suggested. A minimum number of fares required on all tours. Schedule, Prices and fuel charges subject to change without notice.

 

Information and reservations (727) 398-6577

Ferry Boat Cautions and Rules

▪ When embarking and debarking the gangway of the ferry boat...TAKE CAUTION !

▪ Hold the handrails and watch your
 step.

▪ When beaching or docking boat,
  be seated and keep your hands
  and arms inside of the boat.

▪ Keep your feet on the gray deck, not on benches or boxes.

▪ Always keep one hand free for holding on.

▪ Take caution on uneven walkways.

▪ No flip flops on the boat. Wear sandals with backs, water shoes or sneakers.

▪ Children must be supervised.

▪ You are responsible for making your connection to return home.

▪ If you miss the boat, contact park ranger for taxi at your expense.

Information and reservations (727) 398-6577

Optional Snorkeling Tour

$5 Snorkeling gear rental on beach plus
$15 ferry to Sunken Ruins:
= $40 total

 

FIRST COME... FIRST SERVE
Please Pay on the Ferry with Cash, Travelers checks, or Credit Card

Information ▪ 727.867.6569

▪ tour ruins
▪ see wildlife,
▪ beach and swim

Includes all the free shells you can carry! A short ferry ride from Ft. DeSoto is the Shell Key Preserve, a natural and uninhabited barrier island. Landing on the south end of the island is a unique trip for this area.

White sand, warm waters are just the fix for sunbathing, swimming, superb shelling, bird and dolphin watching or just loafing around. Over night camping is allowed with a no cost permit. Shell Key is comparable to Sanibel and Captiva.

A family run ferry in this area since1928, chosen by the county in 2002 to be the ONLY official ferry service to and from Egmont Key & Shell Key Preserve.

You begin and end your adventure at the historic Fort De Soto Park, a military outpost constructed during the Spanish American War, listed in the “National Register of Historic Places”.

Explore the fort still equipped with 12-inch rifled mortars and two British breech-loading 6-inch Armstrong rapid-fire guns. The park has been rated the Number One Beach in the entire United States.

Pinellas Counties largest Park includes 1,136 acres made up of five interconnected islands.

Travel to an uninhabited barrier island with white sand, warm water, and shelling galore is yours for the day. This trip is one of a kind
and unique to this area.

See our photo gallery

Have a group of 10 or more?

Click here to view our group rate discounts.

Group rates quoted are for regularly scheduled daily cruises. Open to the general public. All Cruises are subject to availability, weather and minimum number of fares. Gratuity of 15% suggested on groups of 10 or more.