The lighthouse.
Today’s Lighthouse
on Egmont Key -
automatic radio beacon flashes every 15 seconds from a 133 ft. lighthouse.
Visible 22 miles at sea.
Automated Foghorn operates during poor visibility every 30 seconds.



The Natural Beauty of Egmont Key

▪ Approximately 400 acres, 1.6 miles long, less than
  1/2 mile wide.

▪ Seagrass beds on the east beach nurture marine
  life.

▪ Southern end of the island a bird sanctuary, the
  site for twice-yearly Audubon migratory bird count.

▪ Parts of the interior designated as a wildlife refuge.

▪ Beach erosion has depleted the prime nesting area
  for sea turtles.

▪ Prolific population of the gopher tortoise.

SEAGRASS BEDS

A fertile community resides in the seagrasses on the east side of Egmont Key. At low tide, snowy egrets,

American oyster catchers and sometimes blue heron search for fish, shrimp and mollusks in the rich waters. Just off the seagrass beds are the giant sand dollar beds that we sometime visit snorkeling.

See information on Snorkeling at Egmont...


ATLANTIC BOTTLE-NOSED DOLPHIN


Florida’s most common and delightful sighting for boaters and beachcombers, the average bottle-nosed dolphin is 9 feet long and weighs about 400 pounds. They travel through the Gulf and Bays daily consuming up to 15 pounds of fish per day.

Bottle-nosed dolphin are highly intelligent and social marine mammals. They often travel in “pods”, or extended family groups. They communicate using a complex vocabulary of sounds often described as “squeaks, clicks, and whistles,” each individual having his own particular sound.

Dolphins are seem to have a natural interest in humans, and reportedly have helped to rescue humans from drowning or shark attack. A wild dolphin may live up to 50 years, in contrast to the average life-span of those in captivity of just 6 years.


GOPHER TORTOISE

You’ll see these all over Egmont Key. Despite their reputation for being slow, these turtles are surprisingly fast.

You will come upon them as you walk the paths of Egmont Key, but don’t disturb them or let the kids pick them up. The gopher tortoises live in burrows, and sometimes share their space with lizards, frogs or snakes. You might see a mound of soft sand in front of a burrow- it could contain eggs.

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.

 


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


 

In Season
Feb. 15th to Sept. 7th

Departs
10am & 11am
Returns
2pm & 3pm

Fall Season
Sept. 8th to Nov. 30th

Departs
11am
Returns
3pm
 
 

Closed Winter

 Dec. 1st to Feb. 14th
 


 

Driving Directions

Ferry to Egmont Beach: $15

Optional Snorkeling Tour
$5 Snorkeling gear rental on beach

 plus $10 ferry to Sunken Ruins: =

 $30 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

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.

 

 

YEAR

Egmont Key
Time Line
1579 The area visited by Spanish explorers
1757 Explorer Celi surveyed the island, erected a wooden cross and named it “Isla de San Blas y Barreda”
1759 Bernard Romans charted the island, calling it Castor Key after a local pirate
1763-1783 Britain obtained control of Florida, their surveyors renamed the island Egmont Key for the Earl of Egmont
1821 Florida was ceded to the US from Spain 1848 The first lighthouse was completed, then destroyed by a hurricane the same year
1858 The existing lighthouse was reconstructed to withstand any storm, fitted with a Fresnel lens and Argard kerosene lamp Late 1850’s Seminole Indians held on Egmont Key before being transported to Oklahoma
1861 Union Navy used Egmont Key as a blockade, (the Confederates took the Fresnel lens from the lighthouse before they evacuated), a cemetery was established for war casualties
1898-1910 With the threat of the Spanish-American war, construction on two forts was begun, Fort Dade on Egmont Key, and Fort Desoto on Mullet Key. Egmont Key used as a quarantine station for soldiers returning from Cuba, in order to contain smallpox. In 1906, Fort Dade was a small city of 300, with electricity, telephones, movie theater, hospital, school, and red brick streets.
1926 The Tampa Bay Pilots Association began operations to pilot vessels through the main channel to the Tampa docks
1940’s WWII- the island used by the military for surveillance
1974 Egmont Key designated as a National Wildlife Refuge
1989 The Florida Park Service, with the US Fish & Wildlife Service, established Egmont Key as a State Park

Egmont Key and 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.

Attention: Read this before boarding.

VISITOR’S ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF RISK - I/we, recognize that there is an element of risk in any outdoor adventure, sport or activity. Knowing this, I certify that I and my family are fully capable of participating in the activities provided in association with Tampa Bay Ferry. I/we, have read and understand the risks and hazards associated with boating, beachcombing, snorkeling, swimming, and hiking on area beaches and islands. These include, but are not limited to, the effects of, and or any resulting injury as a result of: SUN and OTHER WEATHER CONDITIONS, SEA SICKNESS, PITCHING, ROLLING, SEASPRAY, SLIPPERY DECKS AND DOCKS, UNEVEN WALKWAYS, MARINE LIFE AND WILDLIFE, at own risk. I/we, understand that I/we are responsible for the snorkel equipment used by me/us and do agree to pay replacement cost of the loss or damage due to my negligence. I/we, understand that I/we are responsible for our selves. This trip is for agile people without physical challenges, not for anyone who may be at risk. There are no refunds after the boat leaves the dock. Tampa Bay Ferry fleet practices seamanship commensurate with Ferry Tour boats and are maintained in accordance with Coast Guard Regulations. I/WE HAVE READ THIS RELEASE AND UNDERSTAND ITS LEGAL SIGNIFICANCE AND DO RELEASE THE OWNER, OPERATORS, AGENTS AND EMPLOYEES OF Tampa Bay Ferry FROM ANY AND ALL LIABILITY OF PERSONAL INJURIES ARISING AS A RESULT OF SAID FERRY TOUR OR ACTIVITIES.


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