We have a minimum of 3 skis per tour and can accommodate up to 5 skis per tour. I will definitely recommend this to family and friends!! Snorkeling Egmont Key is a one of a kind experience. He explained everything about what to expect as we traveled to Egmont Key. After touring the historic sites and trails, visitors can enjoy swimming, wildlife viewing, and picnicking. We had strong wind and cruised around at a steady 7 knots. Egmont Key: 5 things I love about this wild island The Egmont Key Ferry transports visitors from Fort DeSoto Park, the most southern point of Pinellas County, to Egmont Key State Park. Flip Flops Sailing (Holmes Beach) - What to Know BEFORE You Go It is one of the three Tampa Bay Refuges and is administered as a part of the Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge Complex. - rscgrad. As a customer, you do not pay any more or less because of an affiliated link. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Captain Kit explains where the life jackets, bathroom and cooler of water was before we set out on our journey. Rented a pontoon for the family and spent the day in the bay. Snorkeling Anna Maria Island is a one of a kind experience. Great way to spend an evening on Anna Maria Island, Thank you so much for your kind words. Follow up the swim with a photo-op and a relaxing ride back to Anna Maria. Finally, in 1898, Fort Dade was constructed as a safeguard for Tampa Bay during the Spanish-American War. Visiting Egmont Key is a fun excursion to tack onto a local staycation. Get a Weekly List of the Tampa Bay Areas Hottest Date Spots by Email or Text! It has an outdoor bar that overlooks the hotel pool and the water. Including Wild & Beautiful Bottlenose Dolphins. 5325 Marina Dr, Holmes Beach, FL 34217, USA Egmont Key is an island at the mouth of Tampa Bay, accessible only by boat. Time to head back to port! It was a magical tour and my children and I had a wonderful adult night out! Copyright H20 Water Sportz. We particularly enjoyed the trip out to Egmont Key. Below are links to all the things you need to be ready for a relaxing day in the sun! They are really good about customizing your trip to your interests. The Captain was very welcoming and knowledgeable. Kitesurfing has become a popular sport in St. Pete/Clearwater, and you can often see kitesurfers and their acrobatics off Egmont Key and near the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. A small percentage of the sale will go to the person who generated the link. Candidate Conservation Agreements (CCA & CCAA), Coastal Barrier Resources Act Project Consultation, Coastal Barrier Resources System Property Documentation, https://www.facebook.com/CrystalRiverComplex/, Learn more about national wildlife refuge. Our tours can be 1.5 hours long or all day. Check out our gear here! The service requires full JavaScript support in order to view this website. . Between our time at Egmont Key, the Anna Maria area, and our time at the Compass Hotel, this trip ranks up there in my list of favorites. Click here to Learn more about snorkeling! Dont Miss: How To Clean Mildew Off Vinyl Seats. We had a GREAT time with Captain Tristan! 4hr tour starts at $575. ST. PETERSBURG, FL A badly decomposed body was discovered Thursday after two people having breakfast noticed alligators dragging it through the mangroves at a St. Petersburg lake. SNORKELING | AMI Escapes Although this park is primarily a wildlife refuge, it can be a personal refuge - a place to relax and collect shells along secluded, pristine beaches. 2023 mvminnow.com | Built with by Ryan Bremner StoneHouse Graphics, Dock: Mainsail Marina 5325 Marina Drive Holmes Beach, FL 34217. Gr, We had an amazing time on this private tour! The one downside of this side of the island is that due to erosion, there is a drop off of a few inches when stepping into the water. Ferry to Egmont Key from Fort Desoto Beach in St. Petersburg, Florida, Egmont Key Ferry: Hidden treasure of Tampa Bay, A Complete Guide To Floridas Fort De Soto Park, 17 Cool & Outdoorsy Things to Do Around Tampa, Florida, Learn more about the adventures awaiting you, Does Banana Boat Aloe After Sun Lotion Expire. Egmont Key is managed by the U.S. You can snorkeling some more from the shoreline. Recommended Reading: Marine Mechanic Salary Florida, The Florida Online Park Guide is the States official page on Egmont Key and contains valuable information and special notices. One of the joys of the Tampa Bay area is close proximity to an abundance of islands and keys. The ride over lasted about 15 minutes. 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. Dont forget your camera! Click here to Learn more about wild bottlenose dolphins! Alternatively,Coastline Dolphin and Snorkeling Excursions offers three and four hour excursions to Egmont Key, also departing from Safe Harbor Marina. Special Trips Egmont Key Florida is just located at the mouth of Tampa Bay and and visible from the City Pier - Anna Maria Island 941.780.8000 Cindy(at)IslandAnnaMaria(dotted)com Acceptable ID forms include: name, address, date of birth, name of issuing organization, and a recent photo such as a drivers license or passport. But, there is no direct way to get to Egmont Key from Anna Maria Island other than a handful of private (and expensive) ferries. All tours are fully narrated, informative and fun, providing insightful information about the key and the wildlife you might spot along the way, including dolphins and rare birds. The jetski tours are both educational and fun. islandannamaria.com is using a security service for protection against online attacks. Located in Egmont Key at the mouth of Tampa Bay is Egmont Key State Park, a Florida State Park that features many recreational activities and wildlife. Our captain,Ben, was, We took the private Egmont Key tour. You may also see manatees on our trip. View dolphin & manatee, go snorkeling or shelling. Booking the ferry gives you three hours to explore the island, which is plenty of time to see it all and have time to relax. The turquoise water rocked the ferry boat ever so gently as the captain shared some information about Egmont Key. The boat is large and comfortable and being a catermeran very quick, we almost hit 8 nauts. Fort Dade was established in 1899 on Egmont Key to help protect the entrance to Tampa Bay from Spanish battleships during the Spanish American War. Currently a designated National Wildlife Refuge and Florida State Park, the island has a long and fascinating military history due to its strategic location at the mouth of Tampa Bay. Next, we will pull the boat up to the beach at Egmont Key. The ruins are a great opportunity for snorkeling. Will the Gulf of Mexico engulf our island paradise? Locally this is known as Naked Island and if you paddle close enough on a day when lots of boats are there, you will soon see exactly why. Your was the full, Our captain was really knowledgeable and friendly! We were able to see dolphins, a manatee, turtles, birds, lizards, and fish. The boat is a beautiful catamaran, very stable and it doesnt keel over like a single hull. Thank you for your support of my blog! One essential item to bring is a watch, or some other means of knowing the time. We want you to be informed and know what to expect on your adventure with us. 3. The ferry to Egmont Key runs twice each day during the regular season It returns back to Fort DeSoto at 2:00pm and 3:00pm. The Meeting location is at the water line hotel, however please do not park in their brick parking lot. 4. In 1898, as the Spanish - American War threatened, Fort Dade was built on the island and remained active until 1923. He was interactive, very go with the flow, and top notch! Plan on starting your wildlife viewing from the boatdolphin sightings are common. We pride ourselves inproviding our guests with premiumsnorkelingequipment to help maximize the underwaterexperience in Egmont Key. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. The submerged ruins of the fort provide a haven many different species of sea life. Capacity: 49 Passengers Trip Type: Family Friendly (No Smoking Allowed On Trip) Location: This trip departs from the Fort De Soto Boat Ramp. Government issued ID required for all operators. His explanation of the area and wildlife was very interesting. One of the easiest ways that anyone can support bird habitat conservation is by buying duck stamps. How To Get To Egmont Key By Boat - BoatProClub.com Come aboard the M/V Minnow and join us on our cruise to explore this beautiful historic site. Day Egmont Key Cruise See the roundtrip schedule and make a reservation here. Refreshments and snacks are available on board. After leaving the boat, we followed one of the many paths that lead to the beach area. Captained Public or Private 2 to 6 passenger day sails, sunset sails, Passage Key Adventures, Egmont Key Adventures ranging between 2 to 6 hour long excursions on a 30 foot catamaran sailboat named Flip Flops. On our last night we decided to have dinner here. It is a designated State Park. 75 Minute Parasailing Adventure above Bradenton Beach & Anna Maria Island, Parasailing Adventure in Anna Maria Island, Clear Kayak LED Night Glass Bottom Tour - Anna Maria Island, Half Day Private Fishing Trip with Site Seeing Around Anna Maria Island, Private 4 Hours Fishing Trip in Anna Maria Island, Private Transfer from Anna Maria to Orlando (MCO) Airport, Private Transfer from Anna Maria to Port Canaveral, Private Transfer from Anna Maria to Orlando-Sanford (SFB) Airport. If you were born in 1987 or earlier you are exempt from the boating license requirement. WE HAVE A 100% TRACK RECORD FOR DOLPHIN SIGHTINGS IN 2018! We offer private boating tours to local sandbars, dolphin tours, Egmont Key tours, snorkeling tours and . Used during the Spanish-American War, Fort Dade saw lots of battles and was also used during the Civil War. Book Now! Egmont Key is also cooperatively managed as a unit of the Florida Park Service as Egmont Key State Park. Fishing is only allowed in specified areas, but youll have some prime fishing spots, where you could be catching sea trout, snook, snapper, tarpon, grouper, and a number of other species. Three-hour excursions cost $75 per person and four-hour excursions cost $85. Egmont Key Snorkeling Adventure | Island Boat Adventures Egmont Key Adventures 5 115 reviews #15 of 101 Boat Tours & Water Sports in Anna Maria Island Scuba & Snorkelling Boat Tours Fishing Charters & Tours Boat Rentals Closed now 9:00 AM - 5:00 AM Write a review See all photos About Egmont Key Adventures was born to provide you with an unforgettable day on the emerald green waters of Anna Maria. Private boat tours & jet ski tours around Anna Maria Island, Egmont Key, Sarasota, Longboat Key & Bradenton. This is a multi-purpose trail for hikers, bikers and roller skaters. Bing Maps - Directions, trip planning, traffic cameras & more He even located some dolphins for us on our way out. The surrounding waters are shallow with a clean, white, sandy bottom. As a sailor, with considerable miles under my hull, I can only say that this 4-hour tour was a welcome treat, here at what is, hopefully, the end of a VERY STRESSFUL YEAR! The weather was perfect for snorkeling and then exploring the island. Quite a few boats had pulled up to this shore as well. Our goal is to provide a fun, affordable and memorable vacation experience that the whole family can enjoy.This trip is great for all ages. This is a trip that is tailor-made for the more experienced snorkeler as well as offering opportunities for beginner-level snorkelling. Hubbard's Ferry | Egmont Key Ferry | Shell Key Ferry | Ana Maria Island 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. Is Banana Boat Protective Spray Oil For Tanning, How To Remove Mold And Mildew From Vinyl Boat Seats. Click here to Learn more about egmont key daily adventures. Click here to Learn more about egmont key adventure! On a recent weekend getaway to the Compass Hotel at Anna Maria Sound, a budget-friendly Margaritaville hotel, my husband, son, and I booked the ferry to Egmont Key State Park. Check out our frequently asked questions and answers page or call us at 727-871-2628. The residents will not want you sleeping in their homes, and you will be out in the elements all night. The catamaran was very well kept, tidy, clean, maintained, and safe. No question is too small, we are always happy to answer. Captain Chad was very friendly and informative. We pride ourselves inproviding our guests with premiumsnorkelingequipment to help maximize the underwaterexperience in Egmont Key. Boat Tours on Anna Maria Island | Bay2Bay Tours Located in Egmont Key at the mouth of Tampa Bay is Egmont Key State Park, a Florida State Park that features many recreational activities and wildlife. For over 70 years, Egmont Key has been the location of a pilot station serving ship traffic into and out of the port of Tampa. Pinellas Trail: On the west side of Tampa Bay is one of the most progressive and appreciated rails-to-trails projects in all of Florida. Kayaking to Egmont Key: Have an Adventure Picnic on a Sunken Fort We enjoyed the calm waters with our little guy who is still learning to be a strong swimmer. All opinions are my own and I do use affiliate links. In the spring it is not uncommon to see large groups of randy male manatees following a beleaguered female. PLEASE ARRIVE 30 MINUTES PRIOR TO SCHEDULED DEPARTURE. Water is supplied, but bring your own food as that is no longer included. Bring plenty of sunscreen, appropriate swimwear, towels, sun hats, and a shirt to protect you from excessive sun. Built in 1858 and still operating to this day, it is the longest-running lighthouse still in operation in the state of Florida. But, there is no direct way to get to Egmont Key from Anna Maria Island other than a handful of private (and expensive) ferries. Confirmation will be received at time of booking, This experience requires good weather. Test must be completed by all operators that need a boat license prior to any reservations. Learn more about the adventures awaiting you. Scuba & Snorkelling Boat Tours. With its crystal-clear waters, miles of white sand beaches, diverse wildlife and interesting history, this National Wildlife Refuge is a true escape. 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. United States Coast Guard licensed captains will be guiding the charters taking you to Egmont Key. I learned a little late that there is a park on the north end of Anna Maria on the bay side of the island which is primarily used by locals to launch all types . Around Anna Maria Island, Tampa Bay, Sarasota Bay and to our local sandbars including Jewfish Key, Passage . Book Now Adult (13+) $ 69 Child (3-12) $ 59 Infant (2 & under) Free Enjoy Dolphin Watching, Snorkeling, Shelling, Exploring, Wildlife Sightings, and Picnicking on Egmont Key Island. We went on a private sunset sail and saw dolphins and thee most spectacular sunset you could imagine! OUR EGMONT KEY TOUR IS TRULY A REMARKABLE ADVENTURE! You will get off the boat and be guided through the island of Egmont Key. Fish and Wildlife Service. Captain Ben was great. Most people head to Egmont Key to swim, snorkel, hike, see wildlife (including dolphins, sea turtles and marine birds), and view the Egmont Key lighthouse and ruins from Fort Dade. Its so much fun our guests dont want their day to end! Underneath the waves, keep your eyes open for the wide array of marine life that inhabits the dilapidated structures that have sunk to the bottom of the sand. Our family had a great time! A. Egmont Key has superb beaches and an open and sunny environment. Capacity: 49 passengers, Groups larger than 4 require 1 form of payment. Tour dates and times available on Coastline Excursion's website. Egmont Key is a secluded island acting primarily as a wildlife refuge part of the island is inaccessible to visitors. 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. What a beautiful afternoon on the water! Anna Maria Island Boat Tours To Egmont Key. RELATED: 17 Cool & Outdoorsy Things to Do Around Tampa, Florida. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. *Boat license required for anyone born 1/1/1988 & after prior to reservation. Among the fauna are gopher tortoises, hummingbirds, and seabirds. There are picnic benches for public use at various points around the island. Highly recommend this business. Be sure to print that one. Links also do not constitute endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the U.S. You will also stand a very good chance of seeing manatees and a wide range of fish species. Awesome time! Lizardcheck gopher tortoisecheck. Egmont & Passage Keys in Florida | Paddling.com EXPERIENCE THE VIVID HISTORY AND BEAUTY OF OUR ISLAND OASIS! islandannamaria.com is using a security service for protection against online attacks. We visited the Island in 2018 and went on the boat tour to Egmont with captain Kit. When we arrived on Saturday afternoon, a live musician was performing poolside. Captain Tristan was a delight! Among the fauna are gopher tortoises, hummingbirds, and seabirds. Walk along Egmont Key's shore, where you will spot many seagulls and turtles during season. Great Experience, Sunset Cruise is the way to go! It felt secluded and special. Then, he took to an area to find sand dollars. Captain Chris and Captain Andrew are very friendly and were flexible with wher, Captain Chris was great! Located in Egmont Key at the mouth of Tampa Bay is Egmont Key State Park, a Florida State Park that features many recreational activities and wildlife. The sand was pristine and there were fellow ferry passengers having a great time. Take an adventurous ride to beautiful Egmont Key on a 46-foot, U.S. Coast Guard Certified Tour Boats ferry. They also have some beach chairs, umbrellas, and snorkel equipment available for rent. Although you can swim in the waters, and its often calm, be aware that there are no lifeguards on duty, so swimming is at your own risk. You could replicate our trip by stating in the Anna Maria Island area. The forts we will explore are left over from 100+ year's ago. Egmont Key was used in the Seminole Indian Wars and the Civil War. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 203023P3. Cast your line and try your luck in the waters around Egmont Key State Park. The Egmont Key Lighthouse and the ruins of Fort Dade, a Spanish-American War era fort, are also located in the park. Only your group will participate, Captain Chris was awesome. Some of the features of a big resort are missing, but it did not feel lacking. Dont hesitate booking a trip! My daughter and I had the best experience with Captain Kit. Highly recommend, great value. We had such a great time with Captain Chris on our snorkel tour we booke, This is the second time our family has used this company and both times have been amazing. Around 25,000 birds nest on the island every year, so you are bound to see something, even if it is the very common laughing gull. We highly recommend a private tour with him. We grabbed some craft beer and delicious smoked fish dip to kick off our arrival. AMI Escapes provides an unforgettable experience on the water. Passage Key is beautiful year round and offers some of the clearest water in the area. You can see everything from dolphins playing in the surf, to huge tankers coming and going from Port Tampa. Egmont Key is an uninhabited island situated at the mouth of Tampa Bay in Florida. Located on the south end of the island is the Egmont Key National Wildlife Refuge, which was established in 1974. We were here for Thanksgiving week and had a gorgeous day of sailing with Flip Flops. Easy ramp access to beach means its easy for everyone to enjoy access to pristine Egmont Key. We anchored off of Passage Key for a swim. During your 4-hour excursion to Egmont Key, you will learn about he history of the park, as well as get to observe the abundant wildlife. Captain Kit is very knowledgeable about sailing as well as the local area, and so welcoming. It is important to stay hydrated. Sarasota Magazine We did the morning tour which we liked because it was cooler and the water was calm. Your boat will probably skirt around this part of the island too so youll get a chance to see it even if you cant walk around. The coolest Cat On The Beach! The calmer water around Passage Key also makes for a nice break from the two distinct sections of current, Passage Key Inlet and the Southwest Channel, that you must cross on your paddle to and from Egmont Key. Island Boat Adventures is your destination for an unforgettable experience! Explore the deep blue sea and the sunken ruins of Fort Dade on a snorkeling trip to Egmont Key, near St. Petersburg. THE 10 BEST Anna Maria Island Scuba Diving & Snorkeling You may park in the large black top parking lot in front of the restaurant Eat Here, there will be signs that say Main Sail Maria Parking. We want to keep the island unspoiled so it can continue to be a treasure. Let's Go on a Snorkeling Trip to Egmont Key | Sarasota Magazine Florida Park Service monitors sea turtle nesting sites. No questions have been asked about this experience, Flip Flops Sailing, Holmes Beach: Hours, Address, Flip Flops Sailing Reviews: 5/5. The submerged ruins of the fort provide a haven many different species of sea life. He was extremely knowledgeable and we saw so many dolphins. A national wildlife refuge since the 1970s and a state park, Egmont covers 440 acres and its average elevation is just 3 feet 1 inch above the surrounding sea, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. We ended our time on Egmont Key by checking out the lighthouse. Otherwise, swim masks, fins and life vests will be provided. The first beach that we came to was quiet with only one other family in sight. - Lori H. "This trip is SO worth the money. 2902 Miriam St. S, Gulfport, FL 33711. The ferry is about 46 feet in length and has both covered and open area seating. The Hubbards Marina Ferry does have snacks like chips and cookies as well as canned soda and bottled water for sale on board the ferry. Closed now 7:00 AM - 9:00 PM Write a review See all photos About Boat Tours and Charters on Anna Maria Island. Spotted many dolphins and a rare manatee sighting. It is easy to be so absorbed in your sightseeing on the island that you lose track of time. Staff monitors bird populations and collects and records observational data. It can be visited by private boat or public ferry, making Egmont Key a favorite destination for water-borne visitors, including class groups working on school projects. The service requires full cookie support in order to view this website. This area is great for snorkeling, paddle boarding, and looking for seashells along the shallow waters off the sandbar. 4 Fun Filled Hours Of Adventure! Working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. On your adventure, you will experience the sights of many different species of wild life. 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. The Complete Guide to the Egmont Key Ferry - Eiko's Beach House Being the family that likes to chart our own path, we headed to the right. We walked through some seagrape tree canopies and saw multiple gopher turtles, which are a protected species. Most importantly, bring a small bag for trash as there are no trash cans, and this is a wildlife refuge. Book your tour online. The refuge was established in 1974 to protect the significant natural, historical, and cultural resources from the impending threats of development. Tip top experience with Flip Flop's Captain Kit. The island is kept in immaculate shape by the rangers and volunteers. Excusions | Anna Maria Island Boat Tours | AMI Escapes Please be cognizant of the time for your return trip back to Fort DeSoto. Some of the amenities include beaches, nature trails, and picnic tables. You can actually see a lot of wildlife here by kayak, however, as the large sand flat around Passage Key is a popular cruising spot for manatees, rays, dolphins, sharks, and sea turtles. Fish and Wildlife Service lands and waters managed within the Refuge System, from the purposes for which a national wildlife refuge national wildlife refuge A national wildlife refuge is typically a contiguous area of land and water managed by theU.S. Process was very easy! Learn more about national wildlife refuge to protect the islands diverse natural, cultural, and historical features. Highly recommended! Pack only what you need (food, lots of water, beach gear, sunscreen). Egmont Key NWR, located on a remote 250 acre island situated at the mouth of Tampa Bay, provides important habitat for nesting sea turtles, gopher tortoises, over 30,000 nesting pairs of birds, and other wildlife. All operators must be present for the safety orientation prior to operating any of our equipment. M/V Minnow offers excursions to Egmont Key. The beaches here are prime for shelling, but always check what you are picking up, as collecting live shells is prohibited. Egmont Key is an island at the mouth of Tampa Bay, accessible only by boat. Great day out, I recommend the XL as the extra hour means the trip is very relaxed with plenty of time to sightsee and take photos. The pathways are plentiful and well marked. Wildlife conservation is at the heart of the National Wildlife Refuge System. We soon learned the beach is nicer on the opposite side, where most of the crowd headed initially. Using conservation best practices, the Refuge System manages Service lands and waters to help ensure the survival of native wildlife species. Relaxing Private Egmont Key Charter provided by Anna Maria Island Dolphin Tours, This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Discover trails like Egmont Key from Anna Maria Island Florida, find information like trail length, elevation, difficulty, activities, and nearby businesses. The boat used does not have wheelchair access, although service animals are allowed to accompany their owners. Egmont Key has a rich natural and cultural history, including a lighthouse that has stood since 1858. The Egmont Key Lighthouse and the ruins of Fort Dade, a Spanish-American War era fort, are also located in the park. Fish and Wildlife Service for the conservation and, where appropriate, restoration of fish, wildlife and plant resources and their habitats for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans. Bring towels and a change of clothes for the boat ride back to Anna Maria Island. Egmont Key Adventures (Anna Maria Island) - All You Need to Know BEFORE