Egmont Key Ferry, dolphin watch, Historic Fort Dade, Weddings and burials at sea Florida

	Egmont Key is accessible only by boat. You may come from Fort Desoto or take the Egmont Key Ferry, or Tropical-Island-Getaway, but however you come to Egmont Key, you will surely have a nice time. People who visit Egmont Key comment that they saw wild life such as pelicans, cormorants, seabirds, hummingbirds, sea turtles, box turtles, gopher tortoises, palm trees, beach grasses, Fort Dade, a National Historic Site. Egmont Key is an abandoned military installation and undeveloped Florida, accessible only by boat or Egmont Key Ferry. Unspoiled Egmont Key has beautiful beaches, silky white sands, privacy, and a nice combination of nature and history.








	On Egmont Key there are no gift shops, no concession stands so you should bring the following:
	Sun block, insect repellent, sunglasses, a hat, beach wear, a towel or beach chairs, your snorkel equipment
	if conditions are right for snorkeling, a bag for shells collected, a picnic lunch and drinks.
	Be aware though, that alcoholic drinks must be in an unmarked cup or container, the park rangers do not allow bottles of beer, etc. on the island but it is ok if you are discreet.

	Note: when you take the Tropical-Island-Getaway tour, the boat stays there at Egmont Key, it doesn't just drop you off. On the boat are restrooms, coolers and shade for your convenience and comfort.

	Egmont Key has history dating to the Civil War and the Third Seminole Indian War, before it became a
	strategic venture in the Spanish American War of 1898. Fort Dade is on Egmont Key, and at one time
	had electricity, telephones, a movie theater and several buildings.

	Egmont Key is actually a State Park. Located in Tampa Bay it is directly Southwest of Fort Desoto Park.
	You can only get there by boat. The famous Egmont Key Lighthouse and the ruins of Fort Dade are located there in the Park. Tropical-Island-Getaway also known as the Egmont Key Ferry, makes a stop at some ruins where you can snorkel, relax on the boat, or float around on a raft in the water.

	Egmont Key State Park is also home to the Egmont Key National Wildlife Refuge, established in 1974.
	Egmont Key State Park is one of the three Tampa Bay Refuges and administered as part of the
	Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge Complex. Egmont Key island was added to the U.S. National
	Register of Historic Places on Dec. 11, 1978.

	Hours: Egmont Key Park is open from 8:00 AM until sundown year round.
	Hours of Tropical-Island-Getaway tours: 12 Noon - 5 PM call for reservations 727-345-4500

	Recreational Activities: Swimming, shell collecting, dolphin watching, wildlife watching, photography,
	snorkeling, enjoying the beach, sunbathing, visiting the Historic Fort Dade, walking, nature trails, visiting the famous Lighthouse, and picnics (picnic tables are available).

	Size of Egmont Key: 400 acres, 1.6 miles long, and less than 1/2 mile wide.

	Egmont Key Lighthouse: Automatic radio beacon flashes every 15 seconds from the 133 foot high lighthouse. The Egmont Key Lighthouse is visible from 22 miles at sea. A Lighthouse foghorn operates every 30 seconds during times of poor visibility. Another photo opportunity.

	Egmont Key Seagrass Beds: At low tide we see Egrets, Blue Herons and other seabirds.
	Visitors also love to snorkel and find the sand dollars just off shore. That is one of the favorite past-times
	of visitors taking the Tropical-Island-Getaway boat trip. Also dolphins play behind the boats
	on the trip to and from Egmont Key Island (State Park and wildlife refuge).

Egmont Key		Services at sea
Private parties		Charter boat captains
Burials at sea		Weddings at sea
Tampa Bay Sights	Egmont Key Information	Lighthouse
Famous Fort Dade		Wildlife Refuge
Eco Tours		Read more about the History of Egmont Key

Egmont Key Charter Boat Trip Facts