A longer, faster Sit-On-Top kayak in the 14 to 16 foot range can also be used, but keep in mind that many of the modern fishing kayaks are built with gear storage and stability as the prime objective, not speed or maneuverability. Zig & Mate Braylin made the excursion to Egmont Key (which was already awesome) even better! Wish we could build roads like that now. Please arrive 30-45 minutes prior to departure. It was abandoned in 1920, and until the late 1980s little was done to preserve This beach park has been rated the number one beach in the United States. troops who manned the island. On Egmont Key, a small lighthouse . While time and the elements are slowly reclaiming the island, there is an impressive array of standing structures to explore, and with the exception of a few hazardous areas and the wildlife refuges, you are free to roam where your curiosity takes you. Even the locals rejoice when the hard-shelled crabs show up on menus in the spring. How do you get off the boat? As mentioned above, a kayak cart will make the arduous journey of getting your kayak from you car to the water much easier. This was our first time riding the ferry to Fort Dade, and it was amazing! 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. No part of the material on these pages may be reproduced or utilized in any form without No bugs to speak of in January, But wear sun block. If you get left, it is nobody's fault but yours. My son wanted to swim out to them but it is too dangerous. This is one adventure picnic where there is safety in numbers as long as everyone has the strength, skill, and experience to be able to make the journey on their own. The cost (now) is $20 for each passenger. Or adults only? Cant wait to do it again. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 237533P5. When we reached the park we asked the ranger where the ruins were, he said you needed a boat to get to them. Make sure you have a signal device on you and you have the appropriate safety and self rescue gear for your kayak, which might include a spray skirt, paddle float, and spare paddle. I just love it there! the ferry is running just because it's a nice sunny day. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Excellent experience with Hubbards Marina Ferry, The crew was very helpful and the captain put us on a lot of fish. Please make sure you bring cash. ?..what's the cost? Above: Egmont Key lighthouse. Egmont Key is a 400-acre island at the mouth of Tampa Bay. The current can be absolutely ripping on an even moderate tidal flow, so its best to pick your day carefully and time your paddle so that you make the crossing, both coming and going, at or near slack tide. 170 Johns Pass Boardwalk, Madeira Beach, FL 33708, Copyright 1928 2023 |Hubbards Marina. Repairs were attempted, but subsequent storms only made things worse. I totally enjoyed the trip. We saw 2 tortoises! These currents can get particularly dangerous during a strong outgoing tide with an offshore wind and, in making the crossing, you need to travel across them. In addition, Fort Dade controlled the channel on the other side of Egmont Key as well. Learn more about the islands environment and heritage through wildlife and history exhibits here. Hubbard's Marina | Deep Sea Fishing | Dolphin Watching Tours | John's Pass Madeira Beach FL. However, we wanted to make sure you were aware of this fee. This was my 3rd trip to egmont key! But it was disappointing to have to drift around in the boat, right near the Key to try and find manatees. We rented a boat and stayed for several hours out here. Top ways to experience Egmont Key State Park, 4-Hour St. Pete Pier to Egmont Key Experience by Ferry, Private 5 Hour Egmont Key Eco Tour in St. Pete, Dolphin and Shelling Tours Snorkeling Tours Private Charters, 3 hour Private Excursion in Gulfport, FL Snorkel, Swim, Shelling, 6-Hour Eco Tour in St. Petersburg from Florida. We saw one gopher tortoise. You should also be able to recognize when conditions are worsening and have the judgement to turn around. The highlight was the group of manatees which swam within 20 feet of the beach for a while. You can trust the park service. This is one piece of gear I always appreciate having with me in the kayak on paddling adventures like this. *By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from:Hubbards Marina 170 Boardwalk Pl. I boarded the tampa Bay Ferry. Met great peo, The cruise was a highlight of our trip. In 1858, after the Third Seminole War, the U.S. army used Egmont Key as a prison camp for captured Seminoles waiting for transport to Arkansas. Caladesi Island or Fort DeSoto/Edgemont Key? - Tripadvisor Egmont Key State Park, Florida: "is it possible to kayak to egmont key from fort." | Check out answers, plus see 210 reviews, articles, and 351 photos of Egmont Key State Park, ranked No.1,035 on Tripadvisor among 29,408 attractions in Florida. no electric no running water no bathrooms. The ferry ride to the island is about 45-60 minutes and offers great chances to spot dolphins, sea turtles, and sometimes even manatees! Much of the bayside waterfront and the southern half of the island is off-limits as part of the bird habitat of Egmont Key National Wildlife Refuge. Ferry to Egmont Key from Fort Desoto Beach in St. Petersburg, Florida All you need is your camper ferry ticket, a camping permit from Shell Key and all your camping gear to have an epic night under the stars. So plan ahead. Do you climb off on a ladder? Captain Zip and Robin entertained us and relayed important history lessons about Egmont Key during our boat ride. According to local legend, Keeper Edwards and his family survived the storm that washed over the island by seeking refuge in a small boat tethered to a Palmetto tree near the middle of the island. This was not a good idea since the ferry departs from a pier within DeSoto State Park so it costs $5 to drive in. can you snorkel on your own once you get to Egmont Key, meaning not go through a snorkel tour company. Tilt up your outboard and go right in to the shallows. Unless you bring chairs/blankets and lots of sunscreen and water, it could be a disaster with three children. Because of erosion and the ever-changing environment of a barrier island, these impressive fortifications are now out in the water a hundred yards or so from shore and are slowly being overtaken by the sea. You can pay another $25 if you want to snorkel for 45 minutes, which we heard wasn't great. Egmont Key Ferry from Fort De Soto Park - VISIT FLORIDA kayaking. Call the Park Service 727-893-2627 and they will give you all the details. 032 W 82 45. For more information, . This is a very inexpensive way to get out to the island and you may see quite a bit of sea life on the way. Florida's state parks are committed to provid-ing equal access to all facilities and programs. Should you need assistance to enable your par-ticipation, please contact the ranger station. The currents are generally not too bad between Fort Desoto and Egmont Key, but on a strong outgoing tide, you may find yourself getting washed out to sea. Please remember to bring water, food and sunscreen when you visit. Our ferry boat operates from the Fort De Soto Boat Ramp daily. The friendly If you want to spend some time on a beautiful pristine island paradise, the ferry to Egmont Key State Park from Fort De Soto is a great choice for you and your family! There is no overnight camping at Egmont Key, but you can stay at the Fort De Soto Campground. During the Civil War, Egmont Key was occupied by the Union Navy. your Facebook account, or anywhere that someone would find this page valuable. Island Sunset and Skyway Light Show in St. Petersburg, Calypso Queen Tropical Party Buffet Cruise, Small Group 2 Hour Dolphin Cruise with Snorkeling to Shell Key, Guided Tampa Tour in a Deluxe Street Legal Golf Cart, Clear Kayak Tour of Shell Key Preserve and Tampa Bay Area, Trapped from the Future - Tampa 80s & 90s Escape Rooms, Shell Key Clear Kayak Glow in the Dark Tour, Egmont Key Ferry from Ft. DeSoto Park provided by Hubbard's Marina, This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher, Restroom on Board: while the boat is docked you'll have access to bathroom and galley for snacks. A ferry to Egmont Key from Fort De Soto transfers guests to and from this beautiful island paradise. Egmont Key Ferry | St. Pete Beach Today And then have to get back to the boat by 2:15, to drift around the water for 45 minutes, looking for manatees again, before we got back to the drop off point. Visit Website. Equestrian Trails Horseback Riding Tours, Nature & Wildlife Areas Lessons & Workshops, Nature & Wildlife Areas Horseback Riding Tours. A Pristine Paradise: Egmont Key - Visit St. Pete/Clearwater The island is completely primitive i.e. Privacy Notice: We use cookies on our website to enhance your experience. Keep in mind the many dangers including getting an arm or leg caught in the rocks and the ever present danger of head injury whenever you kayak around hard submerged structures. Park GPS coordinates: Ranger Station: N 27 36. While the ferry boat is docked, you can use the bathroom and purchase snacks, soda, and water from the galley on board. But in September of the same year it was built, it was seriously damaged by a hurricane. Captain art was amazing and made our experience well worth while! which they sometimes share with snakes. Egmont Key State Park and National Wildlife Refuge - Wikipedia We saw dolphins on the ride out there and back. The island does not have any facilities so pack for your day. protect Tampa bay at the time of the Spanish American war. This state park is full of wildlife, a historic fort from the Spanish-American war, an 1858 lighthouse, and endless sandy beaches. Ive never taken the ferry, so I cant speak to the experience personally, however just spending time on Egmont Key is worth every bit of the low price of the ferry. On nearby Egmont Key, Water was very good to swim in as well. Pick a day with light winds, but know that light winds dont always mean light waves. If it is anything close to a nice day, you will not have it to yourself. The island was lovely to explore and packed with so much history to learn about. Several times Ive paddled out to Egmont with the intention of firing up my camp stove on Battery Burchsted but ended up on the nearby beach just because of the amount of boats moored up to the ruins. Immerse yourself in the islands rich past by walking around Fort Dade, including a carriage brick road, sidewalks, gun batteries and a guardhouse. A look at the weather forecast made me think it would not go. We hail from Az. The island is situated between Fort de Soto and Anna Maria Island. Yes, people do make the trip in recreational kayaks all the time, but it is neither wise nor safe. Although our focus is getting you safely to Battery Burchsted and one of the coolest adventure picnic experiences in Florida, its worth taking out a few minutes to talk about these other points of interest. When you enter Ft. Desoto Park the main road comes to a T-intersection. For nature-lovers, you'll find that Egmont Key is a paradise for gopher tortoises. The experience w, The best fishing trip ever! I have never seen anyone use any kind of cooking equipment. Egmont Key is within the jurisdiction of the city of St Petersburg. I gave the Cappy a $5 tip after the return. FT DE SOTO FERRY TO EGMONT KEY - 32 Photos & 11 Reviews - Tours - 3500 Pinellas Bayway S, Saint Petersburg, FL - Business Hours - Phone Number - Yelp Ft De Soto Ferry to Egmont Key 11 reviews Unclaimed Tours, Boating, Beaches See 33 photos Shell Key Shuttle Fort De Soto Park Island Kayak Tours CPonies Pass-A-Grille Beach Fort Desoto Dog Beach Egmont Key is also home to a large population of endangered native gopher tortoises! Are there places on the beach to sit and rest? At the edge of the beach area, another building in ruins. The fort remained active until 1923, when it was deactivated and eventually abandoned. For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience. We boarded the ferry at 11am and got back to the same spot by 2:05 pm. We enjoyed walking along the beach and viewing the many birds, having a picnic lunch, swimming and exploring the ruins on the island. Is overnight camping permitted on Egmont Key? Alternatively, you can take a ferry to Egmont Key from the Fort Desoto side. Again, a kayak cart makes paddling life so much easier. The hardest part of the paddle from East Beach to Egmont is crossing the shipping channel. There is a $5 fee per car, Payable by Plate with multiple kiosks available to enter Fort De Soto or the Shell Key Lot. This launch area is a boater's dream. Read our. We have been to many Forts around the country, This one would rate a 7. There is not a ladder to descend or ascend the boat. There are more than 1,000golf courses, too. Plan a three day weekend (or midweek trip) and spend the middle day paddling out to Egmont Key and Battery Burchsted. Wear shoes that you dont mind getting wet, because you will be entering the ferry from the beach and exiting on the beach. Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information. The original lighthouse tower went into operation in the late spring of 1848. Park at Sand Key Park and walk to the north end of the parking lot, carefully walk over the rocks and enter the waterway. * A large jug of water if you expect to be hiking for several hours. Bring water, sunscreen and a snack at a minimum. The military base was Allswell Communities Holiday Parks - parent brand in Florida, Coastline Dolphin & Snorkeling Excursions, Canaveral National Seashore: Tickets & Tours, Deluxe Halong Bay Day Cruise Small Group with Better Care, Experience Lisbon in style with our electric talking car, Factory Adventure Tour in Chocolate Kingdom, 2-Night Bahamas Cruise from Port of Palm Beach, Luxurious Catamaran Sail to Jost Van Dyke (Soggy Dollar Bar), Teotihuacan Early Morning Tour from Mexico City, See all 9 Egmont Key State Park tours on Tripadvisor, See all Egmont Key State Park experiences on Tripadvisor, Ginny's and Jane E's Cafe and Coastal Store, View all restaurants near Egmont Key State Park on Tripadvisor. Capt. The ferry departs from the boat ramp before you enter Fort De Soto park. Go sight seeing on Egmont Key and visit historic Fort Dade, or a lighthouse built in the 1800's. Go Snorkeling and experience the what the bay holds beneath the surface. Finally, in This island is very interesting but also very primitive. In this case, retreat back to calmer water and repeat the process above picking another point even farther upcurrent. Begin and end your journey at Fort De Soto, a historic military outpost built during the Spanish-American War, listed in the National Register of Historic Places, and now Pinellas Countys largest park. The above water portion of the ruins are substantial and there is plenty of space on which to pull up a few kayaks and have a picnic lunch. Lots of big shells too! A Nature Lover's Paradise You cannot bring alcohol, glass, pets, kites, or drones to the island because it is a wildlife preserve and these items are prohibited. The ferry to Egmont Key runs twice each day (10:00am and 11:00am) during the regular season (Feb 17 - September 7.) In 1989 it became a state park. Weather and tide reports should be considered a starting point for identifying safe conditions, Use your common sense and best judgement when out on the water. Sadly, many of the historic structures on the island are slowly being claimed by the sea due to erosion and sea level rise. Got a question about Ft De Soto Ferry to Egmont Key? Part of Fort Dade, Battery Burchsted and the nearby Battery Page were defensive fortifications built on the south end of the island. Understanding ferrying techniques while paddling across currents and using multiple landmarks (following a transit) in your navigation can ensure you end up where you want to go. And most special of all were those very few times that I had Battery Burchsted all to myself. It's best to book in advance. About half of the 280-acre island is reserved for wildlife, though youre likely to see plenty in the areas where humans are welcome, too. more. into the air someplace, that's just a tortoise adding an extension to the home. there's not much available on the island. The large fort consisted of a wide array of batteries, bunkers, posts, and dining halls, and there was even a power station and narrow gauge railroad to keep it all running smoothly. The best thing to sit on while picnicking on the battery is simply a beach towel. The ferry ride to the island is about 45-60 minutes and offers great chances to spot dolphins, sea turtles, and sometimes even manatees! Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Zip made sure to halt the ride when we saw a family of dolphins, a drifting manatee, and a treading sea tortoise, and he had patience with members on board who had a difficult time locating the animals on the horizon, waiting until everyone who wanted to see rhe wildlife had gotten the opportunity. ruins that have been reclaimed by the sea. There are no shells or shark teeth. Egmont Key is not for snorkeling, shelling, or shark teeth. Egmont Key State Park (Florida) - What to Know BEFORE You Go - Tripadvisor There's no shortage of things to do in Florida. Dependent on water quality, weather, predator fish. The Tampa Bay Ferry operated by Hubbard's Marina leaves from Fort De Soto Park, south of St. Petersburg and St. Pete Beach. is it possible to kayak to egmont key from fort - Tripadvisor Snacks, soda and water available for purchase from the galley on board. Theres part of the island that are off-limits to humans but they are well marked. Funding for this project is provided by the Federal Transit Authority and the Penny for Pinellas. The Egmont Key Ferry transports visitors from Fort DeSoto Park, the most southern point of Pinellas County, to Egmont Key State Park. for gopher tortoises. 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. If its canceled due to poor weather, youll be offered a different date or a full refund, This tour/activity will have a maximum of 49 travelers, I went on the 12 extreme fishing trip on the 4th of July. I am so happy we chose Hubbard Marine for our ferry to Egmont Key! Visitors looking for fun water things to do in Florida's interior will find it at various lakes and tributaries just as good for fishing as they are for kayaking and canoeing. If it is a calm day, snorkeling around Battery Burchsted and other ruins off Egmont Key can be fantastic. Some of the island's wildlife is migratory, while other species live here year-round. Ive done a lot of paddling and kayak touring and have also done a lot of dumb things. a bowling alley. Egmont Key: 5 things I love about this wild island - Florida Rambler The Egmont Key Ferry will get you to this popular destination. Wish we couldve stayed on the island longer but we had a lot of fun in the time allotted. You can often see kitesurfers and their acrobatics off Egmont Key or near the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. The fort remained active until 1923, when it was deactivated and eventually abandoned. Not even on the boats than anchor just off the beach. One or two would be different. Unless you are used to paddling in strong tides or used to open water navigation in bigger currents, pick a day with mild tides and plan your trip so that you make each crossing (there and back) as close to the slack tide as possible. Check out this Amazing Video from some Great Locals, Skylar and JAmie from EXPLORCATION on YOUTUBE. The water was pretty and it was fun to walk around. The military base was actually bigger than Fort De Soto. Can you tell me if there are any restrooms/port-a-pottie facilities on Egmont? 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. You can also google Florida State Park Service/Egmont Key and that will take you to their site where you can communicate via email. If you are not on time, you get left. ", My wife and I took the Hubbard Marina Ferry hosted by Captain Art and his second hand, Zip. Also, depending on your route to the park there will be at least one small toll to pay. The captain and Tony were great! Captain Art took special care and gave us the thrill of approaching cautiously approaching the manatees for picture opportunities. I don't know if they are allowed on the island. The ideal place to launch from if you are paddling to Egmont Key is Fort Desoto Park. ?..and is there shade once you get there? To be clear, this is not a recommended trip for a novice paddler! The lighthouse was built in 1858. Only stop when you are at the other side. Join us on a daily ferry ride to Shell Key and enjoy a day of fun in the sun. Beyond coming in handy for launching your kayak and returning to your car at the end of the day, a kayak cart can make exploring the island a lot easier. There are plenty of shady paths to explore and photograph, too. Discover the hidden gem of Shell Key, an uninhabited barrier island with pristine white sand, warm water, and abundant shelling opportunities. Key lime pie, Cuban delicacies and even Greek food, a specialty of Tarpon Springs, are just some of the popular food choices. From the Walt Disney World and Universal complexes inOrlandoto Busch Gardens inTampa, and many more zoos and botanical gardens, there is no end of ways to entertain the family (and adults who act like kids) north to south, east to west. and experienced crew will gladly answer your questions. In and around the many ruins being reclaimed by the sea (well talk more about this below) you can see large schools of baitfish, and occasionally larger gamefish like snook, snapper, and grouper. 3500 Pinellas Bayway S. Tierra Verde, FL 33715. Recreational Sit-Inside kayaks may have the speed for this trip, but can be very unsafe in the bigger water unless you have a very good spray skirt and are very capable at self rescue. What restaurants are near Egmont Key State Park? Downtown St. Pete's newest museum showcases brillianthandcrafted art. Oceanside7LLC is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed for sites to earn advertising fees and linking to Amazon.com, Learn more about the adventures awaiting you. In the spring it is not uncommon to see large groups of randy male manatees following a beleaguered female. have a "head", and also sells drinks. written permission from the copyright owner. So happy to hear and see you had a great time on the water with us heading out to the gorgeous Egmont key island paradise for a day of exploring the historic fort or the cool working lighthouse or swimming in the gorgeous waters that surround the island paradise! Please arrive 30-45 minutes prior to departure. . I'm an early riser Saturdays, and was unsure of how to keep myself occupied all day. It was cool eating what we caught. The island used to be a substantial plot of solid earth and served as a rookery to a variety of bird life, but erosion and storms have taken their toll and the last time I was near the island it didnt appear to be much more than just a sandbar. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. My best friend and I had a girls week, what a better way to end the trip! Fort Dade can be found here along with beautiful beaches for swimming and shelling. It returns back to Fort DeSoto at 2:00pm and 3:00pm. We often spot sea birds on the ride to and from Egmont Key Island aboard the Hubbard's Ferry, our big blue boat. It's a MUST SEE! To house the many troops defending Egmont Key and Tampa Bay, a small town was constructed on the island with red brick streets connecting the many homes, barracks, storehouses, gymnasiums, and other buildings. The gulf side beach was expansive and very pretty as well as full of shells! The waters around the island have abundant sea life and while out on the water it is not uncommon to encounter dolphin, manatees, sea turtles, and rays. Its best to book in advance. A fort dating to the Spanish-American War and a fishing pier are located at the vertex of the two beaches. The 50 or so passengers we traveled with had the island mostly to ourselves the whole day since it is only accessible by boat. The Egmont Key ferry launch has been temporarily relocated to the boat ramp at the north end of the park. He made a big effort to help us sight a, Amazing trip. We took the Hubbard's Marina Ferry to Egmont Key and had a fun time. Java Burn CoffeeRevolutionizing Women's weight Loss! For more accurate up-to-date information, go to the Egmont Key Ferry official website, Would you like to retire in Florida like I did? It is a designated State Park. When even a mild wind blows against a hard current it can make for some extreme conditions in small isolated patches. Take the Egmont Key Ferry from the Bay Pier inside Fort De Soto Park to the island (as of early 2023, the Bay Pier is under construction, so ferries leave from the boat ramp, located on the right soon after you enter the park). Explore different ways to experience this place. If you own a boat or jet ski you will love it. If youve never been to Egmont Key its worth a trip. Ft De Soto Ferry to Egmont Key - Yelp Much of Battery Burchsted is still above water and is visible from quite a long way off. Fort De Soto Park - Egmont Key They helped load heavy items for us without hesitation and had fun with the kids, playing music.
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