Egmont Key National Wildlife Refuge, FL

Egmont Key State Park and National Wildlife Refuge is a Florida state park at the mouth of Tampa Bay on the island of Egmont Key. Egmont Key is only accessible by boat or ferry and is located southwest of Fort De Soto Park.

Is it worthwhile to visit Egmont Key?

Why would you come to Florida and not want to go shelling, see a lighthouse, and see the ruins of a fort. It was a gorgeous day. We didn't come across any bugs.

Is Egmont Key accessible to the general public?

Egmont Key is only accessible by boat and has a distinct natural and cultural history, including a lighthouse that dates back to 1858. The island was used as a camp for captive Seminoles at the end of the Third Seminole War in the nineteenth century, and was later seized by the Union Navy during the Civil War.

What is the procedure for obtaining my Egmont Key?

To get to the island, use the Egmont Key Ferry from the Bay Pier inside Fort De Soto Park. Dolphin sightings are common, so start your wildlife viewing from the boat. It's best to make a reservation ahead of time. Here you may find the roundtrip timetable and make a reservation.