Just 1.6 miles long, Egmont Key sits to the southwest of Fort De Soto Park, at the mouth of Tampa Bay. It is reachable only by the Egmont Key Ferry or private boat. This 440-acre island is cherished by nature and history lovers alike.
On the natural side, a visit to Egmont is the ideal chance for prime shelling. The shallow surrounding waters are perfect for snorkeling. And while humans might have to make a special trip to visit the remote island, it is home to a virtual colony of gopher tortoises, strolling across the islands brick and cement walkways. The island was designated a National Wildlife Refuge in 1974.
For a historical perspective, trek around the remains of Fort Dade, which was built in the late 1890s as the United States prepared for the Spanish-American War. Egmont Key was a camp for captured Seminoles during the Third Seminole War and was a Union Navy base during the Civil War. Still guiding water traffic in and out of Tampa Bay, the island's lighthouse was originally constructed in 1858 and stands 87 feet tall.
One reminder: Egmont Key is a secluded, pristine refuge. There's no mini-mart here, and that's a major part of the charm. Remember to pack what you need (food, drink, sunscreen) before you head out. And, remember to take back everything you brought with you and nothing that you didn't.
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection cooperatively manages Egmont Key with the U.S. Fish And Wildlife Service and the U.S. Coast Guard.
