Snorkeling in Egmont Key, located just off the coast of Tampa, can be a treat for folks looking for a quick getaway to experience diverse marine life in west Florida.
The waters around Tampa Bay may not be the first place you think of when snorkeling comes to mind. Many folks think of the beautiful, quartz beaches on the coastline, cigars in Ybor City, and golf courses around this area. But low and behold, there is a fantastic place for snorkeling only thirty minutes away from Fort De Soto at the tip of St. Petersburg. Snorkeling in Egmont Key may not be on many bucket lists when visiting Tampa, but it should be. Its pristine, undisturbed waters and its status as a Wildlife Refuge means that there are plenty of outdoor fauna to see in addition to those in the water.
Egmont Key State Park Aquatic Profile:
- Water Visibility: Below Average to Fair
- Current Strength: Minimal
- Reef Presence: No reefs around, although there are artificial reefs a few miles outside of the island which is available to divers.
- Marine Life: Plenty of fishes swimming around, in addition to critters, and the occasional bigger ones
- Crowd: The island is uninhabited and requires a ferry to come from St. Petersburg. As such, crowd is minimal and you will likely be sharing this island with only a handful of people.
Getting There:
- Closest Airports: St. Petersburg – Clearwater International Airport – 30 miles away, 1 hour (30 minutes by car, 30 minutes by ferry); Tampa International Airport – 40 miles away, 1 hour and 10 minutes (40 minutes by car, 30 minutes by ferry)
- Closest Major Metros: Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater
- Best Transportation Method: Ferry Only from Fort De Soto Park (Cost: $40 per adult)
Introduction
This 328 acre island off the coast of Tampa provides a quick and easy escape for those looking to snorkel. Egmont Key has quite a rich history given its strategic location. It was originally used as a lighthouse post to guide ships coming into the hazardous Tampa Bay. It was occupied by the Union forces as a fortification in Florida during the Civil War, and also played a prominent role during the Spanish-American War.
Egmont Key is a diverse, large island which covers approximately 322 acres. It is uninhabited and no overnight camping is permitted. In addition, there are no food and water available at the park. Preparation is crucial when you snorkel at Egmont Key. This trip will likely take a few hours, so make sure to bring all the necessities.
There are ruins off the southwest coast of the island, known as Battery Burchsted, which harbors immense amount of sea life corals. However, the shores nearby are protected bird refuge area so it is closed off to public. So the only way to reach the ruins is via swimming to the area and facing the ocean, which can be a daunting task. Only experienced swimmers should make the journey.
Where to Go Snorkeling in Egmont Key
Eastern Shore of Egmont Key
The eastern shore is the best place to go snorkeling in Egmont Key State Park. The island blocks the current pushing into the bay so the waters are calm. Feel free to snorkel all along the shore from north to south, with the greatest amount of sea life in the middle. While the amount of sea life is not as significant as the ruins of Battery Burchsted, it is still a great place to snorkel. In addition, Egmont Key is a nesting ground for sea turtles and a haven for gopher turtles, so you are doing something wrong if you don’t see a turtle during your trip!
Notable Marine Life: Turtles, snapper, snooks, jacks, crabs and shrimps
Final Word:
Egmont Key is a great half-day trip when you are visiting Tampa or St. Petersburg given the island’s proximity to both cities. Some folks complain that snorkeling in Egmont Key does not compare to other places, such as Dry Tortugas or the Caribbean, as the visibility in the water can be muddy at times. That is a fair point, but then again, this is thirty minutes away from a major metropolitan area. It is a quick trip for those seeking some snorkeling in Tampa, and you will still get to see lots of sea life. Manage your expectations accordingly but it is definitely worth a trip if you are in the area.
Snorkeling in Egmont Key Rating: 4/5 Snorkels – Great Place to Check Out!
Pingback: Snorkeling in Tampa, Florida- "Cigar City"
You have brought up a very good points, appreciate it for the post.
I truly treasure your piece of work, Great post.