Egmont Key Boat Charter

Cruise to one of Florida's most historic and pristine barrier islands aboard a 52ft Marquis Flybridge — just 30 minutes from our St. Petersburg dock.

Private boat charter to Egmont Key from St. Petersburg FL

History, Nature & Crystal-Clear Water

Egmont Key State Park is a hidden gem at the mouth of Tampa Bay — a pristine barrier island accessible only by boat. Home to a Civil War-era fort and a lighthouse built in 1858, this island offers a rare blend of rich history and untouched natural beauty. Step ashore and explore the ruins of Fort Dade, walk the brick-lined pathways that wind through the island, and stand at the base of one of the oldest lighthouses on Florida's Gulf Coast.

Beyond the history, Egmont Key is a paradise for snorkeling, beachcombing, and wildlife watching. The surrounding waters are some of the clearest in Tampa Bay, with visibility that rivals the Florida Keys. Keep an eye out for the island's resident gopher tortoises, nesting shorebirds, and dolphins that frequent the surrounding waters. Approximately 30 minutes from our St. Pete dock, Egmont Key can also be combined with Shell Key or Fort De Soto for a full-day island-hopping adventure.

Historic Fort & Lighthouse

Explore the ruins of Fort Dade, a Civil War-era military installation, and visit the Egmont Key Lighthouse built in 1858 — one of the oldest on the Gulf Coast.

World-Class Snorkeling

Crystal-clear waters with visibility rivaling the Florida Keys. Snorkel around the island's natural rock formations and discover vibrant marine life just below the surface.

Pristine Secluded Beach

Miles of untouched shoreline with no crowds, no buildings, and no cars. Just white sand, turquoise water, and the kind of solitude you can only find on an island accessible exclusively by boat.

Wildlife Sanctuary

Home to resident gopher tortoises, nesting shorebirds, and frequent dolphin sightings in the surrounding waters. A true nature lover's paradise in the heart of Tampa Bay.

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What to Expect

Everything you need to know about your private Egmont Key boat charter from St. Petersburg.

The Voyage

Egmont Key is approximately a 30-minute cruise from our St. Petersburg dock. Enjoy the ride as you pass through Tampa Bay's lower channels, with dolphins often spotted along the way. The island sits at the mouth of Tampa Bay where the bay meets the Gulf of Mexico.

Your Vessel

Our 52ft Marquis Flybridge accommodates up to 13 guests across 3 expansive decks. Climate-controlled salon, premium high-quality stereo, full galley, and 2 cabins. BYOB — bring your own food and drinks for the perfect island day.

Island Combo Options

Make it a full-day adventure by combining Egmont Key with Shell Key or Fort De Soto. Hop between islands, snorkel multiple spots, and explore more of Florida's Gulf Coast barrier islands — all in one private charter.

Egmont Key Charter Pricing

Transparent pricing with no hidden fees. Every charter includes full access to all 3 decks of our 52ft Marquis Flybridge.

Weekday

Weekday Charter

$500/hr

Mon–Thu · all-inclusive · 4-hour minimum

  • 2 cabins & 3 decks
  • Professional captain & crew
  • Premium high-quality stereo
  • Up to 13 guests
  • Custom Egmont Key itinerary
  • BYOB — bring your own food & drinks

No additional fees:
Captain, crew & fuel included
The price you see is the price you pay

Book Weekday Charter
Adventure

Overnight & Bahamas

$5,000+

Multi-day island adventures

  • Multi-day itinerary planning
  • Florida Keys & Bahamas routes
  • Full cabin accommodations
  • Island-to-island navigation
  • 600-mile offshore range
  • Custom departure dates available

Pricing varies by destination,
duration & season. Call for a custom quote.

Get Custom Quote

A Ghost Town, a Lighthouse & a Wildlife Refuge

What makes Egmont Key different from every other stop in Tampa Bay — and why it's only reachable by boat.

Fort Dade — Tampa Bay's island ghost town

Egmont Key sits alone at the very mouth of Tampa Bay, between Fort De Soto and Anna Maria Island. Around 1900, the U.S. Army built Fort Dade here to guard the bay during the Spanish-American War — and by the 1910s it was a working town of more than 300 people, with its own brick streets, a power plant, a hospital, and a movie theater. Today the fort is abandoned, and cruising up to it is like arriving at a ruin: red-brick roads run straight into the sand, concrete gun batteries sit half-swallowed by sea grape, and the whole island is quiet except for birds. There is no bridge and no ferry schedule to wait on — your private charter anchors right off the old dock pilings.

An 1858 lighthouse still standing watch

The Egmont Key Lighthouse has marked the entrance to Tampa Bay since 1858, making it one of the oldest active lighthouses on Florida's Gulf coast. It survived the Civil War (when the island was used as a Union outpost) and is still maintained today. From the water it's the first thing you see as the island rises out of the Gulf — a clean white tower against the tree line, and the single best photo of the trip.

A protected refuge — gopher tortoises and clear water

Most of the island is the Egmont Key State Park and National Wildlife Refuge, so the wildlife is genuinely wild. Gopher tortoises wander the brick paths in the open, shorebirds nest along the dunes, and sea turtles use the beaches in summer. The water on the Gulf side is some of the clearest in the bay — we anchor in the shallows so you can snorkel over the submerged ruins and seagrass, then walk the beach. Bring reef-safe sunscreen and a camera; leave the shells and tortoises where they are (it's a refuge). Pair Egmont with a stop at nearby Shell Key for a full day of island-hopping.

What Our Guests Say

★★★★★
Excellent · 113 verified Google reviews
★★★★★
"I spent New Year's Eve and a birthday on this yacht, and I can say it's an absolutely unforgettable experience. This yacht is wonderful — spacious, fully equipped kitchen, comfortable bow to relax with friends. Such a smooth ride. I will definitely be using it again!"
VH
Victoria Hendzel
Verified Google Review
★★★★★
"We had an amazing time on the yacht! The hospitality was outstanding. The crew went above and beyond to make sure we were comfortable and had everything we needed. Truly a memorable experience!"
AN
Anna Nguyen
Verified Google Review
★★★★★
"The captain was great and the experience was top-notch — we can't wait to come back and book again. The stereos sounded great and the boat had lots of room. Overall great time and vibe."
WB
Whispy Brown
Verified Google Review

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Departing from St. Petersburg, FL

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