Egmont Key is one of the few Tampa Bay islands not accessible by car so you’ll want to plan a day trip by boat from either Fort DeSoto or Anna Maria Island. Crowds are a rare sight, despite Egmont Key being a haven for shelling, fishing, swimming, snorkeling, hiking, and birding. There are six miles (10 kilometers) of hiking trails, but the south end of the island is an off-limits shorebird refuge.
The still-operating lighthouse is only open to climb during an annual festival in November.
There are no restroom facilities on the island.
There is no fresh drinking water or food on the island so make sure you bring enough to sustain your trip.
Egmont Key State Park is only accessible by water, so you’ll either need a boat, kayak, or another aquatic transport device to reach the island year-round on your own. Between February and September, there is a twice-daily ferry service that runs between Fort DeSoto Park and Egmont Key. Fort DeSoto Park is just south of St. Pete Beach and has US$5 paid parking available.
Egmont Key is open from 8am until sunset, but since there is no water on-site, it’s best to avoid the mid-afternoon hours when the heat is at its highest. Earlier or later you’ll have the best chance of spotting wildlife. If you plan to use the ferry during the summer months, plan for the first ferry launch just in case it’s full and you get bumped to the second launch.
Egmont Key is a serene place to swim or hike, but if you prefer fishing or boating to birdwatching, consider chartering a boat from nearby Anna Maria Island. Your private charter can easily sail to Egmont Key where you can choose to anchor offshore. There are also tours of Egmont Key launching from Anna Maria Island.