Egmont Key Private Boat Tour — 5-Hour Eco Adventure from St. Petersburg
Difficulty
easy
Duration
5 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; requires short walks on uneven sand and low-impact swimming or snorkeling ability for those entering water.
Overview
A private 5-hour eco cruise from St. Petersburg delivers history, snorkeling, and dolphin encounters to Egmont Key — a car-free island at the mouth of Tampa Bay. Ideal for small groups who want a relaxed, interpretive day on the Gulf.
Egmont Key Private Boat Tour — 5-Hour Eco Adventure from St. Petersburg
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The bow parts the Gulf like a pen through glass; salt spray cools the back of your neck while the Sunshine Skyway recedes into a ragged silhouette. In five hours, a private boat from St. Petersburg will deliver you to Egmont Key — an island that only yields itself by water — where a weathered lighthouse, crumbling Fort Dade ruins, and white sand beaches meet clear shallows alive with fish and coral.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Bring reef-safe sunscreen
Florida sun is intense; choose reef-safe sunscreen to protect marine life and reapply every 90 minutes when in water.
Pack light, quick-dry layers
A light windbreaker and a quick-dry shirt will help if sea spray or a breeze turns cool mid-ride.
Arrive early for parking and briefing
O'Niells Marina has a designated meeting spot; early arrival secures a parking pass and a calm check-in.
Bring a small dry bag
Keep valuables protected from spray — a compact dry bag fits phone, keys, and sunscreen.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Bottlenose dolphins
- Royal terns and snowy plovers
History
Egmont Key hosted Fort Dade, a coastal defense installation built in the late 1800s and used through WWII; the lighthouse dates to mid-19th century.
Conservation
The island is a protected state park; visitors are asked to stay on paths, remove trash, and use reef-safe products to avoid harming sensitive habitats.
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Adventure Hotspots in St. Petersburg, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Reef-safe sunscreen
Protects skin while minimizing harm to coral and seagrass.
summer specific
Snorkel mask (or rental)
Makes it easier to see submerged structures and small marine life during snorkel stops.
summer specific
Quick-dry clothing and towel
Dries fast after swims and keeps you comfortable on the return ride.
summer specific
Small dry bag
Protects electronics and documents from spray and sand.