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.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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.
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.
Wildlife
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.
Reserve your spot on the Private 5-Hour Egmont Key Boat Tour in St. Petersburg, FL today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
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.
Reef-safe sunscreen
Protects skin while minimizing harm to coral and seagrass.
summer
Snorkel mask (or rental)
Makes it easier to see submerged structures and small marine life during snorkel stops.
summer
Quick-dry clothing and towel
Dries fast after swims and keeps you comfortable on the return ride.
summer
Small dry bag
Protects electronics and documents from spray and sand.