THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Spend a relaxed four hours cruising from South Pasadena to Egmont Key: swim, float on oversized loungers, tour the ruins of Fort Dade, and watch for dolphins from a roomy 50' boat. This family-friendly trip blends beach time and accessible history into one easy day on the water.
Spend a relaxed four hours cruising from South Pasadena to Egmont Key: swim, float on oversized loungers, tour the ruins of Fort Dade, and watch for dolphins from a roomy 50' boat. This family-friendly trip blends beach time and accessible history into one easy day on the water.
Book with Coastal Cruises
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Coastal Cruises · South Pasadena, Florida
Egmont Key Ultimate Island Adventure (MarineMax Location) delivers four hours of low-effort exploration and beach time at Egmont Key, a small barrier island at the mouth of Tampa Bay off South Pasadena, Florida. Boarding from 6810 Gulport Bvd S St. Petersburg, FL 33707, the cruise crosses the intercoastal and opens into the Gulf of Mexico, offering a gentle balance of shoreline leisure and historical discovery.
On arrival, Egmont Key unfolds as a compact stretch of sand, dunes, and scrub punctuated by the crumbling brick and concrete of Fort Dade. Key features include the Fort Dade battery positions — most notably Battery on The Gulf — a sandy beach perfect for floats and games, and shallow tidal flats edged by seagrass that attract dolphins and shorebirds. The island is a classic Gulf barrier island with white sand, shell deposits, and exposed concrete ruins that make for dramatic photos and easy exploration.
Coastal Cruises' four-hour itinerary divides time evenly: roughly an hour each way aboard a spacious 50-foot boat with a full bar and restroom, and two hours ashore to swim, play on oversized inflatable loungers, or walk the Fort Dade ruins. The crew provides a free photo package and informal commentary about local wildlife and history, including the island’s role since the Spanish discovery of Tampa Bay and Fort Dade's later military presence. That combination of natural habitat and visible history is what makes Egmont Key unique — visitors move from playful beach time to tangible sections of coastal defense architecture without long hikes.
The trip is ideal for families and photographers who want salt-splashed panoramas, dolphin sightings, and close-up ruin shots without the logistics of a private boat. Practical perks include curbside parking, straightforward boarding, restroom access on board, and a stocked onboard bar for light refreshments. Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a towel, a small cooler, and cash for crew tips; the operator lists check-in at least thirty minutes before departure for relaxed boarding.
Responsible visitors should treat the island gently: do not remove historical artifacts, avoid disturbing nesting birds, and pack out all trash. The result is a compact, friendly island day that combines Gulf swimming, dolphin watching, and a short, interpretive walk through one of the more accessible military ruins along Florida's coast — an easy, high-reward way to experience the Tampa Bay seascape.
Reservations are handled through Coastal Cruises; the booking page includes precise check-in instructions and a parking guide. The trip includes a free photo package, restroom facilities onboard, and a small drink menu. Children are welcome and life jackets are provided, but swimmers should be comfortable in shallow Gulf water. For photographers, the best photo opportunities are from the boat crossing and atop Fort Dade’s western battery; binoculars help with distant dolphin pods.
easy.
4 Hours.
Minimal physical exertion; suitable for families and casual walkers. Swimmers should be comfortable in shallow Gulf water.
The full experience is four hours: about one hour each way on the boat and two hours ashore at Egmont Key.
Check-in details list 6810 Gulport Bvd S St. Petersburg, FL 33707 as the meeting point; arrive about 30 minutes early.
Included are the 4-hour cruise on a 50' boat with restroom, the free photo package, crew commentary, and time ashore; drinks are available for purchase.
Yes—this is family-friendly and life jackets are provided; parents should supervise young swimmers in shallow Gulf water.
Pets are typically not allowed on beach landings at Egmont Key to protect wildlife and nesting areas—check with Coastal Cruises for exceptions.
Yes—two hours ashore allows time to walk the Fort Dade ruins, view the Battery on The Gulf, and take photos on marked paths.
Egmont Key features visible remains of Fort Dade and has been noted since the Spanish discovery of Tampa Bay; its batteries later supported coastal defense.
The island is ecologically sensitive—do not remove artifacts, avoid nesting zones, and pack out all garbage to protect seabirds and seagrass habitats.
Coastal Cruises operates from Gulfport, Florida, offering a range of day and evening boat experiences across Tampa Bay and the surrounding waterways. The company runs multiple scheduled departures that include party-focused options such as the Booze Cruise and Sandbar Party, family-friendly outings like the Egmont Key Ultimate Island Adventure, and scenic evening trips for sunsets and the Skyway Bridge Light Show. Vessels used by Coastal Cruises include 45ft and 50ft custom catamarans equipped for passenger comfort and safety. Select boats feature amenities noted in trip descriptions, such as open bars, beer and wine service, satellite TV, and restroom facilities. Trips range from short 1.5-hour intercoastal cruises to half-day 4-hour island excursions. Popular itinerary highlights include shelling at Outback Key and Shell Key Island, guided tours of historic Fort Dade on Egmont Key, and views of waterfront homes and marine life during dolphin-watching cruises. Coastal Cruises lists safety and navigation as part of its operations; several experiences note advanced navigation technology and a trained crew. The company is featured on The Adventure Collective and runs departures from Gulfport Marina and other local marinas. Guests should review individual trip details for exact departure location, duration, on-board amenities, and age or accessibility guidance before booking.
Book with Coastal Cruises