St. Pete Pier to Egmont Key Ferry: 4-Hour Island Escape & Wildlife Tour
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
4 hours
Fitness Level
Light walking on sand and uneven surfaces; must be able to step into shallow water and walk short distances over beach and ruins.
Overview
Step aboard the Pelican for a 4-hour round trip from St. Pete Pier to Egmont Key—two hours ashore to explore beaches, a historic lighthouse, and Fort Dade ruins, with good odds of dolphin sightings. This unique ferry stays nearby so passengers have access to on-board restrooms and shade while exploring the island.
St. Pete Pier to Egmont Key Ferry: 4-Hour Island Escape & Wildlife Tour
Select participants and date
The Pelican slips away from St. Pete Pier with a casual confidence—the city’s seawall slides astern, condos shrink, and the Sunshine Skyway rises like a pale gateway. Salt air cuts through the chatter on deck; someone points as a dorsal fin breaks the water’s skin. An hour later the ferry eases into shallow shoals and Egmont Key appears: a low, sweeping spit of sand crowned by a weathered lighthouse and the moss-clad ruins of Fort Dade.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Arrive Early to Claim Seats
Plan to arrive 30 minutes before departure to park, check in at Gate 24, and secure a comfortable spot on deck for the Skyway passage.
Wear Water Shoes
You’ll need to step into shallow water to get on and off the island—water shoes prevent cuts from shells and make wading easy.
Use Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Apply broad-spectrum, reef-safe sunscreen before boarding and reapply on the island—there’s little shade and exposure is high.
Respect Nesting Areas
Bird nesting and protected areas are common—observe signage, keep distance, and avoid disturbing wildlife.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Bottlenose dolphins
- Nesting shorebirds (terns, skimmers)
History
Egmont Key hosts Fort Dade historic ruins and a 19th-century lighthouse; the island has served military, navigational, and refuge roles over time.
Conservation
Egmont Key is managed to protect nesting birds and fragile habitats—visitors are asked to minimize impact and follow posted restrictions.
Select participants and date
Adventure Hotspots in St. Petersburg
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Water shoes
Protect feet during the shallow wade from boat to shore and while walking on shell-strewn beaches.
Refillable water bottle
Stay hydrated in sun and salt air—bring enough for your time on the island.
Reef-safe sunscreen
Protects skin and local marine environments; reapply after swimming or sweating.
summer specific
Wide-brim hat & sunglasses
Provide sun protection and reduce glare for photography and navigation on open beaches.