Embark on a delightful journey to Egmont Key State Park, a pristine island paradise perfect for a family day out. Experience the joy of sun-drenched fun on this memorable excursion.
Our ferry service operates daily from the Fort De Soto Bay Pier throughout the spring and summer, and nearly every day in the fall and winter. The scenic 45-60 minute ferry ride offers excellent opportunities to observe dolphins, sea turtles, and occasionally manatees. Keep an eye out for various seabirds during your voyage to and from Egmont Key Island aboard the Hubbard’s Ferry, our distinctive big blue boat.
Upon arrival, you'll have three hours to explore Egmont Key. The island is ideal for swimming, beachcombing, and adventurous exploration. Discover Fort Dade, a historic fort dating back to the Spanish-American War. Egmont Key is also a sanctuary for a significant population of endangered native gopher tortoises.
Please note that snorkeling equipment is available for purchase separately on the day of your trip and is not always guaranteed due to factors like water quality, weather conditions, and the presence of predatory fish.
✓ Restroom facilities are available on board. Access to the bathroom and galley for snacks is provided while the boat is docked.✕ Snacks, soda, and water are available for purchase from the onboard galley.✕ Gratuities for the crew.✕ Parking is available nearby for a fee.Itinerary
Our ferry boat operates from the Fort De Soto Bay Pier daily. The ferry ride to the island is about 45-60 minutes and offers great chances to spot dolphins, sea turtles, and sometimes even manatees! We often spot sea birds on the ride to and from Egmont Key Island aboard the Hubbard’s Ferry, our big blue boat.
Your mobile or paper ticket is accepted. One ticket is required per booking.
The ferry departs from the boat ramp located before you enter Fort De Soto park. Kindly plan to arrive 30-45 minutes prior to your scheduled departure time. Upon entering the boat ramp area, take your first right and proceed to park in the far back corner.
The ferry departs from the boat ramp located before you enter Fort De Soto park. Kindly plan to arrive 30-45 minutes prior to your scheduled departure time. Upon entering the boat ramp area, take your first right and proceed to park in the far back corner.
The departure point is the Fort De Soto Boat Ramp. Please allow 45-60 minutes before departure for check-in and boarding procedures. Parking is available at an additional cost.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
Service animals are permitted on the tour. Public transportation options are conveniently accessible nearby. This activity is suitable for individuals of all physical fitness levels. Egmont Key Ferry from Ft. DeSoto Park
Arrive at the Fort De Soto Boat Ramp 45-60 minutes before departure for check-in and boarding. Parking is available for a fee, so factor that into your arrival time. Snorkeling gear is sold separately and availability depends on conditions. Bring sunscreen, hats, and swimwear for a comfortable day. Consider bringing snacks and drinks, although some are available for purchase. Service animals are welcome, but please ensure they are leashed. To receive a full refund, please ensure your cancellation is made at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Product code: 237533P5
Activity offered by Hubbard's Marina via Viator.
WizardTrip Help Center Families Nature lovers History enthusiasts Beachgoers Scenic ferry ride with chances to see marine life Explore historic Fort Dade Opportunities for swimming and shelling Observe native gopher tortoises Family-friendly island excursion Beautiful pristine island setting
Population 258,308 (2020)
Elevation 134 m
Currency United States dollar
Driving on the right
Power plugs A, B · 120 V
Emergency number 911
Capital city Washington, D.C. Average temperatures 15° Jan 17° Feb 19° Mar 23° Apr 26° May 27° Jun 28° Jul 28° Aug 27° Sept 24° Oct 20° Nov 17° Dec Sources: Wikidata; climate: NASA POWER, 2001-2025 averages.
What is the duration of the ferry trip to Egmont Key? + The ferry ride to the island typically lasts between 45 and 60 minutes.
What can I expect to see on the ferry ride? + You have a good chance of spotting dolphins, sea turtles, and sometimes manatees. Seabirds are also commonly seen during the trip.
How much time is spent on Egmont Key? + You will have approximately 3 hours to explore the island once you arrive.
Are there facilities available on the ferry? + Yes, there are restroom facilities on board, and you can access the bathroom and galley for snacks while the boat is docked.
Can I purchase food and drinks on the ferry? + Snacks, soda, and water are available for purchase from the galley on the ferry.
What is the cancellation policy? + A full refund is granted for cancellations made at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled departure time.
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Disappointing
jameswJ6231VK, October 2026
$6.00 parking charge for an empty public lot. We were not told about it until we boarded, Marlon said if we did nothing about it, there would be a $30.00 penalty. We had to run back to the vehicle get the plate number then spend 20 minutes on a cell phone app, wasting the first third of the trip? Egmont Key is being dredged, black pipe all over the beach. We landed on the west side and much of the fort and east side of the island were too far for us to walk.
★★★★★ Viator review
Egmont Key Island Ferry Excursion
marcellahill, October 2026
Can be a lot of walking, definitely take a map of the entire island, along with bug spray. And ask which beaches are best for shelling, and which ones are best for swimming. Because shells can make it difficult to enjoy walking and floating at shoreline on certain beaches. And Captain and crew went above and beyond to ensure we got to see dolphins and had a wonderful day!
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Not worth the $ during dredging
tbraiedy, October 2026
Our guides were phenomenal, however they knew there was sand dredging on and near Egmont when we booked the excursion so our experience was not that great, low visibility, pipeline running across the beach, etc.. I wish they would have been a little more forth coming with that information during the booking process as we maybe would have spent our money on a different excursion.
Response from the operator · Daniel Glenn We’re glad the guides made such a positive impression, but we understand why the dredging activity affected your overall experience at Egmont Key. Reduced visibility and a pipeline across part of the beach can definitely change what guests expect from a day on the island.
We also appreciate your feedback about wanting that information communicated more clearly before booking. That kind of expectation-setting matters, especially when conditions on the island may impact the experience.
If you’re willing, we’d appreciate the opportunity to discuss your visit in more detail. Please contact our owner, Capt. Dylan Hubbard, at (727) 393-1947, extension 306, so we can review your concerns directly.
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Great tour guides
U6070LVlaurav, September 2026
Colin and captain Zip were great guides they were friendly and informative. Made sure we saw dolphins on the ride back to marina.
Response from the operator · Hubbards Marina A friendly, informative crew can make the ride to and from Egmont Key just as enjoyable as the island itself. We’re glad Colin and Captain Zip made your trip such a positive experience and took the time to help everyone spot dolphins on the return ride.
Thanks for joining Hubbard’s Marina on the Egmont Key Ferry from Fort De Soto, Laura. We appreciate the kind words and hope you’ll come back for another island adventure soon!
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
3yr Leather anniversary trip
samantharC3689TO, September 2026
Ok, so this review is strictly about the island and damn was it amazing!!!! Being able to explore on your own, going into Fort Dade and exploring ( sadily nasty people left bunch of trash in almost every hole atop the fort), finding the gopher turtles, following the red brick road ;) of the ghost town and just i mean i could go on. It was awesome and the weather was perfect. Oh and there is a dredging project going on on the north end of the island which kinda sucks but not entirely horrible. Everyone has their own opinion, bit i do say go and check this island out!
Response from the operator · Hubbards Marina Egmont Key really does reward anyone who likes to explore at their own pace. From the historic remains of Fort Dade and the old red-brick roads to spotting gopher tortoises and wandering through the island’s quieter areas, there’s a lot packed into one visit.
We’re glad the weather cooperated and that your anniversary trip gave you the chance to really experience the island beyond just the ferry ride. We also appreciate you mentioning the current dredging activity and the litter you encountered. It’s always disappointing to see trash left behind in such a special place.
Thanks again, Samantha, for choosing the Egmont Key Ferry from Fort De Soto and for encouraging others to discover the island for themselves.
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