Egmont Key at a glance
Egmont Key is a small island in the Gulf, protected as a state park and a wildlife refuge. You can reach it only by boat. The regular ferry leaves from Fort De Soto, not from Anna Maria Island, so a trip from the island is a drive and a boat ride, or a private or chartered boat.
The state park is open again since 12 August 2026, but all buildings remain closed. It is open from 8 a.m. to sunset every day of the year, and there is no park entrance fee. The ferry, the boat and the parking are separate costs.
Our picks: boat trips to Egmont Key
Both of these trips land on Egmont Key, but neither leaves from Anna Maria Island. The Madeira Beach trip adds historical commentary, and the Gulfport trip leaves more time for beach and snorkelling.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Egmont Key snorkelling and dolphin cruise
- Boat trip with captain
- Snorkel gear
- History commentary
A four-hour boat trip to Egmont Key with historical commentary and a chance to watch dolphins. The departure is in Madeira Beach, not on Anna Maria Island.
Check availability →
Four-hour Egmont Key trip with snorkelling
- Guided island tour
- Beach time
- Snorkelling option
A boat trip that lands you on Egmont Key for beach time and a snorkel, with snorkel gear on request. It leaves from Gulfport, so allow time to drive there from Anna Maria Island.
Check availability →Boat tours and trips to Egmont Key
Boat trips around Anna Maria Island, with live prices and availability. Check each description to see whether the tour lands on Egmont Key or only passes it.
How to reach Egmont Key from Anna Maria
Three ways, in order of effort.
| Way | From | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Regular ferry | Fort De Soto, not Anna Maria | About $45 from age 12, $25 for ages 3 to 11, free up to age 2. Check the current fare when you book. About 5 hours in total, with 3 hours on the island. |
| Boat tour that lands | Varies | Depends on the tour. Read the description before you book. |
| Private or chartered boat | Your own start | A different category from the ferry. Prices and availability depend on the boat. |
For most visitors from Anna Maria Island, the ferry from Fort De Soto is the most straightforward way to actually set foot on the island. A boat tour is the better choice if you want to see the island from the water and combine it with dolphin watching, as in the dolphin tours guide.
The ferry from Fort De Soto
The ferry takes 5 hours in total, including 3 hours on the island. Book ahead, which is strongly recommended, and check in 60 minutes before departure. Departures are usually at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m., with seasonal limits and, on some days, an extra trip at 2 p.m. There are two departure points, a boat ramp and a bay pier, so confirm the exact meeting point and time when you book.
Parking at Fort De Soto costs $6 per day, plus $0.35 if you pay by app or text, so check the current rate before you go. From 1 December 2026, beach parking costs $3.50 per hour with a maximum of $12 per day, and the boat ramp costs $12 per day. Plan for the higher amount if you travel after that date.
Rules and what is open on Egmont Key
- All buildings are closed, so you see the lighthouse and the old fort buildings from outside.
- No drinking water on the island. Do not rely on restrooms either, so bring water and plan for the hours you stay.
- Several bird protection beaches are closed all year. Do not enter marked nesting areas.
- Pets (except service animals), alcohol, glass, camping and open fires are not allowed.
The park is open from 8 a.m. to sunset. Arrive with the ferry or your boat, not before.
Fort Dade and the lighthouse
The lighthouse has stood on Egmont Key since 1858. Fort Dade was built in 1898 and was active until 1923. What remains today are the ruins of the fort.
That the buildings exist does not mean you can go inside. The lighthouse and the fort buildings stay closed, so plan to look from outside. The history of Anna Maria Island covers the towns across the water.
Plan the rest of your trip
More to read before you go.
Egmont Key: frequently asked questions
Is there a ferry from Anna Maria Island to Egmont Key?
The regular ferry leaves from Fort De Soto, not from Anna Maria Island. From the island you can take a boat tour that lands there, or use a private or chartered boat.
How much does the ferry to Egmont Key cost?
About $45 from age 12, $25 for ages 3 to 11, and free up to age 2. Check the current fare when you book. Parking at Fort De Soto is extra.
Is Egmont Key open in 2026?
The state park reopened on 12 August 2026, and all buildings remain closed. It is open from 8 a.m. to sunset, and there is no park entrance fee.
Can I go inside the lighthouse or the fort?
No. The buildings are closed. You can see the lighthouse and the ruins from outside.
Are there restrooms and drinking water?
There is no drinking water. Do not rely on restrooms, so bring your own water.
Can I bring pets or alcohol to Egmont Key?
No. Pets (except service animals), alcohol, glass, camping and open fires are not allowed.