Private Boat Tour to Egmont Key State Park: Dolphins, Ruins & A Remote Florida Island
Skim past the Gulfport harbor and land on a small, protected island where a 19th‑century lighthouse and the ruins of Fort Dade meet playful dolphins. This private four‑hour boat tour combines easy on‑shore exploration with reliable wildlife viewing and a compact history lesson.
The Experience
Before You Go
Bring reef‑safe sunscreen
The island has limited shade and open sand—use reef‑safe sunscreen to protect skin and local marine life.
Wear water shoes
Sand is mixed with shell and brick fragments near Fort Dade—sturdy sandals or water shoes protect your feet.
Bring plenty of water
No services on the island—pack at least 1–2 liters per person for a comfortable visit.
Respect wildlife and signs
Observe dolphins from the boat and obey nesting area closures to protect shorebirds and turtles.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •The carriage brick road through Fort Dade — a photogenic relic few visitors wander fully down
- •East‑side tidal flats at low tide where shorebirds congregate and shell patterns reveal local geology
Wildlife
- •Bottlenose dolphins
- •Brown pelicans and migratory shorebirds
Conservation Note
Egmont Key is managed as a state park with protections for nesting seabirds and dune habitats; visitors are required to stay on designated paths and pack out all trash to minimize impact.
Egmont Key served as a military and navigation outpost from the mid‑1800s; Fort Dade’s batteries and the long‑running lighthouse reflect the island’s role in regional conflicts and maritime commerce.
Photographer's Notes
- • West beach looking over the Gulf for wide seascape shots
- • Near the lighthouse for architectural and historical closeups
- • Gun batteries and carriage road for textured detail photos
What to Bring
Reef‑safe sunscreenEssential
Protects skin while minimizing harm to marine ecosystems around the island.
Water shoes or sturdy sandalsEssential
Protects feet from sharp shell and brick fragments on beaches and paths.
Light wind shell
Boat rides can be cool and breezy, especially in the morning or late afternoon.
Binoculars
Helps pick out dolphins, distant seabird colonies and details of Fort Dade from shore.
Common Questions
How long is the boat ride from Gulfport to Egmont Key?
Transit varies with sea state but typically takes 20–40 minutes each way depending on boat speed and route.
Can we go ashore and explore the fort and lighthouse?
Yes — the tour includes time onshore to walk Fort Dade ruins and the lighthouse vicinity, but some areas may be seasonally closed for nesting or restoration.
Are restrooms available on Egmont Key?
Facilities are limited and intermittent; plan for minimal services and bring water and basic needs with you.
Will we see dolphins on this trip?
Dolphins are commonly sighted in the channel, but wildlife is never guaranteed—watching from the boat increases your chances without disturbing them.
Is this trip suitable for children and seniors?
Yes for most; infants must sit on laps. The boat and walks are light activity, but not recommended for people with severe spinal or cardiovascular conditions.
What happens if it rains or conditions are rough?
Tours cancel for unsafe weather; operators generally refund or reschedule if the trip is canceled due to conditions.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
4 hours
Location
Gulfport, Florida
Difficulty
easy
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; requires short walks on uneven sand and boarding a small boat
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