THE BARRIER ISLANDS OF ST PETE

Shell Key, Egmont Key, and Passage Key

⭐ Top-rated Shell Key tours in St. Pete • Small groups • Local captains and guides

While there are over 10 barrier islands along the Pinellas County coast, the "four" most frequently grouped together near the mouth of Tampa Bay are Shell Key, Egmont Key, Passage Key, and Mullet Key (Ft DeSoto Park). Although they have a shared geological history, they each have their own distinctions that make them very different. These islands act as the gateway between the Gulf and Tampa Bay.

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Shell Key

A 1,828-acre preserve featuring one of Pinellas County’s largest undeveloped barrier islands. It is a popular destination for those looking to experience Florida’s natural beauty without the crowds of developed beaches.

Highlights: The preserve is a critical habitat for nesting shorebirds (like American oystercatchers and least terns) and sea turtles (nesting May–September). Dolphins, manatees, and rays are frequently spotted in the surrounding shallow seagrass beds.

Access: Only accessible by private boat, tour boat, or ferry.

Activities: Widely regarded as the best spot in the region for shelling, and for wildlife viewing. Kayak tours explore the mangrove tunnels. See our visitors guide for Shell Key.

Mullet Key (Ft DeSoto Park)

A 1,136-acre horseshoe-shaped island known for its award-winning beaches and historic fort. Accessible by car, except for its sandbars (accessible only by boat).

Highlights: Features the historic Fort De Soto and its gun batteries and bunkers. There is a small museum with many fascinating and educational artifacts. Visitors love the 1,000-ft fishing pier, and the dog park. The outer sandbars (only accessible by boat) hosts sandbar parties and many sand dollars. The boat ramps are the very best in Pinellas County.

Access: Accessible by car via the Pinellas Bayway to its beaches and historic fort. The sandbars are.accessible only by boat.

Activities: Offers camping and camp sites, boat ramps, a fishing pier, and a dog beach. Many sand dollars on the sandbars, as well as the locals' parties.

Egmont Key

A 260-acre remote state park and wildlife refuge, centrally located directly at the mouth of the bay.

Highlights: Home to a historic lighthouse built in 1858 and the 100+ year old remains of Fort Dade. Wildlife includes the famous gopher tortoises, Florida box turtles, and nesting sea turtles. The southern half of the island is a reserved bird sanctuary.

Access: Only accessible by private boat, tour boat, or ferry.

Activities: The very best snorkeling in the region, featuring the artificial reefs created by the Sunken Ruins. The history walk through the old town structures and gun batteries is fascinating. See our visitors guide for Egmont Key.

Passage Key

Originally a 65-acre island located south of Egmont Key, Passage Key is a highly restricted sanctuary with a volatile history.

Highlights: Established in 1905 by Theodore Roosevelt, it is one of the nation's oldest wildlife refuges.

Access: Only accessible by private boat, or tour boat.

Activities: Because of its fragile ecosystem, the island itself is closed to all public use; visitors must remain in the water. Largely frequented by the local "clothing-optional" folks.

Boat Tours to the Barrier Islands

The following boat tours are operated by Masters-Captain Licensed professional operators, and are fully insured.

Dolphin Tour to Shell Key - Visit Shell Key and see dolphins on the way.

Kayak Tours to Shell Key - Choose a Clear kayak or a Coastal kayak to Shell Key.

Egmont Key Snorkeling - A private charter experience to Egmont Key, as well as Mullet Key and Shell Key.

Sandbar Party Cruise - A private charter to visit the locals' sandbar party at Mullet Key.

Passage Key Charter - A Private charter to visit the free-spirited atmosphere at Passage Key.

Please beware of the many illicit charter companies using the "bareboat" loophole, and operating tours with unqualified captains who lack the credentials and knowledge of standard safety practices. If there will be more than 6 people in your group, the Captain must have a Masters license, and the vessel must have a Certificate of Inspection.