727-742-2277
ST PETERSBURG, FL • EGMONT SNORKELING • 3 ISLANDS
Egmont Key snorkeling
tours from St. Pete
Half-day island hopping to Egmont Key's Sunken Ruins, Shell Key, and Outback Key. Snorkel gear included, dolphins frequent, private boat for your group.
$549
private charter · up to 6 guests · all snorkel gear included
2900+
TRIPADVISOR 5-STAR REVIEWS
1000+
GOOGLE 5-STAR REVIEWS
4.5
HOURS ON THE WATER
3
ISLANDS VISITED
2013
FAMILY OWNED SINCE
THE DESTINATION
Egmont Key snorkeling —
what makes it special
Egmont Key sits at the mouth of Tampa Bay, just a short boat ride from St. Pete. It's a protected wildlife preserve and state park — no cars, no development, no roads. The only way to reach it is by boat, and the only way to explore it properly is with a captain who knows it well.
The snorkeling centerpiece is the Sunken Ruins — the submerged stone foundations of Fort Dade, a Spanish-American War fortress built in the late 1800s. The water is shallow (around 9 feet), conditions are frequently clear, and the ruins create a natural artificial reef teeming with fish, rays, and marine life. It's unlike anything else on the Gulf Coast near St. Pete.
Beyond the snorkeling, the island itself rewards exploration: gopher tortoises roaming freely, an 1848 lighthouse still in operation, and beaches that are consistently among the most pristine in the Tampa Bay area. A half day here is never enough — but it leaves you wanting to come back.
Sunken Ruins — 1hr+ guaranteed
We guarantee at least a full hour at the snorkeling site — not a quick stop and go
All snorkel gear included
Masks, fins, snorkels, and noodles for everyone — nothing extra to rent or bring
Private boat — max 6 guests
Your group has the entire vessel. No strangers, no crowds, no commercial ferry pace
USCG-licensed captains
Local knowledge of Egmont Key's tides, currents, and best snorkel conditions
THE ROUTE
Egmont Key, Shell Key & Outback Key —
your three-island itinerary
The tour covers three distinct barrier island stops, each with a different character. Your captain evaluates conditions and gives you guidance on how to make the most of your day.
Board at Tierra Verde Marina
198 Madonna Blvd — meet your captain and you're underway within minutes. Free parking at the marina.
Egmont Key — Sunken Ruins snorkeling
The main event. Snorkel the submerged stone foundations of Fort Dade in clear, shallow water. Marine life is dense here — expect fish, rays, and the occasional sea turtle. We guarantee at least a full hour in the water.
Shell Key — shelling, swimming & beach
A protected barrier island with some of the best shelling on Florida's Gulf Coast. Shallow, warm water perfect for swimming. Sand dollars are common here. The beaches are rarely crowded — no ferry service, no public boat dock.
Outback Key — shallow water swim & snorkel
A quieter, less-visited stop with clear, calm water ideal for a relaxed swim and additional snorkeling. Your captain knows the best spots for sea life in the grass flats surrounding the island.
Return to Tierra Verde Marina
Back to 198 Madonna Blvd after approximately 4.5 hours. Free parking at the marina. The Marriott and Island Grille are a short walk if you want to extend the day.
ON THE WATER
Dolphins, sea turtles & wildlife
in Tampa Bay's protected waters
Because this tour cruises through protected wildlife preserve waters, wildlife encounters are a consistent highlight. Your captain knows the corridors and knows when to slow down.
Bottlenose dolphins
Frequently seen bow-riding alongside the boat en route to Egmont Key — and sometimes snorkeling alongside guests at the Ruins
Devil rays & cownose rays
Common in the shallow grass flats around Outback Key and Shell Key — harmless and spectacular to snorkel alongside
Manatees
Spotted in the calm channel waters, especially in spring and fall — often surfacing close to the boat
Shorebirds & ospreys
Brown pelicans, great blue herons, roseate spoonbills, and diving osprey are common throughout the route
Sea turtles
Loggerhead and green turtles are regularly spotted at the Sunken Ruins and in the channels between islands
Gopher tortoises
Egmont Key has one of Florida's largest gopher tortoise populations — they roam freely on the beach and in the island interior
PRICING AND BOOKING
Egmont Key snorkeling tour —
reserve your charter
private charter · entire boat
$549
Up to 6 guests · 4.5 hours · 3 islands · all snorkel gear included · + 18% gratuity
DEPARTURE TIME
9:00am Daily
GROUP SIZE
Up to 6 guests per boat
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Snorkel masks, fins & noodles · ice coolers · BYOB welcome · free parking
CANCELLATION
No refund within 48 hrs · Full refund if we cancel for weather
DURATION
Approximately 4.5 hours
DEPARTS FROM
Tierra Verde Marina Resort, St Pete
GRATUITY
18% added at booking
WHAT TO BRING
Food & drinks (BYOB) · swimsuit · hat · sunscreen · towel
Availability is limited — this is a private charter for up to 6 guests per boat. For groups larger than 6, we have additional boats available. Text or call us at 727-742-2277 to arrange.
OTHER EXPERIENCES
More ways to explore
St. Pete's coastal waters
$64 pp
Dolphin Cruise to Shell Key
A semi-private charter to Shell Key preserve. See dolphins on the way. Snorkel the beach at Shell Key Island. $64 See details
$499 / 6ppl
Sandbar Party Charter
A private 4.5-hour charter to the Gulf's most beautiful sandbars — where the locals go to party. $499
$54pp
Guided kayak tours to Shell Key
Paddle through mangrove tunnels to Shell Key's open beach. Beginner-friendly. From $54pp.
$549 / 6ppl
Passage Key Charter
A private charter to Passage Key — one of Florida's most secluded barrier islands. Clothing-optional. $549 See details
$69pp
Romantic Sunset Cruise
Adults-only. Max 6 guests. BYOB. The Gulf at golden hour — from $69pp.
$89 to $549
Bachelorette Party Options
We know what makes a bachelorette party unforgettable — a private boat, cold drinks, beautiful water, and zero strangers. From $89 See details
Egmont Key snorkeling FAQ
What makes Egmont Key one of the best snorkeling spots near St. Pete?
The Sunken Ruins — submerged stone foundations of Fort Dade — create a natural artificial reef in around 9 feet of water. The Gulf water at Egmont Key is frequently clear enough to see straight to the bottom, making it accessible to all snorkel experience levels. The island's protected status also means the marine life is undisturbed and dense.
Is snorkeling experience required?
No. The Sunken Ruins area is shallow (around 9 feet), calm, and well-suited to beginners. We provide all gear including floating noodles for those who want extra support. Your crew is in the water with you and available for instruction. Guests of all ages and experience levels do this tour successfully.
How is Island Ferry's tour different from the Hubbard's Marina ferry to Egmont Key?
The Hubbard's ferry is a public, high-volume service that drops visitors on the island and departs on a fixed schedule. Island Ferry's tour is a private charter — your group has the entire boat, the captain adapts to what you want to do, and you spend significantly more time in the water. We also include Shell Key and Outback Key, which the ferry doesn't reach. The experience is fundamentally different.
How long do we actually spend snorkeling?
We guarantee at least one full hour at the Egmont Key Sunken Ruins — often more depending on conditions and group preference. Additional snorkeling is available at Shell Key and Outback Key. Total in-water time across the tour is typically well over 90 minutes.
Will we see dolphins on the snorkeling tour?
Dolphin sightings are very common on this tour — the route passes through protected preserve waters that dolphins frequent throughout the day. They're seen on the majority of departures, often bow-riding alongside the boat en route to Egmont Key. Wildlife is never guaranteed, but dolphins are a consistent part of this experience.
Can we bring food and drinks?
Yes — BYOB is fully welcome. Bring food, drinks, and your favorite beverages. We provide ice-filled coolers for the day. This is a 4.5-hour tour, so most guests bring a full picnic spread.
What happens if the weather is bad?
If Island Ferry cancels due to unsafe weather or sea conditions, you receive a full refund. If you cancel within 48 hours of departure, we're unable to issue a refund. We monitor conditions closely and communicate as early as possible — usually the morning of the tour.
Can you accommodate groups larger than 6?
Yes — each boat holds up to 6 guests, and we have multiple boats available. Groups of 7–12 can book two boats for a parallel private tour. Text or call us at 727-742-2277 to arrange multi-boat bookings.