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Take a scenic ferry ride from Fort De Soto to Egmont Key, enjoying narrated views and optional snorkeling in clear Tampa Bay waters. Discover history, wildlife, and island exploration on this unforgettable half-day trip near Madeira Beach.
Take a scenic ferry ride from Fort De Soto to Egmont Key, enjoying narrated views and optional snorkeling in clear Tampa Bay waters. Discover history, wildlife, and island exploration on this unforgettable half-day trip near Madeira Beach.
Book with Hubbard’s Marina
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Operated by Hubbard’s Marina · Madeira Beach, Florida
Located just off the coast of Madeira Beach, Florida, the Egmont Key Ferry offers a captivating outdoor excursion perfect for those seeking a blend of history, nature, and adventure. The trip begins at the Fort De Soto Bay Pier, where passengers board a modern 46-foot ferry with covered seating that ensures comfort even on sunny or breezy days. This ferry ride is more than just transportation — it’s an immersive journey across the clear, shimmering waters of Tampa Bay taking you to Egmont Key, a small, uninhabited island brimming with natural and historical allure.
Egmont Key itself serves as a fascinating destination combining pristine beaches, dense mangroves, and the remains of Fort Dade, a 19th-century coastal defense site. The island’s unique ecosystem hosts coastal birds, playful dolphins seen offshore, and occasional sightings of manatees. The ferry narration enriches the experience by weaving in stories about the island’s military past and ecological importance, giving travelers context to the sights surrounding them.
One of the highlights for many travelers is the opportunity to snorkel in the warm, shallow waters adjacent to the island, weather permitting. The snorkeling option, available for a reasonable fee, includes the rental of modern masks and gear, allowing guests to explore vibrant underwater life such as colorful reef fish and diverse seagrass beds. For those who prefer to stay dry, simply enjoying the views from the ferry or wandering the island’s well-maintained trails offers a satisfying day in nature.
The ride itself lasts around 3 to 4 hours round trip, including time on the island, making it an accessible half-day outing suitable for families and casual explorers. Refreshments and snacks are available on board, and clean restroom facilities help keep the journey comfortable from start to finish. With attentive, informative guides providing engaging commentary, the Egmont Key Ferry stands out as a memorable way to connect with the Tampa Bay region’s marine environment and coastal history.
Madeira Beach, the nearest town, offers additional lodging and dining options, making it easy to plan a full vacation around this outing. Whether you’re a snorkeler seeking underwater wonder or a history buff fascinated by coastal fortifications, the Egmont Key Ferry unlocks a unique Florida adventure — blending natural beauty, accessible activity, and heritage on a seamless, well-organized voyage.
No, snorkeling costs an additional $25 per person and includes mask rental; it is available only if conditions permit.
Yes, the ferry offers snacks and refreshments for purchase during the ride.
Accessibility details are not explicitly provided; contacting the operator directly before booking is recommended.
The entire trip including island time typically lasts 3 to 4 hours.
Yes, you may bring your own snorkeling gear, but rentals are conveniently provided on board.
Visitors often spot coastal birds, dolphins offshore, and sometimes manatees in the surrounding waters.
Hubbard’s Marina in Madeira Beach, Florida operates a range of fishing charters, wildlife cruises, shelling trips and boat rentals designed for anglers and families. The marina’s offerings include short half-day trips and extreme offshore expeditions: 3‑hour Shell Key shelling trips departing Johns Pass; 1.5‑hour Dolphin Watching Nature Cruises on a Coast Guard‑certified boat; 5‑hour half‑day, 5‑hour trophy shark, 10‑hour all‑day, 12‑hour night, 12‑hour extreme aboard Flying HUB 2, 39‑hour overnight, 44‑hour full‑moon and other offshore fishing trips that travel from 9 miles to as far as 100 miles to the Florida Middle Grounds. Target species across trips include gag, red and grey grouper, mangrove snapper, snapper species, porgies, black sea bass, amberjack, wahoo, tiger and hammerhead sharks, and goliath grouper. Many trips provide bait, cut bait or communal live bait, and offer tackle guidance and ready-to-fish setups. All Day Rentals are available with pick-up between 9 AM and 5 PM for day or overnight exploration of the Madeira Beach coastline. The fleet includes vessels used for the Flying HUB 2 extreme trips and boats certified for passenger safety. Hubbard’s Marina presents a menu of experiences that accommodates families, anglers of varying skill levels and wildlife enthusiasts seeking dolphins, seabirds and coastal scenery. Trip lengths, offshore distances and species targets are specified for each charter so guests can choose the right adventure. Trip descriptions list bait, tackle, species, duration and offshore distance to help guests choose. Dolphin cruise includes narrated Boca Ciega Bay sightseeing and passes fishing villages and mansions nearby.
Book with Hubbard’s Marina