Egmont Key Tampa

Likwidsukr · #1 (**permalink**) 11-26-2006

Egmont Key - this 440-acre island at the southernmost tip of the St. Petersburg/Clearwater area is the home of the last government-manned lighthouse (built in 1858) in the United States. Now a wildlife refuge, Egmont Key was a camp for captured Seminole Indians during the Third Seminole war and was a Union Navy base during the Civil War. Several boats offer snorkeling excursions to this island which is accessible only by boat. Visitors can snorkel over grass beds and ruins of two gun batteries from the fort, or enjoy the unspoiled beach. And there are alot of those Gopher Tortoises.
Anyway alot of sunbathers go out there in the hotter months.(some nude although not legal it still goes on!) You would put in at either Anna Maria Island or Fort Desoto State Park.

Likwidsukr · #2 (**permalink**) 11-26-2006

Here is a picture

waterboy · #3 (**permalink**) 07-19-2007

I think Egmont Key has one of the most pristine beaches I have ever seen.
Used to fish right at the old gun turret bases, along the underwater walls.
When my father was alive, he pulled up the anchor and there was an encrusted rifle hooked to it. He threw the relic back in before I could stop him.

shipwreck · #4 (**permalink**) 08-01-2007

I have been wanting to plan a camping trip to Fort Desoto Park. I heard it is beautiful. You can camp right on the water and pull your boat up to your camp site. You can reserve camp sites online. Most of the sites are booked up this month. There isn't any red tide right now but there might be no see ums and mosqitos. I don't care it would be worth it. The beach at the park is supposed to be No 1 in North America. It would be awesome to snorkel out at Egmont Key too.

Boostable · #5 (**permalink**) 08-03-2007

I was at Egmont Key, Ft. Desoto and Shell Key last weekend. Water was great and the beach at Egmont is REALLY nice.

The ramps at Desoto are top notch and a short run over to Egmont. We stayed on the bay and just boated out and it made for a great weekend. Was nice to meet up with some West Coast boaters. We will definitely be going back.

Let me know when your going to go... and btw shipwreck.. I swear I saw you at the glen a few weeks ago.

JW

Busybee2498 · #6 (**permalink**) 08-21-2007

How far is Egmont Key, Ft. Desoto or Shell Key from Indian Rock beach?
Is there any hot spots Close to Indian Rock Beach?
Hour boat ride or is it better to trailer the boat closer?
I'm planning on head out there for Labor day weekend if weather is good.

Thanks

Likwidsukr · #7 (**permalink**) 03-01-2008

Still one of the best places to go.

Busybee2498 · #8 (**permalink**) 03-14-2008

Question

I going to hit Egmont Key and the St Pete area 1st week of April. Any recommendations on a hotel with either a Marina or Boat and trailer parking?

Thanks

mneal · #9 (**permalink**) 03-14-2008

What type of place are you looking to stay? Holiday Inn Sun Spree has a dock, right on the north side of Sky-way bridge. The Vinoy also docks much nicer place but $$. There also is Holiday Inn on ICW in Indian Rocks beach that has docks, I think you can rent a slip there as well.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Busybee2498

Question

I going to hit Egmont Key and the St Pete area 1st week of April. Any recommendations on a hotel with either a Marina or Boat and trailer parking?

Thanks

Busybee2498 · #10 (**permalink**) 03-15-2008

Thanks

I stayed at the Holiday Inn in Indian Rock Beach and used their docks before... Do you know how long of a boat ride is to Egmont Key?