Egmont Key

Egmont Key Florida is accessible only the Egmont Key ferry or by private boat. During summer there can be fire restrictions in Egmont Key state park. There are places roped off on the beach and in the dunes to protect birds nesting in the sand.

Shell collecting is popular on the island and the tides and currents bring a great diversity of shells to the beach. The wetlands are home to many different species of wild life, many birds are seen here during the year before they migrate south.

Egmont Key Lighthouse is 150 years old. The history of Egmont Key goes back to the Semolina War. The key was once used to house prisoners. The 150 year old working lighthouse on the key dates back to 1898.

Egmont Key state park offers the naturalist a chance to roam along pristine beaches. Watch for turtles, snorkel or cruise among the dolphins. There are many walking beach areas that are a wonderful example of the state park facilities.

Hiking and enjoying the tropical island vegetation and wildlife of Egmont Key or Shell Key can be a great holiday activity. There is also beaches and warm gulf water to swim and snorkel in. When walking trails through the palms are too hot for comfort then cool off in the beach side waves.

The state park offers protection for endangered and rare animals and birds. With the abundance of shells the collectors have an opportunity to add to their collections while they enjoy the peace and tranquility of Egmont Key. The currents of the gulf wash many shells onto the beach, where building sandcastles and swimming are favorite pastimes.

The gulf waters and the warm weather make Egmont Key climate ideal for spending a holiday season discovering the wonderful variety of birds and flora the state park has to offer. With first class accommodation near by and day or half day tours and rangers to keep the guests informed and safe there is no better place to spend some holiday time on Egmont Key.

Taking a cruise to the Key with dolphins jumping and spinning and leaping close enough to almost touch them, can be a thrill in itself. Take shell collecting bags and watch for turtles in the blue clear water. Swim, snorkel or jut relax and soak up the sunshine on this pristine palm strewn tropical island. What could be a better way to spend precious holiday hours.