Egmont Key

Egmont Key Review

In the middle of the mouth of Tampa Bay lies the small (350 acres), largely unspoiled but critically eroding island Egmont Key, now a state park, national wildlife refuge, national historic site, and bird sanctuary. On the island are the ruins of Fort De Soto's sister fortification, Fort Dade, built during the Spanish-American War to protect Tampa Bay. The primary inhabitants of the less-than-2-mi-long island are the threatened gopher tortoise and box turtles. The only way to get here is by boat—you can catch a ferry from Fort Se Soto. Nature lovers will find the trip well worth it—the beach here is excellent for shelling, secluded beach bathing, wildlife viewing, and snorkeling. (See wwww.egmontkeyferry.com for more details.)

Dolphin Landings Tours. This operation runs a four-hour shelling trip, a two-hour dolphin-sighting excursion, back-bay or party-boat fishing, and other outings. 727/367-4488. www.dolphinlandings.com.