How to get to Egmont Key??
 

Hi all:<BR><BR>We're planning a trip to St. Pete Beach next month and have heard nice things about Egmont Key. I found their site on Florida's State Park site, but the sort of cryptic information says it is accessible only by private boat -- that's it. <BR><BR>Does this mean you have to have your own boat or you're out of luck? Aren't there any ferry services? I tried a Google search but found nothing. Have also heard from some that the snorkeling is great while others say it's nothing -- which is it? Feeling a tad confused, thanks for your help.

ttt

Private boat -- yours or someone else's -- is the only way to get to Egmont. There are no ferry services. As you have probably found out, it's a small, rapidly eroding island that was once used by the military (due to its strategic location) and then by other governmental agencies. Now occupied mostly by birds and other small wildlife, there's not much to see there and the snorkeling is just okay, IMO.

The above poster is right about not much to see. Madeira Beach has an area called John's Pass that has boats that go out to Shell Island if you want to go to a little island. Snorkeling along this area is really not anything. Fort Desoto Park at the South End of St. Pete is such a pretty spot and has some history. The Sand Key area near Clearwater has a reef that you can snorkel around with some sights.

It's neither great nor nothing. Awhile back I was the one who recommended snorkeling at Egmont (the poster had asked about snorkeling in the area at Fort Desoto, but there's not much there to see). I have done it, and as I said, if you hit the weather right, and it is calm, there's some sunken pilings with decent snorkeling. Besides, the island is pretty and it's a nice ride on the water! Also, the harbor pilots for Tampa Bay (who guide the cruise ships and freighters in) live on the island. Anyway, there are not many boat companies that go there. One local one with a good reputation is Hubbard's Marina, located at John's Pass Village (at the south end of Madeira Beach, about 10 mins nort of SPBeach). I just called them for you, and they offer a trip twice a day for $35 to Egmont. Call them a week or so ahead of time to book. 727-393-1947. Good luck, and enjoy your trip!

Thanks everyone and special thanks to joan! <BR><BR>So which would island would you all recommend for a peaceful beach afternoon and snorkeling -- Shell or Egmont?