Egmont Key Ferry from Ft. DeSoto Park
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September 2026
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Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 387 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Egmont Key Ferry from Ft. DeSoto Park worth booking?
Egmont Key Ferry from Ft. DeSoto Park is a 5-hour experience in St Petersburg, United States, from $50 per person. It scores 86 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 387 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 86 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (387)
- Duration
- 5 hours
- From
- $50 per person
If you want to spend some time on a beautiful pristine island paradise, the ferry to Egmont Key State Park from Fort De Soto is a great choice for the whole family! Get ready for a day of fun in the sun. Our ferry boat o
What you get
About this experience
If you want to spend some time on a beautiful pristine island paradise, the ferry to Egmont Key State Park from Fort De Soto is a great choice for the whole family! Get ready for a day of fun in the sun. Our ferry boat operates from the Fort De Soto Bay Pier daily in the spring and summer and nearly every day in the fall and winter. The ferry ride to the island is about 45-60 minutes and offers great chances to spot dolphins, sea turtles, and sometimes even manatees! We often spot sea birds on the ride to and from Egmont Key Island aboard the Hubbard’s Ferry, our big blue boat. Once on the island (3hrs), Egmont Key offers great shelling, swimming, and opportunities for adventures. Including Fort Dade, a fort that dates back to the Spanish American war for to explore. Egmont Key is also home to a large population of endangered native gopher tortoise! Snorkeling is sold separately on the day of the trip and not always guaranteed. Dependent on water quality, weather, predator fish.
What's included
Included
- Restroom on Board: while the boat is docked you'll have access to bathroom and galley for snacks
Not included
- Snacks
- Gratuities
- Parking available nearby for a fee
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
St Petersburg
The ferry departs from the boat ramp before you enter Fort De Soto park. Please arrive 30-45 minutes prior to departure. As you pull in the boat ramp, take your first right and park in the far back corner.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
The ferry departs from the boat ramp before you enter Fort De Soto park. Please arrive 30-45 minutes prior to departure. As you pull in the boat ramp, take your first right and park in the far back corner.
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Hubbard's Marina
Know before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 387 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
2 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
2 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Traveler reviews
387 verified traveler reviews for Egmont Key Ferry from Ft. DeSoto Park. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Great Ferry and Key day!
Zip and Collin were great guides! We saw a “herd” of cowhead rays and some spotted rays on the way out to the island, and dolphins on the way back. Once you’re on the island you have several hours to explore, shell, or sun. Make sure to bring sunscreen and also bug repellent if you want to go to the lighthouse. If you don’t bring your own snacks and water they sell those onboard.
via Viator
Fabulous day at Egmont Key
It was a wonderful day. The staff were great and knowledgable about the waterways, islands and history of Egmont Key. We saw a shark, two spotted eagle rays and about 30 dolphins in one large pod. We also saw hundreds of seagull, pelicans and frigate birds flying over the water and feasting on bait. The most we have ever seen in 40 years in Florida. We would highly recommend this for tourists and local Floridians. It was a great day at the beach and we found plenty of shells.
Response from the operator: Forty years of Florida adventures and this wildlife experience still stood out, that's quite a day at Egmont Key! From a shark and spotted eagle rays to a pod of roughly 30 dolphins and hundreds of seabirds feeding over the water, it sounds like nature put on an incredible show during your trip. We're also glad you enjoyed learning about the waterways, islands, and history of Egmont Key while still having plenty of time for the beach and shelling. Thank you for recommending the Egmont Key Ferry from Fort De Soto to both visitors and Florida locals, Peter. We truly appreciate you choosing Hubbard's Marina and hope your next island adventure brings just as many memorable sightings!
via Tripadvisor
Zip and Colin Rule
The co-captains were great. Zip and Colin. They gave us good advice, provided a pleasant trip to and from the key, and the key itself was well-worth visiting. I would recommend this to anyone visiting the area. Even better than the kayak trip we took to Shell Key, though that was great as well.
Response from the operator: There's something special about making the trip across to Egmont Key and having plenty of time to experience the island for yourself. We're glad the ride was relaxing, the advice along the way was helpful, and Egmont Key lived up to the adventure you were hoping for, Dustin. Zip and Colin will appreciate the enthusiastic shoutout! Thank you for recommending the Egmont Key Ferry from Fort De Soto to others visiting the Tampa Bay area. We're honored this experience stood out among your Gulf Coast adventures, and we hope Hubbard's Marina gets to take you exploring again on your next visit!
via Tripadvisor
Zip and Collin!
Zip and Collin were amazing Captains! We saw dolphins and manatees! The snorkeling was a lot of fun and the beach time was great! Would definitely recommend to all ages . They even let my granddaughter drive!
Response from the operator: Dolphins, manatees, snorkeling, beach time, and getting to help drive the boat! It sounds like your granddaughter came away with a pretty great story to tell from her day at Egmont Key. We're thrilled your whole group had such a fun experience and that Zip and Collin helped make the adventure memorable. One of the things we love about the Egmont Key Ferry is how much there is for different generations to enjoy together, from wildlife sightings on the water to exploring the island. Thank you for recommending Hubbard's Marina to visitors of all ages. We hope to welcome your family back to Fort De Soto for another Egmont Key adventure!
via Tripadvisor
Fun day at Egmont Key
Zip and Colan made it a great trip. Stopping to view dolphins on the way back. Definitely a great afternoon on Egmont Island swimming I would advise that the rocks in the water are sharp. Great value
Response from the operator: A relaxing afternoon at Egmont Key topped off with dolphins on the ride back sounds like a great way to spend a Florida day! We're glad you enjoyed swimming, exploring the island, and found the Egmont Key Ferry to be a great value. We'll be sure to share your kind words with Zip and Collin. Our crews love taking the time to enjoy wildlife sightings when the opportunity arises, and dolphins are always a fun bonus. We also appreciate you sharing the helpful note about watching for rocks along the shoreline. Thank you for choosing Hubbard's Marina for your Egmont Key adventure from Fort De Soto, and we hope to welcome you aboard again!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 135
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Why this scores 86
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Egmont Key Ferry from Ft. DeSoto Park: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for St Petersburg.
How much does Egmont Key Ferry from Ft. DeSoto Park cost?
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Prices start at $50 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in St Petersburg usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Egmont Key Ferry from Ft. DeSoto Park take?
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Plan for about 5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in St Petersburg is not rushed.
Is Egmont Key Ferry from Ft. DeSoto Park worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 86 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 387 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most highly reviewed in St Petersburg, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Egmont Key Ferry from Ft. DeSoto Park?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Egmont Key Ferry from Ft. DeSoto Park suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Egmont Key Ferry from Ft. DeSoto Park?
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Around 135 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in St Petersburg can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in St Petersburg and add a light layer if any part of the 5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Egmont Key Ferry from Ft. DeSoto Park start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central St Petersburg within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in St Petersburg?
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St Petersburg pairs beach time with a dense arts district: Dali Museum entry, mural walking tours, clear-kayak paddles through mangrove tunnels and boat runs out to Egmont Key and Shell Key. On Outty we rank every St Petersburg experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Clear Kayak Tour of Shell Key Preserve and Tampa Bay Area, St. Petersburg Jungle Prada Site History Tour, Island Sunset and Skyway Light Show - 3hr Boat Cruise in St. Pete. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit St Petersburg?
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October to April, before the summer heat and afternoon storms. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in St Petersburg?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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