BRADENTON BEACH SNORKEL FIELD GUIDE
Egmont Key: Snorkel Ruins, Walk Fort Dade, and Find Solitude on a Forgotten Island
A four-hour snorkel and exploration trip from Bradenton Beach that combines submerged historical ruins, Fort Dade’s cobblestone streets and lighthouse, and quiet beaches—this guide explains what to expect and how to plan it.
Egmont Key: Snorkel Ruins, Walk Fort Dade, and Find Solitude on a Forgotten Island.
Egmont Key State Park sits at the mouth of Tampa Bay as a compact patch of history and habitat: Fort Dade’s ruined masonry and cobblestone lanes rub shoulders with an iconic lighthouse, nesting and migratory birds, and beaches that ring the island. Passage Key Dolphin Tours runs a four‑hour Snorkel/Explore Egmont Key outing that pairs short hikes through vestiges of the old village with snorkeling over submerged remains and time to relax on secluded sand.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Fort Dade and the Old Village
Walk the cobblestone streets and explore the ruins of Fort Dade, including a small graveyard behind the park ranger’s cabin; the island’s built remnants are compact, evocative, and easy to explore during the stopover.
Terrestrial Residents and Migratory Birds
Egmont Key hosts local fauna such as gopher tortoises and a variety of migratory birds; expect brief wildlife encounters as you move between the historic site and the beaches that fringe the island.
Snorkel Over Battery Burchsted’s Submerged Ruins
Snorkeling opportunities include swimming over the remains of Battery Burchsted and other submerged historical structures—clear, shallow reefs and wreckage provide the main underwater interest.
What the day feels like
What the Day Feels Like
The outing unfolds as a short boat ride from Bradenton Beach to Egmont Key, followed by on‑island exploration that stitches together ruins, a lighthouse visit, and shell‑strewn beaches. You’ll swap the boat for gentle shoreline walks and, where conditions allow, brief snorkel sessions over submerged batteries and rubble before returning to shore.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits — and who should check first.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
This is a four-hour Snorkel and/or Explore Egmont Key outing.
Meet at 1465 Gulf Drive South, Bradenton Beach, Florida, 34217 for boarding.
Bring swimwear, towel, sun protection, and any personal snorkel gear you prefer; pack light for the short island walks and beach time.
The trip combines a boat transfer with on‑island exploration and snorkeling; plan to store valuables on the vessel while ashore.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the trip?
The Snorkel/Explore Egmont Key outing is four hours in duration.
Where do I meet for the tour?
The meeting location is 1465 Gulf Drive South, Bradenton Beach, Florida, 34217.
What will we see on Egmont Key?
Expect to explore the ruins of Fort Dade, walk cobblestone streets of the old village, view the lighthouse, visit a small graveyard by the ranger’s cabin, and encounter local wildlife including gopher tortoises and migratory birds.
Are there snorkeling opportunities?
Yes—there are snorkeling opportunities over the remains of Battery Burchsted and other submerged historical structures.
What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, towel, sun protection, and any personal snorkel gear you prefer; pack light for beach time and short walks.
Will I see wildlife on the island?
You may encounter island wildlife such as gopher tortoises and a variety of migratory birds during the visit.