St. Petersburg, FL: 4-Hour Catamaran Cruise to Egmont Key

Escape the hustle and bustle of St. Petersburg, Florida, with a captivating 4-hour catamaran cruise to Egmont Key. This pristine national wildlife refuge offers a unique opportunity to learn about the area’s natural beauty and maritime history. Explore the island’s untouched beaches, discover its historic lighthouse, and observe the diverse native wildlife, including tortoises and dolphins, while snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters. As you sail back to the city, admire the stunning skyline of St. Petersburg, with its iconic skyscrapers and landmarks. This scenic adventure promises an unforgettable experience, leaving you with memories that will last long after the cruise has ended.

This experience made our list of the 11 Best Cruises And Boat Tours In St Petersburg Florida.

Key Points

• A 4-hour catamaran cruise exploring the pristine Egmont Key, a national wildlife refuge near St. Petersburg, Florida.
• Opportunities to wander the untouched beaches, discover the historic lighthouse, and observe diverse native wildlife like tortoises and dolphins.
• Snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters to explore the underwater world around Egmont Key.
• Scenic views of the St. Petersburg skyline, including iconic landmarks and the thriving downtown waterfront.
• Cruise includes snorkel equipment, bottled water, and a scenic catamaran ride, with multiple departure times available.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview of the Catamaran Cruise

This 4-hour catamaran cruise provides visitors with the opportunity to explore the pristine Egmont Key, a national wildlife refuge located near St. Petersburg, Florida.

During the journey, guests will sail to the island and have the chance to wander its untouched beaches, admire the historic lighthouse, and discover the ruins of Fort Dade.

The crystal-clear waters surrounding Egmont Key offer excellent snorkeling conditions, allowing participants to observe the diverse native wildlife, including tortoises and dolphins.

Throughout the excursion, passengers can take in the stunning views of the St. Petersburg coastline from the comfort of the catamaran.

With water and snorkel equipment provided, this cruise offers an immersive and enriching experience for nature enthusiasts.

Highlights of the Egmont Key Visit

Visitors to Egmont Key can explore its pristine beaches, admire the historic lighthouse, and discover the ruins of the former Fort Dade during their time on the island. The crystal-clear waters surrounding the island provide excellent opportunities for snorkeling, where guests may spot native wildlife like tortoises and dolphins. From the water, they can also enjoy stunning views of the St. Petersburg skyline.

Highlights	Description
Pristine Beaches	Explore the island’s untouched, natural beaches.
Historic Lighthouse	Admire the historic lighthouse, a prominent landmark.
Fort Dade Ruins	Discover the remains of the former military fort.
Snorkeling	Observe native marine life in the clear waters.
Scenic Vistas	Take in the beautiful views of St. Petersburg.

Exploring the Pristine Beaches

As guests step foot on Egmont Key, they’ll be greeted by the island’s pristine beaches, where soft white sand stretches out before them. The tranquil waters of the Gulf of Mexico lap gently against the shore, inviting visitors to take a refreshing swim or simply bask in the sun.

The island’s beaches offer a unique opportunity to explore:

1. Beachcombing – Guests can scour the sand for shells, sea glass, and other natural treasures washed ashore.
2. Wildlife Viewing – Watchful eyes may spot nesting sea turtles, wading birds, and other native species that call Egmont Key home.
3. Relaxation – The secluded, peaceful atmosphere of the beaches provides the perfect setting to unwind and soak up the Florida sunshine.

Discovering the Historic Lighthouse

Perched atop the island, Egmont Key’s historic lighthouse stands tall, offering visitors a glimpse into the island’s maritime past. This iconic structure, first lit in 1848, has guided ships through the treacherous waters of the Gulf of Mexico for over a century. Visitors can explore the lighthouse’s interior, climbing the spiral staircase to the top for panoramic views of the island and the surrounding waters.

Lighthouse Facts
Height	75 feet
Construction	Brick
Last Lit	1970

Discovering the history and architecture of this historic landmark is a highlight of any visit to Egmont Key.

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Observing the Native Wildlife

Along With the island’s historical landmarks, Egmont Key is home to a variety of native wildlife that captivates visitors. Guests can spot gopher tortoises slowly making their way across the sandy beaches, as well as dolphins playfully swimming in the surrounding crystal-clear waters.

The island’s diverse ecosystem also supports a wide range of bird species, including:

1. Ospreys soaring overhead, keeping a watchful eye for their next catch.
2. Pelicans gracefully gliding across the surface of the water.
3. Sandpipers scurrying along the shoreline in search of small invertebrates.

With so much natural beauty to discover, the Egmont Key cruise offers a unique opportunity to observe Florida’s vibrant coastal habitats up close.

Admiring the St. Petersburg Views

During the cruise, passengers can’t help but be captivated by the stunning skyline of St. Petersburg, which comes into view across the glistening waters. The city’s iconic skyscrapers and landmarks create a breathtaking backdrop as the catamaran glides along the coastline, offering unparalleled vantage points for appreciating this vibrant Florida destination.

From the water, guests can admire the towering USF St. Petersburg campus, the sleek Mahaffey Theater, and the distinctive Vinoy Renaissance St. Petersburg Resort & Golf Club.

As the catamaran sails past, travelers are treated to panoramic perspectives of St. Petersburg’s thriving downtown, with its bustling waterfront, bustling eateries, and lush parks, all framed by the shimmering expanse of Tampa Bay.

Cruise Inclusions and Requirements

The catamaran cruise includes essential equipment and provisions to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience for passengers. The tour includes:

1. Snorkel equipment, providing guests the opportunity to explore the crystal-clear waters and observe the vibrant marine life.
2. Complimentary bottled water, keeping everyone hydrated throughout the journey.
3. A scenic catamaran ride, allowing passengers to soak in the stunning views of St. Petersburg from the water.

Passengers are advised to come prepared with swimwear, towels, and sunscreen to make the most of the excursion. With these inclusions and requirements, guests can focus on seeing the natural beauty of Egmont Key and creating unforgettable memories.

Availability and Meeting Point

Passengers can check the availability of the catamaran cruise to Egmont Key and find the meeting point at the St. Petersburg pier, Dock Q48, Gate 24. The tour operator offers multiple departure times throughout the day, so guests can choose a time that best fits their schedule. To ensure availability, it’s recommended to book the cruise in advance.

Time	Availability
9 AM	Open
12 PM	Sold Out
3 PM	Limited
6 PM	Open

Arriving at the meeting point 15-30 minutes early is advised to allow ample time for check-in and boarding. With the flexible schedule and convenient location, guests can easily fit this exciting Egmont Key excursion into their St. Petersburg itinerary.

Recap

The 4-hour catamaran cruise to Egmont Key offers a unique opportunity to explore a pristine national wildlife refuge.

Visitors can discover the island’s untouched beaches, historic lighthouse, and diverse native wildlife, including tortoises and dolphins.

The stunning views of the St. Petersburg skyline on the return trip make this scenic adventure a must-do for nature enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

You can check availability for your dates here: