Egmont Key Snorkeling Dolphin Tour: Ruins & Grass Flats

The captain stays on the water with you, not dropping you off to fend for yourself.

Snorkel Egmont Key on a semi-private boat tour with a live English-speaking captain who narrates the island's 1500s history as you approach. You choose between the advanced ruins site or beginner grass flats, both teeming with sea turtles, manatees, fish and birds. Snorkeling gear, floats, water and cooler are included. Minimum four tickets required to depart.

Step-by-step itinerary

Snorkel and explore Egmont Key

• Boat ride to Egmont Key
• Captain narrates island history
• Snorkel ruins or grass flats
• Observe wildlife and birds
• Tour island ruins and nature

The experience

What's the difference between snorkeling the ruins versus the grass flats at Egmont Key? The ruins are an advanced spot where you can explore structures from the Spanish American War, while the grass flats offer a gentler entry point with the same wildlife: sea turtles, manatees, fish and birds move through both areas. Your captain gives you the island's history dating back to the 1500s as you approach, so you know what you're looking at before you get in the water. Snorkeling gear is included, along with floats to help you stay comfortable.

The boat stays with your group for the full four hours instead of dropping you at a site and leaving. Your captain specializes in encouraging dolphins to jump behind the boat. It's not guaranteed, but the tour almost always spots them along with the other wildlife. You get bottled water, ice in a cooler, and the use of quality snorkeling equipment that the operator says outmatches competitors. All tours run as semi-private or private group charters, so you're not packed in with strangers.

The tour requires a minimum of four tickets to leave the dock. If the booking doesn't reach that number, the operator will rebook your trip to a later departure rather than cancel it. Infants and small children can come along in a pram or stroller, and service animals are welcome. Public transportation options are available near the departure point.

What’s included

• Snorkeling gear, floats for comfort in the water.
• bottled water, ice and cooler.
• captain narration of the island's history.
• boat and guide stay with your group for the full tour, no drop-off service.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:00, 12:00 and 13:00

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (under 13)

GroupUp to 6

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Charter Finders LLC

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want to snorkel without renting or buying your own gear and without the worry of a boat leaving you behind: the captain stays on the water with your group the entire time, and dolphins show up on almost every departure.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (under 13).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. No refund if you cancel.

Can I snorkel at Egmont Key if I've never done it before?

Yes, the grass flats are designed as a beginner-level snorkeling spot, while the ruins are for more advanced swimmers. You choose which site suits your comfort level, and snorkeling gear is provided either way.

Will we actually see dolphins on this tour?

Dolphins are spotted on almost every tour, though it's not a guarantee since they're wild animals. The captain specializes in encouraging them to jump behind the boat, and manatees, sea turtles, fish and birds are present in the area as well.

What's included in the snorkeling tour price?

Snorkeling gear, floats, bottled water, ice and a cooler are all included. The captain and boat stay with your group for the entire four hours. There's no drop-off service.

How many people need to book for the tour to run?

A minimum of four tickets is required for the boat to leave the dock. If you don't reach that number, the operator will rebook your group to a later departure.

What can I see at the Egmont Key ruins?

Egmont Key has structures from the Spanish American War that you can explore while snorkeling. The island itself dates back to the 1500s, and your captain narrates its history as you approach.