Snorkeling at Egmont Key: Private charter for up to 4

Snorkel the submerged ruins of Egmont Key, hunt shells at Passage Key, cruise the Manatee River

A private 4-hour snorkeling charter for up to four guests explores Egmont Key's submerged ruins and Passage Key's sandbars in the waters where Tampa Bay meets the Gulf. The route starts on the Manatee River, passes downtown Bradenton and private estates, then reaches the islands where you snorkel, swim, search for shells and sand dollars, or lounge in shallow clear water. A seasoned captain leads the boat, and snorkel gear, a cooler with ice and bottled water are included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Manatee River and Islands

• Cruise Manatee River and spot wildlife
• Explore Egmont Key: snorkel and relax
• Visit Passage Key sandbar for swimming

The experience

Egmont Key sits a few miles north of Anna Maria Island, known for sugar-white sand and the historic ruins of a lighthouse now submerged in the Gulf. The 4-hour charter begins on the Manatee River, where the boat cruises past downtown Bradenton and Palmetto before opening into Tampa Bay. Dolphins and other wildlife appear along the way. Once at Egmont Key, you choose how to spend your time: snorkel around the submerged ruins that now shelter marine life, explore the island's beaches, search for shells, or swim in the clear water.

After Egmont Key, the boat heads to Passage Key, an iconic sandbar where the Gulf meets Tampa Bay. The water here stays shallow and clear, and manatees, tarpon and dolphins are frequently spotted. You can snorkel for shells and sand dollars, swim, or simply float and take in the views. Depending on the tide, the sandbar may not be fully exposed, but the surrounding water remains shallow enough for all the activities. The captain knows where to find the best spots and what wildlife is moving through the area on any given day.

Snorkel gear is provided, along with water toys and floats. A 60-quart cooler stocked with ice and bottled water stays on board throughout the day. The charter accommodates up to four guests, which means no crowded tour boats and a route shaped around what your group wants to do, whether that is snorkeling, swimming, shelling or watching for marine life.

What’s included

• Snorkel gear for all guests.
• 60-quart cooler with ice and bottled water.
• water toys and floats.
• seasoned captain guiding the route and pointing out wildlife and historic sites.
• pickup options available from local locations.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to12h before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

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

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Moderate physical levelStroller friendlyPets welcomeNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Manatee River Charters

Is this one for you?Your captain speaks English and knows the islands, ruins and wildlife patterns firsthand, so you get live commentary on what you are seeing and where to look next. The private charter keeps the group to four guests, so the pace and stops follow what your group wants to do that day.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What can I snorkel around at Egmont Key?

Egmont Key's submerged ruins, including the historic lighthouse, have become home to marine life. You snorkel around these structures in clear Gulf water, and the captain can point out what lives there and where to look.

Will I see dolphins and manatees on this charter?

Dolphins and manatees are frequently spotted along the Manatee River and around both Egmont Key and Passage Key, especially in the shallow waters where the Gulf meets Tampa Bay. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed, but the captain knows the areas and habits of the animals that live there.

What happens if the sandbar at Passage Key is not exposed?

Depending on the tide, Passage Key's sandbar may not be fully exposed when you visit. The shallow water surrounding the island remains clear and swimmable, and you can still snorkel for shells and sand dollars in the same area.

How long is the charter and what is included?

The charter runs 4 hours and includes snorkel gear, a 60-quart cooler with ice, bottled water and water toys or floats. The captain provides the boat and local knowledge. You bring swimwear and water shoes or dive boots if you have them.

Can families with young children join this charter?

Infants and small children can come along. Infants must sit on an adult's lap, and younger children can ride in a pram or stroller on the boat. The charter is customizable around your group's interests and pace.