Egmont Key State Park boat tour: Fort Dade ruins and lighthouse

Walk a Civil War garrison and climb a lighthouse that's watched over the same island for 150 years

A 4-hour private boat tour to Egmont Key State Park explores the ruins of Fort Dade, a military garrison built in 1898, and a working lighthouse dating back more than 150 years. The guardhouse has been restored as a visitor center with wildlife and history exhibits. A live English-speaking guide leads the exploration of the carriage brick road, gun batteries, sidewalks and fortifications. Dolphins are often spotted in the waters around the island.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Egmont Key State Park

• Travel to Egmont Key by private boat
• Walk around Fort Dade ruins
• Visit the working lighthouse
• Explore carriage brick road and sidewalks
• See gun batteries and guardhouse
• Visit guardhouse visitor center and museum
• Learn about island’s wildlife and history
• Observe playful dolphins in natural habitat

The Experience

What makes Egmont Key worth a half-day trip? The island holds three layers of history stacked on top of each other. Fort Dade went up during the Spanish-American War in 1898, but the lighthouse predates it—a relic from Florida's Seminole Indian War in 1854 and the Civil War that followed. Walking the grounds means moving through a carriage brick road, gun batteries, sidewalks and a guardhouse that's been restored to hold a small museum and visitor center. The exhibits cover both the island's military past and its natural environment, so you're not just looking at old walls.

The boat ride itself is part of the draw. Private transportation means no crowded departures or fixed group schedules; the tour runs 4 hours total with travel time included. Dolphins often appear in their natural habitat around the island, a detail that underscores the wildlife side of the place. The guardhouse museum keeps sporadic hours, so timing matters—your guide will know when it's open and what you can actually get inside to see.

Bring water and wear shoes that grip; the brick road and battery positions are uneven. The island sits in open water, so sun exposure is real. Service animals are welcome, and infants can ride on an adult's lap, though the boat ride and walking ruins aren't recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, or pregnant travelers.

What’s included

• Private boat transportation.
• a live English-speaking guide.
• access to Fort Dade ruins, gun batteries and the restored guardhouse visitor center with exhibits.
• the working lighthouse and island grounds.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Beach Charters By The Bay

Is this one for you?Choose the private boat option if you want to explore the fort and lighthouse at your own pace rather than wait for scheduled group departures, and to have a guide who knows the guardhouse museum's actual opening hours.

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Top questions

What exactly are the ruins of Fort Dade that I'll be walking through?

Fort Dade is a military garrison built in 1898 during the Spanish-American War. The ruins include gun batteries, a guardhouse, sidewalks and a carriage brick road. The guardhouse has been restored to serve as a visitor center and small museum with wildlife and history exhibits about the island's role in the Seminole Indian War and the Civil War.

How old is the lighthouse on Egmont Key?

The lighthouse is more than 150 years old and still working. It dates back to Florida's Seminole Indian War in 1854 and stands as a relic of the island's prominent historical role through the Civil War era.

Will I see dolphins on this tour?

Dolphins often appear in their natural habitat around Egmont Key during the tour, though sightings are not guaranteed. The operator emphasizes responsible wildlife viewing as part of the experience.

Is food and drink provided on the 4-hour tour?

Food and drink are not included, so bring your own water and snacks for the half-day on the island and the boat ride.

What's included in the private boat tour price?

Private transportation by boat, a live English-speaking guide, and access to explore Fort Dade ruins and the lighthouse are included. Travel time is part of the 4-hour total duration.