Egmont Key Excursion

What Is Not Included?

Meeting Location

Do I have to purchase my tickets in advance?

We highly recommend purchasing your tickets in advance in order to guarantee your space on board as our trips often do sell out. Tickets can be purchased online or over the phone using either a Visa, Mastercard or American Express card.

Can I place my name on a waiting list if this cruise is sold out?

You may add your name to a waiting list, but cancellations are rare. It is best to choose another date/time if you are able to attend another cruise.

What types of wildlife can we expect to see on this cruise?

Dolphins, Manatees (during our warmer months), an incredible array of over 20 species of birds, and possibly 3 varieties of Turtles!

When are we likely to see Manatee?

Manatee viewings are seasonal and usually occur from the spring to the fall. Fortunately Dolphin Landings Charter Boat Center is located adjacent to a very large 'grass flat' that we refer to as the 'Salad Bar' due to the frequent Manatee sightings!

Is this excursion good for young children?

Yes! Children of all ages enjoy this excursion. Please note that all children ages 12 and under are able to purchase a ticket at the reduced child ticket price, and children 2 and under (babe in arms) are complimentary.

Can I bring a stroller on board?

Due to the layout of the vessel, strollers are not permitted on board. We stow them securely at the Dock Office.

Is the trip handicapped accessible?

We are happy to do everything in our power to help you board the vessel and enjoy your outing with us. The trip may be accessible for you depending on your situation - please contact us directly via the "Contact DolphinLands" link to discuss your particular situation before purchasing tickets.

Can pregnant women attend this cruise?

Yes. The Island Hopper is a stable and fast power Catamaran. Our travel time to the island is approximately 45 minutes.

Is there tax?

Yes, there is a local sales tax of 7% that will be applied to your ticket purchase. Gratuities are not included in the ticket price and are graciously appreciated for excellent service.

Are you open year-round?

Yes, we operate year-round, with the exception of Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

What happens if it rains on the day of the cruise?

If we experience extreme adverse weather, particularly with lightning, with no immediate end in sight, we will gladly reschedule your ticket or provide credit for a future event. Your choice. In most cases we might just delay the cruise a little bit until the weather passes.

What sort of boats will we be traveling on?

You will be on the 'Island Hopper,' a 34' power Catamaran which provides a stable comfortable ride.

Are there life jackets on board?

Yes, our boats are US Coast Guard certified & inspected and carry enough life jackets for every passenger on board. However, due to the size of the vessel, and our route, you will not be required to wear a life jacket during the cruise. Before each trip our Captains give a safety and orientation speech to the customers.

Is the trip narrated?

Not in the sense that there is a script. But the Captains and Crew are consistently fielding questions, and sharing their local knowledge about the area. Our goal is to get our customers to say 'this is the best excursion we had on our vacation'!

Is there seating on board?

There is regular seating available, foreward, middle and in the aft section of the vessel.

Can I bring my own food and drink?

Sure, you are welcome to bring your own beverages (including alcohol) and/or snacks and lunch with you on board. Note that bottled water and soft drinks are included in the ticket price. Please also note that alcohol will not be allowed on the island (once we arrive within the state park boundary, alcohol consumption will not be permitted until we begin the return trip). Please no glass containers!

Can I bring a cooler on board?

All our vessels have oversize coolers on board and guests are welcome to use them. If you do bring a cooler, we prefer that it be a smaller compact one.

Will food and drink be available for sale?

We are located at a shopping center so there is a grocery store, a pharmacy, and a liquor store within walking distance. We provide complimentary soft drinks, bottled water, and you are always welcome to bring your own drinks or snacks and use our cooler.

Are there bathrooms on board the boat?

There are no bathrooms on board the vessel or on the island. We therefore encourage guests to use the facilities shore side prior to departure.

How far from the coast will the boat travel?

We travel approximately 1/2 mile from the shore which is always in sight.

Does the boat stop at any point?

Our destination and only stop is the island Egmont Key. The boat will remain docked at the island while guests go explore the island, go shelling or snorkeling, etc.

Will I get seasick on this excursion?

Half of the trip is on the calm waters of Boca Ciega Bay, and the other half is in the Gulf of Mexico. The 'Island Hopper' is a power catamaran, providing a very stable ride. It is very rare for anyone to get seasick on the excursion.

Is there shade available on the boat?

The vessel has a hard top covering more than half of its length with plenty of shaded seats, as well as seats for the sun-lovers.

Can I smoke on the boat?

There is NO smoking allowed on this excursion, as the vessel is gasoline powered.

How much time is spent on the island?

We will be on the Island approximately 2 hours. You are welcome to spend this time however you'd like. Feel free to go snorkeling, shelling, visit the lighthouse, or just relax.

Will we be shelling on this excursion?

Yes, you will have the opportunity to search for shells on this excursion and a shelling bag will be provided at no additional cost.

Do I need to know how to swim?

The 'Island Hopper' pulls right up on the beach and a set of 3 steps is provided for disembarking. There is no need to swim to and from the boat.

Can I bring my own snorkeling equipment?

We will provide you with a mask and tube, but encourage bringing your own equipment that might better fit you if you have it!

Do you offer prescription masks?

Sorry, but we do not provide prescription masks.

How old must children be to snorkel? Is there an age limit?

There is not a particular age limit to be able to snorkel. We have both adult and child snorkels, but recommend that you bring or purchase or bring a snorkel for your smaller, younger children. Note that snorkeling is unsupervised, so it is up to the parents to watch their children and assess each child's ability to snorkel.

Do you provide wetsuits?

Sorry, we do not provide wetsuits.

Are the waters we snorkel in safe?

You have the option to go swimming/snorkeling directly from the beach on either the bay side of the island or the Gulf of Mexico side, both of which are normally calm and clear. We disembark all our guests directly on the island and it's your choice if, where and how far you snorkel.

Will I see sharks?

Dolphins? Yes..... Manatees? Possibly...... but it is very unlikely you will see a shark.

How early should I arrive prior to the departure time?

If staying on St. Pete Beach, please arrive 15 minutes prior to departure times. Off the beach, please arrive 30 minutes prior.

How far are you from where I'm staying?

The following travel times are approximate - please allow for extra time for heavy traffic times. Orlando - 1.5 hours; Lakeland - 1 hour; Clearwater - 45 minutes to 1 hour; Sarasota - 45 minutes to 1 hour; Tampa - 40 minutes to 1 hour; Bradenton - 30 to 45 minutes; City of St. Petersburg - 20 to 30 minutes.

Is there parking?

Yes, we have free parking on site for your convenience!

Do you offer gift certificates?

Yes. Gift Certificates are available for any cruise we offer. To request a gift certificate, click on the "Contact DolphinLands" link.

Are private charters offered?

Yes! Private charters are available for any length of time and for any occasion, such as birthdays, anniversaries, proposals, cocktail cruises, weddings, ash scatterings, engagement parties, rehearsal dinners, etc. Also available are team building charters utilizing multiple sailing yachts. To inquire about setting up a private charter, click on the "Contact DolphinLands" link.

Refund/Rescheduling Policy

Non-refundable, cannot be rescheduled.

Once purchased, tickets cannot be refunded and cannot be rescheduled because your space is being guaranteed at the event.

Weather Policy

Activity may be cancelled due to severe weather.

The activity usually runs in light rain and other moderate weather conditions, but the seller may cancel the activity up to an hour before the start time in the event of severe or unsafe weather conditions. If the seller cancels the event, ticket-holders will be allowed to reschedule tickets (subject to availability) or receive credit for a future event.

Other Policies

Itinerary may vary depending on weather conditions.

In the event the weather conditions are deemed unsafe by the captain to go to Egmont Key, another beautiful barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico will be visited instead. Refunds will not be provided in the event of such itinerary changes.

Participants must sign a liability waiver.

All guests must sign a liability waiver prior to the trip's departure. Guests under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian sign the waiver on their behalf.

Dolphin Landings Charter Boat Center