A Wildlife Watcher’s Guide to Egmont Key

What Animals are Most Commonly Seen on Boat Trips to Egmont Key?

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If you’re heading out to historic Egmont Key via a vacation boat charter, the journey itself can be exciting in its own right. So while you’re naturally going to be excited to get to the island, don’t miss out on the wonderful opportunities to check out the local marine life during the boat ride itself.

As your boat cuts through the crystal-clear Gulf waters, keep your eyes on the horizon—you might spot bottlenose dolphins playing in the wake, or even a pod of manatees in the calmer waters near the shore.

On the boat to Egmont Key, seabirds like the Magnificent Frigatebird and various species of terns might also be seen gliding above the open water, hunting for fish. The clear waters also offer a chance to see schools of fish darting below the surface, and—if you’re lucky—you might even match a glimpse of a sea turtle!

Once your charter boat actually arrives at Egmont Key, you’ll find a whole new world of wildlife waiting to be discovered—from the sandy beaches where loggerheads nest to the shady paths where the gopher tortoises roam. (And if you’re snorkeling, you’ll be treated to an underwater spectacle with Southern stingrays gliding beneath you, schools of silversides flashing around bright corals—and maybe even massive grouper around underwater wrecks and reefs!)

Birds of Egmont Key

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The island is a haven for bird watchers. Here are some feathered friends you might encounter:

  • Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis): These large, stocky birds are a common sight, diving into the water to scoop up fish.
  • Royal Tern (Thalasseus maximus): Look for these sleek seabirds with sharp bills. They’re often seen diving from great heights to catch fish.
  • Laughing Gull (Leucophaeus atricilla): Easily recognizable by their raucous calls, these gulls are quite the comedians of the shoreline.
  • Osprey (Pandion haliaetus): Also known as fish hawks, ospreys are often seen soaring overhead or perched high, looking for fish.
  • Snowy Egret (Egretta thula): With their impressive white plumage and delicate steps, they’re a beautiful sight wading in the shallows.

Marine Life around Egmont Key

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From the shore, you’ll can see the occasional splashes from wildlife activities. But when you’re snorkeling around, the clarity of the water can be phenomenal, offering a clear window into the underwater world. Here are some creatures you might spot among or beneath the waves:

  • Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus): You can often see these friendly dolphins in groups. They love to show off—jumping high out of the water or surfing the waves created by boats. It’s always a treat when they decide to make an appearance.
  • West Indian Manatee (Trichechus manatus): These laid-back giants are a bit harder to spot but totally worth the effort. They usually hang out in the shallower areas, munching on seagrass. If you’re lucky, you might see one on a quiet day, just doing its thing.
  • Loggerhead Turtle (Caretta caretta): Keep your eyes peeled for these ancient mariners—especially during the warmer months when they come up on the beaches to nest. But in the water, they’re truly majestic—always a sight to behold.
  • Southern Stingray (Dasyatis americana): These guys are masters of disguise, often hiding under a blanket of sand in shallow waters. If you’re wading or snorkeling, spotting the outline of a stingray buried in the sand is super cool—just watch where you step.
  • Goliath Grouper (Epinephelus itajara): And then there’s the big boss, the goliath grouper. These fish are huge and hang around wrecks and reefs. They’re pretty imposing, but seeing one is like spotting underwater royalty.

You might also see a variety of smaller fish darting through the shallows or among the coral. Here are some of the common ones you might see:

  • Silversides (Atherinidae): These small, slender fish have a shiny, silvery stripe running along their sides. They often swim in large schools, which can look like a shimmering cloud in the water.
  • Pinfish (Lagodon rhomboides): These are small, sturdy fish with a bit of a spiky dorsal fin. They’re pretty common in seagrass beds and around structures.
  • Mullet (Mugilidae): You might see these fish jumping above the water’s surface. They’re a bit larger than the others and have a robust, rounded shape.
  • Wrasses (Labridae): With their bright colors and patterns, wrasses are fun to watch as they zip around rocks and coral.
  • Sheepshead minnow (Cyprinodon variegatus): These are small, tough little fish with varied patterns, often found cruising around the sandy bottoms and among the mangroves.

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You might also spot some crabs and other interesting marine life as you explore the beaches and other habitats around Egmont Key, including but not limited to:

  • Ghost Crabs (Ocypode quadrata) – Common on the sandy shores of Egmont Key. These crabs are typically seen during the night but may also be spotted during the day near their burrows.
  • Blue Crab (Callinectes sapidus) – While more common in estuarine environments, blue crabs can occasionally be seen around Egmont Key, especially near the seagrass beds and muddy substrates that surround the island.
  • Starfish (Sea Stars) – Commonly found in the shallow waters around the island, especially near coral reefs and rocky areas. Species like the common sea star can be seen during low tides.
  • Conchs & Snails – There are a variety of marine snails that inhabit the waters here. The fighting conch, horse conch, and lightning whelk are examples that are often spotted in shallow waters or during low tide when they are more visible.
  • Horseshoe Crab (Limulus polyphemus) – Not as common around Egmont Key as in other parts of Florida, but still present. Their sightings can be seasonal, often related to their spawning periods.
  • Hermit Crabs – Very common in shallow waters and along the shorelines of Egmont Key. These crabs are frequently seen by visitors exploring the shallow waters or who happen upon tide pools around the rocks.

Reptiles & Other Land Animals

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While Egmont Key is famous for its avian and marine residents, it’s also home to a range of interesting reptiles and mammals that deserve some limelight:

  • Gopher Tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus): Gopher tortoises dig extensive burrows—some can be up to 40 feet long—that provide crucial shelters for up to 350 different species. Watching them plodding around, you can’t help but admire their determination and importance to the ecosystem.
  • Eastern Indigo Snake (Drymarchon couperi): Catching a glimpse of one of these can be the highlight of your day. The eastern indigo snake is the longest native snake species in North America and is known for its striking, shiny blue-black color. Don’t worry—they’re non-venomous and quite docile, making them a rare but thrilling find among the island’s more secretive creatures.
  • Raccoons (Procyon lotor): The infamous beach bandits! These clever critters are well-known for their curiosity and mischief, and you might spot them rummaging through unattended picnic spots or nonchalantly strolling along the trails. While they’re fun to watch, remember to secure your belongings and keep a respectful distance—these thieves are wild animals, after all, but they’re pretty good at using the presence of humans to their advantage to get snacks.
  • Gray Fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus): A bit more elusive than raccoons, gray foxes can rarely be seen during dawn or dusk. They are excellent climbers and might be observed scaling low branches in search of birds or insects.
  • Various species of lizards and skinks: The island is also home to a variety of smaller reptiles which include green anoles (Anolis carolinensis), often seen darting up tree trunks, and skinks that shuffle through leaf litter. Their rapid movements and bright colors make them fascinating subjects for observation.

Tips for Wildlife Watching

Here are a few tips to enhance your wildlife watching experience:

  1. Bring Binoculars: A good pair will help you spot birds and marine life from a distance without disturbing them.
  2. Keep Quiet: Moving slowly and keeping noise to a minimum will increase your chances of seeing more wildlife.
  3. Respect Boundaries: Always keep a respectful distance from any wildlife to avoid stress or harm to the animals.
  4. Pack Out What You Pack In: Keep the habitat pristine for both the animals and future visitors by taking all your trash with you.

Final Thoughts

Egmont Key

While we’ve highlighted some of the more iconic wildlife you might encounter on Egmont Key boat tours, it’s important to note this isn’t the full list. That’s because depending on the time of year and the conditions of your visit, you could spot a variety of other animals.

Seasonal migrations and breeding patterns can bring different species to the area, such as various migratory birds or even rare marine creatures like sea turtles during their nesting season. Changes in weather, water temperature, and food availability can also influence the presence and visibility of wildlife.

Each boat trip to Egmont Key can offer unique sightings, so keep your eyes open (and your binoculars handy!) for a chance to observe the ever-changing array of animals that frequent the waters and shores here.

Of course, Egmont Key offers more than “just” flora and fauna. Once you arrive, you’ll also get to explore its fascinating history. It’s not only a wildlife refuge but a historical site dotted with ruins and remnants from its days as a strategic military base during the Spanish-American War. You can explore old fortifications, a historic lighthouse that has stood since 1858, and the crumbling remains of gun batteries, all telling the story of the island’s past.

Whether you’re a wildlife lover, a history buff, or simply in need of a beautiful escape (or perhaps all three!) Egmont Key has something for you.

So, as you head out on the boat to the island, enjoy watching for the wildlife along the way—and get ready to explore the incredible nature, history, and adventure that awaits!

Ready to book your Egmont Key boat adventure? Click here to reserve your trip online with Island Way Excursions!