Booked reservation quite easily at the John’s Pass location, and Fort DeSoto boat ramp was easy to find via GPS. Captain Zip was super informative on the Egmont history, dictating important bits here and there during the cruise, and he was above all else the most kid-friendly captain I’ve ever encountered, often interacting with the little ones, letting them pretend drive the boat, interviewing them on the mic, and giving them good snorkeling tips, especially for the first-timers. Zip made sure to halt the ride when we saw a family of dolphins, a drifting manatee, and a treading sea tortoise, and he had patience with members on board who had a difficult time locating the animals on the horizon, waiting until everyone who wanted to see rhe wildlife had gotten the opportunity. First Mate Robin was super friendly and energetic, keeping the crowd motivated despite heat and midday drowse, encouraging us to sing along to the beachy tunes playing on the radio. She answered my many questions about snorkeling, and when we had an issue with my card, she took care of it smoothly and professionally.
Egmont itself was gorgeous! Pristine turquoise waters invited us in, historic ruins and intact sea shells that looked like they were straight out of a beachside shop kept us interested, shade kept us protected, and wildlife got us wanting more! We did the snorkeling excursion to the seagrass on the Key, which was a perfect time to float in the shallow water and catch glimpses of schools of fish and multiple hiding sea urchins, as well. Zip and Robin made sure to guide us through the process flawlessly and cheerfully.
My family vacations in Madeira Beach every June, and this is definitely an experience I’d repeat every year and enthusiastically recommend to family members and friends of all ages. There’s something for almost everyone!