Anclote Key Preserve State Park
Anclote Key Preserve State Park
Anclote Key Preserve State Park
4.5
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
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4.5
112 reviews
Excellent
79
Very good
28
Average
4
Poor
1
Terrible
0
Gaddemon
New York City, NY1,321 contributions
Jul 2021
I must say I’m terribly disappointed in this island. We went there by boat through a company called Odyssey who were great. We could get off the boat and go onto the island and spend there for about 30 minutes. We wanted to swim a little but it was obvious after the first glance that it wasn’t going to happen. There was an awful smell, and later we’ve seen a ton of dead fish everywhere!! It was utterly disgusting and there were some areas where we couldn’t even walk as there were so many decaying fish… On the flip side, if you have the stomach and walk a bit further you can find nice shells.
Written 9 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Linda L
Lake Mary, FL36 contributions
Aug 2013 • Couples
We rented a boat for the day and followed the marina's suggestion that we check this place out. Wow!!! Fantastic!!! Made the day!!! As huge fans of Caladesi Island, we wondered if this could compare----and it surely did.
We were there on a Tuesday, so when our boat approached, nooooo one was on the island-- it was at once awesome! yet a bit spooky. To find yourselves on a small shallow island out in the middle of the ocean, alone, was a new experience for us. And, I might add, one we took to rather quickly!
The stunning silence of the sea is overpowering. You turn off your boat motor, and all you hear are just little trinkles of small waves, rhythm in and out, cool water at your feet, crystal clear water...beautiful shells at every turn. To me, this was Eden. Suddenly, I was selfishly hoping we could keep this priceless solitude to ourselves, forever. Gradually another boat or two arrived, but there was plenty of room for us to spread out.
Tip: #1: There are very, very shallow areas surrounding Anclote, so be sure to take necessary precautions with your boat. You'll want to set anchor out in about hip high water and walk in. You'll want to boat to the sandbar area, and not the lighthouse. The lighthouse is vegetation shoreline...the sandbar is strictly pure sand.
#2: Bring plenty of sunscreen...I don't usually burn, but the sun was intensified 10 fold out there surrounded by water. Wonderful, yet powerful. I did get burned in just 90 minutes w/sunscreen...though totally worth it. But slather it on and reapply.
#3. If you enjoy shelling, be sure to bring a carrying container because you'll have plenty...and aways leave the living ones there.
#4. If possible, go midweek...weekends are crazy busy with local boating families.
#5. Have the time of your life, your camera with you, and savor the memory until next time.
We were there on a Tuesday, so when our boat approached, nooooo one was on the island-- it was at once awesome! yet a bit spooky. To find yourselves on a small shallow island out in the middle of the ocean, alone, was a new experience for us. And, I might add, one we took to rather quickly!
The stunning silence of the sea is overpowering. You turn off your boat motor, and all you hear are just little trinkles of small waves, rhythm in and out, cool water at your feet, crystal clear water...beautiful shells at every turn. To me, this was Eden. Suddenly, I was selfishly hoping we could keep this priceless solitude to ourselves, forever. Gradually another boat or two arrived, but there was plenty of room for us to spread out.
Tip: #1: There are very, very shallow areas surrounding Anclote, so be sure to take necessary precautions with your boat. You'll want to set anchor out in about hip high water and walk in. You'll want to boat to the sandbar area, and not the lighthouse. The lighthouse is vegetation shoreline...the sandbar is strictly pure sand.
#2: Bring plenty of sunscreen...I don't usually burn, but the sun was intensified 10 fold out there surrounded by water. Wonderful, yet powerful. I did get burned in just 90 minutes w/sunscreen...though totally worth it. But slather it on and reapply.
#3. If you enjoy shelling, be sure to bring a carrying container because you'll have plenty...and aways leave the living ones there.
#4. If possible, go midweek...weekends are crazy busy with local boating families.
#5. Have the time of your life, your camera with you, and savor the memory until next time.
Written 11 September 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
chris b
Tarpon Springs, FL25 contributions
Apr 2014 • Solo
I am the Park Ranger and Lighthouse Keeper that resides on this Island Paradise for the coming of 8 years now. The Island and all facilities are all totally off the grid. The residence and Lighthouse have a huge Solar Array and 2 50 kw Generators as backup. and along with a Desalination water plant as I pump salt water up to the residence from the government docking area. Primitive Beach Camping is a favorite past time for many and all you need to do is call the Park number and register in. No Fees. Sorry folks....No Dogs are allowed on the Island. A place for your Dogs is on the Island just North of Anclote Proper. The North Anclote Sand Bar Island.
Written 20 April 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LutzFruitz
New Port Richey, FL44 contributions
Nov 2013 • Friends
Pristine, Beautiful, Changing with each tide..... Anclote Key is amazing. I almost hate to publish a review because over exposure thru tourism is the downfall of sanctuaries like Anclote.
If you go -- PLEASE respect the island and the animals there. Take your trash home with you and do not remove any Living Anything - coral, fish, sand dollars (they are grey & fuzzy when they're alive), hermit crabs, etc......
Enjoy it and help keep it beautiful, please! For those of you who are proficient boaters, you can rent from Windsong in New Port Richey, or just enjoy the ride and grab one of the ferrys that run out of Tarpon Springs.
If you go -- PLEASE respect the island and the animals there. Take your trash home with you and do not remove any Living Anything - coral, fish, sand dollars (they are grey & fuzzy when they're alive), hermit crabs, etc......
Enjoy it and help keep it beautiful, please! For those of you who are proficient boaters, you can rent from Windsong in New Port Richey, or just enjoy the ride and grab one of the ferrys that run out of Tarpon Springs.
Written 11 November 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
InspLimo
Lancs.England33 contributions
Jun 2013 • Couples
Island lies about 4 miles offshore from Tarpon Springs & New Port Richey. It is only accessible by boat and this means there are never any crowds and it is easy to find peace & seclusion. The sand is pure white and in pristine condition. It is easy to walk on and on the Gulf of Mexico side you can find large and unusual seashells whilst beachcombing. There is always a breeze to help cool one down from the baking sun and you can cool off by swimming in either the Gulf or the Shore side of the island. There is an old lighthouse that is maintained by a Park Ranger and close by is an Osprey's nest in which I have watched the bird feeding their eaglets. Plenty of birdlife in the mangrove area on the shore side of the island. If you do not have a boat you can get there by taking a boat trip out from Tarpon Springs. This costs about $20 per head but trip out gives a narrated tour and allows chance to dolphin spot, but this trip only last around 2 hours in total, with about 30-40 minutes on the island. Far better if you can afford it to rent a boat and get out there all day.
Written 9 July 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Scott M
Tampa85 contributions
Dec 2014
We're out here nearly every weekend. If you're into a party scene with loud music and dogs, head to the north sandbar, if you want peace & solitude head to the main island. We'll often see snook & manatees along the beach. Watch the tides as the sandbars can get very shallow on the west side during low tide. The north side has stronger currents and the wakes from passing boats make this area less ideal for swimming. If exploring off the beach, bring shoes as there a ton of sand spurs. There are no facilities so bring what you need. Also please pack all of your trash, and pick up a few extra pieces to help anclote looking her best.
Written 3 January 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marshall S
Tampa, FL6 contributions
Jun 2014 • Friends
We visited Anclote Key on Sunday, June 29th. We had hoped to find a boat or ferry service that would take you to and from the island and allow you to spend several hours on the key. But, from asking around in Tarpon Springs, it seemed that the only way to get there was on the Spongeorama tour boat.
The key was a very nice quiet island with white sand and some tidal flats around the sand bar. If you're looking to enjoy the pleasure of visiting a quiet, island with good beaches it is worth the time. We only had 30 minutes on the key and so weren't able to explore the main part of the 3 mile long key, we only had time to explore the very southern tip which is covered with beaches. There are no concessionaires or bathroom facilities on the key nor is there a park usage fee.
It is worth discussing how to get there. The Spongeorama leaves the Tarpon Springs sponge docks several times a day. It is normally a two hour cruise with 30 minutes on the key. It takes 45 minutes to get to the key, 30 minutes on the key, and 45 minutes to get back. The cruise is promoted as a dolphin cruise and we were treated to 15 - 20 minutes of two pods circling the boat off the key. The Spongeorama has a minimum requirement of 15 or so passengers (the boat's capacity is around 50), so some trips may be cancelled due to insufficient passengers. (The Spongeorama also does a sunset cruise which doesn't allow you to go ashore on the island. We were told that the sunset cruise is often cancelled due to low passenger load, but that it always goes on Saturdays.) Spongeorama will refund your money if your cruise is cancelled. The Spongeorama boat has a bathroom and sells drinks and snacks.
The key was a very nice quiet island with white sand and some tidal flats around the sand bar. If you're looking to enjoy the pleasure of visiting a quiet, island with good beaches it is worth the time. We only had 30 minutes on the key and so weren't able to explore the main part of the 3 mile long key, we only had time to explore the very southern tip which is covered with beaches. There are no concessionaires or bathroom facilities on the key nor is there a park usage fee.
It is worth discussing how to get there. The Spongeorama leaves the Tarpon Springs sponge docks several times a day. It is normally a two hour cruise with 30 minutes on the key. It takes 45 minutes to get to the key, 30 minutes on the key, and 45 minutes to get back. The cruise is promoted as a dolphin cruise and we were treated to 15 - 20 minutes of two pods circling the boat off the key. The Spongeorama has a minimum requirement of 15 or so passengers (the boat's capacity is around 50), so some trips may be cancelled due to insufficient passengers. (The Spongeorama also does a sunset cruise which doesn't allow you to go ashore on the island. We were told that the sunset cruise is often cancelled due to low passenger load, but that it always goes on Saturdays.) Spongeorama will refund your money if your cruise is cancelled. The Spongeorama boat has a bathroom and sells drinks and snacks.
Written 30 June 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BobbyVan
4 contributions
Jul 2013 • Solo
Beautiful water & sand, watched dolphins feed. No need to go to the more expensive beaches. Rent a boat and enjoy the good life.
Written 29 July 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bob M
Holiday, FL147 contributions
Sept 2014 • Friends
One of the children at Church was celebrating her 4th birthday and invited us to spend the day with them at Anclote. It was our first trip to the Park and we had a wonderful time. The children enjoyed the play areas and the adults enjoyed the shade provided by the shelters.
Written 16 September 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shar H
New Port Richey, Florida, United States3 contributions
Aug 2012 • Family
WENT TO ANCLOTE ISLAND AND THE SANDBAR NORTH OF THE ISLAND. THESE ARE PRIMITIVE BEAUTIFUL BEACHES WITH THE SOFT WHITE SAND. LOVE IT THERE. You must bring your own food and drinks. You can only get there by boat.. There are many boat rental and charter boat business in the Tarpon Springs, Holiday and New Port Richey area.
You can see Dolphins, many different types of birds, and the shelling is great. We were treated with a Manatee that swam right up to us, now that does not happen very often. What a great day!
You can see Dolphins, many different types of birds, and the shelling is great. We were treated with a Manatee that swam right up to us, now that does not happen very often. What a great day!
Written 18 September 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I've been reading that the water can be rough at times, making it difficult to kayak. Does anyone know of any motorized kayak rentals in the area?
Written 23 April 2022
Johnny C
Wesley Chapel, Florida
Does anybody offer a private boat shuttle service out to the island and drop my family off for 3 or 4 hours and come back and pick us up if so, how much?
Written 25 April 2021
I have Verizon cell service and will be launching from Ancolte River Park. Two questions. 1) do you get cell service on anclote, mainly thinking about GPS there and back, also for emergency purposes. 2) how long does it take to get there from Ancolte River Park?
Written 21 July 2020
I have T-mobile without cell issues and a hand-held radio for emergency.
Written 21 July 2020
Please look at my previous response as several of these responses are not correct. There are two boats that take you to the island BUT they only give you half an hour on the island. If you want to spend more time on the island you will need to rent a boat or bring your own boat. Groupon offers a discount on rentals boats that will lower the price to about 170 bucks for an 8 person pontoon boat. , not sure ? Pay one of the two dolphin boats to ride to the island. $19 bucks gets you a two hour trip with half hour island viewing. Use trip advisor before you choose the dolphin tour boat as one is much better than the other.
Written 18 October 2018
Are there rental boats or a boat service that can take you to the island (and back)..?
Written 18 March 2017
Windsong, south of Marine Parkway and Hwy 19, rents pontoon boats and kayaks and offers captained day charters.
Written 13 July 2017
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