Anclote Key Preserve State Park is a 403-acre barrier island sanctuary accessible only by boat, located off the coast of Tarpon Springs in Pasco County. Established in 1997, this undeveloped island offers a rare glimpse of Florida’s Gulf Coast as it existed before development transformed much of the shoreline.

What Makes It Special

The park’s crown jewel is the historic Anclote Key Lighthouse, built in 1887 and standing as a weathered sentinel at the island’s southern tip. The pristine, uncrowded beaches stretch for miles, and the island serves as critical nesting habitat for shorebirds including least terns, black skimmers, and American oystercatchers.

Key Activities

Visitors come for exceptional shelling along the sandy shores, swimming in the clear Gulf waters, and wildlife observation. Kayaking and paddleboarding around the island’s mangrove edges reveal wading birds, dolphins, and the occasional manatee. Snorkeling near the sandbars offers visibility into the seagrass beds teeming with marine life. Fishing is popular year-round.

Camping &038; Facilities

The island has no facilities—no restrooms, no drinking water, no shade structures. Bring everything you need and pack everything out.

Best Time to Visit

Late fall through spring offers cooler temperatures and calmer seas for the boat crossing. Summer brings afternoon thunderstorms and increased boat traffic. Avoid nesting season closures (typically March through August) on certain beach sections.

What to Expect

Plan for a full day. The 3-mile boat ride from Anclote River Park requires calm conditions. With a 4.8-star rating from nearly 1,900 reviews, this island rewards those willing to make the journey.

Explore Nearby

• Anclote Keys Light — Lighthouse in Florida
• Egmont Key Light — Lighthouse in Florida
• Groveland, Florida Dark Sky Park — Dark Sky Site in Florida
• Thunder Mountain Pootsee Nightsky Dark Sky Park — Dark Sky Site in Arizona
• Ocala National Forest — National Forest in Florida