Manager's Message
Welcome to Anclote Key Preserve State Park! Come and enjoy the solitude of this beautiful island and its pristine beaches. There is excellent fishing from our shores with catches of snook, sea trout, and mullet. A picturesque 19th century lighthouse stands sentry on the southern portion of the island (please observe this from a distance). We, together with the Friends of Anclote Key Citizen Support Organization, have restored this structure to its former beauty. Primitive camping is available on the North end of the island as well as picnic pavilions and grills. When visiting Anclote Key, please remember to bring plenty of sunscreen, bug spray and most importantly, water.
Dogs are not permitted on Anclote Key or Three Rooker Bar.
When out at Anclote Key or Anclote Bar, you may notice the many shorebirds that rest and nest here. These northernmost barrier islands are considered by experts to be among the top five sites in the state for diversity and numbers of beach-nesting birds. Species such as the Piping Plover winters here, but can be found almost any month of the year. Nesting activity for most of these birds can begin as early as March and may last through to August. However, resting occurs year-round. It is vital to the birds survival not to disturb them while they are feeding or resting. They use precious energy stores every time they are flushed in the air. Dogs can cause great disturbance to nesting bird colonies and this is one of the reasons they are not allowed on Anclote Key or Three Rooker Bar. Please keep your pets away from the resting and nesting birds. Share the beaches with the birds and please obey all posted signs. Dogs are allowed in designated areas of both Honeymoon Island and North Anclote Bar, but must remain on a six-foot hand-held leash and under your control at all times. Thank you for visiting and enjoy your stay on the islands.
Take pride in this and all natural preserves. Please carry out what you bring to the islands.
Anclote Key is accessible by boat only. You may anchor offshore with your own vessel or reach the island by ferry service. You may contact SunLine Cruises at 727-944-4468 and Sponge-O-Rama at 727-943-2164. These ferries both leave from Tarpon Springs' historic Sponge Docks.
- Pete Krulder, Park Manager
Welcome to Anclote Key Preserve State Park
Blue-green Gulf waters lap gently along the preserve´s beautiful four-mile-long beach. Located three miles off the coast of Tarpon Springs, this park is accessible only by private boat. Visitors must bring water and supplies; there are no provisions on the island. The park is home to at least 43 species of birds, including the American oystercatcher, bald eagle, and piping plover. A picturesque 1887 lighthouse stands as a sentinel on the southern end of the island. Visitors can swim and sunbathe at the beach, then fire up a grill and enjoy a picnic. There is no charge for overnight stays in the primitive campground, but campers must check in by calling the park before arrival.
Contact the Florida Park Service Information Center for general inquiries.
For Information about Anclote Key Preserve State Park, please call 727- 469 - 5942.
Hours of Operation
Florida state parks are open from 8 a.m. until sundown 365 days a year.
Driving Directions
Anclote Key State Preserve is located three miles off Tarpon Springs and is accessible only by private boat.
Park Fees
Admission Fee:
No entrance fee is required to enter this park.
Primitive Camping Fee:
Primitive camping is free but you must call 727-638-4447 to check in. Please have your boat registration number, number of campers, arrival and departure dates and a contact phone number in case of emergency.
Anclote Key Preserve State Park
# 1 Causeway Blvd.
Dunedin, Florida 34698
Phone: 727- 469 - 5942
Fax: Contact Park for Number
Citizen Support Organization
Friends of Anclote Key State Park
1 Causeway Blvd., Dunedin, FL 34698
