Anclote Key is the largest Island of the four Anclote Keys located off the Gulf Coast near Tarpon Springs and is known as one of the most remote state parks. It is located at the mouth of the Anclote river.
Its name is taken from the Spanish word meaning “anchor” and is only accessible by boat.
We take the Odyssey Cruise boat from Tarpon Springs when we visit, which is very enjoyable, and the crew are very knowledgeable with both nature and historical facts. Scouts look out for wildlife and encourage guests to spot dolphins and bird life. Refreshments are served aboard which can be purchased beforehand at a discount. You can find out more about them here.
The blue-green waters surrounding the island is beautiful and a lighthouse built in 1887 overlooks the far end of the island. You can find many shells along the shores here, and pieces of sponge which are farmed as rotation crops on the sea bed close to here. The sponges are sold in the stores at Tarpon Springs and reminds us of our visits to Greece (there is a lot of Greek history here and the food served at the restaurants is very authentic!)
Many species of bird can be found here such as the piping plover and American oyster-catcher. Pelicans frequent the waters here too😊
This area is one of my favorite places to visit and we have great memories of good times spent here, and hope you get to too!