The Park

Anclote Key State Park is actually a chain of islands located in the Gulf of Mexico at the mouth of the Anclote River. It consists of Anclote Key, Three Rookers Island, and the North Sandbar. Anclote Key is 440-acre nature preserve. Three Rooker is a bird sanctuary.

Because these two areas are nature preserves, no dogs are allowed. The North Sandbar is small sandy spit where fido is welcome.

For all of these areas you are encouraged to leave them as you found them. Take your trash with you and help us preserve these water wonderlands for future generations.

The Lighthouse

A historic lighthouse was erected on Anclote Key as a aid to navigation in 1886. After falling into disrepair, our Friends group recommissioned the lighthouse in 1995. The old lighthouse compound have been partially restored for historic purposes with interpretive signage. The light was relit in September 2003.

Come and visit the island by boat with Odyssey Cruises on our Dolphin tour, narrated by a certified naturalist. We cruise several times each day with a stop on the key to provide passengers with time to explore, look for shells or splash around in the water. 1-2 times per month we also offer a shelling cruise with a special 2.5 hour trip to the island just to look for shells. For more information visit our booking tab or contact us. We do not allow guests to take any live shells on our boat.