Passage Key National Wildlife Refuge

Overview

Passage Key National Wildlife Refuge is managed by Fish and Wildlife Service and is located near Anna Maria, Florida.

Passage Key is located at the mouth of Tampa Bay in Manatee County, south of Egmont Key. President Theodore Roosevelt established Passage Key NWR in 1905 to preserve nesting colonies of native seabirds and wading birds. In the early 1900's Passage Key was a 60-acre mangrove island with a freshwater lake. Today, Passage Key is a low-lying sandbar that fluctuates in size, and is found often completely below water during high tide. 

More than 50 species of birds have used this small area including nesting American oystercatchers, black skimmers, royal and sandwich terns, and laughing gulls. 

Passage Key NWR is closed to public use year-round.  

Passage Key NWR is managed as part of the Crystal River NWR Complex.

Things to Do at Passage Key National Wildlife Refuge

Plan Your Visit

Getting There

Because of its small size and importance to wildlife, the refuge is closed to all public use.

GPS Coordinates: 27.55579010000000, -82.74294100000000

Contact & Resources

Phone: 352-563-2088

Additional Information:

Additional Information