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.
Closed to the Public

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

Visit Us

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

Location and Contact Information

      About Us

      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.

      Get Involved

      Visit The Friends of the Tampa Bay National Wildlife Refuges to find ways you can get involved!