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About this trip
10:45AM-3:00PM $69 Adults, $39 Kids (Age 6-12), $19 (Age 5 and Under)
You may be from Tampa or have visited before, but have you ever taken the time to really dive into the history, culture, and adventure just to the west of us in Tarpon Springs? The village of Tarpon Springs has been known well over a century for its Greek culture and the many Greek-American families who for generations have called it home.
Watch this Video from a Tarpon Springs Adventure
On this "Love Our Neighbor" single-day tour, you will enjoy a behind the scenes tour of the Tarpon Springs sponge docks and sponge exchange, a sponge boat ride experience like no other, followed by an authentic Greek lunch, and as if that's not enough, a coffee and pastry tasting!
Benefiting "Love Is Ministry"
By taking part in this unforgettable adventure exploring Tarpon Springs, you will be benefiting Love Is Ministry as they raise money to host area refugee kids at their soccer camp this summer. Love Is Ministry disciples kids and youth in the Tampa refugee community all year round through soccer and tutoring, sharing God's word, and the love of Christ. They are raising up young leaders and helping them to excel in academics.
Booking Rules & Ticket Insurance
- We operate rain or shine assuming conditions are safe, the boat is running, and we have met our minimum number of guests to operate the tour. Otherwise, we reserve the right to cancel the tour and provide a prompt refund.
- If the sponge boat ride becomes unavailable on this date, we reserve the right to substitute a one hour eco-tourism dolphin nature boat ride with a naturalist.
- All ticket sales are final. Tours cannot be exchanged, rescheduled, or refunded. But life happens! We offer ticket insurance for $5 per ticket which allows you to cancel or reschedule your tour with at least 24 hours’ notice, and we will reschedule or reimburse you for your full tour ticket price minus insurance fee. (public tours only)
Book Now Online or call Fred at 678-358-5567 to reserve by phone.
What’s included
- Free Parking
- Tour w a Native GuideTour the Sponge Docks and the Sponge Exchange with a Tarpon Springs Native who grew up working on the sponge boats and is an expert on history and eco-tourism in Tarpon Springs!
- Greek CookiesTo tide the kids over until lunch!
- Sponge Boat RideIncludes a scenic ride down the Anclote River as an actual diver is fitted into the traditional dive suit and takes to the water for a sponge harvesting demonstration.
- Authentic Greek LunchEnjoy a delicious lunch at a Greek Family Restaurant. You'll be able to pick from grilled meats, Greek salads, gyros, seafood, and more. And don't forget the highlight, the famous Greek Flaming Cheese
- Pastry & Coffee TastingDive in to some Greek pastries and enjoy authentic Cuban coffee.
- Shopping OrientationOur guide will introduce you to the main exports that make Tarpon Springs famous, and give you tips on purchasing them. You'll also find out about some hidden secrets and novelty stores not to miss.
What’s not included
- Watter BottleAlthough water is available on the boat, we recommend that you bring a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the day.
- StrollersFeel free to bring your strollers, they are welcome on the boat or you can leave it at the docks.
Available Packages
***Please choose how many adult participants above and then go to extra options below to choose the quantity of kids tickets in each age category.
Available options
Itinerary
Sponge divers from the Mediterranean originally settled in this, "the sponge capital of the world" when they found that the Gulf of Mexico and Straits of Florida were "the place" in America where sponges abound. Today, this area is home to many family-owned Greek restaurants, bakeries, and markets, and the locals are as friendly and welcoming as in the old country!
In fact we will be welcomed by a native guide who will give us an historical and cultural walking tour showing you all the behind the scenes treasures of Tarpon through photos, writings, and a brief film. He will share what it was like to grow up in Tarpon Springs and show you places in Tarpon that most tourists don't get to see!