Dolphin Cruises
Say hello to the brand-new Odyssey II. The newest and largest sightseeing tour, introducing Dolphin Boat Tarpon Springs. The Odyssey II will take over the day-to-day dolphin boat tours Tarpon Springs and dolphin adventure island cruises. The only tour out of Tarpon Springs with a certified naturalist on every cruise. We do not allow guests to take any live shells on our boat.
Dolphin Cruises Tarpon Springs FL
Tarpon Springs FL was supposedly named because of area sightings of tarpon fish jumping out of the Gulf of Mexico waters. It was incorporated in 1887 with a population of 52.
It is a land comprised of bayous along its gulf coast, rolling hills, and Lake Tarpon towards the east. In its earlier years, the land was covered by pine trees which added a balsamic scent to its air. It became known as a desirable place to live for winter vacationers and permanent residents and attracted people for its beauty, hunting, fishing, and industry.
Earlier on, Tarpon Springs became known for having a steamboat landing at the mouth of its bayou, which added importance to it’s location. The landing was at the beginning of Tarpon Avenue, which extended to Lake Butler, now called Lake Tarpon. Along this road, the main business district was built. Later, the Orange Belt Railway also extended to its location.
The Sponge Industry began to be formed before 1890 and by 1894 was reported to be of importance and an industry valued at one million dollars a year. The Anclote and Rock Island companies had their headquarters here in Tarpon Springs and were increasing their fleets and number of men.
In 1897 John Cheyney employed John Cocoris, a Greek businessman, to purchase sponges. Cocoris used a diving suit that allows its user to spend considerably more time underwater harvesting sponges.
In 1905 John Cocoris performed the first mechanized sponge dive and in that same year, the first Greek immigrants arrived. In 1907, The Tarpon Springs Sponge Exchange was formed.
Many Greeks began coming to this area from the Greek Dodecanese Islands. Therefore, the name of the main road along the docks now is Dodecanese Blvd. They brought their families and culture. With time, they became the largest harvesters of natural sponges in the world and the largest Greek population in the U.S.
In 1939 the sponge fields were killed by a marine disease and the industry took years to recover from this ordeal.
After many years of hard work, that continues to this day and the popularity of its unique atmosphere and culture, it has become a paradise for travelers in different countries just to experience the excitement and the memories that they will bring on their entire journey, a must-visit place for tourists and locals alike.
On January 6th, the Greek Orthodox Church celebrates the day of Epiphany. A day to bless the water and the boats. A wooden cross is thrown into the water, onto which local boys jump in to search for it in a blessed year for the finder’s reward.
Along the docks, there are many Greek restaurants and stores with authentic Greek food and items along with shells and sponges.
Aside from the Greek community itself, which is fascinating to outsiders, are the sponges themselves. If you know about sponges, you know that natural sponges for some matters are highly preferred over synthetic ones.
The wool sponge (as it’s known) has the ability when used with baking soda to kill 100% of the bacteria it swipes. It’s a very soft sponge also favored for use on babies’ skin. Loofa sponges are great for bathing and make an excellent, authentic souvenir for yourself or any special person in your life.
The sponge industry has been reporting record harvests partially due to the fact that they leave a good portion of the stem of the sponge intact when harvesting to allow for rapid growth.
Come to Tarpon Springs and visit our sponge docks, shops, and eateries. Enjoy a few hours of exploring a wonderful Greek enclave on the beautiful Gulf of Mexico. It’s a very unique experience. We do not allow guests to take any live shells on our boat.
Dolphin Cruise Tarpon Springs
Come enjoy Tarpon Springs’ most popular boating ride. A leisurely 2-hour cruise down the Anclote River into the Gulf of Mexico. Our captain will narrate the entire trip where you will learn about the history of Tarpon Springs and the famous Sponge Docks. Our Dolphin Cruise Tarpon Springs Adventure Island Cruise includes looking for dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, fish, tropical foliage, and other local wildlife. We will land on the island where you can get an up-close view of the lighthouse, stroll the beach, look for shells, or even take a dip!
For your pleasure and convenience, we offer cold beverages, beer, wine, margaritas, and other tropical drinks on board. Our margaritas and tropical drinks are always 2-4-1!
You are welcome to bring food on board, but please do not have drinks or coolers. We do not allow guests to take any live shells on our boat.
Bring your cameras for some amazing photo opportunities you won’t find anywhere else.
- See Historic Sites along the Anclote River
- Complete Narration Tarpon Springs and the sites you’ll see
- Osprey Nests
- Waterfowl
- Dolphin
- Manatee
- Sea Turtles
- Historical Anclote Lighthouse
- Stroll the beach
- Look for shells
- Handicap Accessible
Book Online Now
- $27.99 Adult
- $25.99 Senior (60 and over)
- $25.99 Active Duty Military
- $15.99 Child (2-10)
- Children under 2 years old cruise free! (limit one per family)
Sunset Cruises Tapon Springs
Looking for a little Romance or just the most relaxing way to end the day? Join us on our 2-hour sunset cruise. We will cruise down the Anclote River into the Gulf of Mexico. Our captain will narrate the entire trip where you will learn about the history of Tarpon Springs and the famous Sponge Docks. This trip will treat you to some of the most beautiful sunsets imaginable.
For your pleasure and convenience, we offer cold beverages, beer, wine, margaritas, and other tropical drinks on board. Our margaritas and tropical drinks are always 2-4-1!
You are welcome to bring food on board, but please have no drinks or coolers. We do not allow guests to take any live shells on our boat.
Bring your cameras for some amazing photo opportunities you won’t find anywhere else.
- See Historic Sites along the Anclote River
- Complete Narration Tarpon Springs and the sites you’ll see
- Beautiful Sunset
- Handicap Accessible
Our sunset cruise schedule varies greatly, so please call for our current schedule.
Book online now! or Call now to book your cruise: 727-934-0547
- $27.99 Adult
- $25.99 Senior (60 and over)
- $25.99 Active Duty Military
- $15.99 Child (2-10)
- Children under 2 years old cruise free! (limit one per family)
Plan your next Event with Odyssey Cruises
Private & Group Charters are available for your events:
- Birthday Parties
- Family Reunions
- Weddings
- Receptions
- Business Functions
- School Field Trips
- Club Meetings
- Holiday Parties
Catering is available upon request at several of our amazingly famous Greek restaurants.
All of our Group Charters include a narrated walking tour of the Historic Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks.
Call for more information and rates: 727-934-0547 or 727-484-2937 after hours
We do not allow guests to take any live shells on our boat.
FAQs
Q: Do I have to purchase tickets in advance?
We strongly recommend purchasing your tickets in advance as tours very often sell out. This way you can be sure to get the day and time booked for the tour you want. Tickets can be purchased on FareHarbor using the button at the top of the page, or you may call 727-934-0547 (or 727-484-2937 after hours) if you have any questions about our cruises.
Q: Where will we go on the tour?
Tours depart from the Historic Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks and travel down the Anclote River out to the Gulf of Mexico and to Anclote Island. The location of the dolphin tours Tarpon Springs, and other natural circumstances may cause the route to vary slightly from tour to tour.
Q: What will we see on the tour?
Each tour is a unique experience and no two tours are exactly alike. While the Dolphin Cruise Tarpon Springs fl is the main attraction for most tours, we will be seeing a variety of wildlife including nesting osprey, herons, egrets, and sometimes endangered species like manatees and sea turtles.
Q: Do you cancel tours due to bad weather?
Tours usually run in light rain and minimally poor weather conditions. If we decide the weather conditions are unsafe, we will cancel the tour. Weather conditions are monitored right up to the departure time and cancellations are made by Odyssey Cruises up to one hour prior to departure. If we cancel the tour, you will have the opportunity to reschedule based on availability or receive a credit for a future tour. All of our boats have a roof that runs the length of the boat. Don’t be too disappointed if your tour departs in less-than-ideal weather conditions. Our tours are taken in light rain and often experience the best wildlife and dolphin shows.
Q: Can I get a refund or reschedule my tour after buying tickets?
Yes. If you notify us at least 24 hours before your scheduled departure,
Q: Will I get wet on the tour?
As for vacation, relaxation, and exploring, unless it is raining, you will probably not get wet on your tour. Our boats are fully covered on top but the sides are open. If you experience light rain or wind on your tour you may get some sea spray or rain along the sides, but we have side curtains we can roll down in those cases. Please note that if you are taking a tour that disembarks on the island, your feet may get wet when getting off the boat.
Q: Are food and beverages available on the tour?
Soft drinks, beer, wine, and our famous margaritas are available for purchase on board. You are more than welcome to bring food on board, but please have no drinks.
Q: Is there a restroom on the boat?
Yes, we have restrooms on all of our boats.
Q: How smooth is the ride? Am I likely to get seasick?
Our tour boats have a dual-hull design which provides a very smooth ride. The Anclote river is very calm and the Intercostal is calm. We have not yet had anyone get seasick on one of our tours.
Q: Are children allowed on the tours?
Yes. Our tours are appropriate for all ages. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. We offer a reduced-price ticket for children ages 2-10 and children under 2 years old can tour for free. Please note that, due to Coast Guard rules, all children are required to have a ticket, even a free children’s ticket.
Q: Can we bring a cooler onboard?
Due to safety issues, please do not bring coolers on board.
Q: Are the tour boats handicapped?
Yes.
Q: Is the tour safe for pregnant women?
We recommend you consult your doctor to be sure. Our tours are safe, calm, and comfortable. We have no restrictions for pregnant women.
Q: What are the chances we will see dolphins on this tour?
We see dolphins 95% of the time.
Q: Will we be able to feed, pet or touch the dolphins?
No. . Dolphins are protected by the national marine mammal act. Therefore, we do not touch, chase, pursue, harass or feed wild dolphins as it is against the law.
Q: Is gratuity included in the price of the tour?
A gratuity for your Odyssey Cruises Crew is not included in the ticket price. If you had a great time and wish to recognize your crew for a job well done, you are welcome to give a gratuity. All gratuities are shared and appreciated. We are sometimes asked what is appropriate, and while it is entirely up to you, 15% is the most common in the industry.
Q: Is there parking available nearby?
Yes, there are paid parking lots up and down Dodecanese Blvd, the ‘main drag’ of the Sponge Docks, including one located at our ticket booth, 776 Dodecanese Blvd.
Q: Are there life jackets on board?
Per Coast Guard regulations, all tours have life jackets for everyone on board. This includes life jackets for both adults and children. If you have an infant coming on board, we recommend you bring a life jacket that fits your small child.
Q: Is smoking permitted during the tour?
No, smoking is not permitted anywhere on a boat.
Q: Should I bring a camera or binoculars with me?
We highly encourage guests to bring a camera or binoculars as you will see many photo opportunities.
Q: What should I wear?
Dress as you normally would for the weather conditions. If you are taking an evening tour, you may want an extra layer since temperatures drop once the sun goes down. It is also recommended to bring beach attire and water shoes if you wish to disembark the island.
Q: Are private charters available?
Yes, if you would like to book a private group tour or have one custom tailored for your needs, please click here and we will be happy to assist you. Whether you are planning a wedding or a private party, Odyssey Cruises will work with you to create the perfect tour for your occasion.
Q: What else is there to do in the area?
Tarpon Springs is full of history and there are lots of fun things to do. Visit SpongeDocks.Net for more information about Tarpon Springs.
Q: Why choose Odyssey Cruises?
All cruises offer you a chance to witness “once in a lifetime” views of the historic Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks as well as the beautiful and amazing wildlife only found on the West Coast of Florida. It’s not just a tour, it’s an adventure! We do not allow guests to take any live shells on our boat.
NEW! Odyssey Cruises is now offering Shelling Only Trips. We spend the entire time on the island looking for shells. No dolphin viewing on this trip. Only $34.99! 727-934-0547. After business hours call: 727-967-4700 . The next shelling trip is Jan 21.
Odyssey offers River Cruise trips on Saturdays and Sundays between 12pm-4pm starting at $11.99. This 1 hour trip features a narrated nature tour including Tarpon Springs history. (This trip does NOT stop on the island)
Create your own special event with Odyssey Cruises. Make that corporate event, birthday, wedding, graduation or anniversary an outing to remember for all your family and friends. Let us work with your favorite local restaurant and bakery for your catering needs. Click here for more details.
4th of July Fireworks Cruise This is the ONLY way to watch the fireworks! No traffic, no rushing, no headaches. We are taking a special 3-hour cruise to the Gulf of Mexico to see a breathtaking sunset and then watch the fireworks show. Only $39.99 for Adults & $29.99 ages 9 & under
About Our Cruise
The Best way to Sightsee in Tarpon Springs!
Join Odyssey Cruises for a 2 hour trip down the Anclote River into the Gulf of Mexico. Dolphins manatees, sea turtles, fish, tropical Foliage and water birds are common sights on our afternoon cruise. An optional shore excursion is available to disembark at the Historic Anclote Key Lighthouse on Anclote State Preserve. Here you can explore the island view wildlife up close or walk the beach looking for precious shells.
Call to Book your Cruise: 727-934-0547 or 727-967-4700 after hours
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