Archive for Blog

Dolphin Cruise and Four Other Adventurous Activities

5 Adventurous Day Trips In Tampa Bay

With summer in full swing, the need for adventure can hardly be contained. The sunny weather makes this an ideal time to step outside and have fun. And what better way to do that than to engage in exciting outdoor activities local to the Tampa Bay area. Whether you’re a local to the area living here all your life (you may surprise yourself at the opportunities you never knew were here) or a tourist planning a trip, check out this list of five adventurous and fun things you can do during your visit to the Tampa Bay Area(and while we may be biased, we’re preferential of the dolphin cruise):

Ziplining

Few activities are as exciting as ziplining, and Tampa Bay features the iconic Empower Adventures, an alluring and thrilling zip line course. This course is a 2.5 hour guided zipline experience with over 3000 meters of unique zip lines and other thrilling aerial challenges you can have fun with, all while overlooking the wildlife and waters of Bayou Wilderness and Tampa Bay. You can choose one of the several ziplined experiences designed for solo adventures, family adventures, or romantic adventures with a partner.

Kayaking

Among the many great things about the Tampa Area are it’s perfect weather and the many water access points that can be found across Tampa Bay. The great weather and the numerous water access points make the Tampa Area a perfect spot for kayaking. There are so many great spots to go kayaking. With the Tampa skyline as your backdrop, you’re promised a dreamy experience with many memorable moments. There are many kayak rentals available for very affordable prices. For a small price, you’re in for a pleasant and ethereal experience.

Horseback Riding

Horseback riding is a great experience pretty much anywhere, but the Tampa Bay horseback riding experience is in a league of its own. There are several horseback riding touring services available in the Tampa area. The best ones, however, are the ones that offer beach horseback riding experience. During this experience, you’ll get to go horseback riding along the beach and then wade through the water, all while on your trusted stead; you’ll even get to visit sand bars. Altogether, it is a great experience and one you won’t regret having.

Drive-In Movie Experience

By now, you must be tired of hearing us talk about the perfect weather in the Tampa Bay Area, but it’s one of the area’s finest features. Such ideal weather allows wonderful experiences both during the day and at night. This creates a perfect setting for drive-in movies. Tampa Bay residents have caught up on this and regularly visit drive-in movie theatres. So if you’re visiting, don’t pass up on the opportunity to have this experience.

Dolphin Cruise Out Of Tarpon Springs With Odyssey Cruises

Last but not least, among the experiences Tampa Bay is most famous for, Odyssey Cruise’s Tarpon Springs Dolphin Cruise stands out. The unique experience Odyssey Cruises can provide will be teeming with fun-filled adventure that brings you close to nature — letting you encounter dolphins, sea turtles, manatee, fish, tropical foliage, and other local wildlife. You also get to learn about the history of Tarpon Springs and the famous Sponge Docks. From your cruise, you’ll observe the restored and functional Historic Anclote Lighthouse located on Anclote Island.

The dolphin cruise isn’t just educational, though; it’s also quite luxurious. They offer cold beverages, margaritas, beer, wine, and other tropical drinks. You even have the option of bringing your own food. Overall, you are guaranteed a fantastic experience you will carry with you for a long time.

Final Thoughts – Can’t Go Wrong with a Dolphin Cruise

There are lots of other great adventurous experiences in the Tampa Bay area. If you don’t try anything else when you visit Tampa Bay, the activities mentioned in this article are sure to provide you with a substantial experience that makes your visit wholesome and satisfying. And if you feel that even a shortlist of adventures like this may not fit entirely into your planned trip, you’d be remiss not to go back home with at least memories of a fantastic time spent with Odyssey Cruises. We hope to welcome you to our city so you can experience all that Tampa Bay has to offer.

 


Check out our F.A.Q.s for questions about our cruises. Click Here

Boat Tour to Anclote

A Boat Tour to Anclote Island

Before the days of Disney, Tarpon Springs Sponge docks was one of Florida’s largest tourist destinations. This Greek cluster of shops may seem tired, but it is truly a hidden gem in Florida’s heart. People from all over the US come to visit the small Greek community found in Tarpon Springs. Visiting the Greek isles should be on everyone’s bucket list. If walking down the strip of restaurants and souvenir shops isn’t for you, then luckily, there are tickets to visit one of Florida’s most remote state parks: Anclote Key State Park.

Located just three miles off the shore, this state park is made up of four small islands. Covered in white sand and crystal blue waters, this park is breathtaking. This island is home to an 1887 lighthouse that houses a single park ranger. Odyssey Cruises runs tours from the sponge docks to the park and offers various other shorter tours. The boat tour is an excellent opportunity to hear a little bit about Tarpon Springs history, get a great view of the Gulf, and even have the opportunity to spot some dolphins.

During this tour, you’ll also get a brief opportunity to explore the island. During the shortstop, guests are allowed to walk around the white beaches and dip their toes in the water. The only thing the tour does not include is a visit to the lighthouse. Twice a year, the operation gives guests a chance to tour the lighthouse, and even climb the 140 step spiral staircase to the top! Along the tour, get the chance to spot historic buildings and working fishing boats.

Our tour makes a few stops around the islands. Docking on a sandbar, guests have 30 minutes to walk around in the water, collect some cool shells, and even find a sand dollar or two. If you’re lucky enough to own a boat, Anclote Key State Park is open to the public. Enjoy lunch by the water at one of the hidden picnic pavilions, or catch some rays on the white sand shore. There’s even a camping site, where guests can spend the night on the island and wake up to a dazzling sunrise on the Gulf.

If you don’t own a boat, there are still a few ways to be able to visit the island and get to spend a little more time than allotted on the boat tour. It’s 3 miles of open water from the Sponge Docks to the island, so only the more experienced kayakers should take this venture. Jet skiing in the isle is also an excellent option for spending more free time at Anclote State park. However you decide to reach Anclote island, just know that you couldn’t be visiting a more serene and memorable location.

 

 


Check out our F.A.Q.s for questions about our cruises. Click Here

Dolphin Tours with Odyssey Cruises

Dolphins in the Gulf of Mexico

The Gulf of Mexico is home to several species of dolphins. Additionally, there are over 35 different mammals that also call these waters home. This includes several species of dolphins, whales, and manatees. The Gulf of Mexico contains the largest population of bottlenose dolphins in the United States. While you may not see all of the species that make the Gulf their home, you have an excellent chance to get a glimpse of the bottlenose dolphin by booking a seat for dolphin tours aboard Odyssey Cruises.

There are many different ways to see and play with bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat, on the beautiful beaches and waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Boat cruises or tours are a common way to seek out dolphins. You may even prefer to get up close with these curious creatures while snorkeling. Any way you find them, these majestic animals will definitely be the highlight of your trip. For the best results, booking dolphin tours with Odyssey Cruises pretty much guarantees you’ll have an encounter as years of touring the Anclote River and the Gulf of Mexico have allowed Odyssey to elucidate popular dolphin spots.

Facts to Know During Dolphin Tours

The Bottlenose dolphin is gray to light gray with a white belly. Their bodies are streamlined to help propel them through the water. Their beak (also called a rostrum), contains 72 to 104 teeth. Dolphins are predators that dine on a variety of sea life such as fish, squid, and shrimp. Some dolphins will eat stingrays, shark, and crustaceans as well.

Bottlenose dolphins live to be around the age of 40 years old. The oldest dolphin in captivity lived to be 61 and lived at the Dolphin Conservation Center in Florida. Another interesting fact about the bottlenose is that they are known to establish relationships with animals outside their species.

Eating Habits

As we mentioned, dolphins like to eat squid and fish. Occasionally they may eat crustaceans for some variety. Dolphins hunt in pods of 5 to 20 individuals. They can use bubbles to herd fish in the direction they wish. Fancier dolphins have even been known to use their tails to flip fish out of the water straight into their mouths.

Dolphin Watching on Your Dolphin tour

Dolphin watching is one of the best things to do while you are visiting the Gulf of Mexico. You can even get closer to a dolphin if you are in a smaller vessel like a kayak. Dolphins are known for playing with wakes from whales or big boats, but not smaller ships, so you don’t have to worry about a dolphin jumping into your boat.

While there are many boat tours you can take to see dolphins, Odyssey Cruises provides the best dolphin tours in the Tampa area. These aquatic mammals often play alongside their boats and ride the wakes. They are also known to ride the stern. You can see these powerful predators display their prowess by jumping up to 20 feet in the air!

Bottlenose dolphins love to play in the water. When they dive sometimes, they will flip their tail fins in the air. It is quite a sight to see when they leap out of the water. Dolphins often jump into the air to catch fish, but if you see a dolphin repeatedly jumping out of the water and slap their tail around, it may be a sign that the dolphin is frustrated and better off left alone. Most wild dolphins in the waters around beaches, like in Florida, are friendly and used to human interaction. Odyssey Cruises takes a set route where friendly dolphins are known to play. Remember to bring a camera, so you don’t miss any of the action on your dolphin tour.

 


Check out our F.A.Q.s for questions about our cruises. Click Here

Most Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Tarpon Springs

Everything You Need to Know About Visiting Tarpon Springs

Each year, thousands of people flock to Tarpon Springs to take in the historical downtown center and bask in the beautiful waters along the shore of the Gulf of Mexico. Tarpon Springs has incredible charm. It’s full of quaint restaurants, cultural activities, and historical sites. Water lovers can enjoy a variety of water-based activities like kayaking, sailing, and fishing. Before people visit Tarpon Springs, they often have a lot of questions about what to expect. Here we’ve organized the most frequently asked questions into the same place to give you a good foundation as you plan your trip.

How Far is Clearwater from Tarpon Springs?

Tarpon Springs is just over 13 miles from Clearwater, FL. Under normal traffic conditions, the drive will take you around half an hour (30 minutes). It’s definitely worth the drive to grab some incredible Greek food and walk the shops along the sponge docks as you take in a lovely sunset. Tampa Airport is approximately a 45 drive (about 25 miles) and the St Pete-Clearwater International Airport is approximately a 35-minute drive and about 20 miles.

Does Tarpon Springs Have a Beach?

Tarpon Springs is famous for its Sponge docks, and the nearest beach is Fred Howard Park which is just south of the Sponge Docks. The city was made famous due to the abundance of high-quality sponges, which drew Greek entrepreneurs from around the world to the city. Tarpon Springs is in a great location for folks who want amazing Greek food and culture with a beach in striking distance. Alternatively, if you’re looking for a stroll on a beach or a quick dip, Odyssey Cruises stops on Anclote Key during our Dolphin Adventure Island tour.

Is Tarpon Springs Safe?

There are some crime and other safety concerns when considering travel to a tourist destination. Tarpon Springs is no different. The city, though, relies heavily on visitors, so it goes to great lengths to keep things safe and pleasant. Keep an eye on your valuables and your stay should go on without a hitch.

What Is There to Do in Tarpon Springs?

Overall, Tarpon Springs is very safe and family-friendly. Tarpon Springs is famous for its sponge docks, wonderful Greek food and culture, and artisan shops. Odyssey Cruises provides several boat trips, whether a river cruise down the Anclote, a dolphin siting nature cruise to Anclote Key, or a sunset cruise each evening (and special selling trips 1-2 times each month). Dodecanese Boulevard, located along the riverfront, is lined with unique shops that sell natural sponges, homemade goods, soaps, and more. Visit the historic district to see some amazing Florida buildings. There is also a great aquarium.

What is Tarpon Springs Known For?

Above all, Tarpon Springs is known for its rich history of Greek culture. The area is full of world-class Greek restaurants and stories about how the Greek community made it work in Tarpon Springs by making the finest natural sponges in the world.

Tarpon Springs is an awesome place with a rich history. It’s ideal for a weekend getaway or a day trip if you’re close by. Come experience an incredible part of our country’s history in Tarpon Springs, Florida! Staycations and vacations alike, there is plenty to do when visiting Tarpon Springs Florida! Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions. Check out our reviews on trip advisor, just search for dolphin cruise!


Check out our F.A.Q.s for questions about our cruises. Click Here