Archive for Dolphin Tours

Things to do in Tampa This Week

Exploring Tampa Bay: A Delightful Dolphin Cruise with Odyssey Cruises in Tarpon Springs

Tampa Bay is a gem of Florida’s Gulf Coast, offering a diverse range of activities and attractions for tourists and locals alike. One of the most thrilling and captivating experiences you can have in the region is embarking on a dolphin cruise with Odyssey Cruises in Tarpon Springs. As you explore the pristine waters of the bay, you’ll encounter these intelligent creatures up close, making unforgettable memories while discovering the beauty of Tampa Bay.

Tampa Bay’s Natural Splendor

Tampa Bay is renowned for its natural beauty, featuring stunning sunsets, serene beaches, and a wealth of marine life. The bay is a unique ecosystem teeming with diverse flora and fauna, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers.

One of the bay’s most beloved inhabitants is the playful and charismatic bottlenose dolphin. These marine mammals are a common sight in Tampa Bay, and there’s no better way to observe them in their natural habitat than by taking a dolphin cruise with Odyssey Cruises.

Odyssey Cruises: Your Gateway to Dolphin Encounters

Odyssey Cruises, based in the charming town of Tarpon Springs, offers an unforgettable opportunity to get up close and personal with dolphins in Tampa Bay. Here are some highlights of what you can expect when you book a cruise with Odyssey:

  1. Dolphin Sightings: The primary focus of Odyssey Cruises is to give you a chance to see dolphins in their natural habitat. The knowledgeable and experienced crew is skilled at finding these gentle creatures, increasing your chances of witnessing their playful antics.
  2. Educational Experience: During the cruise, the crew provides fascinating insights into the behavior and biology of dolphins, offering a comprehensive educational experience. Learn about these incredible marine mammals, their habits, and the efforts being made to protect them.The educational experience offered by Odyssey Cruises in Tarpon Springs is truly exceptional. What sets Odyssey Cruises apart from other boat tours in the area is the presence of a certified naturalist on every single cruise. This distinction ensures that your journey through Tampa Bay isn’t just about sightseeing; it’s an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the intricate ecosystem and wildlife that call the Anclote River and the surrounding waters their home.Having a certified naturalist onboard means that you’ll have access to a wealth of knowledge and expertise throughout your cruise. These experts are passionate about the environment and dedicated to sharing their insights with passengers.
  3. Scenic Views: Beyond the dolphins, the cruises provide breathtaking views of the bay and the surrounding coastline. Be sure to bring your camera to capture the stunning landscapes and the unique charm of Tarpon Springs.
  4. Comfort and Amenities: Odyssey Cruises offers comfortable and well-equipped vessels, ensuring a pleasant and enjoyable journey. You can relax on the open-air deck or retreat to the air-conditioned cabin as you take in the sights.

Exploring Tarpon Springs

While your dolphin cruise with Odyssey Cruises is undoubtedly a highlight of your visit to Tampa Bay, there’s much more to explore in Tarpon Springs:

  1. Historic Sponge Docks: Tarpon Springs is famous for its historic sponge docks, where you can learn about the town’s Greek heritage and shop for natural sea sponges, unique souvenirs, and delectable Greek cuisine.
  2. Anclote River Park: This park offers hiking trails, picnic areas, and a playground, making it a great place to enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
  3. Tarpon Springs Aquarium: For more marine life encounters, the Tarpon Springs Aquarium is a must-visit. You can see various marine species, including sea turtles, sharks, and colorful fish.

Conclusion

Tampa Bay is a remarkable destination for travelers seeking a mix of natural beauty, wildlife encounters, and cultural experiences. A dolphin cruise with Odyssey Cruises in Tarpon Springs is an excellent way to immerse yourself in the captivating world of dolphins while enjoying the scenic wonders of Tampa Bay. Don’t miss the opportunity to make cherished memories and explore the charming town of Tarpon Springs when you visit this enchanting corner of Florida.

While a dolphin cruise with Odyssey Cruises in Tarpon Springs offers a unique and educational adventure, there are even more reasons to explore the variety of cruises they have to offer. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a romantic at heart, or simply looking for a memorable experience on the water, Odyssey Cruises has something for everyone.

After you’ve had the incredible opportunity to observe dolphins and learn from certified naturalists, consider embarking on some of Odyssey Cruises’ other captivating journeys:

  1. Sunset Cruise: Experience the magic of a Tampa Bay sunset as you cruise along the tranquil waters. The warm hues of the setting sun painting the sky and reflecting on the bay create an atmosphere of serenity and romance that’s perfect for couples and sunset enthusiasts.
  2. 2.5-Hour Shelling Cruise: Explore the pristine Anclote Island and discover its natural treasures on this unique shelling cruise. It’s a chance to collect beautiful seashells and connect with the natural world, all while enjoying the stunning coastal scenery.
  3. Fireworks Cruise on the Fourth of July: Celebrate America’s Independence Day in style with an unforgettable fireworks cruise. Watch as the night sky illuminates with spectacular fireworks, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
  4. Private Charters: Whether you’re planning a special celebration, a corporate event, or a romantic getaway, Odyssey Cruises offers private charters customized to your needs. Create your own unique experience on the water with friends, family, or colleagues.

So, as you plan your visit to Tarpon Springs and Tampa Bay, don’t limit yourself to just one incredible experience with Odyssey Cruises. Take advantage of their diverse offerings and choose the cruise that aligns best with your interests and desires. Whether it’s dolphin encounters, sunsets, island exploration, fireworks, or a private celebration, Odyssey Cruises promises to make your time on the water an unforgettable adventure. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to make lasting memories in this picturesque corner of Florida.


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

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

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