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!
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.
Book Now Online or call Fred at 678-358-5567 to reserve by phone.
Tour 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!
To tide the kids over until lunch!
Includes 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.
Enjoy 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
Dive in to some Greek pastries and enjoy authentic Cuban coffee.
Our 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.
Although water is available on the boat, we recommend that you bring a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the day.
Feel free to bring your strollers, they are welcome on the boat or you can leave it at the docks.
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!
We will take a 45 minute ride on The Sponge Boat which goes down the Anclote River while the Captain gives an exciting briefing on the history of sponge diving! Kids of all ages will love it as a diver in traditional gear provides a real demonstration of sponge harvesting! They will learn all about the different types of sponges, how they are used, and the economics of the natural sponge industry.
It's like going back in time as you pass all of the sponge boats lined up on the river and enjoy the scenery and wildlife. We may even see a few dolphins if we're lucky!
What would a day at the sponge docks be without an authentic Greek meal made by Mama? Three wonderful Greek sisters will host us in their world famous restaurant where we will enjoy a delicious lunch including classical grilled meats, Greek salad, and a few extra surprises like Tarpon Springs famous Grecian flaming cheese! OPA!! For the kids, we will also have all their favorites including cheese pita pizzas, chicken fingers, gyros etc.
You won't want to miss this special dining experience!
After lunch, enjoy a Greek pastry and coffee tasting! Baklava anyone?
As we close out our day at Tarpon Springs, our guide will point out all of the best locations and hidden secrets to meet your shopping and souvenir needs! Tarpon Springs has a lot of fun shops featuring sponges, shells, and olive oils, but did you know that Tarpon Springs merchants also sell Florida handmade leather goods as well as hand rolled cigars? The kids will love the novelty shops...don't miss the crazy socks store!
Enjoy the rest of the afternoon wandering along the meandering sidewalks reminiscent of the Greek Islands, and look forward to bringing friends and family back soon!