Tarpon Springs SerVacation
Trip Highlights
Deluxe Transportation
Expert Native Guide
Volunteer Service Opportunity
Tour the World Famous Sponge Docks & Sponge Exchange
Sponge Boat Trip
Authentic Greek Lunch at a Family Restaurant
Pastry/Coffee Tasting
Shopping Orientation
Description
Dive into the history, culture, and adventure 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. 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!
On this SerVacation, you will start the morning with a wonderful volunteer service opportunity, followed by a behind-the-scenes tour of the Tarpon Springs sponge docks and sponge exchange, an authentic Greek lunch, a sponge boat ride experience like no other, and as if that’s not enough, a coffee and pastry tasting!
While we can't guarantee which non-profit partner we will be volunteering with on the day of your tour, we would love to hear your group's preference!
Possible Projects:
Hunger - Volunteer at a local food bank either organizing or distributing food to neighbors in need.
Conservation - Beach Cleanup
Ecology - Sponge Qualifying
Orphans, Widows, & Seniors - Play games and read with Orphans/Underprivileged Children or Seniors, and welcome them along with us as guests on our tour that afternoon.
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! He will share what it was like to grow up in Tarpon Springs and show you places in Tarpon that the tourists don't get to see.
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!
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!
Experience a sponge boat ride experience like no other.
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! The kids and explorers at heart 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!
Dive into 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.
Tour info
Why take this tour?
Incredible Value, Prices Starting at:
Adults: $79
Kids (Ages 6-12): $39
(Age 5 and Under): $19
This trip can be modified to include a hands-on educational experience at the Tarpon Springs Aquarium or a visit to the Tabernacle in the Wilderness & Bible Museum.
Option to shorten this tour into a fundraising event for your group’s favorite charity, inviting clients, supporters, and special guests to celebrate that charity’s mission on a fun day trip with a portion of the proceeds donated to the cause!
Included
Tour w/ native guide
Greek Cookies
Authentic Greek Lunch
Pastry & Coffee Tasting
Things to know
What to Bring?
1. Water Bottle:
Although water is available on the boat, we recommend that you bring a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the day.
2. Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses.
3. Strollers:
Feel free to bring your strollers, they are welcome on the boat or you can leave them at the docks.
1. Water Bottle:
Although water is available on the boat, we recommend that you bring a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the day.
2. Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses.
3. Strollers:
Feel free to bring your strollers, they are welcome on the boat or you can leave them at the docks.
Don’t have a group, but would love to go on a particular tour?
Let us know using the request info or ask a questions form above which destination/s and we can add you to a list of families interested in a particular destination. When we have enough interest to reach the minimum number of participants, we will contact you to try and schedule a date that works for all parties.
Let us know using the request info or ask a questions form above which destination/s and we can add you to a list of families interested in a particular destination. When we have enough interest to reach the minimum number of participants, we will contact you to try and schedule a date that works for all parties.
Boat Ride Alternative
A dolphin eco-cruise with shelling on a barrier island is also available, please inquire using the ask a question form or call us.
A dolphin eco-cruise with shelling on a barrier island is also available, please inquire using the ask a question form or call us.
4 Reviews
Verified
Dan DeCicco
3rd February 2022
Boe Ellis
3rd February 2022
Heather S
3rd February 2022
Candace Lundberg
3rd February 2022