A Complete Guide to Visiting the Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks in 2024
LOOKING AT VISITING THE TARPON SPRINGS SPONGE DOCKS?
You’ve come to the right place! We have spent months living in Florida and have enjoyed many visits to the Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks. There are such great restaurants to eat at in the area and the Greek desserts are not to be missed!
What Are the Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks?
The Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks are the heart of Tarpon Springs, Florida. Known as the sponge capital of the world, sponge beds in this portion of Florida were discovered in 1873. From that point on, Greek immigrants in the area built the local sponge industry and are responsible for the creation of the sponge docks in Tarpon Springs.
The industry and town flourished until 1946, when the sponge beds were virtually wiped out by toxic algae. History leaves an impression though, visit Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks today and it’s like visiting a Greek town in Florida. The sponge docks in Florida are still a lively place, buzzing with shops, boat tours and tasty restaurants.
If you’re visiting Florida and want to escape the crowds and get a taste of Tarpon Springs Greek community, a visit to the famous Sponge Docks is on the docket!
Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks Address: 735 Dodecanese Blvd, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689
Sponge Docks in Tarpon Springs Hours: 10AM – 10PM
Things to Do at the Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks
When it comes to finding fun things to do at the Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks, there are lots of options. There are lots of opportunities to spend time on the beautiful Gulf Coast waters, explore downtown, and spend time in nearby Clearwater. Visiting Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks is one of the fun things to do in Clearwater.
Tarpon Springs Boat Tours
53′ Private Luxury Boat Charter in Tarpon Springs, FL
▶ BOOK Tarpon Springs Luxury Boat Charter
🕑 TOUR LENGTH: 2 – 6 Hours
If you’re looking to explore Tarpon Springs in luxury, then a chartered yacht from Palm Harbor Charters is the boat tour for you. Equipped with your own personal Captain, you’ll experience the clear turquoise water in style, to the tune of nearly $1,300.
Quite the experience for boat aficionados, this fleet of Italian yachts are very impressive. Equipped with state of the art features and staggering horsepower, it’s a very unique way to explore the Gulf Coast.
While lounging in comfort and exploring this Floridian paradise, keep your eyes wide open, not to miss the wildlife that populate this area. Expect to see dolphins and other sea life, as well as a variety of birds.
Tarpon Springs Luxury Boat Tour Includes:
✔ Local guide
✔ Bottled water
✔ Captain
▶ BOOK Tarpon Springs Luxury Boat Charter
Clear Kayak Tour of Tarpon Springs | Manatee Season
▶ BOOK Manatee Kayak Tour of Tarpon Springs
⭐ RATING: 5 out of 5 | 🕑 TOUR LENGTH: 1.5 hours
Right off the bat, this tour is unlike any other, as you set off on your Anclote waterway adventure in an entirely clear kayak! Kids and adults alike will love exploring the water in such a unique and fun way.
The bayous of Tarpon Springs are smooth and peaceful. Participants on this tour will be gifted with views of Victorian-style mansions, Craig Park and if you’re really lucky, maybe you’ll even see a manatee or two!
Manatees aren’t the only wildlife stars of this tour, as the area covered here is also home to dolphins and many different species of birds. Keep this tour in mind if you’ve got any wildlife enthusiasts in the family.
Manatee Kayak Tour of Tarpon Springs Includes:
✔ Kayaks
✔ Paddles
✔ Seats
✔ Life jackets
✔ Whistles
✔ Dry bags: To keep your personal belongings safe and dry while on the water
▶ BOOK Kayak Tour of Tarpon Springs
Tarpon Springs: Guided Anclote River Kayaking Tour
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⭐ RATING: 5 out of 5 | 🕑 TOUR LENGTH: 2 Hours
Tarpon Springs: Guided Anclote River Kayaking Tour is a guided tour exploring the peaceful waterways of Tarpon Springs. Travelers who are looking to get on the water and observe the area’s ecosystems up close will love this tour.
Only suitable for adults and children over 5 years old, this tour will lead you down the Anclote River directly to the Sponge Docks. While there you will learn about the dock’s storied history and how the sponge trade built the town. After a trip back up the river, you’ll get a chance to explore the hidden mangrove systems.
This tour is a sure bet for families who love to be on the water or for any older kids who are interested in ecology and how the environment provides for the life within it. Be sure to keep a look out for all kinds of wildlife on this fun kayaking adventure.
The Anclote River Kayaking Tour Includes:
✔ Guide
✔ Safety briefing
✔ Kayaks, paddles, and life jacket rental
▶ BOOK Tarpon Springs Kayaking Tour
Tarpon Springs Dolphin Cruise
There are ways beyond chartered boats and kayaks to explore the waterways of Tarpon Springs. A Tarpon Springs Dolphin Cruise is a wildlife excursion your family is sure to remember.
Aboard a cruise ship, travelers make their way out toward the Gulf of Mexico, first moving down the Anclote River. As with the other water tours, as the boat moves toward warmer waters your kids might be lucky enough to spot dolphins, manatees or other exciting wildlife. They even feature an onboard snack bar if anyone gets hungry along the way.
All the while, as you bob along, your expert Captain will provide narration regarding the city’s rich history. As well as point out must-see sights including the Anclote Lighthouse and State Preserve.
This type of tour setting is the best bet for families visiting Tarpon Springs. Not as luxurious (and expensive) as a chartered boat, but also not as limiting as a two person kayak. This dolphin cruise is a great way to experience the water of Tarpon Springs together.
If you are visiting Clearwater or you’d like to spend some time in the beautiful coastal town, you can also book a dolphin tour in Clearwater or check out a Clearwater sunset cruise. Cruises are some of our favorite things to do in Clearwater with kids.
▶ BOOK Clearwater Dolphin Tour
Anclote Key
Anclote Key Preserve State Park is located 3 miles off the coast of Tarpon Springs. Keep in mind, Anclote Key is a primitive barrier island, only accessible via boat or ferry. Different businesses from Tarpon Springs run daily transportation to the park.
Surrounded by the captivating turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico, this 11,773 acre park is one of the most gorgeous spots in Florida. Anclote Key Preserve State Park consists of four islands – Anclote Key, North Anclote Bar, South Anclote Bar and Three Rooker Island.
The park is also home to a forest where 43 known species of birds are said to sweep through, but there may be even more. Pack some binoculars and a bird guide to see if your family can spot a Piping Plover or an American Oystercatcher.
Don’t forget to pay a visit to the lighthouse on Anclote Key too. It’s one of the best things to do in Tarpon Springs. The lighthouse has been standing tall since 1887, over 135 years. It’s a really fun spot to visit.
Anclote Key Beaches
Anclote Key is also the perfect place to enjoy the beach at this park. Make sure you plan ahead in terms of food for the day, as there are no places to purchase food here. Visitors swim in the warm Clearwater water temperatures and soak up the sun, enjoy picnics and even camp overnight. This beach is an amazing place to watch the sun sink down and later, enjoy the star-filled skies.
If you’re traveling with dogs, North Anclote Bar is the pet-friendly portion of the park. Let your dog run free and enjoy the wonder of this beautiful beach.
As always, the junior ranger program is a fantastic way to get kids interested and invested in their trip to the park. With guidebooks full of facts and activities, they will have a great time learning and exploring this beautiful place. Fishing, shelling and snorkeling are all other fun activities to plan for while enjoying the wonders of Anclote Key Preserve State Park.
Sunset Beach at Tarpon Springs
Sunset Beach is the well kept secret of Tarpon Springs. A favorite beach for locals, the undiscovered nature of this spot allows for quiet picnics and less crowds when swimming and enjoying the beach. It’s a great place to visit if you want to veer off the beaten path and explore a less popular beach.
This Tarpon Springs beach scene is equipped with grills for cookouts, picnic tables and shelters, along with a concession stand and public restrooms.
The highlight of a visit to Sunset Beach is revealed in its name. Nothing beats watching the sun dip down into the Gulf of Mexico from this perspective. If you’re able to time your visit just right, you might be able to catch the monthly concert that takes place here, offering the perfect excuse to dance beneath the stars.
Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks Shops
Tarpon Springs shopping is an adventure in and of itself. The Sponge Exchange is a unique shopping center that plays host to over 30 different local shops and restaurants. A visit here is one of the most fun things to do at the Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks.
Here’s a quick rundown of some of our favorite shops at The Sponge Exchange and the surrounding downtown Tarpon Springs area.
Tarpon Sponge Company
Tarpon Sponge Company is known for its… you guessed it, natural sponges from the Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks. It boasts the largest selection of locally harvested sponges, in fact.
This shop is so fun to explore. Your family will enjoy perusing all the interesting sponge products – loofahs and bathing sponges, sponges for cleaning and even some for decorating. This cute boutique also features seashell and otherwise aquatic themed gifts and true to the heritage of the area, Greek gifts as well.
Spongeorama
Spongeorama Sponge Factory is another stellar sponge shop in the area. Stocked with natural sponges specifically designed to enhance bathing, cleaning and surprisingly, even auto care.
Sponeorama is set apart from other sponge shops by the fact that they also run area cruises and feature a restaurant. Spongeorama is definitely one of the most unique Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks stores.
Miss Merrie’s Sweets and Treats
If the kids need a little pick-me-up while strolling through the Sponge Docks’ shops, swing by Miss Merrie’s Sweets and Treats to lighten their moods. A sweet tooth’s paradise, this candy shop features over 50 different types of saltwater taffy, rock candy and other old-fashioned candy options.
And for all the chocolate lovers out there, Miss Merrie has got you covered as well – chocolates and truffles are also staples around here.
Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks Events
Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks Seafood Festival
Every November Tarpon Springs celebrates the Sponge Docks Seafood Festival. Booths featuring nearly any kind of seafood you can imagine are set up far and wide in Craig Park. Visitors make the rounds sampling heaps of seafood including the likes of oysters, alligator, catfish, crab and shrimp.
The seafood is of course the heart of the festival, but musical performances throughout the weekend add a special kick to the celebration. If you happen to be visiting Tarpon Springs in November this would be a fun event to experience with your family.
Tasting foods outside your typical palate and enjoying the warm Florida air is a fun way to experience the Sponge Docks in Tarpon Springs, Florida like a local.
Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks Art & Craft Festival
The Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks Art & Craft Festival is another mainstay in this area. Every year vendors fill the docks with their works of art from a variety of mediums.
This is a great festival to visit if you’re looking to add some new art to your collection or if you’re an artisan yourself and join some of the competitive categories. Overall, it’s just one other attraction that should pull you down to Tarpon Springs.
Ride the Pinellas Trail
The Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail is a recreational trail stretching from St. Petersburg to the city of Tarpon Springs . At 46 miles, the trail is beautiful and green, offering an amazing place to ride a bike between these two cities.
Thought of as one of Florida’s best bike trails, the Pinellas Trail provides a perfect opportunity for a family bike ride during your vacation. If you didn’t travel with bikes or would like to experience the path another way, walking, jogging and skating are other options to consider.
Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks Walk
We’ve learned that one of the best ways to really experience a new place is to walk its streets. A stroll through the historic Sponge Docks in Tarpon Springs, FL offers a great opportunity to see the highlights of the area. You can feel and even taste the culture that permeates this town.
Enjoy a walk down Dodecanese Boulevard. You can enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of the shops and restaurants along the Sponge Docks. Maybe jump on a Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks ferry and take a ride out to Anclote Key.
You could continue the walk all the way down the docks, following the Anclote River, until you reach Rusty Bellies Waterfront Grill. You could grab a bite to eat here, taste the local fare and enjoy the Florida breeze.
As you retrace your steps back up the dock, take a detour into the Sponge Exchange and have some fun pacing through all the sponge and seashell styled shops. Once you’ve had your fill of shopping, head back out to Dodecanese and wrap up your loop of the town.
Brooker Creek Preserve
There’s nothing like jumping into the thick of an ecosystem to really experience what it’s like. A visit to Brooker Creek Preserve offers visitors the most up close and personal version of Florida you could imagine.
There are two different trails to choose from when hiking through Brooker Creek Preserve. These upland trails wind through a distinctly Floridian environment of oak hammocks and pine flatwoods. Visitors are known to spot wildlife like deer, turkeys or gopher tortoises along these trails.
Your kids will love the chance to traipse through forest wetlands on a boardwalk path, winding throughout the preserve. It’s quite an experience to walk alongside wading birds or spy mosquitofish and other wetland inhabitants in the surrounding waters. It’s a real adventure!
Tarpon Springs Historic District
The Tarpon Springs Historic District is a protected portion of the town. It preserves and elevates understanding of the historical significance of Tarpon Springs. Read, Hibiscus, Orange and Lemon streets along with Levis Avenue and Spring Bayou provide the boundary of the district. This includes nearly 700 acres and 145 historic buildings.
This is an interesting part of town to explore to get a real feel for what Tarpon Springs was like during the Sponge Docks’ booming days.
Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks Restaurant
Yianni’s Seafood and Greek Cuisine is an exceptional Greek restaurant in Tarpon Spring Sponge Docks. Enjoy the festival of flavors that only authentic Greek food can offer. Then enjoy taking in the sights and sounds of the Sponge Docks on the restaurant’s outdoor patio.
Even your dog can accompany you while enjoying your freshly caught seafood meal outdoors, as this is a pet-friendly establishment. Charbroiled Octopus and Greek Shrimp Chow Mein are favorites at Yianni’s.
There are a handful of other delicious restaurants in Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks. You can check out Mama’s Greek Cuisine and Rusty Bellies Waterfront Grill. There are also lots of great restaurants in Clearwater just a few minutes away.
Hotels Near the Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks
Innisbrook, A Salamander Golf & Spa Resort – Luxury
If travel is about convenience and comfort for you, Innisbrook, A Salamander Golf & Spa Resort might provide the best accommodations for you.
Just over three miles from the Sponge Docks, this resort is close to the action. It provides great comfort during your down times. With six outdoor pools to keep them busy, the kids will be all set. As is implied in the name, spa treatments and golf opportunities are only mere steps away.
And most important when considering where to stay on vacation, the rooms and suites are spacious and clean. That, paired with a full kitchen and separate dining area is a winning combination.
⭐Innisbrook, A Salamander Golf & Spa Resort REVIEWS (8.2/10 STARS)
My two boys , daughter-n-laws, grandson and I thoroughly enjoyed the very spacious two bedroom suite in this beautiful resort. The beds were very comfortable and the full kitchen and dining area was a plus. – Terrie (Expedia Review)
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Hampton Inn & Suites Tarpon Springs – Mid-Range
The Hampton Inn & Suites Tarpon Springs has everything you dream of in a good hotel. A spacious, comfortable well kept room (equipped with King or Queen options), a picturesque outdoor pool, a fitness center and a convenience store to help ease those night night cravings.
Just minutes from the Sponge Docks, at a mid-range price point, Hampton Inn & Suites is a steal of a deal.
⭐Hampton Inn & Suites Tarpon Springs REVIEWS (8.8/10 STARS)
Front desk staff were professional and friendly. The cleaning crew were friendly and professional. All great representatives of the company. – Richard (Expedia Review)
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Quality Inn & Suites Conference Center – Budget
When you’re traveling on a budget, it’s not always easy to come by high quality accommodations. That’s not the case with Quality Inn & Suites Conference Center near the Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks. This hotel offers standard rooms and suites, which include a mini kitchen.
An outdoor pool and hot tub are great pluses when traveling with a family. Not to mention having a restaurant and bar on site. Add a business center and billiards into the mix and it’s as if you were booking a room at a resort but still coming in under budget.
⭐Quality Inn & Suites Conference Center REVIEWS (7.4/10 STARS)
Clean room, very comfortable beds (after the past 3 nights of terrible beds, this was welcomed!)- friendly staff. Great pool area.- Brandon (Expedia Review)
▶ Check Rates & Book: Quality Inn & Suites
If you’re looking for a more all-inclusive type of accommodation, check out our countdown of the 13 Best Family Resorts in Clearwater Beach, just a short drive from Tarpon Springs. There are some amazing Clearwater Motels in that area as well!
FAQ: Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks
Do They Still Harvest Sponges in Tarpon Springs?
Yes! Sea sponges are still being harvested in Tarpon Springs today.
Why Does Tarpon Springs Have So Many Sponges?
The sponges are naturally occurring on the bottom of the Gulf of Mexico. They are harvested using long poles to remove them from the ocean’s floor and scooped up into a boat on the surface.
Is Tarpon Springs Worth a Visit?
Tarpon Springs is an excellent place to visit while exploring Florida. Not only for the allure of the sponge docks, but also to learn and experience the Greek culture in the area.
Conclusion: Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks
A typical trip to Florida consists of hours spent lounging on the beach – sunbathing, flying a beach kite, enjoying some great food and maybe even trying your hand at a new water sport. And that sounds amazing. But, if you’re tired of the same old humdrum Florida experience, maybe it’s time to branch out to Tarpon Springs.
Near the action of Clearwater, Tarpon Springs offers the same highlights you look for in a Floridian vacation, but with a little Greek flavoring.
If you’re sick of the crowded tourist pulls and want to experience this city like a local, walking the Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks, The Sponge Exchange and the Historic District will provide your family with a unique and exceptionally fun experience.
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