Discover Sanibel’s natural beauty with Tarpon Bay Explorers
Discover Sanibel Island’s natural beauty from the water with Tarpon Bay Explorers
Watch the sun set over a lush mangrove horizon or witness a manatee gently breach the water’s surface next to your kayak. Tarpon Bay Explorers can provide an experience that will embed memories for a lifetime. Located in the heart of the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, the tranquil back bay waters of Tarpon Bay are considered some of the best places to explore whether it be via kayak, paddleboard or pontoon boat.
“Tarpon Bay is one of the top 10 places to paddle in the nation,” declared Canoe & Kayak Magazine. “We are honored to be the organization that is permitted to be the stewards of one of the most incredible natural places on earth,” explained Wendy Schnapp, general manager and part owner of Tarpon Bay Explorers.
As the one and only concession to the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, Tarpon Bay Explorers is proud of its knowledgeable team, which helps refuge staff provide informative and fun opportunities for exploring what this beautiful and unique sanctuary has to offer. Tarpon Bay flourishes with lush mangrove trees and seagrasses that serve as an essential habitat for a variety of wildlife, including manatees, dolphins, fish, birds, crustaceans, live shells and more. All activities offered by Tarpon Bay Explorers are low impact so as not to tarnish the environment for the wildlife that rely upon it.
For those who love to paddle, rental kayaks, canoes and paddleboards, as well as Hobie pedal kayaks for fishing, are available. Kayakers and canoers can paddle Commodore Creek, which takes them through a winding mangrove forest. Paddleboarders can obtain a bird’s-eye view of the wildlife community beneath the water. Tarpon Bay Explorers also offers tours that provide visitors with vast information about the refuge’s wildlife, history and conservation efforts.
Visitors looking for a more relaxed activity can enjoy a peaceful cruise through Tarpon Bay waters or an enticing tram tour along Wildlife Drive. Nature and Sealife Cruises and Evening Cruises are offered daily and include an Aquarium Touch Tank presentation, which allows guests to get a hands-on wildlife experience. Breakfast Cruises are also offered for early risers and pastry lovers. Fishing charters and rental pontoons are available for those eager to test their angling skills or enjoy a calm cruise around the bay.
Tram tours allow visitors to experience wildlife in the back bay waters, grass flats and mangrove marshes where one is likely to spot wading birds, alligators and more. For those who wish to explore on their own, Tarpon Bay Explorers offers rental bicycles and is the closest rental-bike operation to Wildlife Drive, where visitors can pedal down 4 miles of wildlife conservation habitat.
Don’t miss the nature-themed gift shop, featuring a vast array of T-shirts, housewares, books, paddle gear, toys and much, much more.
Whatever floats your boat, Tarpon Bay Explorers wants to bestow an experience that will resonate through memories for years to come. Visit the website tarponexplorers.com or call 239-472-8900 for more information.