Tarpon Bay Explorers
Join a group of enthusiastic nature lovers to explore Sanibel’s wildlife sanctuary
Watch the sun set over 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.
Tarpon Bay Explorers is the one and only concession to the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge. Tarpon Bay’s knowledgeable team helps refuge staff provide informative and fun opportunities to explore what this beautiful and unique sanctuary has to offer. Tarpon Bay flourishes with lush mangrove trees and seagrasses that provide essential habitat for a variety of wildlife, including manatees, dolphins, fish, birds, crustaceans, live shells and more. All opportunities provided by the Explorers are low impact as to not tarnish the environment for the wildlife that relies upon it.
For those who love to paddle, Tarpon Bay Explorers offers kayaking, canoeing and paddleboard rentals, and they recently added Hobie pedal kayaks available for fishing. Kayakers and canoers can paddle Commodore Creek, which takes you through a winding mangrove forest. Paddleboarders can obtain a bird’s-eye view of the community of wildlife beneath the water. Tours are also offered that provide visitors with vast information about the refuge’s wildlife, history and conservation efforts.
“We are honored to be the organization that is permitted to be the stewards of one of the most incredible natural places on earth.” –Wendy Schnapp, general manager and part owner.
Other visitors may be looking for a more relaxed activity in which case a peaceful cruise through Tarpon Bay waters or an enticing tram tour along Wildlife Drive may be the way to go. Nature and Sealife Cruises and Evening Cruises are offered daily and include an Aquarium Touch Tank presentation allowing guests to get a hands-on wildlife experience. Breakfast Cruises are also offered for those early risers and pastry lovers. Pontoon rentals and fishing charters are available to test 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 offers rental bicycles. The Explorers are 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.