Breakfast Cruises, Touch Tanks return at TBE
Tarpon Bay Explorers reported that its Breakfast Cruises and the Touch Tanks are back to normal operations. In light of the pandemic, it had put the cruises on hold and the tank were switched to hands-off aquarium presentations, where visitors could not handle the wildlife.
The cruises are held on Wednesdays at 8:30 a.m. The first hour of the tour is a boat ride around the bay in pursuit of wildlife, like birds, manatees and dolphins. A continental-style breakfast is provided, including fresh doughnuts from Bailey’s General Store, plus coffee, tea and orange juice. The last half hour is spent at the touch tanks, where attendees get a hands-on experience learning about wildlife that lives on the bottom of the bay.
“We are excited to get all of our tours up and running again,” part-owner and General Manager Wendy Schnapp said. “I think we all need a little bit of normalcy back in our daily routine, and it seems like we are getting there one step at a time.”
The tanks run in conjunction with all of TBE’s cruise programs. A designated Touch Tank Program is held at 3:30 p.m. Attendees will learn about the wildlife that lives at the bottom of the estuary, such as crustaceans, sea stars and live shells. For the schedule, call 239-472-8900.
The concession to the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, Tarpon Bay Explorers provides recreational and educational opportunities, including guided tours, rentals and cruises. It also has a nature-themed gift shop available. As a partner of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, TBE gives back 12 percent to national wildlife refuges across the country.
For more information, visit www.tarponbayexplorers.com or call 239-472-8900.