TBE awarded new contract for refuge’s concession
The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service has awarded the concession contract for the Tarpon Bay Recreation Area at the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel to Tarpon Bay Explorers.
June 1 marked the first day of the 10-year contract, which has a five-year optional renewal.
The TBE team reported that it is thrilled to continue its partnership with the refuge.
“We plan to be here as long as we can,” managing partner Wendy Schnapp said. “After what our team has endured over the past year and a half with Hurricane Ian’s destruction and resulting recovery, we are excited for the opportunity to rebuild our operation bigger and better than ever.”
TBE was first awarded the concession contract in 2002. Its operation began to grow and continue to offer more options to refuge visitors. At first, this was limited to tram tours of Wildlife Drive, plus canoes, kayaks and electric pontoons. TBE operated out of a single-story building that was part of the original Tarpon Bay marina before the bay’s incorporation into the refuge. During its inaugural years, TBE added the Sea Life and Nature Cruise and built the Aquarium and Touch Tank Exhibit. In 2004, the building sustained damage from Hurricane Charley that warranted its demolition. A new building was constructed in 2008, which is where the TBE team has operated out of since.
“We have been honored to be included in a slice of Tarpon Bay’s history over the past 21-plus years and are just as honored and excited to continue for at least the next 15,” she said.
With the new contract in place, TBE will start to replenish the equipment that it lost in Hurricane Ian and will rebuild all aspects of its operation. By the end of the year, it plans to have a couple of pontoons for rent and fishing charters, bike rentals and a replenished kayak and paddleboard fleet. The Nature Cruise, including the Touch Tank and Aquarium experience, more bikes, more rental boats, a live bait tank and more items at the nature gift shop will follow.
“Please come visit the Explorers family soon: help us rebuild and share in the magic of the resurgence of all of the natural beauty of Tarpon Bay and ‘Ding’ Darling,” Schnapp said. “Thank you to all of our loyal customers throughout the years and we welcome any and all nature lovers.”
TBE is open on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for kayak, paddleboard and hobie kayak rentals. In addition, kayak tours of Commodore Creek and tram tours of Wildlife Drive are offered on a limited basis. A percentage of all sales benefit National Wildlife Refuges around the country.
For more information or reservations, visit www.tarponbayexplorers.com.
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Tarpon Bay Explorers is at 900 Tarpon Bay Road, Sanibel.