TBE resumes eco-cruises post-storm
Tarpon Bay Explorers (TBE) on Sanibel — the official concession to the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge — has resumed its eco-cruises as part its offerings following Hurricane Ian in 2022.
“Explorer IV was a casualty of Ian. It ended up on top of mangroves and a handicap ramp railing leading up to our deck, adjacent to the gift shop, on a slant with both engines submerged in the water,” General Manager Adam Sauerland said, adding that the vessel recently arrived and passed its U.S. Coast Guard inspection. “So we are ready to roll.”
TBE will offer two types of eco-cruises throughout the week.
The Nature & Sealife Cruise is a naturalist-led, covered pontoon cruise around the Tarpon Bay for about an hour. Attendees will learn about bay’s mangrove estuary ecosystem and get an up-close look at wildlife, with possible sightings to include manatees, dolphins, birds and fish. The naturalist will help with spotting wildlife and providing information about the wildlife and its ecology, as well as able to answer questions about wildlife biology, ecology, and the history of Sanibel Island and the refuge.
Lasting for about an hour-and-a-half, the Evening Cruise entails cruising out to the rookery islands as the sun goes down. Attendees will watch as dozens of birds swoop in to roost for the night and witness the evenings that Sanibel is famous for. Depending on the time of year, brown and white pelicans, great egrets, snowy egrets, great blue herons, tricolored herons, little blue herons and more can possibly be seen. Along with the nightly return of birds, attendees may also see bottlenose dolphins and manatees.
“We get asked about our cruises on a daily basis,” he said. “We are overjoyed that we can resume eco-cruises so visitors are able to explore Tarpon Bay in all its wonder.”
Reservations are recommended for the eco-cruises.
TBE is open Tuesday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with rentals ending at 3 p.m.
For reservations or more information, visit www.tarponbayexplorers.com or call 239-472-8900.
Tarpon Bay Explorers is at 900 Tarpon Bay Road, Sanibel.