Tarpon Bay Explorers Expands Hours for Season

Tarpon Bay Explorers is excited to announce that they will be expanding their days of operation around the upcoming season. The concessionaire of the J.N.“Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge will be open everyday from Friday February 14th through April. The Explorers will be offering Kayak Tours every day, multiple times a day. Times are subject to vary as they
are dictated by tide levels. Tram Tours will also be in operation on Tuesdays, Thursdays and/or Saturdays at 10am & 1pm. Bike rentals are also available and are the closest rentals for those who want to explore Wildlife Drive at their own pace. Fishing Charters are also available throughout the week and do require a reservation.

Another addition to their schedule will be the Sunset Rookery Paddle. The Sunset Rookery Paddle is a gorgeous paddle as visitors watch birds fly back into the Rookery Islands while the sun begins to set beyond the mangrove horizon. Kayaking Experience is required for this tour as the tour is 2-2.5 hours long and a 3-4 miles worth of paddle. The Sunset Rookery Tour will occur on Monday’s, Wednesday’s and Friday’s and departure times vary in accordance with sunset times and reservations are required.

Tarpon Bay Explorers is the one and only concession to the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge. The company offers educational eco-tours and also provides rentals to explore the Refuge. Tarpon Bay Explorers offers kayak and bike rentals on a first come, first serve basis starting at 8am and stops rentals at 3pm. The concession also has Hobie fishing kayaks for rent for half or full days and reservations are recommended. Reservations are also recommended for any guided tour. Reservations can be made by calling the gift shop at 239-472-8900 or
through their website at www.tarponbayexploreres.com. The gift shop at Tarpon Bay is also a highlight as it is nature-themed and has one of the best views on the island!