Tarpon Bay Explorers has some exciting news! The concession to the “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge has not only added two more pontoon boats to their fleet, but they have resumed a fan favorite: the Sunset Rookery Paddle. Just in time for the holiday season, the Explorers are climbing closer and closer to their pre-Ian offerings. “There’s light at the end of the tunnel when it comes to recovery,” says Adam Sauerland, General Manager of Tarpon Bay Explorers. “We’re excited for the holidays and excited for the in-season. We get new ‘first-time returners’ everyday,” explained Sauerland.
Pontoon rentals are available for half and full day slots and can accommodate up to 8 people. Visitors are able to either cruise around looking for wildlife like birds, dolphins and manatees or they can test their angling skills in search of trout, redfish, snook, snapper and more. All pontoons stay within the 950 acres of Tarpon Bay, so there is no chance of getting lost. Fishing equipment is also available to rent and tackle is available for sale. Persons 16 years and older need to purchase a saltwater fishing license beforehand. Tarpon Bay Explorers also offers charters where everything related to fishing is provided. Reservations are recommended for both the rentals and charters.
The Sunset Rookery Paddle is running throughout the week currently on Wednesdays and Fridays (subject to change). Start times vary in conjunction with sunset times. This paddle is a truly unique experience. The Rookery Islands in the middle of Tarpon Bay provide an evening hangout for over a dozen different species of birds including: brown pelicans, egrets, herons, ibis, and cormorants. An experienced naturalist leads the way and discusses local flora and fauna of Tarpon Bay. The excursion is bird oriented, but the paddle travels through the open waters of Tarpon Bay so it also gives paddlers a good chance to see dolphins and/or manatees. The return of the birds along with Sanibel’s famous sunset makes this tour a highlight of anyone’s visit to the area. All participants must have kayaking experience. Reservations are required and can be made through Tarpon Bay’s website www.tarponbayexplorers.com or by calling the gift shop at 239-472-8900.
The Explorers’ nature gift shop and rentals of kayaks, SUPs, Hobie fishing kayaks, bicycles and pontoon boats are available Tuesday through Saturday. The gift shop is open 8am-5pm. Kayak, bike and SUP rentals stop at 3pm. Come mid December, operations will expand to everyday. The Tarpon Bay Explorers’ family is excited to see new and familiar faces these upcoming seasons. Any questions people may have or reservations that anyone may want to make can be directed to their gift shop by calling 239-472-8900. Also stay tuned for big news soon regarding a new tour boat.
