The Tarpon Bay Explorers family is very happy to announce that the company is now able to offer some of their tour opportunities. As of Friday, June 5th, the Explorers will be offering their Kayak and Standup Paddleboard tours along with their Nature & Sealife Cruises. The Outfitter will comply with CDC guidelines as well as the City of Sanibel’s San-Cap Safe initiative while conducting tour offerings. Efforts to comply include but aren’t limited to limiting capacities, social distancing, and required masks for guides and captains etc. “We are thrilled to get back a little bit of normalcy,” commented General Manager & Part-Owner, Wendy Schnapp. “Though there are not as many people on the island that we would see in a normal summer, we have begun to see more visitors coming by and receiving more phone calls inquiring about tours,” mentioned Schnapp.
The State of Florida and the City of Sanibel have been cautiously and slowly lifting restrictions. Florida’s governor launched Phase II for the state last Friday. Tarpon Bay Explorers initially opened May 7th but only for rentals, their awesome nature-themed gift shop, and the launch ramp. “We always keep a ‘safety first’ mentality,” said Schnapp. “We still have all of our ‘Phase 1’ precautions set up in and around the gift shop- sanitation stations, sneeze guards, signs that inform people of social distancing policies. We are ready when visitors are,” exclaimed Schnapp.
Tarpon Bay Explorers is the concessionaire to the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge. The company offers rentals and guided tours for the Refuge giving back 12% of all activities back to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife System. Rentals such as kayaks, canoes, standup paddleboards, and bikes are on a first-come, first-serve basis. Reservations are recommended for the guided kayak, paddleboard, and boat tours, especially since capacities are reduced for now. Call 239-472-8900 or visit www.tarponbayexplorers.com for more information or reservations.
