Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks: Interesting, but watch the parking - See 2,885 traveler reviews, 1,415 candid photos, and great deals for Tarpon Springs, FL, at Tripadvisor. a permanent interactive exhibit that explores the history and culture of the Greek community with special focus on the sponge industry. Then as news of the industry grew, people began coming to the docks to see the sponges. 1119 Baillies Bluff Road Anclote River Park Boat Ramp. With favorites like Rusty Bellies Waterfront Grill, Inc. There is also a restaurant in front that has great calamari. Boats For Sale. Looking for work, the Greeks learned of Tarpon Springs and the vast sea of sponges just waiting to be. Absolute Florida Flats Fishing Adventure Time Charters Anclote Village Marina Seal in the Sun Charters Anclote River Park Captain Dustin Fishing Charters Fred Howard Park Odyssey Cruises St. Nicholas VI Sponge Boat Lori's Soap and sponges Antonia's Boutique & Gifts Flyboard Surf Club Odyssey Cruises Amvrosia Gift Shop Greek Town Imports The Sponge Factory Captain Dennis Wilson Fishing Charters Sponge Exchange Sun Line Cruises Day visit to Tarpon springs report Aug 13, 2022; Tarpon Springs Greek Restaurant May 19, 2022; Accommodations May 17, 2022; Sponge tours Mar 10, 2022; Anclote boat ride Feb 11, 2022; Time to see the sponge boats Dec 08, 2021; free parking tarpon springs sponge dock Sep 24, 2021; Place to stay near Tarpon Springs May 25, 2021; Water Taxi Jan 23. Sponges are available for purchase. The statue shows the close ties the church has to the development of America's first sponge diving community. It is less than an hour drive from Tampa. United States. It also provides a lot of information about the how the sponge industry started in Tarpon Springs. Fishing boats and sponge boats are docked up close to the street. Sea sponge fishing was gaining popularity in Greece by the end of the 19th century, and it was becoming oversaturated. You'll immerse yourself into our Greek Culture which early settlers brought to this village by the sea. City History & the Sponge Industry . TARPON SPRINGS, FLORIDA - JUNE 30, 2019: Sponge art on a bicycle in downtown. Time: 6:00pm - 8:00pm. Showing 1-30 of 193. Along the docks. Sq Ft. At 45 feet, our fiberglass catamaran sits high in the water so that your ride is comfortable and dry. The Cheney Sponge Company sold almost a million dollars worth of sponges that year. St. MPS. 19/ N. A day at the Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks is a fun family outing where you will find boat excursions, Greek restaurants, and bakeries, waterside dining, nightlife, and a wide variety of shopping! The first Greek settlers arrived in Tarpon Springs in 1905, when they were hired to work as divers in the growing sponge harvesting industry. In the 1940s, blight reduced the growth. Pirate Adventure Cruise - John's Pass, Madeira Beach, FL - Free Beer and Wine! 15 Dodecanese Blvd, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689-3117. 1. In 1905, John Corcoris introduced sponge diving to Tarpon Springs. There are several different boat cruises offered from Tarpon Springs. 844-452-4864. Tarpon Springs is a city on the central west coast of Florida. The Tarpon Springs Heritage Museum is. And Karistinos’s boat is one of the last traditional Greek-style sponge boats at the Tarpon Springs docks. Probably taken ca. Billiris and still run by family today. By the 1950s, sponging as a profitable industry was nearly wiped out. Here you will find the largest variety of natural sponges, so fresh you can still smell the salt and sea all over them. 205 reviews . Free 1 event, 3 1 event, 3 7:00 pm -. Sponge Docks and Boat Tours All along Dodecanese Boulevard Tarpon Springs Aquarium 850. Nicholas VI Sponge Boat Lori's Soap and sponges Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks Sun Line Cruises The Sponge Factory Antonia's Boutique & Gifts Amvrosia Gift Shop Island Wind Tours Suncoast Rentals and Tours Greek Town Imports Odyssey Cruises If you visit Tarpon Springs or are looking for a unique experience, be sure to take a St. Billiris and still run by family today. The famous sponge docks are lined with Greek restaurants serving moussaka, souvlaki and flaming saganaki. Tarpon Springs, FL 34689. The sponge docks. Date of experience: November 2019. Your fully furnished apartment is 1/4th of a Key West style building in the historic "fruit bowl" neighborhood of Tarpon Springs, with spectacular porches, feet from Whitcomb and Spring Bayous. In the late 19th century, the discovery of natural sponge beds off the City’s coast spurred a burgeoning industry. Location: 693 Dodecanese Blvd. . Call if you wish Dolphin Cruise Only Tickets (727) 943-2164 or (727) 365-8793. The originally wooden dock was rebuilt in concrete by the 1960s. 00. The St. It was very interesting. Lots of fun shops up and down both sides of the street to visit. 385 reviews #25 of 84 Restaurants in Tarpon Springs $$ - $$$ Greek Vegetarian Friendly Vegan Options. Boats. The region, with a series of bayous. ctsfl . 100% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher. $1/foot per night without electric service. Sponge boat captains were, in the first place, entrepreneurs. Dream Catcher Explorations. Here are the main types of tarpon springs boat rides and the companies offering each type of tour: Sponge Diving Tours in Tarpon Springs . Call today for a reservation. #17 of 35 Boat Tours & Water Sports in Tarpon Springs. 6. We wandered in and out of sponge shops,. from. . Nicholas Boat Lines and then in the sponge business. Soft drinks and snorkel gear also included. George Billiris (1927-2016) worked in his family's St. In 1905, John Cocoris, a Greek immigrant, revolutionized the business by introducing the technique of deep-sea sponge diving. Take a look at Sponge Docks East live streaming webcam on Dodecanese Boulevard in Tarpon Springs, Florida. is home to hundreds of residential and commercial buildings and about a dozen sponge boats. Tarpon Springs became a popular winter resort for wealthy Americans in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. 14861°N 82. 2. Aquariums. Speciality & Gift Shops • Marinas. Photo by Donald J. Divers walk the bottom of the sea at 10- to 60-foot depths, with air supplied through a hose attached to a compressor on. This locally owned small business was started in 1924 by Greek sponge diver Capt. 3. Very informative. Billiris and still run by family. This trip is fully narrated by our Captain. You can take boat trips from the sponge docks to see how they harvest sponge, or a dolphin boat cruise. TARPON SPRINGS, FLORIDA - JUNE 30, 2019: Sponge art on a bicycle in downtown. MPS. Nicholas VI Sponge Boat; See more tours in Tarpon Springs on Tripadvisor. The sponge fishing industry remains active in Tarpon Springs until today. 2023. How Tarpon Springs became Greek. Tarpon Springs and the sponge docks is a great choice! Date of. Live Sponge Diving Boat Tour, Tarpon Springs, FL - 1 mi. Anderson Park is similar with boating, nature. Tarpon Springs is known for many unique elements, including its: Tarpon Springs has more than 51 miles of waterfront, mostly consisting of waterfront riverfront for the Anclote River, bayous and protected inland waterways. Nicholas Boat Line St. com. 10. On August 10, 1990, it was added to the U. An 800-square-foot slip went from $208 a month to $240. GetAGuru Handmade Soap Co Odyssey Cruises Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks St. John Cocoris was a Greek sponge buyer working in Tarpon Springs who believed that more and better sponges could be gathered using divingHe established the sponge industry in Tarpon Springs. Stroll up one side of the street and see the sponge boats and the sponge o rama sponge shop and education center-free even. The population was 23,484 at the 2010 census. Out of the 85 boats in the Tarpon Springs sponge. 5 on Tripadvisor among 129 attractions in Tarpon Springs. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of. Sea sponge fishing was gaining popularity in Greece by the end of the 19th century, and it was becoming oversaturated. It is the second oldest attraction in the State of Florida. #10 of 105 Restaurants in Tarpon Springs. Boat Tours Boat Rental & Charter Fishing Guides. St. Many of the divers were immigrant sponge divers who came from Greek islands with a long. Patrick Connolly. Greek Cultural Celebration, [Date unknown]. Nearby fishing. 64500126. Rusty Bellies Waterfront Grill is a relaxed. Shop for sponges at many of the Greek sponge shops. Photo: Bill DeYoung. Bill DeYoung Anastasios “Taso” Karistinos has been sponging out of Tarpon Springs for 50 years. “ Yummy octopus ” 07/29/2023. 95 for adults, $9. This is a. 00 Original Price $5. Greek children began attending Tarpon Springs Elementary School in the 1910s. Lee said Cycadia Cemetery is significant for the number of sponge divers and boat captains interred there. Natural sponge beds were discovered in Tarpon Springs in the early 1900’s and it wasn’t long before Greek sponge divers left their mother land to cultivate a. At its center: St. Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks: Tacky town - See 2,884 traveler reviews, 1,415 candid photos, and great deals for Tarpon Springs, FL, at Tripadvisor. Third generation master sponge boat builder George Saroukos last builder of traditional Greek sponge boats in. Active. The St. 75 $ 3. Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks: So many places to buy authentic sponges - See 2,887 traveler reviews, 1,418 candid photos, and great deals for Tarpon Springs, FL, at Tripadvisor. Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks 4. Our dolphin cruise includes looking for dolphin, manatee, sea turtles, fish, tropical foliage, and other local. Boat Tours. In the 1940s, blight reduced the growth of sponges. Off street parking. In the 1940s, blight reduced the growth of sponges, and the 1950s almost wiped out the industry. Tarpon Springs Sponge Boats. Sponge schooner, [1895?]. Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks: Bring your camera - See 2,869 traveler reviews, 1,397 candid photos, and great deals for Tarpon Springs, FL, at Tripadvisor. Upstairs. Stop: 90 minutes. Come enjoy a leisurely *2 hour Tarpon Springs Dolphin Cruise down the Anclote River into the Gulf of Mexico. Today, Tarpon Springs enjoys a rebirth of the sponge beds, making it the world's largest sponge producing industry. Advertisement. MPS. Photo: Bill DeYoung. us. 18. Nicholas Boat Line St. 844-599-8842. Of course no visit to Tarpon Springs is complete without spending time at the historic sponge docks. Tarpon Springs is a tale of two splendid cities molded into one community, visible by the active historic downtown and the equally historic Sponge Exchange district. This locally owned business was started in 1924 by sponge diver Capt. Third generation master sponge boat builder George Saroukos last builder of traditional Greek sponge boats in this. Nicholas Boat Line St. It has the highest percentage of Greek Americans in the US. You can see boats in the harbor with traffic on the right side of the screen. for 4 hours includes snorkeling, tubing rides and dolphin watching. Bravo to the captain and crew of the Saint Nicholas sponge boat tour. When you see a sponge in a store it is difficult to realize that it is the skeleton of an animal. Simply enjoyable!Come and visit the latest National Register of Historic Places addition, the Tarpon Springs’ Greektown Historic District. At its center: St. A leisurely 2-hour cruise down the Anclote River into the Gulf of Mexico. “It means a lot of everybody. By 1887, Tarpon. Go for a dolphin watch cruise,or out on a sponge boat and watch a diver go down to get a sponge. Amvrosia. Call for information (727) 365-8793. Review. per group (up to 6) Street Legal Golf Cart 2 Hour Rental. It has been on the maps since the mid-1500s. net You will be looking for dolphins, manatees, birds, the Anclote lighthouse, and other historical sites. The Sponge Factory Spongeorama Sponge Factory Londono Art Studio Antonia's Boutique & Gifts Flyboard Surf Club Greek Town Imports Captain Dennis Wilson Fishing Charters St. 850 Dodecanese Blvd, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689, USA. The Greeks started arriving in the 1880s to work in the growing sponge business, and that early prosperity gave Tarpon Springs has what this New Yorker would call a 'real' downtown/waterfront. Nicholas VI Sponge Boat Lori's Soap and sponges Anclote Brew GetAGuru Handmade Soap Co Amvrosia Gift Shop The Spice & Tea Exchange Island Wind Tours Wine at the Docks Dolphin Deep Sea Fishing Jay's Treasures Spongorama's. 00. Check out the Greek cultural exhibits and educational videos at the Tarpon Springs Heritage Museum. They were harvesting $3 million worth of sponges. We first visited this interesting town on a trip to Florida several years ago and loved the waterfront area, with its little shops, great restaurants, and friendly people. The regular sponge boats go out and stay for extended period of times collecting sponges. Dock with boat slips, fishing and direct gulf access. Book Online Book Online - We Sell Out Often! Call for Information Ticket office hours: 7am-10pm (727) 943-2164 or (727) 365-8793 or (727) 312-6311 512 Dodecanese Blvd. But locating these behemoths means venturing far offshore and exploring the Gulf of Mexico’s depths. The common way to You’ll want to be sure to bring home a natural sea sponge. Nicholas Boat Line. Your Boat Club - Tarpon Springs 727-645-4920 | 512 Dodecanese Blvd, Tarpon Springs, FL 34698. Tarpon Springs lends itself to exploration by bicycle. By the 1950s, sponging as a profitable industry was nearly wiped out. Phone (727) 491-5276. This is a small, but mighty, aquarium at the Tarpon Springs sponge docks. That means brick buildings that have been around for a hundred years or so. 6 passenger max. Where: Craig Park. Recreation Events; Recreation Programs – Adult. When I visited in 2010, there were barely 10 boats engaged in part-time sponge diving. This Gulf Coast area is famous Greek Community where Greek Sponge divers settled in the early 1900's. The atmosphere is great because of the Anclote River, the working shrimp and sponge boats, and the authentic people who work there. ← The Sponge Industry: Divers, Crews. Tarpon Springs is located along the Anclote River, from Lake Tarpon west to the Gulf of Mexico. 2. Clear Kayak Tour of Tarpon Springs | Manatee Season. Adventure through Tarpon Springs in your 100% clear kayak! You’ll enjoy a tranquil paddle through the bayous of Tarpon Springs…. Our cruise line is handicapped accessible and offers a snack bar, full bar, music, viewing areas, and restrooms. 75806. A day to bless the water and the boats. Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks: Awesome Greek Village - See 2,887 traveler reviews, 1,418 candid photos, and great deals for Tarpon Springs, FL, at Tripadvisor. First established in 1887 as a winter resort town, the focus soon shifted to harvesting the plentiful sponges that could be found in the Gulf of Mexico. The length of a sponge fishing trip is dependent on a boat’s size and thus its ability to store harvested sponges. This island is home to an 1887 lighthouse that houses a single park ranger. Dolphin Deep Sea Fishing 810 Dodecanese Blvd. Diamandis. Beds. The National Weather Service took a look back at the Category 3 storm. It is located at the Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks at Dodecanese Boulevard. Anclote River, Whitcomb and Spring Bayous The Tarpon Springs Recreation Division will be holding the 34th Annual Holiday Boat Parade, on Friday, December 1 st. , Tarpon Springs, Florida, 34689 (727) 225-2224What a refreshing community the sponge docks area of Tarpon Springs is. Our large 45′ fiberglass catamaran rides. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral Odyssey Cruises Sun Line Cruises Tarpon Springs Dog Park Replay Amusement Museum Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks Narcosis Scuba Center Stumpy's Hatchet House - Tarpon Springs St. By MarcGrif. And two years later, in 1908, the Sponge Exchange was founded. Sightseeing boats, Tarpon trolley, antique shops, near hospital. Billiris and still run by family. The disease, which leaves. This tracking map from 1921 shows the path of a Category 3 hurricane that made landfall in Tarpon Springs on Oct. 2007. They navigated by the sun, the stars and the look of the sea floor. Show more. The Tour: Includes the history of the Sponge docks and a live sponge harvesting demonstration. Monitor weather conditions throughout the day. Whether you’re looking to do some sightseeing, like the Anclote Island and Lighthouse, fishing, shelling, dolphin watching, or eco-tours, you can find all of that at or near the Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks. In 1873, turtle fishermen near Tarpon Springs found sponges in their nets—the first sign of 9000 square miles of untouched beds. The Sponge Docks are within a 10 minute drive of this hotel. 53 mi) Ashley's Victorian Haven Bed And Breakfast; View all hotels near Greek Town Imports on Tripadvisor1 photographic print. National Register of Historic Places . In the late 19th century, the discovery of natural sponge beds off the City’s coast spurred. These Tarpon Springs sponge boat tours are usually about 45 minutes long and the sponge boats take visitors into the river. Friday, December 1, 2023. Specialties: Come Fish With The Best! Docked at the west end of world famous Sponge docks in Tarpon Springs, Florida. Tours Add a Place Travel Forum Airlines Travelers' Choice Help Center. Woman with Big Fish - Deep Sea Fishing in. Florida is the only state where sponges grow. Looking for work, the Greeks learned of Tarpon Springs and the vast sea of sponges just waiting to be. 00 (25% off) FREE shipping Add to Favorites Tarpon Spring Florida t-shirt (28) $ 13. Coordinates. Tarpon Springs, FL 34689 (Located Behind Yianni's Greek Cuisine) The City of Tarpon Springs’ Greek legacy is intertwined with its prosperous sponge diving industry. Sep 13, 2023. Downtown Tarpon Springs has long been a focal point and underwent beautification in 2010. NRHP reference No. (Opa. (8) Website. , Tarpon Springs. Walk to famous Sponge Docks with fabulous Greek cuisine, pastries and fresh seafood dining. . Parking is not allowed on the street but many. See all things to do. there are sponge boats and lots of sponges, and lots of Greeks and lots of Greek food. The Duchess is a historic sponge-hooking boat in Tarpon Springs, Florida. See all things to do. River Wild Kayaking offers guided tours through mangroves and along the Anclote River. The St. Over time, he learned the craft. Tarpon Springs City Marina - 100 Dodecanese Boulevard, Tarpon Springs, Florida 34689, United States. Specialties: Fresh, Wild Caught, Florida Gulf Seafood. Courtesy of Dr. More Quirky Attractions in Florida. Advertisement. 00 per adult Little Toot Dolphin Adventure at Clearwater Beach. The following buildings were added to the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Tarpon Springs Sponge Boats Multiple Property Submission (or. Docked at the west end of the Sponge Docks of Tarpon Springs, Florida, the 85 ft. Nicholas IV Sponge Boat 51 100 14 Llttle Joe Agios Fanourios 810 ---SPONGE --761 - BLVD. August 2, 1990. $62. At its peak Tarpon Springs’ sponge fishing fleet had more than 50 boats and more than 500 divers. 1. Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks: Sponges - See 2,885 traveler reviews, 1,415 candid photos, and great deals for Tarpon Springs, FL, at Tripadvisor. #60 of 105 Restaurants in Tarpon Springs. On the north side of Dodecanese Blvd across from the Mykonos restaurant. Tarpon Springs Sponge Boats. 0. Boat Tours. NRHP reference No. Port Richey FL 34668. – Tarpon Springs, Florida. Mary Miaoulis displays several varieties of. Sightseeing tour agency. The 80ft "Two Georges" is part of the Dolphin Deep Sea Fishing inc. Nicholas Boat Line was established in 1924 by Captain Michael J. If you visit Tarpon Springs or are looking for a unique experience, be sure to take a St. Short Drift Charters. Londono Art Studio Antonia's Boutique & Gifts Spongorama's Cruise Lines Flyboard Surf Club Greek Town Imports Captain Dennis Wilson Fishing Charters St. 1910s, this is one of the oldest images of the Sponge Docks. Known as the “Sponge Capital of the World,” this is an area where Greek. 0. State Archives of Florida, Florida Memory. However in the 1980s, new sponge beds were found. Nicholas Boat Line Sims Park Sun Line. But it was the 1890 birth of the commercial sponge industry that changed Tarpon Springs forever. The local economy, however, still benefits from the sponge industry. January 16-19: I spend a few days at Tarpon Springs, having dinner with friends, seeing manatees, and getting a lot of chores done — including an oil change. The boat operator narrates a history of the area and exhibits the five kinds of sponges which are harvested for commercial use. Add to Favorites Tarpon Springs Skyline Poster Art Print Florida FL Version 1. Greek immigrant John Corcoris arrived in 1896 and soon hired 500 Greek divers to operate the mechanized sponge boats he’d brought with him. Some had descriptions and information about sponge fishing in Florida. 25, 2021. Corcoris immigrated to New York from Greece 10 years earlier in 1895. 00, for approximately 45 mins, Date of experience: January. Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks. NRHP reference No. S. OPEN 24 Hours. Tarpon Springs, Florida was put on the map in the early 1900s thanks to its successful sponge diving industry run mostly by Greek immigrants, Today, the town remains a haven for Greek Americans, with dozens of authentic restaurants and a community committed to carrying Greek traditions forward. March 1, 2019. Spongeorama offers sunset and dolphin-watching boat tours of the Anclote River and Gulf of Mexico. Aside from strolling the Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks and watching the sponge boats come home, check out one of the many top-notch restaurants in town serving Greek cuisine. Tarpon Springs. Join Odyssey Cruises for a 1 & 1/2 - 2 hour trip down the Anclote River into the Gulf of Mexico. Washing sponges on the deck of a sponge boat, Tarpon Springs, Fla. Nicholas VI Sponge Boat Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks Odyssey Cruises Lori's Soap and spongesOdyssey Cruises Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks St. Phone: 727-942-5628. Now, Tarpon Springs is back to being a leader in the world’s natural sponge market. Call for information (727) 365-8793. From Business: Absolute Florida Flats Fishing Charters has over 23 years of local charter fishing experience and a lifetime of experience fishing in Florida. 90001133 [1] Added to NRHP. The population was 25,117 at the 2020 census. The store has a sponge diving museum and offers a free movie on sponging history. Nicholas Boat Line is a Sponge Diving Exhibition tour. 883 S Pinellas Ave. It also has a sound system for music and a snack bar. Waterfront park in the heart of beautiful Tarpon Springs. Enjoy an adventurous deep sea fishing trip with our crew from Dolphin Deep Sea Fishing in Tarpon Springs, FL. (727) 937-6109. Sponge boats work sporadically during winter months due to the wind from cold fronts. 2 Economy and Identity in Tarpon Springs 57 4. The boat is a replica of the sponge boats that operated out of Tarpon Springs a century ago, except for having a cover to shield the tourists from the sun and the weather. 2,887. Menu. go past the 1st set of shops on your left. Downtown Tarpon Springs has long been a focal point and underwent beautification in 2010. Day visit to Tarpon springs report Aug 13, 2022; Tarpon Springs Greek Restaurant May 19, 2022; Accommodations May 17, 2022; Sponge tours Mar 10, 2022; Anclote boat ride Feb 11, 2022; Time to see the sponge boats Dec 08, 2021; free parking tarpon springs sponge dock Sep 24, 2021; Place to stay near Tarpon Springs May 25, 2021; Water. Karistinos says the entire Tarpon Springs community looks forward to Epiphany. Exceptional Transient Rates & Amenities. Nicholas Boat Line "What great fun and educational! Frank the sponge diver and his crew tell of days gone by of how Tarpon. There are a bunch of tours,. . Tarpon Springs is a must visit. So cool to see the boats with all the sponges. Which places provide the best tours in Tarpon Springs for kids and families? These are the best places for kid-friendly tours in Tarpon Springs:. 70 reviews . Next door there is a Park & Pay that costs $2. The St. Our captain will narrate the entire trip where you will learn about the history of Tarpon Springs and the famous Sponge Docks. Coordinates. 0292048 [4] Website. An d reasonably priced at just $10. Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks: Sponge Docks by the shrimp boats - See 2,873 traveler reviews, 1,398 candid photos, and great deals for Tarpon Springs, FL, at Tripadvisor. Courtesy of City of Tarpon Springs. Sponges. Tarpon Springs Holiday Boat Parade December 1 @ 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm EST . Many of them still work for the sponge industry. Tarpon Springs was known as the “Sponge Capital of the World. net » Take a kayak tour from the Sponge Docks. 866-927-9015. Restaurants, especially Rusty Bellies, have their own fishing boats and you can eat the day’s catch! Take a stroll along the sidewalk or shop all day. And Karistinos’s boat is one of the last traditional Greek-style sponge boats at the Tarpon Springs docks. Our dolphin cruise boat has a full liquor bar, and we offer drink specials regularly. . This is strictly for entertainment. You'll stroll the World Famous Sponge Docks and learn about the thriving fishing and sponging industry. Fishing Charters & Tours. Our captain will narrate the entire trip where you will learn about the history of Tarpon Springs and the famous Sponge Docks. 34th Annual Holiday Boat Parade. The early sponge industry created a need for eating places at the Docks for the boat crews. One even shared a name with my daughter. This trip will treat you to some of the most beautiful sunsets imaginable. We take you on an exciting narrated dolphin cruise down the beautiful waters of the Anclote River to the Gulf of Mexico. Apartment in Tarpon Springs. Sponge Dock Stroll 20 Historical Tours from $43. Address: 607 Island Dr. Many of the divers were immigrant sponge divers who came from Greek islands with a long history of sponge.