The best sponge diving tour in Tarpon Springs! The boat tour of the river was scenic and very informative. Our family thoroughly enjoyed our time on the boat and I cannot recommend St. Nicholas Boat Lines enough. We even got a tour bonus by seeing dolphins read more

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Took the boat ride to hear about the original sponge divers of Tarpon Springs. The information provided was very informative and interesting. Seeing the dive suit and equipment gave a very unique perspective. It was reasonably priced. read more

Wonderful trip! The boat crew was amazingly helpful getting me on the boat, being diabled. Then they made sure everyone on our tour was comfortable. The Captain was extremely knowledgable about the sponge diving industry and history of Tarpon Spings, giving an entertaining and informative talk during the tour. The weather was beautiful, as was the waterway. Bonus was seeing Manatees. The sponge diving demonstration was so interesting and the diver was personable, and ready to pose for a selfie anytime. All in all, we thought it was a great trip, well worth the money. We would recommend it to anyone. read more

St. Nicholas Boat Line - Tours Near Me - Tarpon Springs, Florida

Tarpon Springs for the day and went on this hour long boat ride. The family and staff were wonderful - friendly and informative. During the tour, they did a demonstration of sponge diving. It was great to see and you gained appreciation for the hard work that these families did for many generations. This boat tour is a must to do when visiting Tarpon Springs. read more

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My St. Pete ladies meet up group of 20 ladies, did a day trip excursion with Nicholas Boat Lines. Not only was it a fun day, we learned about the sponge industry, saw dolphins, saw the home that was used in the movie Under the 12ft Reef & got 2 demonstrations of the scuba gear used long ago. Our crew was so much fun. I'd highly recommend anyone looking to go out on a quick half day trip go with this multi generation family run business. read more

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We had the best time this afternoon. Just a short 45 minute ride and it was fantastic. I hope they don't raise the price because I plan on going often in the future. Take your family for an informative sponge boat tour. Captain George was great and all the crew! read more

We were just walking around Tarpon Springs to 'check off a box' of having been there. At last minute- we decided to take this tour just to see it. What an unexpected pleasure! It was I formative and obvious the gentleman that runs the business cares about what he does. We had a great time and learned a lot!! read more

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Outstanding tour. Only $16 for an hour. Tons of information about sponge industry, history, culture, etc. And a live diving demonstration. . read more

St. Nicholas Boat Line - Your boat - Tours Near Me - Tarpon Springs, Florida

We learned sooo much about the history of sponge diving and sponges themselves on this boat tour. The captain, George, and his crew including the diver were informative, friendly and entertaining! It was worth more than we paid! read more

I have been on this tour 3 times with friends from up north and I will definitely be going again when more friends visit. It is very informative and entertaining. The captain is the narrator and the first mate and diver are great. And then there's Dimitri. He's been at this for decades. There are other sponge tours, but St. Nicholas is by far the best. read more

I am so glad that we went on this excursion. It's one of the best decisions we made while at Tarpon Springs. Before this tour, my husband and I were walking around confused by the different types of sponges and the history of the area. After this tour, I had a much greater appreciation for Tarpon Springs. We didn't find the tour cheesy or gimmicky. There was no back and forth banter between the diver and crew, but more of a straight forward lesson from the diver himself. This tour gave us a quick history lesson and break down of the most common sponge types you see in the shops. We also got to hear about what the live sponges look like under water, and how they are then processed for use. The diver also explained in detail what we would see during his dive in the old dive suit, and the crew informed us where to stand in the boat for the best photos. The boat ride is quick and you don't go out very far to the true diving areas since those are many miles into the gulf. At the time that we went (Feb 2019) the price was $12 per adult. I'd highly recommend it. Also, keep your ticket for 10% off at a nearby restaurant. read more

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While this is the shortest boat ride, at 45 minutes I've been on in Tarpon Springs, it really stands out as a great trip. Everyone was so nice and welcoming. The driver Doug was so great with all the kids taking time to explain things and to pose for pictures. I didn't find anything cheesy on this trip as other reviewers have noted. I've gone out on a boat ride in Tarpon Springs every year for the past 10 years at least and I learned many new interesting things today. I would recommend this trip without hesitation. The trip would be good for any ages and groups. read more

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Taking a boat ride on the St. Nicholas Boat Line is a humorous, but educational experience. Yes, the one-liner bantering between the ship's narrator and the sponge diver is a bit cheesy, however the whole experience is a lot of fun. The folks who operate this boat, including the diver, are all Greek residents of Tarpon Springs, and they told us a lot about life in this fishing and sponge diving community, just north of Tampa. You'll find this boat moored at the Sponge Docks along Dodecanese Blvd in Tarpon Springs, and there are people out in front of the Sponge Diver Supply store who will sell you the tickets for $8 for Adults. The trip lasts about a half hour, and though it feels very touristy, you'll learn a lot about the history of Tarpon Springs, and the history of Greek sponge diving. After the boat pulled away from the docks, it putters down to a sponge bed inside Tarpon Bayou, and the diver begins his work. This guy climbs into a canvas diving suit weighted down with lead shoes, a lead breastplate and back plate (about 45 pounds all together), and then straps on a 100 year-old brass diving helmet, tethered to an air hose on the surface, and goes over the side to walk along the bottom and search for a live sponge to harvest. Within moments he finds a fist-sized sponge on the bottom, and hauls it up for the tourists on the boat. They explain that the sponges are living creatures, and that they'll re-grow a new animal in that same spot, and a few months later it will also be ready to harvest. On the cruise back, they showed us a basket of different types of sponges (available for purchase at any of the shops along Dodecanese Blvd), and explain their use for general bathing, washing your car, cosmetics application, and so on. Our narrator pointed out some of the homes along the channel, and mentioned some of their favorite restaurants in Tarpon Springs. Yes, it can be incredibly hokey, but we had a nice time and enjoyed the cool breezes off the water. read more

St. Nicholas Boat Line - Display of natural living sponges brought up from Tarpon Bayou by the sponge divers on the St. Nicholas Boat Line - Tours Near Me - Tarpon Springs, Florida

Honestly, it's a little cheesy, but somewhat interesting. They barely take you more than a few hundred yards from the marina dock when a guy in a 100 year old helmet diving suit plops in the water, walks around under the surface for a few minute and comes up with a nasty little sponge that you get to touch (and by nasty I mean covered in black slime). They give you a few facts about sponges and the history of sponging in the area, but really the only cool thing about this 25 minute tour is the super old helmet suit. Small children will probably find this activity the most exciting. If you are looking for a longer adventure, I would recommend the Dolphin Tour to Anclote Island with Odyssey Cruises for a few bucks more. We did both. Adults | $8 Kids (6-12) | $4 6 & under | free FINAL THOUGHT It's tolerable if you are looking for something to do other than walk the local shops & restaurants of Tarpon Springs. Staff is very friendly so that's plus, but at the end of your tour expect to be presented with a pack of post cards. At first you'll think they are a gift for taking the tour, but just hold on a few minutes. It will become apparent they are for sale as one of the crew members begins to promote them (helmet guy will sign one for you if you buy). We bought one pack since it was only a buck, however its been a few months now and I can't remember where I put them! LOL read more

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What a fun time... A pleasant ride to the harbor mouth, watch the diver don the dive suit, over he goes and watch as he brings up a sponge. The 40 minute trip is well narrated and gives a snapshot of sponge types that will be of value as you later wander the shops along the water. Well worth the time and $12 cost. (seniors are $10) A very pleasant break from shopping and eating. Now here is an factoid that doen't belong here but i'm doin' it anyway. I love gyros. Only if I see it carved from the spit and only if the pita is fresh. Standing at the St Nicholas Boat dock, looking at the water, raise your left hand and point across the concrete plaza. You are pointing at the best gyro in Tarpon Springs. It is a small takeout window attached to a large gift shop. This is the best gyro ever. Order at the window, sit on the patio facing the water. They yell your name when your order is up and you will be in gyro heaven. I regret that I never noticed the name of the shop but I hope the directions will guide you there. OMG I want one right now..... read more

This was a fun and educational river cruise. We learned a lot about Tarpon Springs and the sponge industry. The people were nice and it was worth the money. read more

We went on a Friday tour afternoon tour. The crew let us board early so we could sit in the shade. They made sure to help us board safely since it is a big step onto the boat. The Irish crew member visited with us and gave us looks of history of the area. Very personable and polite. The tour took about 40 minutes. The captain told a great story about the history of the town and sponge diving. The diver was funny but took the dangerous job seriously. It was cool to get to touch the different types of sponges. The tour only takes you a little ways down the river to a place they have sponges stored but that was fine. It was a good experience for a great value. Only $12 per person. read more

Sure, it's a bit cheesy as others have mentioned, but I had fun, and so did my daughter, so isn't that the most important thing? We also spent less than $20 for this period of fun. On her father's side, there are sponge divers in the family, so it actually had some familial significance for her. The sponge diver and the owners of the cruise line all knew her grandfather from his time living there and working on the boats, so she started getting a bit too cocky in name-dropping everywhere we went, but it made her feel like a celebrity. The St. Nicholas Boat Line was established in 1924 by Captain Michael J. Billiris and continues to be operated by the Billiris family. It is the second oldest attraction in the State of Florida. The St. Nicholas VII is a US Coast Guard Certified Vessel. Doug, the sponge diver, made the journey for kids and families extra special, by taking the time to pose for several pictures. He posed with his helmet on, and without it on. It was very interesting to learn that the diving suit weighed over 100 lbs. once all the weights, helmet, and everything was added on (172 lbs., if you want to be specific). This was one of the most dangerous jobs in the world, so you can appreciate all that went into diving for sponges. Doug prepares himself as Michael John, the host, explains all that must go into ensuring the suit is ready, and the diver is safe. There are shoulder weights involved, a chest plate, as well as making sure the rope around the waist is on tight. The footwear alone weighs over 10 lbs.! I cannot imagine how hot it must have been wearing that thick suit, followed by the helmet and the air hose. Doug slowly descends, prepares to go deep under water, and looks for a sponge. He then climbs up a ladder that the captain puts down for him, brings up the live sponge, and poses for pictures with his new find. Michael John explains that a crew of six might be out at sea collecting sponges for three weeks or three months, a fact that still makes the job an unpopular career choice. The slimy, wet sponge is passed around for all to touch, and they explain that the sponges you purchase or see in the markets are actually the skeleton of the living creature you're touching. They also pass around different types of sponges while making this presentation. These include wool sponges, finger sponges, and decorative sponges that can be used as a centerpiece, or as a flowering pot. Everyone was fascinated (and some kids grossed out), to find out that the sponge they use in the shower is actually a skeleton. The tour is informative, quick, and sweet. The price is also just right. These people rely on these tours for a living, and they were hit hard after Hurricane Hermine passed through, caused flooding and blocked off streets, and had to close for a few days. It was therefore no issue for me to spend $1 on their postcard pack promotion at the end of the tour, and my kiddo got the diver's autograph on a couple, making the experience even more authentic and entertaining for her! This is a must for a tourist visiting the area, and wanting to learn more about the history that made this city, in my opinion. read more

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We took the family on this tour and it was throughly enjoyed by all. Very informative and educational and well worth the price of admission.

Fun and entertaining for the whole family. Learn how sponge harveting began. I highly recommend this 40 minute boat tour!!! read more

St. Nicholas Boat Line - Tours Near Me - Tarpon Springs, Florida

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What great fun and educational! Frank the sponge diver and his crew tell of days gone by of how Tarpon Springs became the Sponge Capital of the World! Fellow sponge divers from Greece came from abroad to work in this area and have now made this their home. A lot of history in these guys! Loved the tour! Frank actually dives like the old times and gathers a sponge for your review!! read more

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Great experience!! Only $15, probably the best part of our trip. They explain the history of the town beginning in the early 1800's and how it became so popular. They kept the public engaged and entertained read more

Decent boat ride where you learn some history of Tarpon Springs. They have a diver dressed in the original diver gear they used a hundred years ago. You also get a good overview on the history of sponges and the sponge industry, which is the #1 industry in Tarpon Springs. read more

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Well, not exactly what we expected, but then again what can $8 get you these days. I wanted to go to Tarpon Springs, because I fondly remembered first visiting there with my grandparents over 30 years ago. Though we had a wonderful meal at one of the greek restaurants, lots (of course) has changed. That said, I decided to take my partner on the "sponge diving" exhibition boat ride. Though the history lesson was delightful, and watching the diver in the old suit prepare for his "decent" was interesting. The whole thing was a bit on the cheesoid side of things. First, I don't believe for one minute that he "dove" to great depths to retrieve the "sponge" from the bottom of the inlet. Yes, we didn't go into the bay, we stayed in the inlet across from several beautiful homes. I don't think that we were a mile from the dock, well maybe 1 mile, but that is about it. The diver jumped in, and though you could see the bubbles, you could also tell that he was in incredibly shallow water and most likely was harvesting a "planted" sponge. Dude got back on board and one of the "ship mates" walked around with the slimy sponge for all to have a brief touch before it found its way back into the bucket. All in all it was a little hokey to say the least. Then they try to sell you a packet of cheap post cards with bad photography for $1, then of course the whole "tip your waiter on the way out" speech soon followed. I don't mind a little hokiness every once in a while, but I thought that the experience would at least be a bit more exciting and less on the "lets see how we can squeeze a buck out of these folks" routine. Ah, none the less, it just goes to show you what happens when a town steeped in tradition and history allows the touristy b/s to overrun the real reason that the town exists in the first place. read more

First I want to thank the owners of this boat for a great educational experience. The crew volunteer their time to teach us about the history if the town and our country's sponge environments. It was fun to see Frank, the diver put on the suit until we found out it weigh over 100 pounds (with the final weighs). Learning about the 5 different sponges and their commercial usages was great. Seeing a wool sponge come out if the water black was amazing. This is a great tour. Can't wait to bring family and friends back. read more

St. Nicholas Boat Line - Frank getting ready to pick sponges - Tours Near Me - Tarpon Springs, Florida

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As for value, $8 probably a good one. This whole section of town is a tourist trap. The boat ride is fun if you aren't expecting much. The entertainment value is decent especially after walking around to all the stores. We got a couple of good pictures with the diver. I thought the whole post card thing was strange, but my wife bought them. It's a good way to find out the history behind the Sponge Capital of the World. It's a good tour (once). read more

Great price, awesome guide and crew. I learned a ton about the town and sponge industry.

Have fun learning the history of the sponge industry. Captain George adds color to the narrative to make it interesting. Gave me a new appreciation for how courageous those who came to the U.S. were. Check it out. read more

Among all the boat trips on the docks, this is the one we found out about simply by bumping into it. Small desk outside by the Spongerama, the boat ride is relatively short, but beautiful, educational, and fun. And it is the best deal on the docks; only $8/ adult! From their website: St. Nicholas III and VII are historic sponge diving boats in Tarpon Springs, Florida. They are located at the World Famous Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks at Dodecanese Boulevard. On August 3, 1990, they were added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. St. Nicholas Boat Lines will take you on a 40 minute tour down the Anclote River as the Captain gives a lecture on the history of sponge diving. He will show the different types of sponge as he explains how they are best used. A diver in a traditional suit will demonstrate how sponge are retrieved and prepared for marketing. Credits: World's Fair; Beneath The 12 Mile Reef (20th Century Fox); 16 Fathoms Deep (United Artists); Harbor of Missing Men (Major Films, Inc.); 20 Fathoms Below (Warner Bros.); Sea Hunt (Ziv Productions); On The Road (Walter Cronkite; Discovery (Jules Power); Today Show (NBC); National Geographic; Argosy Magazine. read more