What an amazing time we had! We were on a field trip with a group of homeschoolers. Possibly around 15 of us all together, maybe more. The staff was so knowledgeable and patient with all the children. Answered all their questions and dug a little deeper by their show and tells. It was so cool seeing what they caught with their nets. Never knew that the ecosystem was so cool and I'm 37! We got to see dolphins, and go to a sandbar for the casting of the net to get a hands on experience. It was nice to see them catch and release right after all the children were able to ask all their questions and even touch some of the little crabs. That was my sons favorite part. They also took us to bird island where they told us all about the different species of birds. So many baby pelicans and cormorants! Do yourself a favor and take this tour. It was so fun! Parents, the parking was not bad at all to find. Close to the docks. You're able to bring your own food and snacks. There is a bathroom on board. Upper cover to shield you from the Florida sun, and plenty of bench seating for all around great...
Read moreTook our Girl Scout troop of about ten eight year old girls and a few adults on this tour. Everyone had a great time and learned something! We went on a Sunday afternoon and our crew was: Aubrey, Captain Bob, and Christian. The crew answered all of our MANY questions. They were very knowledgeable of the animals and habitat in this area. Even us adults learned something! On our tour we watched them scoop up some grass and it's inhabitants from a nearby shoal. We had no idea so many different types of animals were in that one scoop! We saw: pinfish, cowfish, white grunt, silver perch, mojarra, comb jelly, and spottail pinfish. We got to count and see all the animals. and some were put into an aquarium for us to look at more. and some were put in containers for us to see really close. We also saw DOLPHINS!!! Also visited Bird Island to learn about that habitat. The crew was kind and knowledgeable. Very relaxing tour. Lots of shade and benches. Easy boat ride. Highly recommend for...
Read moreWe went to the museum on the St Pete Pier, and then took the eco-tour on the pontoon boat. Both were great and worth the $27 (I'm a senior - it's $29 if you're not). The museum was clean, bright, the marine life was well cared for and the tanks were clean and the animals looked healthy. The young lady - sorry didn't ask her name - who was posted at the touch tank, showed us lots of the critters in there, and explained a lot about them. Then the boat crew was very courteous and knowledgable and Logan did a great job explaining everything that they were doing on the trip to collect and do reasearch on the marine life. Even though some of the critters were very tiny, the crew was extremely careful with them, and also took care to show them to us as well. Even though my friend and I are both long time sailors, snorkelers and beachgoers, and avid marine life enthusiasts, we still learned a few new things about the animals and eco system in Tampa Bay! It was well worth the...
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