Spongeorama Sponge Factory — Local services in Tarpon Springs

My Boyfriend and I went to Tarpon Springs for the very first time last weekend (10/18/2025). My dad suggested we go as we live in Lakeland and there really isn't much to do in this city. We were absolutely so happy that we went. From the downtown area, to the Springs and up to the Sponge Docks, we fell in love with Tarpon Springs.

We went to the very first parking lot on Dodecanese Blvd. and we were about to pay the $12 parking fee for the day until one of the meter maid's walked up to us, informing how much it was and offered us about a boat tour. We agreed as it included free parking. Albeit, we were surprised by the boat tour price for us both (at least $57 for my boyfriend and I), but we walked into the main shop, got our boarding passes, a gift bag, a food voucher for 10% off at Acropolis Greek Taverna. And we got a 10% coupon within the store. I bought 2 wooly sponges for my dad a long with the care instructions they provide.

Once we looked around the small town and passed the time, we went on our boat tour down the Anclote River up to Anclote Key Reserve State Park. They did not disappoint with seeing dolphins, learning about Tarpon Springs as the Sponge Capital of the world and enjoying the beauty of the waters. Once we got to Anclote Key, they offered some baskets to collect your shells if you chose too and enjoy the Crystal clear waters under the Florida sun.

By far, the best day ever with my boyfriend. The experience as a whole was magical! Far more magical than any amusement park in Orlando. For me, it was worth the money, the pricing, and the experience. It is their lively hood, so yeah, it may seem pricey to some. But I'd rather buy from Sponge-o-Rama and know that I am shopping locally...

This is where I bought my sponge in the bath soap. I have been there twice but have missed the show both times I don't think I going to try a third time. It was a nice day and I just felt she could have started the tape and let us watch it ,other venders in the area felt the same way and previous customers even told the woman that she was kind of rude. when you work with the public you need to cater to the public or the public won't be there for you to keep you open.I would have bought a lot more but I really wanted to see the show so I bought all my other sponges down the street and I spent my money down the street in another store and so did Mom.when you tell the customers you make your own hours that means you could have stayed another 15 minutes and let us watch the tape. I don't know if this review would get to the owner of that company but he might think twice about the woman that's running the shop for him or her. She spent more time complaining about previous customers when we could have been watching the videoabout the sponge divers the whole reason to be there the store advertises it all over the place and then you close the store early we weren't the only people that wanted to see there was more people walking in as we were walking outand we're very disappointed that they couldn't see the showmaybe the store needs to get somebody to work a second shift there cuz it was only one in the afternoon when we got there you can't run a business when you're...

OK, this place isn't for everyone, but if you like quirky, unusual places (and I do) this is cool. This is both a souvenir store - with lots of the sponges for which Tarpon Springs is known - and cheap/overpriced souvenirs. But there is also a free "museum" and movie that explain the history and process of sponge diving in the town. The museum is only marginally informative, but the creepy dioramas (one with a female mannequin losing her hair! designed by Norman Bates?) had my family in stitches! The movie actually was very informative, but it was one of those really old, dated documentaries like the movies kids watched in school in the 1960's, or like the films on Mystery Science Theater 3000 that Tom Servo and Crow make snarky comments throughout. One plus: if it's a hot day, Spongeorama is air-conditioned.

A warning: the proprietors will try to hard-sell you on taking a tourist cruise when you leave. Be prepared! I've heard the cruise is decent and some will actually like it, but it is pricy. Weak, easily influenced people will end up signing up for the tour even though they really...