FAQs/Our Credentials / Job Opportunities
Tarpon Bay Explorers operates in partnership with U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and 12% of all our sales benefit National Wildlife Refuges across the country. Tarpon Bay Explorers is committed to being a successful eco-tour company by providing excellent customer service and quality educational tours, rentals & merchandise all while furthering the goals of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service at the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge. We encourage superior stewardship of our unique natural environment.
Frequently Ask Questions
Q: Can you reserve kayaks, bikes or SUPs?
A: No. Rental kayaks, SUPs and bikes are first come, first serve starting at 8am. Rentals stop 2 hours before closing. Reservations are only taken for either Guided Kayak Tours. Pontoon Boats, Fishing Charters or Hobie Fishing Kayaks (Only 2 HOBIEs Available).
Q: What time do you open/close?
A: Tarpon Bay Explorers opens M,W,F & Sat day at 8am. We currently close by 5pm (sometimes earlier).
Q: Can you launch your personal vessel?
A: Yes. Non-motorized Launches are $7+tax, motorized launches are $20+tax. Launches can depart as early as 8am but MUST be back no later than a half-hour before closing (currently 4:30pm) on the days the area is open: Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday. Paperwork must be filled out before launching. We also hold on to either a driver license or take information from a Credit Card to insure you are off the water safely.
Q: Can you see manatee or dolphin?
A: Yes. Dolphins can be seen year-round and manatees are most commonly seen March-December (i.e., warmer months). BUT, please keep in mind that we operate out of a National Wildlife Refuge where the wildlife will come and go as it pleases. We never guarantee any kind of wildlife on any trip that we provide.
Q: What should I bring?
A: Things to bring include, water, sunglasses, hat, sunscreen, more water, dry storage (dry boxes are available to rent in the gift shop). If you think our Tour Guides or Ramp Staff were especially friendly, helpful and/or knowledgeable, cash tip is always appreciated.
Q: Is tipping customary?
A: Yes, please and thank you! Our staff works extra hard to ensure your experience is top-notch. If you think our Guides or Ramp Staff do a phenomenal job, a tip of 15-20% is always greatly appreciated.
Q: Can you fish?
A: Yes. Anyone who is 16 years of age older or needs a saltwater fishing license in order to fish. We do not sell them at our giftshop. They can be purchased online at www.gooutdoorsflorida.com or you can go to a local tackle shop like Whitney’s Bait & Tackle or the Bait Box. We currently DON’T sell bait but we do have extra tackle in our gift shop. Fishing is NOT allowed from shore or dock at Tarpon Bay.
Q: How many people can fit on your pontoon rentals?
A: If your party is fishing, the MAXIMUM amount of people allowed on board is 8 regardless of age or size of anglers. If your party is not fishing, the boat is permitted 10 people. Please keep in mind, the boat has limited space and we do not recommend having 10 people on board.
Q: How many people can go on a fishing charter?
A: At the moment we do not have fishing charters. Hoping to resume sometime in 2024.
Q: Where can Tarpon Bay Equipment go?
A: All equipment must stay in Tarpon Bay, which is approx. 950 acres of a slow-speed, minimum wake zone. Only kayaks or canoes are allowed in the Commodore Creek Trail. SUPs, HOBIEs and Pontoon Boats must stay in the open waters of Tarpon Bay.
Q: Can you dock your personal vessel at Tarpon Bay, drop people off or pick them up?
A: No. Tarpon Bay is NOT a public marina. No vessels are allowed to dock in our slips, drop off people or pick them up.
Q: Are pets allowed on guided tours or rentals?
A: Pets are NOT allowed on GUIDED TOURS. As pet friendly as many of our employee are, other people on your guided tour may not be. BUT, pets ARE allowed on RENTAL equipment as long as they are leashed and do not get off or out of the equipment.
Q: How long does it take to paddle through Commodore Creek Trail and what is the distance traveled?
A: It takes a leisurely 1.5 hours to paddle from our Tarpon Bay’s harbor through Commodore Creek and back (so take your time!). Distance traveled is roughly 2.5 miles.
Q: What are the tides for Tarpon Bay?
A: We get our tide schedule for Tarpon Bay from NOAA’s website: https://tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/noaatidepredictions.html?id=8725362&units=standard&bdate=20230407&edate=20230408&timezone=LST/LDT&clock=12hour&datum=MLLW&interval=hilo&action=dailychart
Guide Certifications
- All naturalists have a biology or environmental science related degree or naturalist certification
- All employees have taken at least one, if not more, Guests First Customer Service Training Programs to ensure top notch customer service
- Includes guides who are Certified Interpretive Guides (CIG) by National Association for Interpretation (NAI).
- All SUP guides have ACA Certification Level I
- All captains are United States Coast Guard licensed
- All guides and captains are CPR/First-Aid certified
- Some guides are certified by American Canoe Association Coastal Kayak Instructor-Level II
Awards & Accolades
- Received numerous “E Awards” & Honorable Mentions for Outstanding Hospitality Service from the Lee County Visitors & Convention Bureau
- Consistently received 4 ½ out of 5 stars on Trip Advisor
Permits
- United States Coast Guard licensed & inspected pontoon boat
- Tram drivers have a Commercial Drivers License Class C
- Dolphin SMART participant since 2010
- Authorized Special Activity License from the Florida Wildlife Conservation Commission to collect specimens for Aquarium Touch Tank
Recommended by the Best:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VSPM623cQxw&ab_channel=TasteandSeeTampaBay
https://vacationidea.com/florida/best-things-to-do-on-sanibel-island-fl.html
https://www.fodors.com/news/5-must-do-activities-in-sanibel-florida-6848
https://mommypoppins.com/content/sanibel-island-florida-with-kids-25-best-activities-for-a-family-vacation
Job Opportunity:
Naturalist – Tour Guide:
Tarpon Bay Explorers has an opening for a ‘Naturalist’ position to lead Kayak Tours in the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island, Florida. Applicants with a background in biology, marine biology, environmental science, environmental education or a related field is preferred. Must enjoy customer service and working with the public. Full and part time annual or seasonal positions available. Compensation varies with experience.
Tarpon Bay Explorers is the concession to the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island. The company is contracted by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service to provide recreational rentals and tour opportunities for visitors within the Refuge. Please send resumes and a cover letter to tarponbayexplorers@gmail.com.
