Fred Howard Park Spread over 150 prime acres on the Gulf of Mexico, Fred Howard Park is one of the coolest places to see in Tarpon Springs. Nearby fishing. But today, you’ll also find shelling cruises, sunset cruises, tour boats, and other attractions that will teach you more about the area’s history and culture. You can make a great day out of strolling Tarpon Springs’ most well-known attraction: the historic Sponge Docks, a busy pedestrian area on the Anclote River with shops, restaurants, sponge boats. This locally owned business was started in 1924 by sponge diver Capt. There’s plenty of places to grab a bite to eat, listen to authentic, live Greek music, and. Head out with Captain Christopher for a half, 3/4, or full day of fishing around the inshore waters and flats of Southshore Tampa Bay. Browse 80 tarpon springs sponge photos and images available, or start a new search to explore more photos and images. Share. Sponge Docks Info. Fishing boats on the sponge docks in Tarpon Springs, Florida. 14861°N 82. Most visitors to Tarpon Springs go to the Anclote River to see the old sponge docks, some sponge boats, and eat at some of the fine Greek restaurants. Live WebcamsNovember 24, 2020. Sea sponge fishing was gaining popularity in Greece by the end of the 19th century, and it was becoming oversaturated. 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. Nicholas Boat Line is a Sponge Diving Exhibition tour. Virtual Tour. Coupons: No. You can take a Sponge Docks boat ride and see the sponge divers dive for sponges. It was definitely worth the time. Hotel in Tarpon Springs. . George Billiris' famly founded the company in 1924. The Annual Illuminated Boat Parade will be held on the first Friday of December. Tarpon Springs, Florida. Tarpon Springs and the sponge docks is a great choice! Date of. 2,887. Dolphin Deep Sea Fishing 810 Dodecanese Blvd. 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. is home to hundreds of residential and commercial buildings and about a dozen sponge boats. Damn Good. Sponge Docks. Our captain will narrate the entire trip where you will learn about the history of Tarpon Springs and the famous Sponge Docks. Look for the boat with the covered awning and orange trim. State Archives of Florida, Florida Memory. Tarpon Springs, FL 34689. 10. see more operators. Two world wars would complicate trade even further, bringing the industry to a near-halt. Family owned and operated since 1947, we take pride in our business. Not that we weren't catching fish, he seemed to want to find the 'big ones'. Specialties: Fresh, Wild Caught, Florida Gulf Seafood. Billiris and still run by family. Island Wind Tours Spongeorama Sponge Factory Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks St. Nicholas Boat Line was established in 1924 by Captain Michael J. 4. The following buildings were added to the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Tarpon Springs Sponge Boats Multiple Property Submission (or. Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks, Tarpon Springs: "can you go out on a sponge boat and see a diver. Tarpon Springs, Florida. Yesterday we took a day trip to Tarpon Springs, the Greek sponge fishing town made famous in the 1953 Robert Wagner movie Beneath The 12-Mile Reef. The St. The originally wooden dock was rebuilt in concrete by the 1960s. market. Young woman posing on sponge boat, 1936. A sponge boat is docked to sift through the day’s harvest in Tarpon Springs on Saturday, Dec. Improve this listing. Krisula was a great tour guide with lots of Tarpon Springs history and about sponge harvesting. 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. 3. 2. We got a kick pout of the pelicans floating around - See 2,885 traveler reviews, 1,415 candid photos, and great deals for Tarpon Springs, FL, at Tripadvisor. Sponge Docks of Tarpon Springs (0. The Greek sponge divers helped build Tarpon Springs, and restaurants, markets, and bakeries cluster near the Sponge Docks. “You can see the old pictures from those times and there would be dozens and dozens docked down there. In addition to Tarpon Springs, the sponges are taken in commercial quantities at Key West, Miami, and in the Bahamas. Photo: Bill DeYoung. Address: 607 Island Dr. Tarpon Springs, in Pinellas County, Florida, resembles a Greek island, with its blue and white structures, street names, the boats in the harbor, and the Greek-themed shops and restaurants. 22 ft 1 - 4 People From $163 per person. Nicolas Sponge Boat Tour. The following buildings were added to the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Tarpon Springs Sponge Boats Multiple Property Submission (or. But locating these behemoths means venturing far offshore and exploring the Gulf of Mexico’s depths. Dolphin Cruise Boat Tours - Spongeorama Cruise Lines offers a fun and interesting boat tour of the Gulf of Mexico. Dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, fish, tropical Foliage and water birds are common sights on our afternoon cruise. The sponge industry, though still active, is far smaller than it was then. Review. Closed now 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM. 70 reviews. Clear Kayak Tour of Tarpon Springs | Manatee Season. Looking for work, the Greeks learned of Tarpon Springs and the vast sea of sponges just waiting to be. About a 35 min. Nicholas VII departs about every 40 minutes for a round-trip cruise through the Historic Sponge Docks of Tarpon Springs on the Anclote River. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral. The atmosphere is great because of the Anclote River, the working shrimp and sponge boats, and the authentic people who work there. 19, 2020. The common way to You’ll want to be sure to bring home a natural sea sponge. 05. It cannot swim, but grows attached to a rock or the sea bottom. You may bring any other beverages or snacks you wish. Marks. Tarpon Springs became a popular winter resort for wealthy Americans in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. With more than fifty years of experience, our captains will take the very best. Sponge Docks Skiff 13; Sponge Docks Skiff 16; Sponge Docks Skiff 19; MASH, 24ft Cruiser; PLOVER 20ft Camp-Cruiser; BIG BOY Great Looper; Sail. . Take an audio-guided walking tour through historic Greektown. Hours: 10:00-4:30 Daily, the St. 35 on Tripadvisor among 35 attractions in Tarpon Springs. Today, sponge boat crews use the Sponge Docks for docking and repairs, parking trucks while loading and unloading boats; and sponge sorting, cleaning, and sales. Want to experience a little piece of Greece in the US?? Go to the Sponge Docks in Tarpon Springs! It is the natural sponge capitol. com. In 1907 The Tarpon Springs Sponge Exchange was formed. Florida (FL) Tarpon Springs. Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks: Tacky town - See 2,884 traveler reviews, 1,415 candid photos, and great deals for Tarpon Springs, FL, at Tripadvisor. So cool to see the boats with all the sponges. 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. Since the first major wave of Greeks arrived in Tarpon Springs in 1905 to work in the. Billiris and still run by family today. Very informative. Go to Hellas and get some goodies and walk along the water to see the boats with the sponges drying. 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. 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. However, in the 1980s, new sponge beds were found. Come have fun at Spongeorama - Dolphin Cruises in Tarpon Springs, Boat Tours in Tarpon Springs. Services: Memberships, Rental. Billiris and continues to be operated by the Billiris family. The St. This locally owned business was started in 1924 by sponge diver Capt. Nicholas Boat Line St. Water Sports in Tarpon Springs Boat Rentals in Tarpon Springs Dolphin & Whale Watching in Tarpon Springs Kayaking & Canoeing in Tarpon Springs River Rafting & Tubing in Tarpon Springs Scuba & Snorkelling in Tarpon Springs Surfing & Windsurfing in. Woman with Big Fish - Deep Sea Fishing in. Downtown Tarpon Springs has long been a focal point and is currently undergoing beautification. Open now. Rusty Bellies Waterfront Grill (Editor’s Choice) 937 Dodecanese Blvd. National Register of Historic Places. Open in Google Maps. Speciality & Gift Shops • Marinas. Things to Do in Tarpon Springs. 00 per adult Little Toot Dolphin Adventure at Clearwater Beach. Tarpon Springs is a city in Pinellas County, Florida, United States. By Patricia Claus. Save. Skip to main content. 0. In 1886 Tarpon Springs began supplying sponges to the U. Keep reading for our guide to. It was free!!!Tarpon Springs, FL at the Sponge Docks. The main souvenir in Tarpon Springs is of course the sponges, but you’ll also find an abundance of handmade soaps, sauces and jellies, cigars, jewelry, shells and sundries at the gift shops. Boat launch close by. An old sponge-diving boat, built. The Tarpon Springs Heritage Museum is. 19, 2020. Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks: Sponges - See 2,885 traveler reviews, 1,415 candid photos, and great deals for Tarpon Springs, FL, at Tripadvisor. 1:30 PM – Drive to the Tarpon Springs Aquarium. An d reasonably priced at just $10. The Making of an Industry. Nicholas IV leaves the sponge docks every 40 minutes on a round-trip cruise the Anclote River. Fishing Charters & Tours. At the Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks, visitors can purchase sea sponges, see authentic docked sponge boats, and sample Greek fare, from pastries to tzatziki (salted strained yogurt mixed with cucumbers, garlic, and other delights) with dozens of places to choose from. Tarpon Springs incorporated as a city in 1887, was an early splash as a warm Gulf of Mexico waterfront resort community for northern aristocrats. 90001133 [1] Added to NRHP. Enjoy the Many Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks Boat Rides. March 1, 2019. Date of experience: November 2022. Hotels near Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks Hotels near Fred Howard Park Hotels near Sunset Beach Hotels near Spongeorama Sponge Factory Hotels near Tarpon Springs Aquarium and Animal Sanctuary Hotels near St. Tarpon Springs is a city in Pinellas County, Florida, United States. St. “ Yummy octopus ” 07/29/2023. 70 reviews . 4. Hours: 10:00-4:30 Daily, the St. 2,887. When visitors think of Tarpon Springs, one word quickly comes to mind: Greek. Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks: A fun place to just watch or take a boat trip - See 2,868 traveler reviews, 1,395 candid photos, and great deals for Tarpon Springs, FL, at Tripadvisor. The National Weather Service took a look back at the Category 3 storm. Greek Shrine to Archangel Miracle, Tarpon Springs, FL - 1 mi. In the 1940s, blight reduced the growth of sponges. Before Tarpon Springs existed and before Greek spongers dived for sponges, boats based in Anclote “hooked” sponges and sold their harvest at Cedar Key and further north. per adult (price varies by group size) Private Island Tour on a Pontoon Boat with a SLIDE for Parties Events Fun more. An optional shore excursion is available to disembark at the Historic Anclote Key. Beds. Along the docks. Nicholas VI Sponge Boat Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks Odyssey Cruises Lori's Soap and spongesTarpon Springs, FL 34689. Anclote Key Preserve State Park is located 3 miles off the coast of Tarpon Springs. 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. This trip will treat you to some of the most beautiful sunsets imaginable. L & H Sport Fishing. 75 $ 5. This locally owned business was started in 1924 by sponge diver Capt. It cannot swim, but grows attached to a rock or the sea bottom. Tarpon Springs Sponge Boat Tour. NRHP reference No. 19, 2020. from. Lightning with Sunset over a Florida River and Marina. There is so much to do in Tarpon Springs. Nicholas Boat Line "What great fun and educational! Frank the sponge diver and his crew tell of days gone by of how Tarpon. If you’re visiting Florida and want to escape the crowds and get a taste of Tarpon Springs Greek community, a visit to the famous Sponge Docks is on the docket! Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks Address: 735 Dodecanese Blvd, Tarpon Springs. Located in a naturally protected cove, at 331 Anclote Road and nestled amongst the mangroves, Anclote Isles is quiet, calm & safe yet convenient to all the Tampa Bay Area has to OFFER. Known as the “Sponge Capital of the World,” this is an area where Greek. The Greek Food Is Incredible. If you haven't had enough of the natural sponges just walking through the village, you'd best try out this museum so you can learn the sometimes humorous, sometimes terrifying, and all-too. Fishing Charters & Tours. Take a look at Sponge Docks East live streaming webcam on Dodecanese Boulevard in Tarpon Springs, Florida. Years before, Julie Russels parents, Joe and Sue Reis, moved to Tarpon Springs. (Call to verify) Local health policies may affect hours and. 6:00pm to 8:00pm. Cuisines: Chinese, Japanese, Sushi,. Nicholas Sponge Diving Exhibition. When sponges are alive they are not all brown. West Coast Fishing Adventures. Rich in history, tradition and charm, Tarpon Springs’ acclaim stems from the sponge industry, dating back to the early 1900s. 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. Nicholas Boat Line St. The trip is fun and educational as you are on an authentic, working sponge dive boat. Many of the divers were immigrant sponge divers who came from Greek islands with a long. 735 Dodecanese Blvd Suite 57 Tarpon Springs, FL 34689 Phone: (727) 938-4404 Fax: (727) 934-5884 sales@tarponsponge. Attention Boaters. Tarpon Springs Greek Restaurant 19 May 2022; Accommodations 17 May 2022; Sponge tours 10 March 2022; Anclote boat ride 11 February 2022; Time to see the sponge boats 08 December 2021; free parking tarpon springs sponge dock 24 September 2021; Place to stay near Tarpon Springs 25 May 2021; Water Taxi 23 January 2021Tarpon Springs is a city in Pinellas County, Florida, United States. By 18, he became a master boat builder. The early sponge industry created a need for eating places at the Docks for the boat crews. Where: Craig Park. Sun Line Cruises The Sponge Factory Spongeorama Sponge Factory Mac's Sports Inc. Oh! We are sure you will enjoy it!What is the history of the sponge industry in Tarpon Springs? Sponge boats line the docks, their sponges visible to the visitors who walk up and down the waterfront. What your paying $10 pp (Seniors $9, Children $5) for is a short boat ride, introduction and informative talk, by. In 1905, John Corcoris introduced sponge diving to Tarpon Springs. Sponge capital of the world and historic Greek town with shopping and dining. A 560-square-foot slip went from $146 to $168. Keep in mind, Anclote. The Cheney Sponge Company sold almost a million dollars worth of sponges that year. St. The trip is fun and educational as you are on an authentic, working sponge dive boat. Sunset Beach at Tarpon. One even shared a name with my daughter. Docked at the west end of the Sponge Docks of Tarpon Springs, Florida, the 85 ft. 1. . Location: 693 Dodecanese Blvd. Turtle fishermen from Key West accidentally laid the groundwork when their nets snagged on the sponges. Bill DeYoung Anastasios “Taso” Karistinos has been sponging out of Tarpon Springs for 50 years. There are a bunch of tours,. Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks. 2. 00 miles away . In 1905 John Cocoris came to town and introduced sponge diving to the. The founding of the commercial sponge industry in 1890 changed Tarpon Springs forever. Tarpon Springs, FL 34689 (Located Behind Yianni's Greek Cuisine) Click Map to view LargerEnjoy viewing the famous Anclote Lighthouse, and Tarpon Springs historical sites, as well as some of the best that nature has to offer. Experience Deep Sea Fishing at Its Best!. State Archives of Florida, Florida Memory. It is on the 34-mile long Pinellas Trail, the most popular bike trail in Florida, which begins in downtown St. Make sure you take the Sponge Boat ride. The disease, which leaves. company. 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. 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. Organizer: City of Tarpon Springs. Keep up with the weather and maps from. Listed as a traditional cultural property, this town is simply unique!. Spongeorama Cruise Lines has the safest, largest sightseeing boat in Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks. 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. Looking for work, the Greeks learned of Tarpon Springs and the vast sea of sponges just waiting to be. You'll immerse yourself into our Greek Culture which early settlers brought to this village by the sea. The first settlers in the area arrived in 1876. Tarpon Springs is located along the Anclote River, from Lake Tarpon west to the Gulf of Mexico. St. This tracking map from 1921 shows the path of a Category 3 hurricane that made landfall in Tarpon Springs on Oct. 64500126. Londono Art Studio Antonia's Boutique & Gifts Flyboard Surf Club Greek Town Imports Captain Dennis Wilson Fishing Charters Spongorama's Cruise Lines St. Nicholas Boat Line. 1. Probably taken ca. Billiris laments that things have changed since another red tide hit the local waters and wiped out the sponges in 2005. “At one time there were at least 200 Greek-style spongefishing boats, called achtermas, in Tarpon. You can spend hours just seeing all the little shops. A few of the original sailing sponge boats are preserved. Speciality. Adventure through Tarpon Springs in your 100% clear kayak! You’ll enjoy a tranquil paddle through the bayous of Tarpon Springs…. Early Greek tourist business and sponge store. Along the water you see the sponge boats filled with sponges from the gulf waters. 25 reviews of St. $1/foot per night without electric service. it was well worth the money and had a good narrator. Read more. Sit back and enjoy your meal while you watch the sponge boats leaving from the nearby docks. Book your tickets online for Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks, Tarpon Springs: See 2,887 reviews, articles, and 1,418 photos of Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks, ranked No. Recommended. Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks: Love it! - See 2,885 traveler reviews, 1,415 candid photos, and great deals for Tarpon Springs, FL, at Tripadvisor. 34th Annual Holiday Boat Parade. FREE WIFI. In addition to Tarpon Springs, the sponges. Enjoy tiki boat cruise packages. Check out the Greek cultural exhibits and educational videos at the Tarpon Springs Heritage Museum. In the next few years, experienced divers from Greece were brought to Tarpon Springs. - See 2,885 traveler reviews, 1,415 candid photos, and great deals for Tarpon Springs, FL, at Tripadvisor. The tour includes a stop at an island with plenty of sponge and shell colonies, as well as dolphins. is home to hundreds of residential and commercial buildings and about a dozen sponge boats. Tarpon Springs Sponge Boats MPS. Of course no visit to Tarpon Springs is complete without spending time at the historic sponge docks. It is our favorite short get away places. Then as news of the industry grew, people began coming to the docks to see the sponges. During the first half of the 20th century, many sponge boats were built by Greek Americans from Tarpon Springs to Apalachicola. Relatively new to the waterfront, Rusty Bellies opened in 2005. Share. The industry grew quickly after entrepreneur John King Cheyney established the Anclote and Rock Island Springs Sponge Company. Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks: still great after all these years - See 2,886 traveler reviews, 1,418 candid photos, and great deals for Tarpon Springs, FL, at Tripadvisor. Tarpon Springs Tourism Tarpon Springs Hotels Tarpon Springs Bed and Breakfast Tarpon Springs Vacation Rentals Flights to Tarpon Springs Tarpon Springs Restaurants Things to Do in Tarpon Springs Tarpon Springs Travel Forum Tarpon Springs Photos Tarpon Springs Map Tarpon Springs Travel Guide. You can see boats in the harbor with traffic on the right side of the screen. Greek children began attending Tarpon Springs Elementary School in the 1910s. This is a small, but mighty, aquarium at the Tarpon Springs sponge docks. Tarpon Springs Holiday Boat Parade December 1 @ 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm EST . Downtown Tarpon Springs, Florida. Open now. ”. While visiting Tarpon Springs, take a side adventure boat ride on the Anclote River to see how sponge diving is accomplished. $62. 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. for 4 hours includes snorkeling, tubing rides and dolphin watching. The sponge boats in the harbor have Greek names. 29 mi) Paradise on the water Sponge Docks Tarpon Springs (0. 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. Tarpon Springs, which still harvests 90 to 95 percent of all natural sea sponges, is touted as the "Sponge Capital of the World," in Tarpon Springs on Saturday, Dec. Today, Tarpon Springs enjoys a rebirth of the sponge beds, making it the world's largest sponge producing industry. net » Take a kayak tour from the Sponge Docks. Tarpon Springs, FL 34689. Our captain will narrate the entire trip where you will learn about the history of Tarpon Springs and the famous Sponge Docks. The sponge docks in Florida are still a lively place, buzzing with shops, boat tours and tasty restaurants. per adult (price varies by group size) Private Island Tour on a Pontoon Boat with a SLIDE for Parties Events Fun more. And two years later, in 1908, the Sponge Exchange was founded. See Menu. 00. Bj's Asian Fusion. Call for information (727) 365-8793. Two world wars would complicate trade even further, bringing the industry to a near-halt. Call if you wish Dolphin Cruise Only Tickets (727) 943-2164 or (727) 365-8793. Tarpon Springs Sponge Boats. Fun Things to do in Tarpon Springs. Steps to downtown, shops, restaurants and Craig Park. Tarpon Springs History – Greek Sponge Divers early 1900’s. 2,886. Billiris and continues to be operated by the Billiris family. Please note: Paid parking at this location. The tour includes a narrative of the history of sponge diving in Tarpon Springs. Children under 6 - Free(1 free per paid adult/senior) The St. TARPON SPRINGS, FLORIDA: Sponge diver statue landmark on the sponge docks. ← The Sponge Industry: Divers, Crews. We wandered in and out of. Nicholas VI Sponge Boat Miss Merrie's Sweets and Treats Sponge Exchange The. Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks: Disappointing - See 2,885 traveler reviews, 1,415 candid photos, and great deals for Tarpon Springs, FL, at Tripadvisor. Spongorama's Cruise Lines Flyboard Surf Club Captain Dennis Wilson Fishing Charters St. Tarpon Springs Florida USA, A 'spongers' boat used for diving for sponges. Browse through Fishing Boats, Center Consoles, Pontoons, Cruisers, PWCs and more in Tarpon Spgs, Florida 34688. Rusty Bellies Waterfront Grill. This trip is fully narrated by our Captain. Look for the boat with the covered awning and orange trim. Newly arrived American settlers had discovered sponges in the Florida Keys during the 1820s. Florida is the only state where sponges grow. , Hellas Restaurant & Bakery, and Captn Jack's Bar and Grill and more, get ready to experience the best flavors around Tarpon Springs. Sq Ft. The first Greek sponge divers arrived in 1905. You'll stroll the World Famous Sponge Docks and learn about the thriving fishing and sponging industry. Dream Catcher Explorations. If you visit Tarpon Springs or are looking for a unique experience, be sure to take a St. Rock and Reef Charters. Holiday, FL 34691. Now, Tarpon Springs is back to being a leader in the world’s natural sponge market. Located in highly desirable Tarpon Springs close to all the beaches and Historic Down Town Tarpon Springs and the World Famous Sponge Docks where you can enjoy authentic Greek Cuisine along the Anclote River. The length of a sponge fishing trip is dependent on a boat’s size and thus its ability to store harvested sponges. Coordinates. The trip is fun and educational as you experience an authentic, working sponge diving boat. They were harvesting $3 million worth of sponges. Very nice crew and cap't. 10.