Things To Do Near The Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks in 2024

Last Updated on March 12, 2024

Are you looking for fun things to do near the Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks? We’ve got you covered.

Tarpon Springs lies on the Anclote River along Florida’s Gulf Coast about 30 miles northwest of Tampa.

Known as the “Sponge Capital of the World,” this is an area where Greek immigrants settled during the early 1900s.

They built a thriving industry harvesting, processing, and selling the natural sponges that were abundant in local waters.

The town built around the sponge industry transports visitors to a taste of Greece.

Visiting Tarpon Springs in 2024

Narrow streets, whitewashed buildings, Greek food, culture, and traditions are all part of the experience.

This is true, especially at the waterfront sponge docks, where boats depart for sponge diving exhibitions, fishing trips, and eco-tours.

Charming restaurants, shops, markets, and pastry shops serve up delicious Greek food and ambiance.

There’s Tarpon Springs High School, home to the “Spongers,” and Jimmy’s Pizza which specializes in Spinach & Feta pizza.

Tarpon Springs, a Tourist Destination

A top destination for decades, drawing visitors with its Mediterranean village charm, Tarpon Springs does have a “touristy feel.” But this community is so much more than that.

It is an authentic place with a fascinating history of people who thrived on the area’s plentiful resources.

From indigenous people thousands of years ago, to Carolina settlers, to the wave of Greek immigrants who came for the sponge industry, bringing their culture to a still-emerging state.

Now we can enjoy this rich history with a large serving of delicious food. There’s an “old world” vibe and deep cultural pride.

The First to Arrive

More than 5,000 years ago, the earliest inhabitants settled this rich Florida environment near the mouth of the Anclote River.

Plentiful seafood from the Gulf of Mexico and wild game from the pinewood forests offered an ideal setting for the Timucuans.

They are an indigenous tribe who have left behind a legacy of pottery, weapons, and skeletal remains.

These were buried in shell mounds known as middens. Archaeologists have uncovered their fascinating past.

(The Safford Mound is the most notable one, where more than 600 skeletons were excavated. Artifacts from this mound are at the Tarpon Springs Heritage Museum.)

Much later in 1876, South Carolinians A.W. Ormond and his daughter, Mary, arrived in the area.

Mary named the community Tarpon Springs by observing the large silver Tarpon in the Spring Bayou where their home was built.

And speaking of Spring Bayou, this spring-fed waterway known for its “healing waters”, became the first attraction for Tarpon Springs’ tourists.

Along this “Golden Crescent,” known for its crescent-shaped waterways, many wealthy visitors, actors, and artists came to winter here.

These winter residents chose to live in gracious old Victorian homes on old red brick streets.

So where does the Greek influence begin?

It started in 1886 when Philadelphia capitalist John King Cheyney came to Tarpon Springs to manage his family business interests.

Cheyney was also searching for new business ventures and, while touring the state.

He observed the vibrant sponge industry of Key West, where local Cubans and Bahamians raked in sponges from small boats.

Cheyney learned that Florida’s Gulf waters were abundant with sponges found by fishermen who discovered the rich beds after snagging their nets hunting for turtles.

Once he decided on the industry’s potential, he formed the Anclote and Rock Island Springs Sponge Company, buying and selling sponges.

More about John Cocoris

He then met a Greek sponge buyer named John Cocoris, who convinced Cheyney that the current method of hooking sponges, using a long pole, off the side of the boat could be run more efficiently.

Cocoris knew that Greek divers using mechanized equipment and sponge fishing boats could save time and money and convinced Cheyney to try the venture.

As the new methods were introduced, word spread to Cocoris’s homeland, the Greek Dodecanese Islands.

In 1905, a flow of experienced Greek sponge divers began to migrate to Tarpon Springs. They brought their families with them.

Arriving at Tarpon Springs, they worked in the sponge business as divers and crew.

In addition, this began creating local businesses in Florida’s cultural heritage – shifting the center of the sponge industry to Tarpon Springs.

By the mid-1930s, there were 200 sponge boats based in Tarpon Springs working the Gulf of Mexico, from as far north as Apalachicola all the way south to Key West.

The sponge business was yielding over $3 million a year until a sponge blight in the 1940s decimated the industry. Today, the sponges have rebounded.

Tarpon Springs continues to be the world’s largest natural sponge-producing industry supplying 70% of the natural sponges.

The Sponge Docks

For most visitors, the heart of Tarpon Springs resides at the famous Sponge Docks.

Along with the Anclote River, sponge boats, fishing boats, and businesses lend a quaint atmosphere to this charming waterfront district.

Across the street, on Dodecanese Boulevard and the side streets, you’ll find restaurants, curio shops, and bakeries.

You’ll hear Greeks speak their native tongue while encouraging you to sample their restaurants.

Or while encouraging you to join a cruise on one of the sponge boat trips or a trip to Anclote Key, the nearby barrier island with a historic lighthouse.

The historic Sponge Exchange is where the sponges were once bought and sold in a huge marketplace and is now a plaza with restaurants and shops.

While there, enjoy a few excursions that will bring out the Greek “Opaaaa!” in you.

St. Nicholas Diving Trip

If you are interested in how sponge divers dive for sponges using antiquated heavy gear (think 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea), a short 30-minute trip should satisfy your curiosity.

Board a sponge boat (a replica, but feels very authentic) known as St. Nicholas with a classic Mediterranean design and cruise down the Anclote River.

The diver dons 172 pounds of traditional diving gear. This includes a helmet, breastplate, boots, and body weights.

Then the diver plunges over the side of the boat connected to an air hose while gathering the sponges.

Congratulations to the family who owns St. Nicholas Boat Lines. They celebrated their 100th anniversary in 2024.

About Sponges

The sponge is an aquatic invertebrate with a soft porous body. There are as many as 18 species of sponges, with the wool sponge being the most desired because it is soft, durable, and not susceptible to odors or mildew.

The yellow sponge is less durable, lasting a year, while the wire sponge is abrasive and often used for manufacturing.

The bay sponge is known as the flowerpot sponge and grows a plant or seed.

Anclote Key Boat Trip

Consider the Sponge-O-Rama cruise on a pontoon boat to the nearby Anclote Key Preserve State Park, a 30-minute ride out to one of Florida’s most stunning barrier islands.

The cruise departs from the sponge docks.

Pack a lunch and enjoy a trip out to the island’s pristine white sandy beaches, surrounded by aquamarine water under deep blue skies.

If you are fascinated with shells, you’ll love the abundance of brightly colored specimens that the island is known for. You’ll want to take your specimens home.

Wade in the shallow water and notice the wide diversity of bird species.

If you have the time, hike to the Anclote Key’s historic 1887 lighthouse that frames a picture-perfect background.

And you might get lucky if a family of dolphins escorts you on your return trip, surfing the boat wake while jumping in and out of the waves.

One more note, on your return, stop at the Spongeorama museum, which displays authentic and historical sponge industry exhibits.

Greek Village

Consider driving through Greek Village, not far from the Sponge Docks. Here, the Greek immigrants built small, simple homes in the northwest section of town near the Anclote River.

Wood frame homes of the original sponge divers are interspersed with commercial buildings and sponge packinghouses.

This is where sponges are processed by cleaning, trimming, sorting, bleaching, drying, and packing.

St. Michael’s Shrine

Tucked in a quiet neighborhood, this chapel looks like it belongs on a Greek Isle.

The Chapel was built on (113) Hope Street by a Greek family in gratitude for their son’s miraculous recovery from near death.

The shrine is legendary in local Greek history through the miracles of Saint Michael.

St. Michael’s Shrine Address: 113 Hope St, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689

1883 Safford House Museum

Anson P.K. Safford was one of Tarpon Springs’ early developers. He lived in the house with his wife and three children, eventually adding a second floor.

Constructed of virgin pine, the house served as a boarding home. It was later restored and is now open to the public on select days.

Safford House Museum Address: 23 Parkin Ct, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689

Downtown Historic Tarpon Springs

Consider a walk or bike ride through the Tarpon Springs downtown to enjoy the vintage antique shops, art galleries, cafes, and specialty shops.

Be sure to stop into Faklis Department Store, one of the oldest downtown businesses in Tarpon Springs, specializing in shoe repair and clothing.

Across the street is the 1909 Train Depot, home to a collection of local memorabilia. Around the corner is the Tarpon Springs Cultural Center, built in 1915 as City Hall. It is filled with local history and exhibits.

Then, on the walking tour, head to Craig Park on Spring Bayou, the location for a famous Greek Epiphany celebration.

January 6^th marks the Epiphany with festivities representing the Baptism of Christ in the Greek Orthodox religion.

The day starts with the Blessing of the Fleet, followed by an event where young men 18 and under dive for a cross in the cold water.

The young man who comes up with the cross is assured a blessed year. 

Spongeorama Address: 510 Dodecanese Blvd, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689

St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral

Another stop on your walking tour should be one of the most celebrated Greek churches in the United States, the majestic 1943 St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral.

The Church features Byzantine architecture, a central dome, rich carvings, Greek marble, and colorful stained glass windows.

Especially don’t miss the weeping Icon of St. Nicholas.

St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral Address: 36 N Pinellas Ave, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689

Where to Eat Greek Food in Tarpon Springs

Greek food is, of course, delicious, flavorful, and often served family-style. Families order platters and share.

Some Greeks insist the best place to eat in Tarpon Springs “depends on what you want to eat.”

But there are favorites you might want to try on your Tarpon Springs food adventure. All are located in the sponge dock area.

Mama’s Greek Cuisine

Mama’s is a local favorite. Local Greek favorites are the Charbroiled or Pickled Octopus and the Lamb Shank in tomato sauce served over pasta.

Other outstanding menu items include the Smarides (pan-fried fish smelts), Spanokopita (Spinach Pie), and Horiatiki Salad (tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, onions, anchovies, and feta).

There is a dessert serving of the Galaktoboureko, the Greek Custard Pie chased with Greek Coffee.

Mama’s Greek Cuisine Address: 735 Dodecanese Blvd #40, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689

Mykonos

Mykonos is known for its traditional and classic Greek food. Try the Mykoniatiko or Chargrilled Kalamaria (calamari).

Also, try the Avgolemono Soup, or Greek chicken soup with lemon. Psari Tis Oras, a fresh charbroiled or pan-fried whole fish of the day, the Lamb Shank with fresh tomato sauce.

Don’t miss the classic Gyro (pronounced yeero) filled with strips of lamb and beef topped with tomato, onion, and tzatziki sauce wrapped in pita bread.

Mykonos Address: 628 Dodecanese Blvd, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689

Hellas

Hellas has more of a touristy vibe, but try ordering family style, starting with appetizers of the Saganaki or imported flamed cheese.

Add the Taramosalata or Greek caviar with pita bread; and the Broiled Octopus.

Hellas Address: 785 Dodecanese Blvd, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689

Rusty Bellies Waterfront Grill

Try Rusty Bellies Waterfront Grill at the end of Dodecanese Blvd for seafood. Also, enjoy the fishing boats docked on the Anclote River.

Rusty Bellies Waterfront Grill Address: 937 Dodecanese Blvd, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689

See Tarpon Springs with a Native Guide

For an authentic tour of Tarpon Springs – go with Native Tours conducted by MichaelJohn Targakis, a local native.

Get your “Opa” on and enjoy the insider’s personalized tour from someone who knows the area, traditions, and stories through a 45-minute walking tour.

MichaelJohn is a dynamic storyteller who conducts all-inclusive day trips for small and large groups, associations, schools, and classes.

For Lodging

Lastly, consider staying at the 1910 Inn Bed & Breakfast near Spring Bayou and on the Tarpon Springs Historic Registry for lodging.

The 1910 Inn Address: 32 W Tarpon Ave, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689

While you’re in the area, don’t miss:

• Our Top 10 Authentic Things to Do in Tampa, Florida.
• Top 5 Things to Do North of Tampa 
• 14 Best Surfing Beaches in Florida
• 15+ Dog-Friendly Beaches & Parks in Florida