Michael66
23-03-10, 09:41
Wild Dolphin Eco-tour at Florida Aquarium
701 Channelside Drive, Tampa; (813) 273-4000
COST:$21.95, $19.95 seniors, $17.95 ages 3-11. Combo ticket for Florida Aquarium and eco-tour available. Buy tickets at Florida Aquarium box office.
WHAT WE LIKED: Especially on hot days, being out in the breeze of Tampa Bay is delightful. And there's plenty of visual variety, with close-up views of the port en route to quiet inlets and bird sanctuaries.
WHAT WE DIDN'T: Antsy kids and their parents might find the rules restrictive; no running or climbing allowed! But it's nice and safe, with high railings and a watchful crew.
INSIDER TIP:Bring sunscreen, water and a hat that won't blow away. The boat sells soft drinks and beer, and you can buy snacks in the aquarium cafeteria.
WORTH THE TICKET? Definitely. We saw about eight dolphins, including a few calves. But even before those sightings, our 6-year-old daughter was fascinated by the big ships. "This is fun!" she said, as we left the dock. "And I haven't even seen one dolphin yet."
THE BASICS: The 90-minute eco-tours of Tampa Bay are aboard the new Bay Spirit II. This review is based on the smaller 49-foot catamaran excursion, which was replaced recently with a double-decked 72-foot powered catamaran. Restrooms available onboard. Call for tour updates. First come, first served. No reservations. Tours leave the Florida Aquarium at 2 p.m. Mon.-Fri.; noon, 2 and 4 p.m. Sat.; 2 and 4 p.m. Sun. (weather permitting).
Tom Marshall, Times staff writer Bron: http://www.tampabay.com/features/travel/florida/article1010899.ece
701 Channelside Drive, Tampa; (813) 273-4000
COST:$21.95, $19.95 seniors, $17.95 ages 3-11. Combo ticket for Florida Aquarium and eco-tour available. Buy tickets at Florida Aquarium box office.
WHAT WE LIKED: Especially on hot days, being out in the breeze of Tampa Bay is delightful. And there's plenty of visual variety, with close-up views of the port en route to quiet inlets and bird sanctuaries.
WHAT WE DIDN'T: Antsy kids and their parents might find the rules restrictive; no running or climbing allowed! But it's nice and safe, with high railings and a watchful crew.
INSIDER TIP:Bring sunscreen, water and a hat that won't blow away. The boat sells soft drinks and beer, and you can buy snacks in the aquarium cafeteria.
WORTH THE TICKET? Definitely. We saw about eight dolphins, including a few calves. But even before those sightings, our 6-year-old daughter was fascinated by the big ships. "This is fun!" she said, as we left the dock. "And I haven't even seen one dolphin yet."
THE BASICS: The 90-minute eco-tours of Tampa Bay are aboard the new Bay Spirit II. This review is based on the smaller 49-foot catamaran excursion, which was replaced recently with a double-decked 72-foot powered catamaran. Restrooms available onboard. Call for tour updates. First come, first served. No reservations. Tours leave the Florida Aquarium at 2 p.m. Mon.-Fri.; noon, 2 and 4 p.m. Sat.; 2 and 4 p.m. Sun. (weather permitting).
Tom Marshall, Times staff writer Bron: http://www.tampabay.com/features/travel/florida/article1010899.ece