St Nicholas Boat Line, Tarpon Springs

About St Nicholas Boat Line

St. Nicholas Boat Line operates sponge diving demonstration cruises on the Anclote River departing from the Historic Sponge Docks in Tarpon Springs. Visitors board a narrated tour boat where a captain describes the area's sponge diving history while the boat travels downriver. Hands-on displays aboard show various types of natural sponges and their uses. The tour's centerpiece is watching a professional sponge diver suit up in over 170 pounds of traditional diving equipment, descend into the river, harvest a live sponge from the river floor, and return with it to the boat. This live diving demonstration is unique to Florida's Gulf Coast. Family-owned since 1924 and pet-friendly, St. Nicholas Boat Line ranks among Florida's oldest continuously operating attractions. The boat line is located on Dodecanse Boulevard at the heart of the Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks, minutes from Clearwater and a short drive from Tampa. No reservations are required; visitors can walk up to the ticket booth.