Patrick Connolly. Anastasios “Taso” Karistinos has been sponging out of Tarpon Springs for 50 years. See all things to do. 00 Original Price $5. ”. Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks: An Authentic Greek Fishing Village in Florida - Who Knew? - See 2,887 traveler reviews, 1,418 candid photos, and great deals for Tarpon Springs, FL, at Tripadvisor. By 1905, a total of 500 Greek sponge divers were at work using 50 boats. Damn Good. Coordinates. The boat is a replica of the sponge boats that operated out of Tarpon Springs a century ago, except for having a cover to shield the tourists from the sun and the weather. Sea sponge fishing was gaining popularity in Greece by the end of the 19th century, and it was becoming oversaturated. Friday, December 1, 2023. Tarpon Springs incorporated as a city in 1887, was an early splash as a warm Gulf of Mexico waterfront resort community for northern aristocrats. per adult (price varies by group size) Private Island Tour on a Pontoon Boat with a SLIDE for Parties Events Fun more. Sprinkled through the main drag you will find several staple restaurants for Greek cuisine, but the number one recommended by locals will always be Hel Deep Sea Fishing in Tarpon Springs: The Complete Guide for 2023. Clear Kayak Tour of Tarpon Springs | Manatee Season. Call for special rates! From Business: Fish Aboard Our Fast Comfortable 85' Party Boat "Two Georges" Located At The Sponge Docks In Tarpon Springs Or The 58' Miss Virginia Located In Port Richey. In Tarpon Springs, you’ll feel like you’ve been whisked away to a coastal Greek village where the sound of bouzouki music spills out into the sidewalk along with the scent of enticing food. plenty of places to eat,shop or just look out at. , Hellas Restaurant & Bakery, and Captn Jack's Bar and Grill and more, get ready to experience the best flavors around Tarpon Springs. Our captain will narrate the entire trip where you will learn about the history of Tarpon Springs and the famous Sponge Docks. Large Charter fishing boats, small charter fishing boats. The atmosphere is great because of the Anclote River, the working shrimp and sponge boats, and the authentic people who work there. Coupons: No. Join Odyssey Cruises for a 1 & 1/2 - 2 hour trip down the Anclote River into the Gulf of Mexico. $250,000. Along the docks. 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. This is a. Dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, fish, tropical Foliage and water birds are common sights on our afternoon cruise. A lot of history in these guys! Loved the tour! 1. What will you find in Tarpon Springs? The Sponge Docks, Greek Restaurants, Bakeries, Attractions, Natural Sponges, Sponge Diving, Tours, Sightseeing Cruises, Unique Greek and Florida Souvenirs, lots of Shopping, Sightseeing and Live Entertainment (Bouzoukia) Check out the 10 Best Things to Do in Tarpon Springs In 1905, Greek spongers came to Tarpon Springs, Florida, to develop the world's largest sponge industry. Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks: Love it! - See 2,885 traveler reviews, 1,415 candid photos, and great deals for Tarpon Springs, FL, at Tripadvisor. 76 reviews. 2 Economy and Identity in Tarpon Springs 57 4. Speciality & Gift Shops • Marinas. Date of experience: September 2018. Nicholas VI Sponge Boat. The highlight was watching a diver in a diving suit go into the river to snag a. Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks: Tacky town - See 2,884 traveler reviews, 1,415 candid photos, and great deals for Tarpon Springs, FL, at Tripadvisor. Now, Tarpon Springs is back to being a leader in the world’s natural sponge market. River Wild Kayaking offers guided tours through mangroves and along the Anclote River. 00. The Tarpon Springs Cultural Center will be lit up in the blue and white this week as a commemoration of the Greek War of Independence. Tarpon Springs has been the American sponging city since the arrival in 1905 of Greek sponge divers and the industry's growth until the red tide of the 1940's. Courtesy of City of Tarpon Springs. Nicholas Boat Line St. About. Nicholas Boat Line St. Tarpon Springs, population 25,000, is a small beach town with a significant history. 10. Bj's Asian Fusion. Free cancellation. Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks: Awesome Greek Village - See 2,887 traveler reviews, 1,418 candid photos, and great deals for Tarpon Springs, FL, at Tripadvisor. Hours: Daily 10-4:30. One can see many boats on the water, and the many examples of sponges that are picked up in the surrounding waters. The St. The City of Tarpon Springs’ Greek legacy is intertwined with its prosperous sponge diving industry. Skip to main content. The population was 23,484 at the 2010 census. Sponge Dock Stroll 20 Historical Tours from $43. This locally owned business was started in 1924 by sponge diver Capt. The Greek sponge industry in Tarpon Springs. Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks: Sure has changed since 1960! - See 2,886 traveler reviews, 1,418 candid photos, and great deals for Tarpon Springs, FL, at Tripadvisor. The sponge docks. Free 1 event, 3 1 event, 3 7:00 pm -. Visit us in the heart of the Tarpon. Pinellas Ave. March 23, 2021. The Duchess is a historic sponge-hooking boat in Tarpon Springs, Florida. 1 Greek Identity 57Tarpon Springs is known for sponges and this tour explains why. Have never had a. 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. Tarpon Springs, FL 34689 (Located Behind Yianni's Greek Cuisine) The City of Tarpon Springs’ Greek legacy is intertwined with its prosperous sponge diving industry. 866-927-9015. On the north side of the street is the Anclote River with sponge boats docked with newly caught wool sponges for sale this is a great place for pictures. Tarpon Springs and the sponge docks is a great choice! Date of. 1. 54 reviews of Sponge Docks "Sponge Docks on Dodocanese Street is a mecca reflecting the Sponge community and the amazing Greek Culture that can be found quite prominently in Tarpon Springs, FL. Speciality & Gift Shops • Marinas. Walk to Lake Tarpon Boat Ramp with Dock and. Enjoy tiki boat cruise packages. Take a boat ride on an original Sponge Boat with St. St. The Greek Food Is Incredible. You can take a Sponge Docks boat ride and see the sponge divers dive for sponges. 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. ”. The St. 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. However, in the 1980s, new sponge beds were found. At the peak of sponge fever, the fleet of harvesters in Tarpon Springs numbered up to 100 boats and 1,000 divers. Our captain will narrate the entire trip where you will learn about the history of Tarpon Springs and the famous Sponge Docks. HOME;. . $2/foot per night with electric service. see more operators. , Tarpon Springs. Enjoy viewing the famous Anclote Lighthouse, and Tarpon Springs historical sites, as well as some of the best that nature has to offer. Nicholas Boat Line St. Credit: Facebook/City of Tarpon Springs. George Saroukos, now 61, is the only remaining builder of traditional Greek sponge diving boats in the Western Hemisphere. When visitors think of Tarpon Springs, one word quickly comes to mind: Greek. Natural sea sponges are sold in many Tarpon Springs shops on Saturday, Dec. Sponge Docks Info. Sunset Beach at Tarpon. 5 2,887 reviews #1 of 32 Shopping in Tarpon Springs Speciality & Gift ShopsMarinasHistoric Sites Write a review About The Sponge Industry. George Billiris' famly founded the company in 1924. men stand by their fish catch in tarpon springs florida - tarpon springs stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images Mrs. 2,887. 95 for children. Sit back and enjoy your meal while you watch the sponge boats leaving from the nearby docks. Downtown Tarpon Springs has long been a focal point and is currently undergoing beautification. Sponge boat captains were, in the first place, entrepreneurs. Toth, to its history. 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. St. GetAGuru Handmade Soap Co Odyssey Cruises Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks 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. Beds. Tarpon Springs, FL 34689 (Located Behind Yianni's Greek Cuisine)Tarpon Springs’ sponge docks were established in the early 1900s, when Tarpon Springs emerged as the “Sponge Capital of the World”. Billiris and still run by family. 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. Coordinates. The best thing is to ask at one of the stores selling sponges on Dodecanese Blvd or at the sponge boats themselves. Locally, the industry began in the 1800s when sponges were harvested near shore. Downtown Tarpon Springs has long been a focal point and underwent beautification in 2010. Many of them still work for the sponge industry. Sponge store at Tarpon Springs, 1921. They are always docked on the south side of the river (left as you are facing out toward the gulf). Our dolphin cruise boat has a full liquor bar, and we offer drink specials regularly. Address: 607 Island Dr. This locally owned business was started in 1924 by sponge diver Capt. Miss Britt Charters. 5 on Tripadvisor among 129 attractions in Tarpon Springs. A few of the original sailing sponge boats are preserved. Located in the heart of the the Historic Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks, eating at. Pelican's land and dive right off the deck of the shrimp boat they have behind the seafood market. Looking for work, the Greeks learned of Tarpon Springs and the vast sea of sponges just waiting to be. If you purchase your tickets online please contact us 24 hours in advance of when you would like to take your cruise. Not that we weren't catching fish, he seemed to want to find the 'big ones'. By MarcGrif. Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks: Fun for the sponges, a little repetitive for everything else - See 2,887 traveler reviews, 1,416 candid photos, and great deals for Tarpon Springs, FL, at Tripadvisor. 10. By 1887, Tarpon. The disease, which leaves. Shop for sponges at many of the Greek sponge shops. Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks: Fun Day Trip - See 2,887 traveler reviews, 1,418 candid photos, and great deals for Tarpon Springs, FL, at Tripadvisor. 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. 131 reviews of Spongeorama "Tarpon Springs feels almost like a foreign country. While visiting Tarpon Springs, take a side adventure boat ride on the Anclote River to see how sponge diving is accomplished. An d reasonably priced at just $10. 14861°N 82. At the end of the tour you can buy a packet of 5 postcards for $1. The boat is a replica of the sponge boats that operated out of Tarpon Springs a century ago, except for having a cover to shield the tourists from the sun and the weather. Check Website for Current Hours) Coupons: No Specials. 9 photos. Anclote Key Preserve State Park is located 3 miles off the coast of Tarpon Springs. The town is of Greek origin as Greeks settled here to dive for sponges. Tarpon Springs, FL 34689 Miss Virginia Deep Sea Fishing 7847 Bayview St. The Sponge Factory Spongeorama Sponge Factory Londono Art Studio Antonia's Boutique & Gifts Flyboard Surf Club Greek Town Imports Captain Dennis Wilson Fishing Charters St. 860-- 9/09 80 693 71913 501 80 116Water 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. At one time there were 250 sponge boats in the local fleet. The following buildings were added to the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Tarpon Springs Sponge Boats Multiple Property Submission (or. About. On Thursday the weather was a perfect beach day, so we drove the 95 miles to Sunset beach in Tarpon Springs from the Villages. But it was the 1890 birth of the commercial sponge industry that changed Tarpon Springs forever. 6. Book Online Book Online - We Sell Out Often! Call for Information Ticket office hours: 7am-10pm (727) 943-2164 or (727) 365-8793 or (727) 312-6311 512 Dodecanese Blvd. 25 reviews of St. Dolphin Cruise Boat Tours - Spongeorama Cruise Lines offers a fun and interesting boat tour of the Gulf of Mexico. Sponge Diver Memorial Statue, Tarpon Springs, FL - 1 mi. Nicholas Boat Line "What great fun and educational! Frank the sponge diver and his crew tell of days gone by of how Tarpon Springs became the Sponge Capital of the World! Fellow sponge divers from Greece came from abroad to work in this area and have now made this their home. The picturesque town has the highest percentage of Greek Americans of any city in the US. Today, Tarpon Springs enjoys a rebirth of the sponge beds, making it the world's largest sponge producing industry. When you see a sponge in a store it is difficult to realize that it is the skeleton of an animal. Cuisines: Mediterranean, Greek, Grill. 15′ RoG Micro-Cruiser; FORRO550 Trimaran;. There are numerous shops, restaurants and bakeries with authentic Greek food. The tour includes a narrative of the history of sponge diving in Tarpon Springs. The tour includes a stop at an island with plenty of sponge and shell colonies, as well as dolphins. Everyone is so friendly. Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks: Bellas - See 2,885 traveler reviews, 1,415 candid photos, and great deals for Tarpon Springs, FL, at Tripadvisor. 53 mi) Ashley's Victorian Haven Bed And Breakfast; View all hotels near Greek Town Imports on Tripadvisor1 photographic print. "So the sponges now make $2 million in sales, but they bring us another $20 million in tourism dollars," said Jean Hungiville, president and CEO of the Tarpon Springs Chamber of Commerce. Walk along Dodecanese Boulevard to see docked sponge boats, shops selling seas sponges and restaurants serving up authentic Greek cuisine. Young woman posing on sponge boat, 1936. Spongorama's Cruise Lines Flyboard Surf Club Captain Dennis Wilson Fishing Charters St. 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. Nicholas Boat Lines and learn the history of the sponging industry. It was free!!!Tarpon Springs, FL at the Sponge Docks. Farmers and fisherman first developed the area in 1876. About 1849, spongers in the Keys organized a commercial sponging operation, using long poles with grapples to harvest the sponges. Get in Touch! Tarpon Springs BEST Private Excursion Boat Charter on a Pontoon Boat with SLIDE!!!If you visit Tarpon Springs or are looking for a unique experience be sure to take a St. Tarpon Springs lends itself to. Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks. State Archives of Florida, Florida Memory. Rock and Reef Charters. You may bring any other beverages or snacks you wish. The boat operator narrates a history of the area and exhibits the five kinds of sponges which are harvested for commercial use. Tarpon Springs Florida USA, A 'spongers' boat used for diving for sponges. Many of the shops in Tarpon Springs sell natural sea sponges. Check out the Greek cultural exhibits and educational videos at the Tarpon Springs Heritage Museum. Tarpon Springs became a popular winter resort for wealthy Americans in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Walk to famous Sponge Docks with fabulous Greek cuisine, pastries and fresh seafood dining. In the 1940s, blight reduced the growth of sponges, and the 1950s almost wiped out the industry. March 1, 2019. 29 mi) Paradise on the water Sponge Docks Tarpon Springs (0. It is situated on the Anclote River bayou. Natural sponge beds were discovered in Tarpon Springs in the early 1900’s and it wasn’t long before Greek sponge divers left. Dream Catcher Explorations. Enjoy an adventurous deep sea fishing trip with our crew from Dolphin Deep Sea Fishing in Tarpon Springs, FL. Nicholas Ill Sponge Boat 590 600 ANCLOTE RIVER St. Bravo to the captain and crew of the Saint Nicholas sponge boat tour. They navigated by the sun, the stars and the look of the sea floor. 883 S Pinellas Ave. John Cocoris was a Greek sponge buyer working in Tarpon Springs who believed that more and better sponges could be gathered using divingHe established the sponge industry in Tarpon Springs. 5. Tours every 40 minutes. City History & the Sponge Industry . In the late 19th century, the discovery of natural sponge beds off the City’s coast spurred. Historic Sponge Docks We took a stroll along the docks and saw boats that had been gathering natural sponges. Nicholas Boat Line St. March 1, 2019. Our beautiful Marina is tucked away directly across from the famous Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks located at marker #50 near numerous amenities. . Over time, he learned the craft. Karistinos says the entire Tarpon Springs community looks forward to Epiphany. Tarpon Springs Sponge Boats MPS. #10 of 105 Restaurants in Tarpon Springs. The Sponge Factory Spongeorama Sponge Factory Londono Art Studio Antonia's Boutique & Gifts Flyboard Surf Club Greek Town Imports Captain Dennis Wilson Fishing Charters St. 19, 2020. I knew nothing of the sponge industry. Sponge boats are moored and crowds walk. The sea sponges are great for bathing. Tarpon Springs. $62. Two world wars would complicate trade even further, bringing the industry to a near-halt. Sponge fishermen and others socialize on the Sponge Docks, organizations stage events there, and tourists ramble while observing the spongers at work. Tarpon Springs is a city in Pinellas County, Florida, United States. , Tarpon Springs, Florida, 34689 (727) 225-2224What a refreshing community the sponge docks area of Tarpon Springs is. 4. Very nice crew and cap't. From Business: Absolute Florida Flats Fishing Charters has over 23 years of local charter fishing experience and a lifetime of experience fishing in Florida. It is on the 34-mile long Pinellas Trail, the most popular bike trail in Florida, which begins in downtown St. Small boats may stay out 2 weeks and larger boats 3 or 4 weeks with favorable conditions. Awesome Capt knows his River and Island History and very able and willing to show you a great experience. Nicholas Boat Lines and then in the sponge business. 2023. Looking for work, the Greeks learned of Tarpon Springs and the vast sea of sponges just waiting to be. This is the trip you don’t want to miss on your visit to Tarpon Springs. Boat Tours Boat Rental & Charter Fishing Guides. In. The sponge boats ranged 250 miles north and south of Tarpon Springs, 70 miles offshore. St. Sun Line Cruises The Sponge Factory Spongeorama Sponge Factory Mac's Sports Inc. St. 30 mi) Welcome to House of 100 Palms in Tarpon Springs, Detached guest house. Tours Add a Place Travel Forum Airlines Travelers' Choice Help Center. The following buildings were added to the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Tarpon. 14861°N 82. Tarpon Springs’ sponge docks were established in the early 1900s, when Tarpon Springs emerged as the “Sponge Capital of the World”. Known as the “Sponge Capital of the World,” this is an area where Greek. Yes we have two boats but one is located in Tarpon Springs. John Cheyney founded the first sponge business in Tarpon Springs in the 1880s and it provided quite a few jobs for the local economy. The residents are mostly Greeks. Go for a dolphin watch cruise,or out on a sponge boat and watch a diver go down to get a sponge. The sponge docks in Florida are still a lively place, buzzing with shops, boat tours and tasty restaurants. Very informative. In the late 1980s, a serious attempt was made to revive the sponge fishing in the area by businessman George Biliris and it had impressive results. We walked along the docks and saw lots of Sponge boats. 64500126. 00. If you visit Tarpon Springs or are looking for a unique experience be sure to take a St. Just 30 minutes north of Clearwater, this city best-known for its Greek heritage. There had been a sponge industry in the Bahamas and Key West since the 1840s. from. We wandered in and out of sponge shops,. Third generation master sponge boat builder George Saroukos last builder of traditional Greek sponge boats in this. This might be the only boat but I am not certain. One of the best things to do from the Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks is take a boat tour that offers several delights: You tour the Anclote River and. The tour includes a narrative of the history of sponge diving in Tarpon Springs. Come have fun at Spongeorama - Dolphin Cruises in Tarpon Springs, Boat Tours in Tarpon Springs. The sponge industry, though still active, is far smaller than it was then. Nicholas Sponge Diving Exhibition. Browse through Fishing Boats, Center Consoles, Pontoons, Cruisers, PWCs and more in Tarpon Spgs, Florida 34688. Family fun all in one Island Tour. 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. The St. com. Before leaving port, the captain stocks the boat with sufficient food, fuel, ice, and other necessities. Boats leave the historic sponge docks and continue down the Anclote River into the Gulf Waters. Billiris and still run by family today. Closed now : See all hours. From running his own boat netting $200,000 a year to organizing 94 boats bringing in $15 million, George helped in making Tarpon Springs “the sponge capital of the world” for almost 20 years. National Register of Historic Places . We wandered in and out of. In 1905, John Corcoris introduced sponge diving to Tarpon Springs. [5] It is part of the Tampa Bay area. Two world wars would complicate trade even further, bringing the industry to a near-halt. Nicholas Boat Line St. Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks. During the first half of the 20 th century, hundreds of boats based on the achtarmas style sponge boat (a sub-type of the trechantiri) common in the Dodecanese islands were built by Greeks from Tarpon Springs to Apalachicola. Tarpon Springs has the highest percentage of Greek Americans of any city in the US. The fishing boats are getting ready to go out and the Greek restaurants are starting to get full. You can take boat trips from the sponge docks to see how they harvest sponge, or a dolphin boat cruise. Phone: 727-942-5628. Soon,. TARPON SPRINGS, FLORIDA - JUNE 30, 2019: Sponge art on a bicycle in downtown. By 1887, Tarpon Springs was incorporated, with a population of 52 residents. Tarpon Springs Sponge Boats. Improve this listing. Make sure you take the Sponge Boat ride. You can spend hours just seeing all the little shops. Fishing Charters & Tours. Tarpon Springs, Florida. The World Famous Sponge Dock. This locally owned small business was started in 1924 by Greek sponge diver Capt. Spring Bayou Live Manatee WebcamNovember 24, 2020. Sponge Exchange Odyssey Cruises Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks St. Attention Boaters. 2,886. Soft drinks and snorkel gear also included. 0292048 [4] Website. Discover genuine guest reviews for The Tarpon House - Athens St Bungalow along with the latest prices and availability – book now. Well, if you are. / 28. 25, 1921, one of the most destructive hurricanes that the Tampa Bay area experienced hit the region. St. MPS. The Sponge dock in Tarpon Springs is a must. Some had descriptions and information about sponge fishing in Florida. The St. This is a great place to look for gifts or souvenirs. A. 3. Date of experience: November 2019. By 18, he became a master boat builder. Sponge Docks and Boat Tours All along Dodecanese Boulevard Tarpon Springs Aquarium 850. 3. Dock with boat slips, fishing and direct gulf access. There’s plenty of places to grab a bite to eat, listen to authentic, live Greek music, and. Lori's Soap. Free admission; and a $1 charge for the. By Patricia Claus. Don't miss the movie about the Tarpon Springs. It is located at the Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks at Dodecanese Boulevard. 2 miles from Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks. The industry grew quickly after entrepreneur John King Cheyney established the Anclote and Rock Island Springs Sponge Company. See all things to do. Tarpon Springs Sponge Boats. Spongeorama offers hourly and overnight mooring at our beautiful new dock. Also a stop off on 3 Rooker Bar wildlife preserve where there are hundreds of seashells and sand dollars to collect. Nicholas VI Sponge Boat, Tarpon Springs: See 69 reviews, articles, and 74 photos of St. Nicholas IV leaves the sponge docks every 40 minutes on a round-trip cruise the Anclote River. And Karistinos’s boat is one of the last traditional Greek-style sponge boats at the Tarpon Springs docks. The St. It's known as the 'Sponge Capital of the World' and also as 'Greektown'. St. The Tarpon Springs Heritage Museum is. NRHP reference No. Nicholas VI Sponge Boat, ranked No. However, new sponge beds. Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks: Sponge Capital of Florida - See 2,885 traveler reviews, 1,415 candid photos, and great deals for Tarpon Springs, FL, at Tripadvisor. 00 miles away . The Odyssey II will take over the day-to-day dolphin boat tours Tarpon Springs and dolphin adventure island cruises. Courtesy State Archives of Florida. $699. Fun Things to do in Tarpon Springs. 00. Aquariums. Off street parking.