I have been lucky enough to have taken the kayak tour which is great. But this visit I have a bad back so took the nature tour and sat back and relaxed. The boat was quiet and peaceful and the captain very informative. We toured Tarpon Bay and I learnt so much about the birds and environment. The half hour... More

I brought two 15 yr. olds with me on this Kayak Tour and it was fabulous. We had two canoes and were in a group with about 12 canoes including our Tour Guide, Mari. The tour took about 1 1/2 hrs. and when it ends you can keep the kayaks out for the entire day. We learned alot about kayaking... More

We rented kayaks for three hours with an in boat picnic. It was lovely to paddle through the mangroves and see so many birds and jumping fish. There are lots of out of the way inlets where you can almost get lost and have silence. We returned another night for the sunset cruise which was absolutely wonderful. There are so... More

Had a great time kayaking in tarpon bay. we watched manatees swim in the bay. Lots of birds, osprey, cormorants, terns etc. More

My wife, 3 YO, and I rented bikes from TBE to ride around Ding Darling. I believe they are the closest rental outfit. The staff were very courteous and helpful getting us set up and going. The bikes themselves seem to be low-end, but virtually indestructible -- single gear, with pedal brakes. It was like being 10 again. Not the... More

We took the evening pontoon boat tour with Donna, took us out past the rookery islands where we could glimpse the nesting herons and egrets. We also took the morning guided kayak tour with Louis through the mangroves. Both guides were so knowledgeable and passionate about the nature preserve. We really learned a lot and had a great time. The... More

We very much enjoyed the nature cruise at Tarpon Bay. After a 1/2 hour exploration at the "touch tank" geared for kids, we boarded the large pontoon-like vessel for a hour guided tour of Tarpon Bay. Though we didn't spot any manatee or dolphin (as sometimes are viewed), we saw so many different birds nesting on the various rookery islands.... More

Rent kayaks and follow numbered route through mangrove forest in preserve. Takes about hour and a half, and involves steady paddling. Go when wind is low, or passage across bay can be tough in one direction. Bring camera for birds that will be within a few yards, occasional otter, many fish. Very relaxing but also a good workout. More

If you've already drove the road through the refuge and would like to try something more adventurous, think about a kayak tour through the mangroves. Drive to the north end of Tarpon Bay Road where you will find the Tarpon Bay Explorers. We rented a two person kayak and headed out on the "kayak trail." The beginning of the trip... More