provided to The Santiva Chronicle
Tarpon Bay Explorers is pleased to report that their bike rentals and tram tours can now be used as options to explore Wildlife Drive, which experienced significant damage during Hurricane Milton and was subject to an extended closure.
As a result, the Explorers’ Tram Tours and bike rentals could only venture down Wildlife Drive once repairs were complete. Tarpon Bay Explorers is the concession to the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, meaning that it is the only one providing tours and rentals for the refuge.
The Explorer crew has been waiting for the call about Wildlife Drive’s reopening to provide ways to explore it by bike rental or an educational Tram Tour.
Tram Tours are a great way to educate visitors about “Ding” Darling and the wildlife that inhabits conserved land, like spoonbills, alligators, and more, in the company of a trained naturalist. Reservations are recommended for Tram Tours.
Bikes are a great option to casually stroll through Wildlife Drive, taking time to search for wildlife or to take in the refuge’s beauty. The concession is the closest bike rental company to the refuge. The concession’s bikes are the good old-fashioned single-speed beach cruisers for adults and children. For smaller children, their fleet contains ‘weehoo’s’ or modified ‘Trail-A-Bikes’, bike trailers, and baby seats. All bike rentals are on a first-come, first-serve basis.
“We’ve received many calls asking about Wildlife Drive and Tram Tours,” said Explorers General Manager Adam Sauerland.
“The island and its recovery are getting stronger and stronger every day. Though Helene and Milton were a couple of steps back, having Wildlife Drive reopen is a great step in the right direction, especially with holidays right around the corner,” explained Sauerland.
As of now, Tarpon Bay Explorers is open four days a week: Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday. Rentals begin at 8 a.m., stop at 3 p.m., and must return by 4:30 p.m. Wildlife Drive is always closed on Fridays.
For any further inquiries on bike rentals or general questions, visit the Explorers’ website at http://www.tarponbayexplorers.com or call the gift shop at 239-472-8900.
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