provided to The Santiva Chronicle
June 1st will mark the first day of Tarpon Bay Explorers’ new contract as the only concessionaire to the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge.
The Explorers team, a testament to resilience and determination, is thrilled to continue partnering with the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge. The contract is for 10 years with a five-year optional renewal.
“We plan to be here as long as we can,” said Wendy Schnapp, managing partner of Tarpon Bay Explorers. “After what our team has endured over the past year and a half with Hurricane Ian’s destruction and resulting recovery, we are excited for the opportunity to rebuild our operation bigger and better than ever.”
Tarpon Bay Explorers first earned the contract to become “Ding” Darling’s concession in December 2002. The operation began to grow and continue to offer more options to the Refuge’s visitors. At first, tram tours of the Wildlife Drive, plus canoes, kayaks, and electric pontoons, operated out of the classic single-story building that was part of the original Tarpon Bay marina before Tarpon Bay’s incorporation into the Refuge.
In their inaugural years, the Explorers also added the Sea Life and Nature Cruise and built the Aquarium and Touch Tank Exhibit.
After Hurricane Charley in 2004, the old building sustained enough damage that warranted its demolition. In 2008, a new building was constructed, and the Explorers’ team currently operates from there.
“We have been honored to be included in a slice of Tarpon Bay’s history over the past 21-plus years and are just as honored and excited to continue for at least the next 15,” said Schnapp.
Now that the new contract is signed, Tarpon Bay Explorers will start replenishing equipment lost from the storm and rebuilding all aspects of the operation.
By the end of the year, the concession plans to have a couple of pontoons for rent, fishing charters, bike rentals, and a replenished kayak and paddleboard fleet. The Nature Cruise will soon follow, including the Touch Tank and Aquarium experience, more bikes, more rental boats, a live bait tank, and more fabulous items for the nature gift shop.
Tarpon Bay Explorers currently operates on a limited schedule. The concession, 900 Tarpon Bay Rd., is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays for kayak, paddleboard, Hobie kayak rentals, and the nature gift shop. Kayak tours of Commodore Creek and Tram tours of Wildlife Drive are on a limited basis.
Visit www.tarponbayexplorers.com for exact days and times and to make reservations. A percentage of all sales benefit National Wildlife Refuges around the country.
We invite you to be a part of our journey: help us rebuild and share in the magic of the resurgence of all of the natural beauty of Tarpon Bay and “Ding” Darling. Thank you to our loyal customers throughout the years, and we welcome any and all nature lovers. You can also follow Tarpon Bay Explorers on their FaceBook and Instagram pages.
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