provided to The Santiva Chronicle
Tarpon Bay Explorers, the concession for the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, will close for September. The concession plans to reopen on Monday, Oct. 2.
“September is generally a very slow time for us and the island in general during a normal year,” said Wendy Schnapp, managing partner of Tarpon Bay Explorers. “A majority of hotels, condos and resorts are still recovering so we anticipate demand will be lower than usual and justifies a temporary closure until we begin to see snowbirds return and the holidays near.”
Tarpon Bay Explorers also employs the staff who work the fee booth at the entrance of Wildlife Drive. But, have no fear, Wildlife Drive will remain open throughout September with the current days and hours of operation: 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday through Thursday (i.e. Wildlife Drive, Visitor’s Center & Indigo Trail are closed Fridays).
For those who enjoy launching from Tarpon Bay, be aware the entire Tarpon Bay recreational area will be closed to the public, including the ramp, until Oct. 2.
Tarpon Bay Explorers opened Feb. 1, four months after Hurricane Ian made landfall on Sept. 28, 2022. The Explorers family was forced to go from 35 employees to three after the storm and opened with limited days and hours:from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, rentals stop at 3 p.m.
The concession anticipates those same days and hours of operation when the company reopens Oct. 2. The same rental and tour opportunities will be provided along with their wonderful nature-themed gift shop. Kayak tours will still be held at 10 a.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays (reservations recommended) and Tram Tours will occur at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Thursdays (reservations also recommended).
If you have any questions for the Explorers crew before they go on their one-month hiatus, call the gift shop at 239-472-8900. For any further information or reservations for guided tours, visit www.tarponbayexplorers.com.
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