Dolphin Eco Tour

Most visitors I have come in contact with absolutely love the Florida Aquarium. But I have noticed something worth discussing. This is the Wild Dolphin Eco Tour that leaves the Aquarium dock. The Tour is aboard the Aquarium's Bay Spirit catamaran, that usually makes 2 to 3 trips out each Saturday and Sunday, as well as during the week.

I have noticed that visitors are disappointed when no dolphins show themselves during a tour. So perhaps it is worthwhile to discuss why this might be, and why it is still a wonderful trip!

First, it is important to remember that these are WILD DOLPHINS! Not tame, trained animals. They don't come on command. In other parts of the world, even wild dolphins will come on command because they are fed by the tour operators. However, here in Florida, it is illegal to feed or interfere with wild dolphins in any way. So the crew of the Aquarium's Bay Spirit have no way to assure the cooperation of the dolphins.

Second, dolphins are mobile creatures. They go where they want to go. The Tour crew use every tool available, plus their vast experience to locate the dolphins, yet there are times, when they transform into invisible dolphins!

But even though you may not see any visible dolphins, the Tour aboard the Bay Spirit is still the best tour of the bay and Port of Tampa there is, and well worth the ride and cost. After all, the old saying is still true - the worst day on the bay, is better than the best on land!

So, if you can't see any visible dolphins on a given trip - check out our photos at www.TampaBayAquarium.com And, even though you didn't see any visible dolphins, remind those around you, that you saw LOTS of invisible dolphins! ;)

Dr. Tim