West Coast Fishing Adventures. This locally owned small business was started in 1924 by Greek sponge diver Capt. After nearly 400 years under Ottoman rule, the 19 th century brought independence for Greece. 0292048 [4] Website. Services: Memberships, Rental. Downtown Tarpon Springs has long been a focal point and is currently undergoing beautification. Recommended by 99% of travelers. Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks: Lots of boats and sponges - See 2,880 traveler reviews, 1,404 candid photos, and great deals for Tarpon Springs, FL, at Tripadvisor. Day visit to Tarpon springs report Aug 13, 2022; Tarpon Springs Greek Restaurant May 19, 2022; Accommodations May 17, 2022; Sponge tours Mar 10, 2022; Anclote boat ride. Our Tarpon Springs Boat Club location is nestled in the beautiful waters of Tarpon Springs, Fl and inside the Port Tarpon Marina. Red Devil Fishing Adventures. Located in Tarpon Springs, Florida, this hotel features an outdoor pool and guest rooms with free Wi-Fi. (Call to verify) Local health policies may affect hours and. If you visit Tarpon Springs or are looking for a unique experience be sure to take a St. Billiris and continues to be operated by the Billiris family. Come have fun at Spongeorama - Dolphin Cruises in Tarpon Springs, Boat Tours in Tarpon Springs. The trip is fun and educational as you are on an authentic, working sponge dive boat. Nicholas VI Sponge Boat Miss Merrie's Sweets and Treats Sponge Exchange The. The sponge boat trip is only $15 and is very informative of the. Tarpon Springs Dolphin Cruise. 693 Dodecanese Blvd, Tarpon Springs, FL Directions: St. Tarpon Springs Sponge Boat Tour. . Petersburg. Nicholas Boat Line "What great fun and educational! Frank the sponge diver and his crew tell of days gone by of how Tarpon. Built in 1915, the Old Tarpon Springs City Hall is a historic site in Tarpon Springs, Florida. Nicholas Boat Line St. Included stops at St. Less than a mile south of the Sponge docks is Tarpon Springs’ historic central commercial district. Two world wars would complicate trade even further, bringing the industry to a near-halt. The Greek Food Is Incredible. You may bring any other beverages or snacks you wish. Sponge Diver Memorial Statue, Tarpon Springs, FL - 1 mi. In the 1940s, blight reduced the growth of sponges. com. The sponge boats go up and down the Anclote River and the Greek language you always hear in the distant as they go out to harvest sponges from the plentiful ecosystem that is Tarpon Springs, Fl. The following buildings were added to the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Tarpon Springs Sponge Boats Multiple Property Submission (or. Anderson Park is similar with boating, nature. is home to hundreds of residential and commercial buildings and about a dozen sponge boats. Nicholas Boat Line St. Anclote River, Whitcomb and Spring Bayous The Tarpon Springs Recreation Division will be holding the 34th Annual Holiday Boat Parade, on Friday, December 1 st. 64500126. Speciality. Awesome Capt knows his River and Island History and very able and willing to show you a great experience. Miss Britt Charters. Billiris and still run by family today. The city’s heritage and cultural identity are. Billiris and still run by family. Along the docks. If you visit Tarpon Springs or are looking for a unique experience, be sure to take a St. Tarpon Springs Sponge Boats. 64500126. From Tarpon Springs the sponges go chiefly to New York, Chicago and Cincinnati, where they receive the final process of bleaching, and are then placed on the retail market. This trip is fully narrated by our Captain. The residents are mostly Greeks. 95 for children. Fun Things to do in Tarpon Springs. Tarpon Springs lies on the Anclote River along Florida’s Gulf Coast about 30 miles northwest of Tampa. Sponge Docks of Tarpon Springs (0. Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks: Trip ruined by another passenger, wish I could go again without them! - See 2,887 traveler reviews, 1,418 candid photos, and great deals for Tarpon Springs, FL, at Tripadvisor. Walk along Dodecanese Boulevard to see docked sponge boats, shops selling seas sponges and restaurants serving up authentic Greek cuisine. Locally, the industry began in the 1800s when sponges were harvested near shore. By 1887, Tarpon Springs was incorporated, with a population of 52 residents. Open now. Join Odyssey Cruises for a 1 & 1/2 - 2 hour trip down the Anclote River into the Gulf of Mexico. The boats harvest the sponges within a 100-mile range of Tarpon Springs. Fishing boats on the sponge docks in Tarpon Springs, Florida. Today, sponge boat crews use the Sponge Docks for docking and repairs, parking trucks while loading and unloading boats; and sponge sorting, cleaning, and sales. Now, Tarpon Springs is back to being a leader in the world’s natural sponge market. This locally owned small business was started in 1924 by Greek sponge diver Capt. Anderson Park is similar with boating, nature. The first settlers in the area arrived in 1876. 14861°N 82. As the town changed, starting in the 1960s, it clung, like Mr. Our Dolphin Cruise Tarpon Springs Adventure Island Cruise includes looking for dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, fish, tropical foliage, and other. Boats leave the historic sponge docks and continue down the Anclote River into the Gulf Waters. Credit: Facebook/City of Tarpon Springs. Dolphin Deep Sea Fishing 810 Dodecanese Blvd. St. Nicolas Sponge Boat Tour. The boat tour is an excellent opportunity to hear a little bit about Tarpon Springs history, get a great view of the Gulf, and even have the opportunity to spot some. Boat Tours. 23 mi) Relax in the unspoiled coastal vibe at this beautiful home at the Sponge Docks. Nicholas Boat Line is a Sponge Diving Exhibition tour. Nicholas Ill Sponge Boat 590 600 ANCLOTE RIVER St. First established in 1887 as a winter resort town, the focus soon shifted to harvesting the plentiful sponges that could be found in the Gulf of Mexico. 25 reviews of St. Sit back and enjoy your meal while you watch the sponge boats leaving from the nearby docks. What will you find in Tarpon Springs? The Sponge Docks, Greek Restaurants, Bakeries, Attractions, Natural Sponges, Sponge Diving, Tours, Sightseeing Cruises, Unique. Tourists fishing from a boat in Tarpon Springs Florida. Early Greek tourist business and sponge store. (the Sponge Docks) from Alt. Next door there is a Park & Pay that costs $2. The population was 25,117 at the 2020 census. In the early years, 200 children attended daily after public school. Advertisement. The picturesque town has the highest percentage of Greek Americans of any city in the US. Cruise through Tarpon Springs to a dazzling island. Beds. Suncoast Rentals and Tours Sun Line Cruises Spongeorama Sponge Factory Mac's Sports Inc. City History & the Sponge Industry . Themistocles J. Free 1 event, 3 1 event, 3 7:00 pm -. An optional shore excursion is available to disembark at the Historic Anclote Key. 5 2,887 reviews #1 of 32 Shopping in Tarpon Springs Speciality & Gift ShopsMarinasHistoric Sites Write a review About The Sponge Industry helped build a Greek Community that is now famous not only for the worlds finest sponges, but for some of the finest Greek Restaurants, Markets, and Bakeries in the Country. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral. It looks much like aplant but it is one of the lowest forms of animal life. Nicholas Boat Line was established in 1924 by Captain Michael J. Marks. United States. “ Yummy octopus ” 07/29/2023. Sponge Docks Skiff 13; Sponge Docks Skiff 16; Sponge Docks Skiff 19; MASH, 24ft Cruiser; PLOVER 20ft Camp-Cruiser; BIG BOY Great Looper; Sail. Book now for a memorable Gulf Coast adventure! Tarpon Springs City Marina, 100 Dodecanese Blv. Oh! We are sure you will enjoy it!What is the history of the sponge industry in Tarpon Springs? Sponge boats line the docks, their sponges visible to the visitors who walk up and down the waterfront. Some had descriptions and information about sponge fishing in. Tarpon Springs Journal. 10. Along the docks. March 23, 2021. Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks: Greek fishing village - See 2,887 traveler reviews, 1,418 candid photos, and great deals for Tarpon Springs, FL, at Tripadvisor. The Duchess is a historic sponge-hooking boat in Tarpon Springs, Florida. There had been a sponge industry in the Bahamas and Key West since the 1840s. Look for the boat with the covered awning and orange trim. Everyone is so friendly. And Karistinos’s boat is one of the last traditional Greek-style sponge boats at the Tarpon Springs docks. Skip to main content. BOOK ONLINE - WE SELL OUT OFTEN. Now, Tarpon Springs is back to being a leader in the world’s natural sponge market. NRHP reference No. . In the late 1980s, a serious attempt was made to revive the sponge fishing in the area by businessman George Biliris and it had impressive results. Sightseeing tour agency. 2. Soon,. Enjoy Greek Cuisine and Entertainment. Our Beach Excursion Cruise lets you disembark and look for shells on the island. Day visit to Tarpon springs report Aug 13, 2022; Tarpon Springs Greek Restaurant May 19, 2022; Accommodations May 17, 2022; Sponge tours Mar 10, 2022; Anclote boat ride Feb 11, 2022; Time to see the sponge boats Dec 08, 2021; free parking tarpon springs sponge dock Sep 24, 2021; Place to stay near Tarpon Springs May 25, 2021; Water. 170. men stand by their fish catch in tarpon springs florida - tarpon springs stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images Mrs. Other Fun Things To Do at Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks. Take a Sponge Docks boat ride and see the sponge divers dive for sponges. Other Fun Things To Do at Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks. Enjoy viewing the famous Anclote Lighthouse, and Tarpon Springs historical sites, as well as some of the best that nature has to offer. It's a nice, not too time consuming boardwalk type area to check out the giant sponge diving boats, learn about the history and preservation of the sponges,. Nicholas Boat Line Shrine of Saint Michael Taxiarchis Spongeorama Sponge Factory Tarpon Springs Distillery Mac's. 2 Economy and Identity in Tarpon Springs 57 4. , Tarpon Springs, FL 34689 Phone: 727-938-5300 Email: Send Email Hours Mon-Sat: 8AM-5PM. HOME;. Waterfront park in the heart of beautiful Tarpon Springs. Bill DeYoung. An optional shore excursion is available to disembark at the Historic Anclote Key. Tarpon Springs, in Pinellas County, Florida, resembles a Greek island, with its blue and white structures, street names, the boats in the harbor, and the Greek-themed shops and restaurants. 0292048 [4] Website. Our captain will narrate the entire trip where you will learn about the history of Tarpon Springs and the famous Sponge Docks. Sponge boats work sporadically during winter months due to the wind from cold fronts. The region, with a series of bayous. Large Charter fishing boats, small charter fishing boats. Downtown Tarpon Springs, Florida. Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks: Anclote River walk and Sponge Docks - See 2,887 traveler reviews, 1,418 candid photos, and great deals for Tarpon Springs, FL, at Tripadvisor. Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks: Fun watching the tour boats, sponge docks and wildlife. National Register of Historic Places . 131 reviews of Spongeorama "Tarpon Springs feels almost like a foreign country. Our dolphin cruise boat has a full liquor bar, and we offer drink specials regularly. Virtual Tour. 75806. Lori's Soap and sponges St. When you see a sponge in a store it is difficult to realize that it is the skeleton of an animal. Walk to famous Sponge Docks with fabulous Greek cuisine, pastries and fresh seafood dining. Sponge fishing in the Gulf accelerated in the late 19th century. At one time, it was said, there were so many. 25, 2021. Looking for work, the Greeks learned of Tarpon Springs and the vast sea of sponges just waiting to be. Need a place to anchor in Tarpon Springs? Located just minutes from the world-famous Sponge Docks, our deepwater slips are perfect for an overnight or a longer stay! Accommodations available for boats up to 65' long. Tarpon Springs Aquarium and Animal Sanctuary. From our boats to your bellie. The atmosphere is great because of the Anclote River, the working shrimp and sponge boats, and the authentic people who work there. Tarpon Springs was known as the “Sponge Capital of the World. Along the water you see the sponge boats filled with sponges from the gulf waters. #17 of 35 Boat Tours & Water Sports in Tarpon Springs. St. National Register of Historic Places. Tarpon Springs Sponge Boat Tour. One can see many boats on the water, and the many examples of sponges that are picked up in the surrounding waters. “The best (sponging) area was around. ( continued from Crystal River to Tarpon Springs, FL) My marina of choice in Tarpon Springs was MAR-MARina, a marina so new to transient boaters that it wasn’t even. 19, 2020. If you purchase your tickets online please contact us 24 hours in advance of when you would like to take your cruise. Boat Tours. Tarpon Springs is located along the Anclote River, from Lake Tarpon west to the Gulf of Mexico. We do not allow guests to take any live shells on our boat. The sheer selection and history of sponges here is better than. For 30 years, the sponge industry was the largest industry in Florida—larger than citrus or tourism. Water Sports in Tarpon Springs Boat Rentals in Tarpon Springs Dolphin & Whale Watching in Tarpon Springs Kayaking & Canoeing in Tarpon Springs River Rafting & Tubing in Tarpon Springs Scuba & Snorkelling in Tarpon Springs Surfing & Windsurfing. Boats enter Spring Bayou around 8 pm. Rich in history, tradition and charm, Tarpon Springs’ acclaim stems from the sponge industry, dating back to the early 1900s. Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks: Tacky town - See 2,884 traveler reviews, 1,415 candid photos, and great deals for Tarpon Springs, FL, at Tripadvisor. Nicholas Boat Line St. 4. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral Odyssey Cruises Sun Line Cruises Tarpon Springs Dog Park Replay Amusement Museum Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks Narcosis Scuba Center Stumpy's Hatchet House - Tarpon Springs St. The boat is a replica of the sponge boats that operated out of Tarpon Springs a century ago, except for having a cover to shield the tourists from the sun and the weather. About 1849, spongers in the Keys organized a commercial sponging operation, using long poles with grapples to harvest the sponges. Tarpon Springs, FL 34689 (Located Behind Yianni's Greek Cuisine) The City of Tarpon Springs’ Greek legacy is intertwined with its prosperous sponge diving industry. August 2, 1990. Free cancellation. When you turn onto Dodecanese Blvd. Tarpon Springs. 05. Not just for the sponge boats but for the whole community, the shops, the restaurants. ”. Lots of fun shops up and down both sides of the street to visit. Mableton, GA. Boat - Deep Sea Fishing in Tarpon Springs, FL. There are several different boat cruises offered from Tarpon Springs. per group (up to 6) Street Legal Golf Cart 2 Hour Rental. The Tour: Includes the history of the Sponge docks and a live sponge harvesting demonstration. Tarpon Springs Greek Restaurant 19 May 2022; Accommodations 17 May 2022; Sponge tours 10 March 2022; Anclote boat ride 11 February 2022; Time to see the sponge boats 08 December 2021; free parking tarpon springs sponge dock 24 September 2021; Place to stay near Tarpon Springs 25 May 2021; Water Taxi 23 January 2021Tarpon Springs is a city in Pinellas County, Florida, United States. The sponge boats in the harbor have Greek names. The St. By 18, he became a master boat builder. By the 1950s, sponging as a profitable industry was nearly wiped out. 5 on Tripadvisor among 129 attractions in Tarpon Springs. Captain Christopher will put you where you need to be to put Redfish, Trout, Tarpon, and Snook on the line. On August 2, 1990, it was added to the U. 866-927-9015. Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks: A fun place to just watch or take a boat trip - See 2,868 traveler reviews, 1,395 candid photos, and great deals for Tarpon Springs, FL, at Tripadvisor. Billiris and still run by family today. Tarpon Springs, in Pinellas County, Florida, resembles a Greek island, with its blue and white structures, street names, the boats in the harbor, and the Greek-themed shops and restaurants. Sponge fishermen and others socialize on the Sponge Docks, organizations stage events there, and tourists ramble while observing the spongers at work. In Tarpon Springs, you’ll feel like you’ve been whisked away to a coastal Greek village where the sound of bouzouki music spills out into the sidewalk along with the scent of enticing food. Sponge schooner, [1895?]. While Tarpon Springs is known as the “Sponge Capital of the World,” we promise that these waters boast much more impressive creatures than sponges. Experience Deep Sea Fishing at Its Best!. More Quirky Attractions in Florida. The population was 25,117 at the 2020 census. On the north side of Dodecanese Blvd across from the Mykonos restaurant. It is the second oldest attraction in the State of Florida. Clean, and a good crew. March 1, 2019. #60 of 105 Restaurants in Tarpon Springs. Book Online Book Online - We Sell Out Often! Call for Information Ticket office hours: 7am-10pm (727) 943-2164 or (727) 365-8793 or (727) 312-6311 512 Dodecanese Blvd. , Tarpon Springs. Nicholas Boat Line Sims Park Sun Line. 1–2 hours. Keep in mind, Anclote. Sponge boat captains were, in the first place, entrepreneurs. TARPON SPRINGS, FLORIDA - JUNE 30, 2019: Sponge art on a bicycle in downtown. 1910s, this is one of the oldest images of the Sponge Docks. St. The boat tour is an excellent opportunity to hear a little bit about Tarpon Springs history, get a great view of the Gulf, and even have the opportunity to spot some. (727) 937-6109. Billiris laments that things have changed since another red tide hit the local waters and wiped out the sponges in 2005. Courtesy State Archives of Florida. Some had descriptions and information about sponge fishing in Florida. Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks: Tons of shops to visit with authentic Greek wares, actual sponges harvested right from the gulf, boat tours, restaurants - See 2,885 traveler reviews, 1,415 candid photos, and great deals for Tarpon Springs, FL, at. $2/foot per night with electric service. net » Take a kayak tour from the Sponge Docks. The tour includes a narrative of the history of sponge diving in Tarpon Springs. Date of experience: September 2018. Boat Club. per adult (price varies by group size) Private Island Tour on a Pontoon Boat with a SLIDE for Parties Events Fun more. 0. Tarpon Springs, Florida. You'll immerse yourself into our Greek Culture which early settlers brought to this village by the sea. See Tripadvisor's 33,379 traveller reviews and photos of kid friendly Tarpon Springs attractions. 54 reviews of Sponge Docks "Sponge Docks on Dodocanese Street is a mecca reflecting the Sponge community and the amazing Greek Culture that can be found quite prominently in Tarpon Springs, FL. 15′ RoG Micro-Cruiser; FORRO550 Trimaran;. The Greek Food Is Incredible. There are numerous shops, restaurants and bakeries with authentic Greek food. The picturesque town has the highest percentage of Greek Americans of any city in the US. Some had descriptions and information about sponge fishing in Florida. Fun Things to Do in Tarpon Springs with Kids: Family-friendly activities and fun things to do. Nicholas Boat Line was established in 1924 by Captain Michael J. The Annual Illuminated Boat Parade will be held on the first Friday of December. 1. Florida is the only state where sponges grow. If you visit Tarpon Springs or are looking for a unique experience, be sure to take a St. Greek immigrant John Corcoris arrived in 1896 and soon hired 500 Greek divers to operate the mechanized sponge boats he’d brought with him. 1. The St. Our dolphin cruise boat has a full liquor bar, and we offer drink specials regularly. Dream Catcher Explorations. Several of the rooms full of sponges were the sponge storage rooms used by the sponge divers nearly a century ago and the business has remained in the family the entire time. Nicholas. Yes we have two boats but one is located in Tarpon Springs. Nicholas Boat Line Spongorama's Cruise Lines St. Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks: the sponge boats - See 2,880 traveler reviews, 1,404 candid photos, and great deals for Tarpon Springs, FL, at Tripadvisor. Billiris and still run by family. This locally owned business was started in 1924 by sponge diver Capt. Closed now : See all hours. Nicholas VI Sponge Boat, ranked No. An d reasonably priced at just $10. Save. The industry grew quickly after entrepreneur John King Cheyney established the Anclote and Rock Island Springs Sponge Company. How Tarpon Springs became Greek. Sep 13, 2023. Spongeorama offers hourly and overnight mooring at our beautiful new dock. Recommended. Tarpon Springs Circle Park. It's known as the 'Sponge Capital of the World' and also as 'Greektown'. Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks: Sure has changed since 1960! - See 2,886 traveler reviews, 1,418 candid photos, and great deals for Tarpon Springs, FL, at Tripadvisor. Absolute Florida Flats Fishing Adventure Time Charters Anclote Village Marina Seal in the Sun Charters Anclote River Park Captain Dustin Fishing Charters Fred Howard Park Odyssey Cruises St. NRHP reference No. 1. 3. 3. That means brick buildings that have been around for a hundred years or so. On Thursday the weather was a perfect beach day, so we drove the 95 miles to Sunset beach in Tarpon Springs from the Villages. Sponge Dock Stroll 20 Historical Tours from $43. see more operators. Nicholas Boat Line. Date of experience: November 2022. 301 1st Ave SE — 45 mins from Tarpon Springs; Crisp Park Boat Ramp, 3598-3500 Poplar St NE — 46 mins from Tarpon Springs; Show fishing charters nearby. It cannot swim, but grows attached to a rock or the sea bottom. Also on the dock is the Tarpon Sponge Company. Boat Tours. Mary Miaoulis displays several varieties of. 2 miles from Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks. Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks: Disappointing - See 2,885 traveler reviews, 1,415 candid photos, and great deals for Tarpon Springs, FL, at Tripadvisor. It is the second oldest attraction in the State of Florida. there are sponge boats and lots of sponges, and lots of Greeks and lots of Greek food. Nicholas Boat Line Spongorama's Cruise Lines St. Fishing Charters & Tours. Patrick Connolly. Free 1 event, 3 1 event, 3 7:00 pm -. But locating these behemoths means venturing far offshore and exploring the Gulf of Mexico’s depths. A brochure "An Interesting History. The highlight was watching a diver in a diving suit go into the river to snag a. Nicholas VI Sponge Boat. Brooker. Sponge Boat Tours in Tarpon Springs on YP. In 1905 John Cocoris came to town and introduced sponge diving to the industry. What your paying $10 pp (Seniors $9, Children $5) for is a short boat ride, introduction and informative talk, by. Even though there were few passengers on this large boat, the captain didn't just anchor in one spot to save gas, he moved from one area to another. The early sponge industry created a need for eating places at the Docks for the boat crews. sponge industry began to move from its historical base in Key West to Tarpon Springs because of the nine thousand square miles of rich and untouched sponge beds off Florida’s western Gulf Coast. 1. 0. [5] It is part of the Tampa Bay area. Your Name (required) Your Email (required)Day visit to Tarpon springs report Aug 13, 2022; Tarpon Springs Greek Restaurant May 19, 2022; Accommodations May 17, 2022; Sponge tours Mar 10, 2022; Anclote boat ride Feb 11, 2022; Time to see the sponge boats Dec 08, 2021; free parking tarpon springs sponge dock Sep 24, 2021; Place to stay near Tarpon Springs May 25, 2021; Water. Anclote Key Preserve State Park is located 3 miles off the coast of Tarpon Springs. Commercial and nonresident vessels now must pay higher fees for monthly use: $300 for an 800. The tour includes a narrative of the history of sponge diving in Tarpon Springs. John Cheyney founded the first sponge business in Tarpon Springs in the 1880s and it provided quite a few jobs for the local economy. The sponge docks are situated in a Greek village, about half an hour drive north of. $62. (0. Tarpon Springs, FL at the Sponge Docks. What will you find in Tarpon Springs? The Sponge Docks, Greek Restaurants, Bakeries, Attractions, Natural Sponges, Sponge Diving, Tours, Sightseeing Cruises, Unique Greek and Florida Souvenirs, lots of Shopping, Sightseeing and Live Entertainment (Bouzoukia) Check out the 10 Best Things to Do in Tarpon Springs In 1905, Greek spongers came to Tarpon Springs, Florida, to develop the world's largest sponge industry. Years before, Julie Russels parents, Joe and Sue Reis, moved to Tarpon Springs. ← The Sponge Industry: Divers, Crews. By 1887, Tarpon. This is strictly for entertainment. 19, 2020. John Cocoris was a Greek sponge buyer working in Tarpon Springs who believed that more and better sponges could be gathered using divingHe established the sponge industry in Tarpon Springs. Greek Cultural Celebration, [Date unknown]. Hours: Daily 10-4:30. Greek children began attending Tarpon Springs Elementary School in the 1910s. 00, for approximately 45 mins, Date of experience: January. 28°8′55″N 82°45′29″W. The following buildings were added to the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Tarpon. From running his own boat netting $200,000 a year to organizing 94 boats bringing in $15 million, George helped in making Tarpon Springs “the sponge capital of the world” for almost 20 years. Odyssey Cruises runs tours from the sponge docks to the park and offers various other shorter tours. The fishing boats are getting ready to go out and the Greek restaurants are starting to get full. Tarpon Springs, which still harvests 90 to 95 percent of all natural sea sponges, is touted as the "Sponge Capital of the World," in Tarpon Springs on Saturday, Dec. Most of the sponge boats are owned and operated by people of Greek descent.