All aboard the Bay Spirit, a 64-foot, 49-passenger catamaran used to spot dolphins.
The DolphinQuest Eco-Tour departs daily from the Florida Aquarium into Tampa Bay, giving water-creature lovers a chance to view dolphins, manatees, birds and other wildlife.
While on board, an aquarium instructor educates guests on Tampa Bay, telling stories about every building and island the boat passes, from the port industry to Bird Island. Passengers learn that the bay has more than 200 species of fish, 17 species of sharks and 400 bottlenose dolphins.
As the boat approaches Bird Island, the sky fills with brown and white pelicans, laughing gulls and other birds. Dolphins, on the other hand, are a little less conspicuous.
On a recent trip, passengers eagerly scanned the water for a glimpse of a fin or a nose while the tour guide assured them that the animals have to come up for air sometime.
Nonetheless, with enough sunscreen and a pair of binoculars in hand, the DolphinQuest offers an exciting 90-minute adventure into Tampa Bay.
Florida Aquarium DolphinQuest Eco-Tour
WHERE: 701 Channelside Drive, Tampa. 273-4000.
WHEN: 12, 2 and 4 p.m. Monday through Sunday and 11 a.m. Saturday and Sunday.
COST: $18.95 adults, $17.95 seniors, $13.95 children younger than 13.
