Discover the Sandbars of Tampa Bay

Young snorkeler exploring the shallows of Tampa Bay

by Mia McCormick

You spot it, sitting on a bed of sea grass swaying with the current. Your first real sea star! A quick dive under and now you are actually face to face with one of the most beautiful creatures of the bay!

Our summer sandbar snorkeling excursions are all about discovering things you may have never seen before, right here in the Tampa Bay shallows. Get comfortable with a mask and snorkel in a calm environment that is teeming with life. Spot a spider crab, discover a brittle sea star, swim with a jack, grouper or mangrove snapper. It’s all about connecting with the environment and having some summer fun on our safe and shallow sandbars.

Sandbars are a submerged or partly exposed ridge of sand offshore. In the bay these soft sandy bottoms are often surrounded by sea grass, the perfect hiding spot for all sorts of animals that call our estuary home.

Connect with the family and explore together

The Discovery, a 45ft covered outdoor classroom

Share what you saw and get a chance to see everyone's finds when you’re back onboard The Discovery. Our 45ft eco-vessel provides shade and a place to relax and enjoy the breezes of our beautiful estuary. The Discovery is a research vessel. No one wants to talk about summer school, buuuutttttt it’s an amazing outdoor classroom! You’ll have an opportunity to examine the animals you’ve found up close and learn about how they survive in our local waters. It’s also a great place to chill and watch other explorers from above if you don’t feel like getting wet.

Examining a spider crab up close found on an excursion

If you’ve ever been standing, staring at the edge of the water, never really knowing why… this is why! You clearly want to know what’s underneath and we can take you there. For a quick look at the experience check out the video below. Ready to hop aboard The Discovery and explore? Click here to book a date.

Come explore the sandbars of Tampa Bay