Sandy beaches and incredible views draw people to the Gulf Coast. But you don’t need to settle for only seeing the shoreline. Experience the best of Florida by exploring the beautiful Anclote Key. It’s a favorite among snowbirds living seasonally in Tarpon Springs, Florida.
You’ll need a boat to explore the white sand beaches. The good news is – Odyssey Cruises can be that boat or ferry.
Anclote Key Boat Cruise for Florida Snowbirds
It’s the perfect Gulf of Mexico day trip departing from the historic Sponge Docks in Tarpon Springs, FL. The afternoon beach day is a favorite among local retirees living in manufactured home communities like Sun Valley. Residents from the nearby 55+ active adult community were recently featured on WTFS Tampa Bay during a recent trip to Anclote Key.
The group boarded the 40-foot Odyssey Cruises boat along the Sponge Docks for the three-mile journey. The Odyssey crew includes certified naturalists to educate guests on the natural wildlife and shells found along the way.
The cruises are just one of the many excursions Sun Valley residents enjoy together. It’s part of the lifestyle program at Sun Valley designed to build community and keep residents active.
Seniors live in single-family manufactured homes. However, managers in the resort-style community offer entertainment, activities, and the occasional excursion. Lifestyle Coordinator Flora LeClair looks for fun creative ways to show residents the best of Florida.
It’s why LeClair partners with Odyssey Cruises Owner Adam Smith to plan excursions beyond Tarpon Springs.
How to Reach and Explore Anclote Key
Odyssey Cruises aren’t just for snowbirds. Anyone can book a ticket online.
The island is accessed only by boat making it a hidden gem in the Sunshine State.
Odyssey crews stay busy shuttling guests offshore to explore year-round. Cruises leave from the Tarpon Springs docks and deliver sightseers directly to the beach on Anclote Key. It’s a four-hour getaway on weekdays and three hours on weekends.
You’ll need all that time to explore the natural beauty of the barrier island. The warm sand beaches and crystal clear water are all part of Anclote Key Preserve State Park. The park includes North Anclote Bar (Dutchman Key), South Anclote Bar, and Three Rooker Island.
A must-see is the iconic Anclote Key Lighthouse toward the south end of the beach. The lighthouse was commissioned by President Grover Cleaveland in 1887.
The South Anclote Key Preserve State Park also includes a nature trail.
PRO TIP: Leave the trail and beaches as you found them. The key is a protected area so it’s important to follow the 7 Leave No Trace principles and leave the preserve as nature intended.
During your time on the island, the Odyssey boat stays near the shore providing drinks and a restroom. But most guests venture up the miles-long beach.
What to Bring on an Anclote Key Odyssey Cruise
Trip organizers recommend bringing snacks and your camera. You may also want to pack swimwear depending on the time of year you visit Anclote Key.
Don’t forget your binoculars because Anclote Key is a popular birding spot. People flock to the island to bird watch in the tidal flats and salt marshes.
The secluded island is popular for shelling and relaxing along the warm Gulf Coast waters.
You’ll need to plan though. There are no amenities or facilities on the island.
What Anclote Key lacks in amenities, it makes up for in wildlife sightings.
Pack your fishing pole for your Anclote Key adventure. The waters are abundant with grouper and snook. The area is also a playground for dolphins, manatees, and sea turtles. Odyssey even offers a two-hour, Gulf Coast dolphin tour.
Gulf Coasts Excursions for Florida Retirement Community
Anclote Key isn’t the only excursion destination for seniors who live near Tarpon Springs. There’s plenty to continue exploring when you return to the dock.
Snowbirds who live in nearby retirement communities like Sun Valley and The Meadows frequent the waterfront. The area is a quiet enclave for retirees and families outside the traffic of Tampa and Clearwater.
Longtime residents recommend stopping at Hellas Restaurant and Bakery for authentic Greek baklava. Or sit down for lunch at Rusty Bellies along the Anclote River for a waterfront view.
Odyssey Cruises is within walking distance from both eateries. It’s among the historic sponge boats that once served as the town’s primary industry. During the turn of the century, Tarpon Springs was considered the Sponge Capital of the World. Sponge divers immigrated from Greece due to the Gulf Coast’s abundant crop of seafloor sponges.
The sponge diving boats still leave the docks daily. But the docks aren’t the only thing worth checking out in Tarpon Springs. Boutiques also dot the waterfront with gift shops inspired by sponge history and Greek culture. So find your escape and book an Odyssey Cruises trip for the family or your whole community.
