Article by Peter Roos
Getting out on the water is a kind of therapy all by itself. Interacting with our myriad of seabirds and dolphins adds yet another dimension.
Salty Water Tours offers private eco adventures with a variety of options for two to six guests.
It is a perfect way for you or your family to experience Florida’s most memorable moments, whether you are residents or visitors. Cameras are recommended. Pets are welcome too.
Captain Rob White has more than 20 years of experience. His partner and tour guide, Emily Siebert, is in the Coastguard Auxiliary, has been an environmentalist for decades and is a yoga instructor. She is also working on completing her captain’s license.
Both keep up with facts about area water birds and mammals like dolphins, turtles and tortoises so they can share their knowledge with guests in take-away nuggets. “We’ve been to the Dolphin Research Center in Marathon,” said White.
“We want our customers to leave saying, ‘I never knew that.’ That’s why we put a second person on board to provide environmental and eco-friendly education during each tour.” They also help area rescue groups with birds like pelicans. “A lot of our customers want to know how they can help with rescues,” said White. “People often take out 10 or 20 bucks and say, ‘Can you donate this to help the birds?’ We love that.”
Currently, four competitively priced tours are offered for private groups ranging in size from two to six guests. The two-hour Sea Hare is a combination of dolphin watching and shelling in shallow water near Shell Key; the one-and-a-half-hour Dolphin Fun emphasizes wildlife viewing from the boat; the four-hour Island gives people a choice of visiting two area islands–Egmont, Shell or Passage; and the one-and-a-half-hour Dolphin Sunset tour is perfect to take in the sunset.
Custom tours and combinations are possible. Repeat clients are treasured. Siebert also offers yoga experiences, on request.Their 26-foot catamaran “Sea Hare” assures a “smooth, quiet ride as it cuts through the waves,” said White.
“The low gunnels or sides means it’s also easier to view dolphins that come right up to the sides of the boat then turn on their sides so they can see us. It’s incredible.”The fun begins at the Gulfport Marina, close to where the dolphins play.
Visit www.SaltyWaterTours.com or call 727-401-2774.