No, it isn't the Grand Canal or smooth-talking gondoliers poling you through the canals of Venice, but Tampa can boast of many lakes, rivers, channels and bays. (The American flag was a dead giveaway, right?) We're almost surrounded by fresh and salt water and many natives and tourists alike enjoy views from their homes, hotels and office buildings. Florida's boat owners have endless possibilities for enjoying our waterways. Those who are stuck a bit inland, or who don't own a boat, can walk, bike, skate and run along the Bayshore or leisurely stroll with their poochie as he navigates the sidewalk dog shows mornings, noon and night. But, there is a fun and entertaining alternative for anyone who wants to sit back and just enjoy being on the water without doing a thing. The Tampa Water Taxi has several tours available. It can pick you up from any waterside location and take you to restaurants, bars, hotels and attractions. At night, it offers romantic and unforgettable sunset tours. It even has a short lunchtime ride and a longer 2.5 hour Eco Tour that goes up the Hillsborough River and may include Florida wildlife such as dolphins, eagles, pelicans and maybe even an alligator sunning himself (and patiently waiting on his own luncheon snack. Yum. Tourists.) The Tampa Water Taxi is very convenient, inexpensive and gives guests spectacular views of Tampa's downtown, museums, shipyards, aquarium, the Tampa Bay Hotel and million-dollar homes on Davis Islands and Harbour Island. Come on. Why go to Venice. This is a blast. Plus, the gondolas of Venice can't take you to an ice hockey arena or the Gasparilla pirate ship. No way. And, rest assured, Tampa doesn't flood (as often.)
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Water Taxi to the urban rescue: Relax, regain your sanity, and frolic with pelicans and dolphins, too
No, it isn't the Grand Canal or smooth-talking gondoliers poling you through the canals of Venice, but Tampa can boast of many lakes, rivers, channels and bays. (The American flag was a dead giveaway, right?) We're almost surrounded by fresh and salt water and many natives and tourists alike enjoy views from their homes, hotels and office buildings. Florida's boat owners have endless possibilities for enjoying our waterways. Those who are stuck a bit inland, or who don't own a boat, can walk, bike, skate and run along the Bayshore or leisurely stroll with their poochie as he navigates the sidewalk dog shows mornings, noon and night. But, there is a fun and entertaining alternative for anyone who wants to sit back and just enjoy being on the water without doing a thing. The Tampa Water Taxi has several tours available. It can pick you up from any waterside location and take you to restaurants, bars, hotels and attractions. At night, it offers romantic and unforgettable sunset tours. It even has a short lunchtime ride and a longer 2.5 hour Eco Tour that goes up the Hillsborough River and may include Florida wildlife such as dolphins, eagles, pelicans and maybe even an alligator sunning himself (and patiently waiting on his own luncheon snack. Yum. Tourists.) The Tampa Water Taxi is very convenient, inexpensive and gives guests spectacular views of Tampa's downtown, museums, shipyards, aquarium, the Tampa Bay Hotel and million-dollar homes on Davis Islands and Harbour Island. Come on. Why go to Venice. This is a blast. Plus, the gondolas of Venice can't take you to an ice hockey arena or the Gasparilla pirate ship. No way. And, rest assured, Tampa doesn't flood (as often.)
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9 comments:
I've never heard of this! Wow!
Can you take your dog aboard? If it's a really good dog, like our Golden Retriever?
I think I'd opt for the sunset cruise.
Love the photo and now you've given me more info as to what to do when in Tampa!
Gracias!
Shouldn't he be standing up with the long pole and singing Italian songs? You know, to give you that canal feeling.
I bet there is a lot fewer people than Venice this time of year. Just as an aside, Venice is sinking.
Now that looks like a lot of fun!
Thank You for your nice comments.
I am Capt. Larry the operater of the Tampa Water Taxi company. To Jacob, YES we are dog friendly (to friendly dogs) and in assocation with "Pawativily Pets and More" located on Harbor Island. We will be doing "Pooch Cruises" around the bay and to dog beach in Davis Island. We operate 7/365 10 AM to 1 AM.
We are here to make the waters of Tampa a fun and exciting place for resedents and vistors.
We have harbor tours, Eco Tours, history tours and taxi service to ANY spot on the water with a dock. All hotels, Davis and Harbor Islands and up the Hillsbough River (like to Ricks on The River).
Some guests go to the TPAC to shows with us. If you see me please come over and say hello.
My web site is tampawatertaxico.com
Funny image and nice post, I'd be interested in a tour...
Thanks, Capt. Larry! Now, I have put you on our to-do list and you're only a couple of hours from Ocala!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
TAMPA WATER TAXI COMPANY CELBRATES 10,000 GUESTS and FIRST YEAR
Tampa, Florida (DECEMBER 16 , 2009)- “We love the Tampa Water Taxi“ 10,000 residents and guests of Tampa have declared.
Captain Larry is elated that every day passengers comment that going on one of our tours is the highlight of there trip to downtown Tampa. For the past year the waters of Tampa have hosted the expanded fleet of boats operated by The Tampa Water Taxi Company LLC. With headquarters located in the Sheraton Riverwalk Hotel. This month is the first anniversary of operations offering a variety of tours and water taxi services. With daily operating hours from 10 AM to midnight 7 days a week since the start of operations.
Guests on the sunset tour on Friday nights enjoy a live musician singer serenading them as the sky displays its prism colors.
New tours included daily Tampa Harbor History Tour, Canal Tour of Davis Islands, and Eco Tour to Lowry park Zoo.
And Children are not forgotten sailing on Sundays A “Pirate Treasure Hunt” or a magic with balloon sculptures trip both one hour long while touring on the waters of Tampa.
Passengers can be picked up at all waterfront hotels, at St. Pete Times Forum, Davis Island, Harbour Island, private homes or anywhere on the water. Guests say “wow, what a great service”. Restaurants like THAT’S AMORE on Harbour Island offer water taxi transportation to there dinning guests making dinner a special event. Weddings have become a specialty bringing Brides , Grooms and wedding parties to waterfront locations like the Tampa Garden Club. The Captains are even dressed in formal wear for this special event. Business have enjoyed the services with company meetings and parties afloat. Recently an executive committee that wanted to get away from there convention group met for 4 hours on the water and achieved there goals.
“Tampa needs this service” said a Tampa city official , Capt. Larry is happy to provide it as a part of his found love of Tampa.
RESERVATIONS: 888-665-8687
WEB SITE: TAMPAWATERTAXICO.COM
CONTACT: Capt. Laurence Salkin
Tampa Water Taxi Company, LLC
200 N Ashley Drive
Tampa, FL. 33602
888-665-8687
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