spongeorama

michaelrU1104JQ

Must see,the place that started it all. Unbeknownst to most people SpongeORama is the birthplace of SpongeBob Squarepants!! Don't miss the movie, the wonderfully funky displays,some of which I saw when I was a kid in the 50's. Don't miss it and don't forget to buy a silk sponge.Character abounds!

court2569

Quite a novelty to experience the flaming cheese at your table! The cheese was delicious! We were entertained by a strolling musician who played the traditional guitar!The food was copious and well seasoned! Recommend the package of the boat tour and the meal. Time well spent. The souvenirs being sold in the shop at the back were over priced!

921JaneK

The movie about the sponge industry and history of Tarpon Springs was a good prelude to the cruise. The captain and his first mate did a great job of describing boats in the harbor and sights along the river. We went out to the entry to the Gulf where we disembarked on Anticlote Island for a half hour of shelling. On our return, the captain thrilled us all with an encounter with several Dolphins. It was a great trip.

SharronK167

Boat trip for sponges is ok but intersting if you enjoy the water and how old world dived for sponges. Lots of touristy shops but better clothing apparel shops in the mall area center of SpongeDocks. Great desserts at Hella's Bakery.

mrkpero

We took the dolphin beach cruise. The boat took us out to the island and let us off to go shelling. After that we went looking for the dolphins and the boat captain went out of his way to find some for everyone to see. The crew was very nice and took time to make sure everyone was satisfied with their experience. It lasts about an hour and a half.

269bernardt

If you are looking for a fun-filled cruise, then stay clear of Spongeorama Cruise Lines. We took the cruise on 2/23/2015 only to be completely disappointed and shocked because of dense fog that was known by the Captain. We could not see anything but the occasional buoy and/or small boat that passed close by. There was no forewarning until we were in the fog, which appeared shortly after departure from the docking area, nor was there any offer of a refund (in full or partial). Because of the fog, passengers needed the use of blankets for warmth and dampness. Cruise passengers should be informed of known conditions before boarding and given the options of proceeding, rescheduling, or a refund. Also, stay away from their dirty, rundown museum, overpriced novelty store and free movie area, as the roof may cave in. Awful experience!

mpofirefighter

It kind of reminded me of some of the disreputable places in old Times Square, NY. It had that skeevy feel to it and you felt like you needed a shower after going through it. The grainy films and dirty, amateurish dioramas were kind of interesting if, you could get past the dirty feel of the place. They have something to give, really, but, it comes in a dirty feeling rapper.

redbird02

Located down a small alley, this gift shop/sponge movie/museum could use a mini-face lift...BUT the movie tells a very good story about the sponge industry here in Tarpon Springs. The age of the movie adds to the history. Upon exiting the movie, there are many historic displays behind glass cases...these need a great deal of TLC. The artifacts need to be preserved, as they are historic.We took their $20/person boat cruise, which was very pleasant. The operators spoke of some of the history of the area, which was interesting. Having time on the island for shelling was great~so much to pick up & bring back!

MysteriousIslander

Signs and barkers direct visitors to a "free show on sponge-diving history" - which is in reality a dated, poorly-transferred infomercial (with an equally grainy documentary at the end) in a storeroom with plank benches they call a "theater". As a museum professional who also LOVES kitschy roadside attractions and "tourist traps", I found the condition of the "museum" into which guests are funneled after the "show" truly appalling. This was once somebody's labor of love: a person with true passion for the local history hand-painted, hand-carved, researched and assembled a collection of exhibits that have been allowed to fall into complete disrepair. The glass on the inside of each case is so caked with dust that the displays are barely visible. Lights are burned out in an already dimly-lit corridor that left me feeling sad, disappointed and ashamed for the families who allowed this tiny treasure - surely the pride and life's work of someone's father or uncle - to fall into decay. I noticed that most of the positive reviews for this attraction are for the boat tour, not the museum, and should likely be placed under a separate listing.

Kitty52Michigan

Went on the dolphin/sunset cruise and had a nice time. We saw a few Dolphins, but just briefly. We've seen more Dolphins walking the beach at Honeymoon Island.

Z3868CWjasonb

My family and i had a really enjoyable cruise, they really went out of their way to show us dolphins.

BerkshiresBarbara

for thousands of years, men have harvested sponges. The US sponge industry started less than 200 years ago. The Spongeorama has aspects that seem also from that era but hang with it. It has some really interesting information and the now somewhat dated presentation really adds to its charms. See it for what it is and you will love it.

969stann

Great and informative movie about sponge diving and sponges. Great selection of sponges and other touristy stuff BUT you can find the same stuff in other stores at cheaper prices.

milavis

Great time, lots of information, dolphin watching was awesome, got some great pictures. Shelling on the island was really great! Some people found sponges, corals, sea urchins and conches as well as numerous other shells. Definitely would recommend this cruise. We bought the ticket that included the lunch special at Yianni's. We decided to eat after the cruise and upgraded to the dinner special. Awesome Greek food!

Randyclements

The displays have been around a while and need to be updated but all-in-all worth a walk through. There is no charge for the tour and the store at the end is reasonably priced.