St. Nicholas Boat Line, established in 1924 by Captain Michael J. Billiris, is the second oldest attraction in the State of Florida. Offering a unique and educational experience, the boat line takes visitors on a 40-minute cruise along the Anclote River, providing a hands-on display of the area's sponge diving industry and showcasing the various types of sponges and their uses. The highlight of the tour is witnessing a sponge diver in a traditional diving suit descend into the river to harvest a live sponge, making it a fun and informative experience for all ages.
With a rich history dating back to the early 1900s, St. Nicholas Boat Line allows visitors to experience a piece of the Old World in the New World. Once the world's largest sponge industry, Tarpon Springs now enjoys a rebirth of the sponge beds, making it the world's largest sponge producing industry. Operated by the Billiris family, the boat line continues to share the passion and love for sponge diving, offering an affordable and enjoyable tour that showcases the fascinating history and traditions of Tarpon Springs' sponge industry.
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