Explore St. Pete’s History from the Water: The Historic Boat Tour

St. Petersburg is introducing a unique way to experience the city’s evolution. Through a strategic partnership between the St. Petersburg Museum of History and the Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center, visitors can now embark on the city’s first Historic Boat Tour. This collaboration blends local heritage with environmental education, offering a perspective of the city that can’t be captured from the shore.

A Unique Partnership on the St. Pete Pier

The Historic Boat Tour is a joint venture that leverages the expertise of two local institutions. The St. Petersburg Museum of History provides the historical narrative, while the Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center, located on the St. Pete Pier, provides the vessel and maritime expertise.

Guests board the Tampa Bay Watch Eco Tour Boat for a two-hour cruise. The tour focuses on the transformation of St. Petersburg from a small fishing village into a world-famous tourist destination, while simultaneously examining how this growth impacted the local Tampa Bay ecosystem.

About the Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center

Located on the over-water walkway leading to the Pier head, the Discovery Center serves as a hub for learning about the bay’s unique ecosystem. The center is designed to be interactive and hands-on, featuring:

• Exhibit Gallery: An indoor space featuring an Estuary Habitat that showcases various local species.
• Interactive Learning: Visitors can engage with video presentations, a touch tank, and docent-led tours.
• M/V Discovery: A new 45-foot Eco-Vessel used for educational field trips and on-the-water Eco-tours.

Eco-Tours and Environmental Education

Beyond the historic tours, the Discovery Center offers 75-minute Eco-tours. These excursions focus on the marine life found in and above the bay and include activities such as:

• Fisheries trawls and water quality sampling.
• Dolphin identification and bird spotting.
• Visits to mangrove shorelines and seagrass beds.

Additional Educational Programs

The Discovery Center provides a wide array of programming tailored to different age groups and interests:

For Students and Families

• Bay Babies: A monthly program for children ages 3 to 6 featuring story time, crafts, and animal encounters.
• Homeschoolers: Immersive science learning experiences held at the beginning of each month.
• Summer Camp: Seasonal programs featuring boat days and hands-on science crafts.
• Field Trips: Educational experiences available both at the center and via classroom visits.

Specialized Experiences

• Dissect & Discover: Hands-on dissections of responsibly sourced specimens, including sharks, squid, and invasive lionfish.
• Sensory Programs: Specialized activities designed for individuals on the autism spectrum or those with sensory differences.
• Art & Nature Tours: A collaboration with the MFA that explores the intersection of nature and human creativity.

Key Takeaways for Visitors

• Historic Boat Tour Duration: 2 hours.
• Eco-Tour Duration: 75 minutes.
• Location: 700 2nd Ave NE, St. Pete, FL 33701.
• Primary Focus: The intersection of St. Petersburg’s urban history and its natural marine environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I book a Historic Boat Tour?

Reservations can be made through the St. Petersburg Museum of History events calendar. Museum members typically receive early access to registration.

What can I observe at the Discovery Center?

Visitors can explore the indoor Exhibit Gallery, interact with the touch tank, and participate in various hands-on science programs depending on the calendar.

Does the center offer private events?

Yes, personalized private charters are available for corporate meetings, birthday parties, and holiday gatherings aboard their boat.