Hillsborough River Wildlife Tour with Tampa Water Limo
Difficulty
easy
Duration
3 hours
Fitness Level
Minimal physical fitness required; suitable for all ages and capacities.
Overview
Navigate Tampa’s Hillsborough River with Tampa Water Limo on a 3-hour wildlife and history tour. Spot dolphins, manatees, and alligators while uncovering hidden Civil War sites and secret tunnels along the river.
North River Run
3 Hours • Upriver and points along the way • Up to 6 Passengers
Select participants and date
About This Adventure
Embark on a captivating 3-hour tour through the Hillsborough River's narrow passages, rich with wildlife and history. Discover Florida's oldest shipyard from the Civil War and explore the intriguing "bootlegger house" with its hidden tunnels. Keep an eye out for dolphins, alligators, and manatees in this unforgettable adventure.
Duration
3 Hours
About
With the ability to clear all bridges on the Hillsborough, this tour will navigate north away from downtown and into the narrow river passages full of wildlife. We will pass several sites, including the oldest shipyard in Florida that supported vessels during the Civil War, as well as the “bootlegger house” with secret tunnels, a cockfighting ring and escape routes still a part of the architecture.
As a brackish river, this tour will take the guest into the Sulphur Springs headwaters to a turn around point near the historic water tower. Wildlife sightings might include porpoise, alligators, manatee, stingray, and bull shark pups during the breeding seasons.
Traditional gratuity of 20% is not included.
More Info
Please apply sunscreen at the dock. No spray sunscreen permitted onboard.
Adventure Tips
Apply reef-safe sunscreen before boarding
To protect both your skin and the river’s ecosystem, apply sunscreen before the tour; spray sunscreens are prohibited on the boat.
Bring binoculars for wildlife viewing
Binoculars enhance spotting distant wildlife like dolphins and alligators along narrow river passages.
Wear layers for changing conditions
Mornings can be cool on the water, but the sun warms quickly—dress in lightweight layers to stay comfortable.
Keep your camera ready
Wildlife is unpredictable—have your camera set for quick shots of manatees and historic structures along the riverbanks.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Manatees gliding beneath the surface
- Porpoises often spotted swimming alongside the boat
History
The oldest shipyard in Florida on the Hillsborough River supported Civil War vessels and remains a key historical site along the tour.
Conservation
Tampa Water Limo emphasizes eco-friendly boating practices to protect the brackish water ecosystem and its resident species.
Select participants and date
Adventure Hotspots in Tampa
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Reef-safe sunscreen
Protects your skin without harming the river’s delicate ecosystem.
Polarized sunglasses
Reduces glare on water, improving visibility for wildlife spotting.
Binoculars
Allows detailed views of animals and distant river features.
Light jacket or windbreaker
Keeps you warm against river breezes, especially in cooler seasons.
fall|spring|winter specific