Tampa Shore Excursions
Florida Aquarium
Both young and old will marvel at the plethora of sea creatures at the Florida Aquarium. Exhibits include Wetlands, Dragons Down Under, Ocean Commotion, Explore A Shore and No Bone Zone. There are also special activities on offer like Wild Dophin Ecotour and Shark Feeding behind the Scenes. The Aquarium is sited beside cruise terminal 3.
SS American Victory
The cargo vessel SS American Victory sailed in WWII, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. Today it has been restored by volunteers into a fascinating maritime museum. Come up the gang plank and check out nearly the whole ship including a hospital ward, radio equipment room, the Captain's quarters, cargo equipment and the engine bay. The SS American Victory is anchored at a quay close by the Florida Aquarium.
Channelside Bay Plaza
The ively Channelside development offers lots of eateries, entertainment venues, bars and shops, including an IMAX theater and a bowling alley.
Tampa Riverwalk
Experience the major highlights of the city and panoramic views across the Hillsborough river by hiking the newly promoted Tampa Riverwalk. As the route hugs the riverside it visits lots of sites including The Florida Aquarium, American Victory Ship, Cruise Ship Terminal 2, USF Park, MacDill Park, Florida Museum Of Photographic Arts and the Tampa Museum of Art.
Henry B Plant Museum
The railroad entrepreneur Henry B Plant commissioned the fabulous Tampa Bay hotel as a destination for winter visitors to Tampa. It’s lavishly constructed in a similar style to a Arabian palace, with finishing flourishes of Victorian stonework. Today the hotel building is mainly occupied by the University of Tampa, but it also houses the very educative Henry B Plant Museum, which details the life of the famous entrepreneur.
Ybor City State Museum
Cuban-styled Ybor City is one of just two National Historic Landmark Districts in Florida. Ybor City’s red-brick buildings, narrow alleys and iron balconies offer an insight into 19th century charm. Drop in at a bar with flamenco dancers, or buy a hand-made cigar at a characterful shop. Several stops of the original Teco streetcar are close by the cruise port and take you to Ybor city.
Busch Gardens Theme Park
At Busch Gardens you’ll be able to frighten yourself on hair raising roller coasters, enjoy up-close encounters with uncommon animals, go on a memorable trek across the untamed African plains and watch a show with professional entertainment. Busch Gardens is located 8 miles north of the cruise terminals.
Cruising Resources