When visiting the city of Tampa, Florida, you will find a lot of interesting ways to spend your time. While exploring different parts of the city and the general area on your own is advised, you're also encouraged to consider adding a few organized tours to the agenda. Tampa tours offer something for everyone, and they come in all shapes and sizes. While some stick to land, others involve heading out to sea; Tampa sits on Tampa Bay, which is the state's largest open-water estuary, and you can bet that boat tours are popular. Most Tampa Bay tours that involve boating also involve watching for wildlife, and you're bound to spot dolphins, manatees, and a wide variety of bird species, among other fascinating creatures. Find your ideal tour in Tampa, and see how much depth it can add to your upcoming visit.

If you haven't done research ahead of time when it comes to Tampa tours, you can always head to the Tampa Bay Visitor Information Center to get some information. You can find this informative center at 3601 E. Busch Blvd., just opposite Busch Gardens. While at the center, you might start by booking a bus tour. Bus tours are among the most affordable Tampa Bay tours, and they often include trips through downtown Tampa, the historic Ybor City area, and parts of the surrounding area. If you are interested, you can book a bus tour in Tampa that not only includes Tampa proper, but nearby St. Petersburg as well. In addition to learning about both of these cities on an extended bus tour, you can also pass by some of the best area beaches, including Clearwater Beach. A Tampa bus tour can even see you heading to Orlando or Sarasota, both of which also deserve a look when vacationing in central Florida.

In addition to going by bus, those who want to enjoy Tampa tours that involve sightseeing can also go on foot. A walking tour in historic Ybor City is bound to please, whether you have a guide or are on your own, and walks along the Hillsborough River and Tampa Bay should prove to be relaxing. If you want to get out on the water when it comes to your Tampa Florida tour, there are an array of attractive boat tours to choose from. While some stay on Tampa Bay and the Hillsborough River, others involve cruising on the Gulf of Mexico. All of the area waters are ideal for fishing, so you might book a guided fishing trip, which is essentially a sightseeing boat tour that includes the chance to cast your line.

Tampa Map

Canoeing and kayaking are two other forms of touring the waters in and around Tampa, and they often fall under the distinction of eco tours, which are growing in popularity in Florida and elsewhere. You can learn a lot about the native flora and fauna when you enjoy a canoe or kayak tour in Tampa, and self-guided tours are available if you want to go it alone. Weighing the options when it comes to Tampa Bay tours is a good idea, as you're bound to come across some very intriguing options.

When looking for Tampa tours that are ideal for you, it's a good idea to think outside of the box a little. At Big Cat Rescue, for example, you can enjoy a 90-minute guided walking tour where you'll learn about the lions, tigers, and other felines protected at this sanctuary, which is also one of Tampa's top attractions. It seems that every city in the South offers ghost tours, and Tampa is no different, so you might look to add one of them to your list of things to do as well. Maybe a jet ski tour will pique your interest, or perhaps a dolphin cruise that departs from the Florida Aquarium will be ideal. Finding your ideal tour in Tampa shouldn't take long, and chances are good that you'll find more than one to suit your fancy.