Kayaking Tarpon Springs: Why the Anclote River Looks Like Sweet Tea
If you’ve explored the waterways around Tarpon Springs, Florida, you may have noticed something odd: the water looks to be the color of sweet tea! However, this is no prank or stunt: read on to discover how this weird phenomenon supports life and habitat health in the Anclote River Watershed, and stay to the end to find out what kinds of wildlife thrive in this environment!
Is the Water Supposed to Look That Way?
Absolutely. The tea-colored water you see while kayaking the Anclote River isn’t a sign of pollution—it’s completely natural. The dark tint comes from tannins, organic compounds that leach into the water when leaves, pine needles, and wetland plants like mangroves decompose or drop leaves. Just like steeping tea leaves changes the color of your drink, this natural process gives the river its signature amber-brown look. For paddlers exploring Tarpon Springs, it’s part of the unique scenery that makes this area so different from the bright blue waters of the nearby Gulf
More than Just a Pretty Color: How Darker Water Benefits the Ecosystem
The stained water isn’t just for looks—it’s actually a sign of a thriving ecosystem. Tannins help keep the water slightly more acidic, discouraging harmful bacteria and parasites. The darker water also filters sunlight, which prevents algae overgrowth and creates cooler, shaded conditions for fish, crabs, and other aquatic species. When you’re out on a clear kayak tour, you’re not just floating on “sweet tea”—you’re gliding through a carefully balanced environment that connects wetlands, rivers, and estuaries into one healthy watershed.
What Kind of Wildlife Would Live Here?
Kayakers who explore the Anclote River are often surprised at the variety of wildlife living in these tannin-rich waters. Freshwater fish thrive here, alongside rich oyster beds and sprawling red mangrove islands. Shorelines are alive with herons, egrets, and ibis, and it’s not uncommon to spot osprey or bald eagles overhead. Beneath your kayak, you might catch glimpses of cownose rays, or even blue crabs darting around the seagrass. Sometimes, even dolphins can be found enjoying the cooler waters near the sponge docks as they scout the area for fish and other prey that shelter in this darker water! This biodiversity is what makes every tour unique—the “tea water” is more than a quirk, it’s a lifeline for the entire ecosystem.
Interested in seeing this phenomenon for yourself? Come take a kayak tour of the Tarpon Springs sponge docks and mangroves with us! Make sure to ask your guide to take plenty of photos along the way, too; the tannin-rich water makes for a great contrast against the blue skies in a photo!