Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Whitehead.
Hi Sarah, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My parents, Winston and Barbara Spurgeon, started Sarasota Bay Explorers (SBE) Sea Life Encounter eco-tours in Sarasota in 1996. They then purchased LeBarge Tropical Cruises (LTC) in 1997. I relocated to Sarasota shortly after to help manage and grow both businesses. The eco-tours became so popular that SBE had to add a second boat to our fleet to meet the demand. We continued the sunset party cruises on LeBarge and also added daytime Dolphin Watch and Sightseeing Trips. When my parents passed in 2021 and 2022, I became the owner of these very successful cruising operations that I have helped manage since their inceptions nearly 30 years ago.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
One of the biggest challenges in the marine industry is of course weather. We have faced many El Nino / La Nina years when many cruises had to be cancelled and revenues were therefore low. Last year was a huge challenge with the direct impacts of both Helene and Milton. Another big challenge has been the shift from print to electronic marketing as we have all had to keep with the times and learn new digital ways of communication and promotion.
We’ve been impressed with Sarasota Bay Explorers and LeBarge Tropical Cruises, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Sarasota Bay Explorers offers the most interactive, educational boating experience. All trips are lead by a Marine Biologist who will teach you all about the estuary and its inhabitants. We travel throughout Sarasota Bay looking for dolphins and manatees, cruise around some bird rookery islands, and use a trawl net to bring all kinds of critters aboard including seahorses, urchins, crabs, pufferfish and more.
LeBarge is the most fun and unique floating tropical island, adorned with beautiful mermaids and real palm trees. We have a fantastic team of captains, crew, narrators and musicians who all work together to create safe, memorable, fun and informative experiences for our guests. Whether you are a family wanting to see and learn all about dolphins and manatees, a local with out of town guests looking to see the beautiful homes that line the Sarasota coastline, or a couple, bachelorette, reunion, etc. party ready to enjoy the sunset with some drinks and dancing, we have a cruise so suit everyone.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
I was a fashion merchandising major with a double minor in business and theater. I feel that all of these things helped contribute to my success in these very unique boating businesses. And I met my husband Scott when he joined the Sarasota Bay Explorers team as a Captain back in the late 90s.
Contact Info:
- Website: LeBargeTropicalCruises.com and SarasotaBayExplorers.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarasotabayexplorers/#
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LeBargeTropicalCruises/#
