Discover the Joy of Scalloping in Florida’s Crystal-Clear Waters

Scalloping (or scallop harvesting) is a unique, family-friendly activity combining snorkeling and picking up bay scallops in shallow coastal waters. It’s ideal for summer vacations and offers a hands-on experience that’s fun and educational for all ages. It’s also an excellent activity to connect with marine ecosystems while creating unforgettable memories with loved ones.

Immerse yourself in wild Florida with a serene boat ride to the Gulf of Mexico along the Crystal River. Guests are likely to encounter dolphins, turtles, and numerous species of birds on their ride out. Your captain and in-water guide will happily point out any and all noteworthy critters during your adventure!

Let’s dive into the exciting world of Scalloping in Florida, offering essential tips to help you make the most of this adventure!

Why Florida Is the Perfect Place for Scalloping

Here are the key reasons why Crystal River is the ultimate destination for Scalloping:

Crystal-Clear Waters

Crystal River’s clear waters allow snorkelers to spot scallops resting on the seafloor in shallow areas easily. Their visibility also enhances the experience, making it more enjoyable for families and beginners to participate in this underwater adventure. The average depth of water in the Scallop Grounds is only five feet deep, therefore beginner snorkelers do not have a far dive down for their treasures! This can permit the whole family to have a great experience exploring the Gulf of Mexico.

Abundant Scallop Populations

Regions like Homosassa and Crystal River are known for their plentiful scallop beds, providing a rich environment for harvesting. The abundance of scallops ensures a rewarding experience for snorkelers and harvesters, whether seasoned adventurers or newcomers. The lush grass that blankets the bottom of our coast creates the ideal home for the scallops to reproduce and thrive!

The scallop limit in Crystal River, Florida is two gallons of whole scallops per person per day, or one pint of shucked scallop meat per person per day. The maximum amount of scallops a vessel can hold is 10 gallons of whole scallops or half a gallon of shucked scallop meat. These limits are in place to prevent overharvesting and maintain a healthy scallop population for future generations to enjoy!

Protected and Sustainable Areas

Florida has designated several areas for scalloping, ensuring that the practice remains sustainable. These protected regions are monitored meticulously to maintain healthy scallop populations and preserve the delicate marine ecosystem.

On our way out to the Gulf, we pass through the St. Martins Marsh Aquatic Preserve. This area was established as a preserve in 1969, housing 28,461 acres of coastal salt marshes, mud flats, oyster bars, mangrove islands, and seagrass beds. Its freshwater tributaries include two first-magnitude spring-fed rivers: the Homosassa River to the south and the Crystal River to the north, located in Citrus County.

Easy Access to Guided Tours

For those new to scallop harvesting, Birds Underwater offers numerous guided tours that make it easy to experience this exciting activity. These tours provide all the necessary gear and expert guidance, making them accessible for families, pros, and beginners. All our vessels are equipped with a certified Captain and In-water Guide to assist you with your adventure for the day. They will ensure that your snorkeling gear works properly and show you how to collect your scallops. If you ask nicely, your guides will even shuck your scallops for you to ensure that they are ready for dinner that night!

Family-Friendly Destinations

Many of Florida’s spots, such as Crystal River, offer ideal environments where children can explore and snorkel alongside adults. The combination of safety, fun, and educational opportunities makes scallop harvesting a perfect activity for family vacations.

The scallop grounds are nestled between Crystal River and Homosassa, FL, an area abundant in small reefs and copious species of fish. If time permits, the Captain will make a stop at one of the areas upon return to the dive shop to see if we can spot some Sea Turtles, Southern Stingrays, or even a small Nurse Shark!

The Scalloping Experience: What To Expect

Discussed below are the things you can expect on your first harvesting experience:

1. Gear and Preparation

Participants are equipped with essential gear to ensure safety and comfort. This includes a mask, snorkel, fins, a life vest, and a mesh bag for your catch. Guides will give a brief orientation on using the gear properly and provide safety instructions.

With the Gulf temperatures reaching the mid eighties in the summer months, wetsuits are not needed, but UPF gear is highly suggested. Birds Underwater also sells Reef Safe sunscreen at the shop, you can grab prior to heading out on the boat!

2. Snorkeling in Shallow Waters

Harvesting is typically done in shallow waters (between three to eight feet deep) where you can snorkel and spot the scallops. Snorkeling in these areas allows you to enjoy the peaceful underwater world, surrounded by seagrass beds and small fish. You can also spot other marine life, such as crabs, starfish, and the occasional sea turtle.

3. Scallop Hunting

While floating on the surface, you gently dive down to grab the scallops typically nestled in the seagrass. It’s a thrilling part of the adventure, as you must use your observation skills to find the scallops in their natural habitat. Guides often point out the best spots, making it easier to spot your catch and improve your technique. Our guides often refer to this as an “Underwater Easter Egg Hunt”!

Scallop Season in the Crystal River area takes place from July 1 – September 24. In early July, The first few weeks of the season are often ideal for scalloping. From late July to early August, there are fewer people, but the scallops are abundant and the weather is often favorable. Till the end of season: late August to early September, the scallops grow in size, but the numbers may decrease. Overall, it is always an amazing experience!

4. Scallop Identification

Learning how to properly identify scallops is an essential part of the experience. Tour guides will show you how to recognize the right species and avoid collecting other marine life. For example, bay scallops are typically small, with a fan-shaped shell ranging in color from white to yellow. This part of the activity helps ensure you harvest the correct species.

5. Post-Hunt Celebration

After a successful day of scalloping, there’s always a celebration to enjoy your catch. Many participants take their fresh scallops to local restaurants, where they can be cooked and served in various delicious ways. Some people prefer to cook them at the beach or in their lodgings, turning the hunt into a memorable culinary experience.

Book Your Adventure Today With Bird’s Underwater!

Scalloping in Florida offers a unique, hands-on experience that combines adventure, education, and the beauty of the state’s crystal-clear waters. It’s the best activity for everyone to create enjoyable memories while connecting with nature.

Don’t miss out on the adventure of a lifetime! Book your tour today with Bird’s Underwater.