Picking bay scallops on the grass flats

Picking bay scallops on the grass flats, July through September.

July to September • All ages • Up to 6 guests

Crystal River & Homosassa scalloping charters

Scalloping tours out of Crystal River and Homosassa: snorkel the grass flats and pick bay scallops by hand. Masks, snorkels, bags and the license are on the boat. No experience needed.

From $600 per boat

5.0 on TripadvisorLicensed & insuredPrivate, priced per boat

Check open dates Call (352) 577-4084

At a glance

Length
Half day
Guests
Up to 6
Boat
23’ Carolina Skiff
Season
July to September
Departs
Pete’s Pier, Crystal River
Price
From $600 per boat

“Fish” by hand

Crystal River and Homosassa are the scalloping capital of Florida. From the July opener through September, Capt. Tanner runs you out to the grass flats where the water is waist to chest deep and warm as a bath, hands everyone a mask, snorkel and mesh bag, and you swim the grass picking scallops off the bottom.

It is the easiest day on the water a family can have. Kids as young as four do it with a life jacket, grandparents do it, and the boat is right there the whole time. On a good day you limit out in a couple of hours and Tanner cleans the catch at the dock so you can cook it that night.

Best for

  • Families with kids, the younger the better
  • Groups of friends who want a day in the water, not just on it
  • Anyone visiting Crystal River in summer who has never scalloped
  • Non-anglers in a fishing family

Not the right trip if

  • You want to fish (ask about a fish-and-scallop combo instead)
  • Your dates are outside July to September
  • Nobody in the group wants to get in the water

Pick your group size

Same boat, same flats, same half day. The price steps with the number of guests.

  • Up to 2 guests

    A couple or a parent and kid.

    per boat$600
  • Up to 4 guests

    The family trip. Four masks, four bags and plenty of deck space for the cooler.

    per boat$700
  • Up to 6 guests

    Two families or a group of friends. Six is the boat limit.

    per boat$800

Price by group size

Up to 2Up to 4Up to 6
Half day$600$700$800

Priced per boat by group size, not per person. Six guests max. $100 deposit holds your date; balance after the trip.

Scalloping in Homosassa, FL: what you need to know

Scalloping is simple. These are the four things everyone asks.

  • Bay scallops

    Season opens July 1, runs into September

    Small, sweet and plentiful on the grass flats in four to six feet of water. You spot the blue eyes and pick them up.

  • Limits

    2 gallons whole per person • 10 per boat

    Florida limits are generous. A good day fills everyone’s bag by lunch.

  • Gear on the boat

    Masks, snorkels, fins, mesh bags

    Everything to get in the water is provided, plus the saltwater license that covers everyone on board.

  • Swimming

    Waist to chest deep

    Life jackets for the kids, a dive flag on the boat and Tanner within shouting distance the whole time.

Scallop season in Homosassa and Crystal River

Scalloping out of Crystal River, July through September. Click any photo to open the gallery.

The boat

The 23-foot Carolina Skiff set up for scalloping

23’ Carolina Skiff

Up to 6 guests • Shade • Ladder and dive flag

Wide and stable with a big open deck, shade for the ones taking a break and a ladder for getting back aboard. Room for six people, six bags and the cooler.

What’s included and what to bring

Included

  • Saltwater license covering everyone on board
  • Masks, snorkels, fins and mesh bags
  • Life jackets for the kids
  • Ice and a cooler for the catch
  • Scallop cleaning at the dock
  • Bottled water

Bring

  • Swimsuit and a towel
  • Reef-safe sunscreen and a rash guard
  • Water shoes
  • Snacks and drinks
  • Cash for the 20% tip

What anglers say

  5.0 on Tripadvisor

★★★★★

“Amazing trip!”

The captain was so knowledgeable regarding everything. He knew about the plant life as well as marine life. He knew the water channels like the back of his hand.

Sherry T.
★★★★★

“The best day!”

Tanner was very knowledgeable and took us right to the fish! He spent a lot of time explaining our surroundings and was very personable.

Reneholt4
Read every review on Tripadvisor ›

Before you book

Do I need a license?
No. The boat’s saltwater license covers everyone on board for scalloping.
Can young kids do it?
Yes. Kids as young as four scallop in a life jacket with a parent. The water is shallow and warm.
Do I need to be a strong swimmer?
No. You float over the grass in waist to chest-deep water and the boat is always close.
Can we fish too?
Ask Tanner about a fish-and-scallop combo morning. Scallop season overlaps good inshore fishing.

Book a scallop trip

Pick a length, pick a date. $100 deposit holds it; the balance is due after the trip.

Check open dates Call (352) 577-4084

Other trips with Capt. Tanner

Every trip is private and priced per boat. See all trips on the Charters page.

Call Book
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