Crystal River Scalloping Charters
2025 Season runs July 1st-September 24th
Crystal River Scallop Season: A Fun Family Saltwater Activity In Florida
From July to September, people from all over Florida flock to the crystal clear waters of Crystal River for the annual scallop season. Here, families make memories while snorkeling in 3-7′ water, collecting and harvesting these delicious bivalves. Thanks to our waters' perfect salinity, temperature, and sediment levels, the bay scallops thrive, making Crystal River the best place for scalloping in the Gulf of Mexico. Join us for a great aquatic Easter egg hunt!
An Unforgettable Aquatic Easter Egg Hunt
First, our boat will take you to the scalloping grounds, where each guest will receive top-quality Cressi snorkeling gear. Once in the water, keep an eye out for scallop shells, oftentimes with "blue eyes" revealing their location. Grab scallops by hand or with a dipnet and store them in your mesh bag. Stay in one area if you find a scallop, as there are usually more in the vicinity. Our Captain will keep track of your limit. We also have a fresh water wash down system on the boat for guests to rinse down afterwards.
Once back at the dock, you can have your catch cleaned by our expert scallop cleaners. Crystal River is also home to numerous restaurants eager to cook your bounty. Don't miss your chance to create lasting memories with family and friends on this thrilling adventure!
A Mini Eco-Tour
During your Crystal River scallop adventure, you'll get the chance to spot lots of fascinating marine creatures. It's like a mini-eco tour! Keep your eyes peeled for Manatees, Dolphins, Turtles, Otters, Bald Eagles, Cormorants, Anhingas, Osprey, and Pelicans. When you dive into the saltwater, you'll be treated to stunning views of shallow reefs, filled with sponges, hard corals, fish, conchs, starfish, sea turtles, octopus, seahorses, and stone crabs in the Gulf of Mexico.
Who can go Scalloping?
Scalloping is a fantastic family-friendly activity in Crystal River. However, note that swimming ability is essential. You'll also need to get in and out of the boat using a dive ladder, which might be challenging if you have had knee or shoulder problems. If there are any major health risks, it is advisable to consult your doctor before scalloping. Kids are welcome but must be guided by a parent or guardian. Also, you can bring your flotation devices (noodles, floats, arm rings) if you like.
Meeting Location & Cook Your Catch
Our meeting location is “Shrimp Landing Seafood” which is located down fort island trail in Crystal River. The full service marina also features a food truck that can cook up your
catch after our trip. Open 11am to 6pm it's a great place to stop for lunch even if you aren't fishing with us.
Lets go Scalloping! Book your trip today!
What's Provided?
Fishing license, Cressi masks, fins, snorkels, collection bags, and cooler space for your drinks/food.
What Should I Bring?
It’s recommended for guests to bring a small cooler, drinks, snacks, sunblock, hat, and sunglasses for their trip. If you have snorkeling gear you’re used to absolutely feel free to bring it. (Yes, alcoholic beverages are ok.)
What Shouldn't I Bring?
Illegal drugs, spray sunblock, pets.
Rates & Charters
Private half day scalloping trip
These trips start at 7:30am and 12pm. Morning trips typically have better weather. However, the afternoon sun often helps guests spot the scallops!
- 1-2 Guests - $500
- 3-4 Guests - $550
- 5-6 Guests - $600
Groups larger than 6 require a second boat
- 7-8 Guests - $1,100
- 9 Guests- $1,150
- 10-12 Guests $1,200
Have more than 12? We'll work with other charter boats at the marina to get everyone out there!
Private full day fish & scallop combo
A very popular trip in the summer as we typically do some
light tackle fishing until the Florida sun starts cooking us then travel to the scallop grounds to cool off.
- 1-3 Guests - $900
- 4 Guests - $1,000
- 5 Guests - $1,100
- 6 Guests - $1,200
Book your charter today!
2025 Crystal River Scalloping Regulations
Our season runs July 1st-September 24th. It’s recommended to book early as this is the busiest time of year for us.
Daily bag limit is 2 gallons whole bay scallops in shell, or 1 pint of bay scallop meat per person. Maximum of 10 gallons of whole bay scallops in shell, or 1/2 gallon bay scallop meat per vessel.
Recreational collection is the only way you can experience Bay Scallops (Argopecten irradians). They are not commercially dredged, commercially collected, or commercially sold.
More information regarding scalloping regulations can be found on the Florida Fish and Wildlife site: https://myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/recreational/bay-scallops/
Crystal River Scalloping Reports
WHY BOOK A SCALLOPING TRIP WITH US?
Time in the water
We depart from the last marina in town so we have the shortest ride to/from the scalloping flats. Giving guests more time in the water! Expect 3hrs of swimming time available on our 4hr trips.
We provide gear
If you have your own snorkeling gear then great! If not we have you covered. Quality Cressi snorkels, masks, and fins are provided. Sanitized after each trip of course. Collection bags and nets (if needed) as well.
The vessels
The summer heat out there can be brutal. Our scalloping boats have ample shade when the sun starts cooking. We also have cushioned seating for the ride in and out. We even have a freshwater wash down system to rinse the saltwater off. Plus with faster boats we get you out to the scalloping grounds quickly!
Scallop Cleaning
If you don't want to to clean your own scallops we'll shuck them out for you at the marina.
Offering Inshore, Flats, Light Tackle, Offshore, Deep Sea Scalloping, and Grouper fishing charters we have all your fishing needs covered here at High Octane Fishing Charters.