Snorkeling & Scalloping: Florida's Nature Coast Private Charter

Hunt for scallops in the seagrass while snorkeling the gulf shallows

A private scalloping charter on Florida's Nature Coast puts you in the water with mask, fins and a scallop bag to hunt for bay scallops in the seagrass beds. A guide in the water helps you spot them and shows you how to dive down and collect them. The boat leaves Ms Fins Oarhouse Marina, travels 25 minutes to the Scallop Grounds, and returns after 5 hours with your catch packed in ice.

The experience

The charter runs from Ms Fins Oarhouse Marina on a 26ft tritoon with a covered bimini top and room for up to six guests. The boat ride to the Scallop Grounds takes about 25 minutes. Once there, you gear up with a mask, snorkel, fins and a scallop bag, all provided, and slip into the water. What follows is less like a typical snorkel and more like an underwater easter egg hunt: you scan the seagrass for the outline of a scallop shell, dive down when you spot one, grab it, and drop it in your bag. An in-water guide travels with the group to help newer snorkelers find their rhythm and teach you the tricks for locating and catching scallops.

The scallop limit in Citrus County is up to 2 gallons per person, with a 10-gallon vessel cap, so the goal is to fill your share. Two coolers aboard keep scallops on ice in one and your food and drinks in the other. Bring lunch and snacks if you want. Complimentary photos of the day come with the charter, and the guide speaks English throughout. Charters run twice daily from July 1st through September 24th, the short scallop season when the water conditions are right.

Everything you need is included: snorkel gear, fishing licenses, bottled water, and the guide's expertise. The only things to arrange separately are parking at the pier (a $10 fee) and gratuities for the captain and guide if you choose to leave them.

What’s included

• All snorkel gear (mask, snorkel, fins, scallop bags).
• fishing licenses.
• bottled water.
• complimentary photos of your day.
• an in-water guide to teach you scalloping technique.

Information

Lasts 5h, from US$ 300 per person, with a live guide in English, as a private tour and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesNext departure: 17 Jul 202712 departing soon ›

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Book up to12h before

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Good to know

Moderate physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Suncoast Scalloping

Is this one for you?This is a private charter for up to six people, so your group has the boat and guide to yourselves: ideal if you want to set your own pace and ask questions without a crowd around. The in-water guide means you're not figuring out scalloping alone, which suits anyone new to snorkeling or diving for shellfish.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

8 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What exactly do I do when I'm in the water scalloping?

You snorkel along the surface looking down into the seagrass for scallop shells, then dive down to collect the ones you spot and place them in your bag. The in-water guide shows you how to find them and demonstrates the diving technique, so first-timers learn as they go.

How long is the boat ride to where the scallops are?

The Scallop Grounds are about 25 minutes from Ms Fins Oarhouse Marina, where the charter departs and returns.

What if I've never snorkeled before?

The charter welcomes both seasoned scallopers and first-time snorkelers. An in-water guide is included on every trip to help you get comfortable with the gear and teach you how to spot and catch scallops.

When can I book a scalloping charter?

Charters run from July 1st through September 24th, with morning and afternoon departures available. Scallop season is short, so availability fills quickly.

What happens to the scallops I catch?

Your catch stays on ice in a dedicated cooler aboard the boat throughout the charter, so they're fresh when you return to the marina.