Crystal River Scalloping | Salty Day Charters

Half Day Scalloping Adventure in Crystal River

Ready for a splash of underwater fun in Crystal River? Captain David's half-day scalloping trips are the perfect way to cool off and create some unforgettable memories. Whether you're a local looking for a new weekend activity or a visitor wanting to experience the best of Florida's Nature Coast, this trip has something for everyone. Grab your snorkel gear and get ready to dive into crystal-clear waters in search of these tasty treasures of the sea!

Trip Overview

Our half-day scalloping trips are all about having a good time on the water while hunting for your own seafood dinner. We'll cruise out to the best scalloping spots in Crystal River, where the water's so clear you can see right to the bottom. It's like an underwater Easter egg hunt, but instead of eggs, you're searching for delicious bay scallops hiding in the seagrass. This trip is perfect for families, friends, or anyone who loves being in the water. You don't need to be an expert swimmer or diver – if you can snorkel, you can scallop!

What to Expect on the Water

Scalloping is pretty straightforward, but there's definitely a knack to it. Once we reach our spot, you'll gear up with your mask, snorkel, and fins (remember to bring your own for health reasons). Then it's time to hop in! The water's usually about 3 to 6 feet deep, so it's easy to dive down when you spot a scallop. Look for their blue eyes peeking out from the grass – once you see your first one, you'll be hooked. We provide mesh bags for you to collect your catch. Captain David will be on hand to give you tips and make sure everyone's having a blast. It's a real team effort, and there's nothing like the excitement of showing off your haul back on the boat.

Why Scallopers Keep Coming Back

Folks love our scalloping trips because it's such a unique way to spend time on the water. It's active, but not too strenuous – perfect for all ages. Plus, there's something special about harvesting your own food. Many of our guests tell us it's the highlight of their Florida vacation. The waters around Crystal River are teeming with scallops during the season, so your chances of success are high. And let's be honest, who doesn't love an excuse to spend a few hours splashing around in the Gulf? It's a real "Florida experience" that you can't get just anywhere.

Species You'll Want to Hook

While we're focused on bay scallops on this trip, Crystal River's waters are home to a variety of marine life that makes the experience even more exciting. The bay scallop (Argopecten irradians) is the star of the show. These little bivalves are masters of camouflage, blending in with the seagrass beds where they live. But once you spot their electric blue eyes (yep, scallops have eyes!), you'll be amazed at how quick they can be. They use jet propulsion to scoot away if they sense danger, so it can turn into a fun game of underwater tag.

As you're scanning the seafloor for scallops, keep an eye out for other critters too. You might see graceful stingrays gliding by, curious hermit crabs scuttling along, or even a sea turtle if you're lucky. The seagrass beds are like underwater forests, full of life. Colorful tropical fish dart in and out of the grass, and you might spot some larger fish like redfish or trout hanging around the edges. It's like snorkeling in a real-life aquarium!

Time to Book Your Spot

If you're itching to try your hand at scalloping, now's the time to lock in your trip. Remember, the Crystal River scalloping season is short – just July 1st to September 25th – and spots fill up fast. This half-day trip is the perfect intro to scalloping, giving you enough time to get the hang of it and hopefully bag a nice haul. Whether you're a seasoned scalloper or a first-timer, Captain David will make sure you have a great day on the water.

So grab your snorkel gear, round up your crew (we can take up to six people), and get ready for a uniquely Florida adventure. There's nothing quite like the satisfaction of diving down and snagging your own scallops, then heading home with the makings of an amazing seafood dinner. Book your Crystal River scalloping trip now and get ready to make some splashy memories!