CRYSTAL RIVER ECO TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Hunting for Scallops in Crystal River: Shallow‑water Snorkel Days on Florida’s Nature Coast
An eight‑hour scallop‑snorkeling outing from Crystal River that explains where to find scallops, what to bring, and how the licensed captain runs the day.
Hunting for Scallops in Crystal River: Shallow‑water Snorkel Days on Florida’s Nature Coast.
Float over shallow sand bars in the clear Gulf waters off Florida’s Nature Coast and snorkel for wild bay scallops — a daylong outing led by Captain Charlie and the crew of Manatee Tour and Dive that mixes easy diving with up‑close encounters with coastal marine life.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Peak Scalloping Window
Scalloping season runs July 1 through September 24 — the narrow summer window when scallops are legally harvested in these waters.
Small‑Group Rides
Trips run from vessels that carry up to six people, keeping the experience intimate and easy to organize on the sand bars.
Snorkel, Spot and Grab
You’ll float quietly over grass‑lined bottoms in shallow Gulf water, scan for camouflaged scallops, then dive down to collect them by hand — a hunt reminiscent of an underwater egg roll.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
The outing is an easy, social day on the water: meet at the Crystal River launch, ride out with the captain to scallop grounds, then snorkel over sand bars in shallow, clear Gulf water searching for scallops while watching fishes, grasses and coral. The rhythm is patient — surface float, spot, dive — punctuated by bursts of excitement when a scallop is found.
THE SEASON
Peak Scalloping Window
Scalloping season runs July 1 through September 24 — the narrow summer window when scallops are legally harvested in these waters.
THE BOAT
Small‑Group Rides
Trips run from vessels that carry up to six people, keeping the experience intimate and easy to organize on the sand bars.
THE HUNT
Snorkel, Spot and Grab
You’ll float quietly over grass‑lined bottoms in shallow Gulf water, scan for camouflaged scallops, then dive down to collect them by hand — a hunt reminiscent of an underwater egg roll.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this day is best for — and who should think twice.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Scalloping season runs July 1–September 24; outings are full‑day affairs lasting approximately eight hours.
Bring a mask, snorkel and fins; other needed licensing is provided when you go with a licensed, insured captain on the trip.
Meet at the operator’s launch in Crystal River at 11 NE 4th Avenue, Crystal River, FL 34429 for the start of the eight‑hour trip.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the scallop tour?
The outing is approximately eight hours long.
When is scalloping season?
Scalloping season runs from July 1 through September 24.
Do I need a fishing license to scallop?
Florida requires a fishing license to scallop, but when you go with a licensed and insured captain, the captain provides the necessary license so you do not need to obtain one yourself.
Where do I meet for the trip?
The meeting location is 11 NE 4th Avenue, Crystal River, Florida 34429.
How many people are on each boat?
Group boats hold up to six people.