Private Tour
Private Scalloping Charter in Crystal River – Dive for Treasure
Overview
Available languages
5 hours
Mobile ticket
Your scalloping adventure will last about 5 hours. All of your gear is included. This will be your mask, snorkel, fins, bag for collecting scallops, and your fishing license. You will snorkel the grass flats of the Gulf of Mexico hunting for the bright blue eyes of the scallops in a an Easter egg hunt suitable for families. You may harvest the lesser of 2 gallons of scallops per person or 10 gallons per boat. We provide an in-water guide on all trips to help with snorkels and to assist in your scallop hunting. All scallops collected by the guide will be yours as well. The scallops are small and very sweet. This is a private scalloping charter. We require a booking equivalent of 4 people. Additional people can be accommodated, just let us know.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
A minimum of 4 people per booking is required
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Join a private scalloping charter in Crystal River and dive into one of Florida’s most beloved summertime traditions. Hunt for sweet bay scallops in clear Gulf waters with a knowledgeable captain, all gear included. Experience Florida’s “Underwater Easter Egg Hunt” on a private scalloping charter with Crystal River Watersports. Nestled along the Nature Coast, Crystal River offers some of the clearest, calmest waters in the state—ideal for scalloping season, which runs July to mid-September. This private experience is perfect for families, couples, or small groups looking to snorkel through seagrass beds in search of tasty bay scallops. Your USCG-licensed captain will guide you to the best scalloping grounds, ensuring a safe, fun, and educational experience. All gear—mask, snorkel, fins, mesh bag, and scallop collection license—is included. You’ll also learn best practices to help preserve the local ecosystem, as we proudly operate as a certified Guardian Guide. Afterward, take your catch to a local restaurant to be cooked fresh!
What‘s Included
Masks, Fins, Snorkels, Fishing License, drinking water, cooler and ice. USCG licensed CAPT and an In-Water Guide on each trip.
Drinks
Gratuities
Meeting points
Crystal River
Crystal River United States
End points
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
Options
Afternoon
Duration: 5 hours
Reviews
21 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
July Scalloping
zenspiral,Jul 31, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I choose a private scalloping tour with my two grandsons (ages 20 and 13). Our crew were Robert and Alyssa. We could not have been happier with our experience. Though we didn't catch many scallops, we enjoyed a day on the water. We cooked and ate our catch for dinner. A wonderful experience.
Wonderful first time scallop trip
samis483,Jul 21, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Vince and Anthony were our Captain and guide. Very knowledgeable about the area, kept a close eye on other boaters for our safety, and Anthony helped ensure that everyone was successful is finding at least a scallop. It was a great first time experience!!
Very Unique and Unforgettable Experience!
Stesh2017,Sep 29, 2021
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My husband and I chose to book a private scallop tour as well as a manatee tour. We arrived at 9am, watched a safety video, got fitted for scuba suits and then headed out to the boat. Their shop is like a mini mart with things you might need such as snacks, anti nausea medicine to name a couple. There is also a bathroom. Our Captain was Captain John and he was assisted by Heather. Both Captain John and Heather were very nice and very friendly. They were also very knowledgeable. They had a cooler with ice and drinks and we were also able to bring our own cooler on board. They both were very considerate of the well being and the safety of the manatees. After swimming with manatees we headed out to the Gulf to find scallops. Best boat ride ever! Sun shining, wind blowing and great music for your entertainment! They found a spot that was around 5 feet deep, we put on our snorkeling gear and started diving down to catch the scallops. It was very easy as long as you’re comfortable swimming. After we caught some scallops we got back on the boat and Heather was nice enough to clean all of the scallops for us. She also took a ton of pictures that were available for purchase. We brought two GoPros and ended up losing one while scalloping. Both Captain John and Heather tried very hard to help us find it but we never found it. Small price to pay for an unforgettable excursion! Luckily our manatee footage was on our other GoPro. We stayed in the Orlando area and the drive was not bad at all! Definitely worth it and a must do!!!! Sandy booked us and she was VERY nice. She gave great recommendations such as wearing a rash guard so you don’t get sun burned. All around a great company! We definitely will do this again!
Dakota is the best.
jays103,Sep 24, 2021
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Dakota was so good to us. He found a lot of scallops for us and was helpful in cleaning them. I am not that good of swimmer but I snorkeled on top for most of the time. The tour was on our bucket list. We always like to do environmental things. Our captain, Jim was very informative and we found him to care for the environment. Keeping our waters clean is a must for us and this company does so. I would like to come back to see the Manatees. I would ask for these same boat personnel. They were so accomodating.
First time scallopers
Karen B,Nov 11, 2020
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Captain Judy was awesome, we had so much fun, she was knowledgeable and taught us alot about scallop
Scallops galore
826genevieved,Sep 25, 2020
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.001st time ever and loved it! Captain Vince and Don were great..looking forward to next season! Thanks for an amazing experience!
excellent
Connector29905,Aug 18, 2020
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Captain Vince and his assistant Adrienne were AWESOME!! Look forward to another trip with them. Thxs
Future repeat customers
JojoSan2s,Aug 12, 2020
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our Captain and snorkel guide were both great. They took us to different spots and we enjoyed the experience. My son had a great time and we will definitely go back again.
Awesome!
Kwoodhome,Aug 9, 2020
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great Captain and Wendy was an awesome Scalloping Guide.!Great time for all!Highly recommend!
Fun with Capt Vince and Don
sooner65,Aug 9, 2020
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great time scalloping with Capt Vince and Don. This was our first time scalloping and we had a blast. There were two of us with Don as our in water guide. Combined we can home with two gallons of great tasting scallops. We had no idea they could be eaten raw but thanks to Capt Vince and Don, we know have a new favorite way to eat scallops. I would highly recommend this fun trip. The only drawback is the website says to be at the dock by 6:30. The shop doesn’t open until 7 and you don’t actually leave until around 7:30am. There website needs to be updated.
Related Experiences
Operated by Crystal River Watersports