Bay scallop season: July 1 – September 24
Scalloping Charters
Snorkel the grass flats and bring home dinner during Florida's bay scallop season.
4.9 from 187+ guests
Big 3 Charters runs private bay-scalloping charters out of Crystal River during Florida's open scalloping season (typically July 1 through September 24). You'll snorkel calm grass flats in 4–6 feet of water, with masks, fins, and mesh bags provided. The trip is family-friendly, hands-on, and we'll clean your scallops at the dock.
Best for
Swim + harvest
Duration
5 hours
Group
Up to 6 guests
Depart
Pete's Pier
How the trip works
- 01
Book a date in season
Florida bay scallop season is roughly July 1 – September 24.
- 02
Meet at the dock with a soft cooler
We provide gear, ice, water, and Florida licenses.
- 03
Snorkel the grass flats
Calm 4–6 ft water; mesh bag fills fast in a good patch.
- 04
Clean and ice your scallops
We rinse, ice, and bag your catch before you head home.
Who this trip is best for
- • Families with kids 6+
- • Groups that want a hands-on water day
- • First-time snorkelers
- • Anyone visiting July–September
Where we meet
Pete's Pier, 1 SW 1st Pl, Crystal River, FL 34429.
Seasonal note
Citrus County bay scallop season is open roughly July 1 – September 24; check FWC for the current year.
Three ways to book
Pick the trip that fits your day
Up to 2 Guests
5 hours · private boat
$400
private boat, flat trip rate
- Snorkel gear & mesh bags
- Ice & bottled water
- FL license covered
Up to 4 Guests
5 hours · private boat
$500
private boat, flat trip rate
- Snorkel gear & mesh bags
- Ice & bottled water
- FL license covered
- Cleaning at the dock
Up to 6 Guests
5 hours · private boat
$600
private boat, flat trip rate
Add inshore fishing block: +$250 / +$300 / +$375 (2/4/6 guests)
- Snorkel gear & mesh bags
- Ice & bottled water
- FL license covered
- Cleaning at the dock
Private boat, no shared groups. Deposit holds your date — refundable for weather.
Included
What we bring
- • Coast-Guard-licensed captain
- • Snorkel masks, fins, mesh bags
- • Florida saltwater license covered onboard
- • Ice, bottled water, dry storage
What to bring
Pack light, pack smart
- • Sunscreen (reef-safe)
- • Towel & swimsuit
- • Soft cooler for your scallops
- • Polarized sunglasses
People also ask
Common questions
When is scalloping season in Crystal River?
Florida's bay scallop season for the Citrus County zone typically runs July 1 through September 24. Check the FWC site each year for exact dates.
How much does a Crystal River scalloping charter cost?
Half-day scallop trips are $650, full-day is $850, and the scallop + fish combo is $1,050. Snorkel gear, mesh bags, ice, and water are included.
Do I need to know how to snorkel?
No. The grass flats sit in 4–6 feet of calm water and we'll get everyone comfortable before the first drop. Floats and vests are on board.
What should we bring on a scalloping charter?
A swimsuit, towel, reef-safe sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, and a soft cooler for your scallops. Everything else — gear, ice, water — is provided.
How many scallops can we keep?
Florida limits are 2 gallons whole or 1 pint of meat per person, with a maximum of 10 gallons whole per vessel per day.
Is scalloping good for families with kids?
Yes — it's one of the most popular family trips of the year. Shallow water, easy snorkeling, and you go home with dinner.
Bay scallop season: July 1 – September 24
Hold your date before it's gone.
Most weeks sell out 2–3 weeks ahead. Booking takes about a minute.