Florida Scalloping Charter with Captain Stacy
Private Trip
Cruise
Four-hour guided scalloping adventure with Captain Stacy on Gulf Coast watersSwimming and collecting fresh scallops in crystal-clear natural habitatAll equipment provided for family-friendly groups up to four guests
Picture yourself floating in the crystal-clear waters of Florida's Gulf Coast, mask down, spotting those telltale brown shells scattered across the sandy bottom. Captain Stacy's scalloping charter gives you four hours of pure fun on some of the most pristine waters along Florida's coast. This isn't your typical cruise where you just sit back and watch—you're diving right in, literally, to collect these tasty treasures yourself. With all gear provided and room for up to four passengers, it's the perfect way to spend a day on the Gulf with family or close friends.
Captain Stacy knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he'll take you to the best scalloping spots where the water stays clear and the sea grass beds are thick with Bay scallops. The cruise starts from one of Florida's Gulf Coast marinas, and within minutes you're heading to those shallow water flats where scallops love to hang out. The whole experience feels relaxed and friendly—think of it as a floating adventure rather than a formal charter. You'll anchor up in water that's typically 3-8 feet deep, perfect for snorkeling and easy enough for kids to handle. The boat provides a stable platform to gear up, rest between dives, and sort through your catch. Captain Stacy keeps the group small at just four people, so everyone gets personal attention and plenty of space to enjoy the experience.
Everything you need comes with the trip—mask, snorkel, fins, and mesh bags for collecting your scallops. Captain Stacy will give you a quick rundown on how to spot scallops and the proper way to harvest them. The technique is pretty straightforward: you'll snorkel along the grass beds, looking for those distinctive fan-shaped shells. When you spot one, you simply swim down and gently pick it up. The fun part is watching them swim—scallops can actually jet through the water by rapidly opening and closing their shells. Don't worry if you're new to snorkeling; these waters are calm and clear, making it easy to get comfortable. The boat stays anchored nearby, so you're never far from a place to rest or grab a drink. Captain Stacy keeps an eye on everyone and knows all the local regulations, including size limits and season dates, so you can focus on the fun part.
Bay scallops are the stars of this cruise, and Florida's Gulf Coast hosts some of the best scalloping in the country. These little guys are typically 3-4 inches across when fully grown, with beautiful ribbed shells that range from brown to orange. What makes them so special is their sweet, delicate meat—nothing like the larger sea scallops you might find in restaurants. Bay scallops are surprisingly active creatures with dozens of tiny blue eyes along their shell edges that help them detect movement and shadows. When they sense danger, they'll clap their shells together and shoot backward through the water in quick bursts. The scalloping season runs from early July through September, with peak numbers usually hitting in late July and August. During this time, they're found in shallow sea grass beds where they feed on plankton and algae. What guests love most is how accessible they are—no deep diving required, just a quick duck dive to the bottom and you've got dinner. Plus, watching kids discover these "swimming shells" for the first time never gets old.
This top-rated scalloping charter fills up fast during peak season, especially weekends, so don't wait too long to secure your spot. Captain Stacy's local knowledge and relaxed approach make this trip perfect for families looking to try something new or friends wanting a fun day on the water. You'll head home with a cooler full of fresh scallops and some great stories from your day on Florida's Gulf Coast. The memories of floating in those clear waters and the taste of fresh scallops that evening make this cruise a customer favorite year after year. Give Captain Stacy a call and get ready for a hands-on Gulf adventure that's way more fun than any regular sightseeing cruise.
Captain Stacy's 24-foot Carolina Skiff Sea Chaser is your perfect companion for hunting scallops in Florida's Gulf waters. This center console beauty was completely restored in 2023 and packs a powerful 250HP Yamaha engine that'll get you to the prime scalloping beds quickly and smoothly. The boat's shallow draft design lets us navigate those crystal-clear nearshore waters where the best scallops hide. With an onboard icebox, your cold drinks stay refreshing while you're out swimming and collecting dinner. The GPS keeps us on track to the hottest spots, while the fish finder helps locate underwater structure where scallops love to hang out. Built for comfort with space for up to 4 scallop hunters, this skiff handles the Gulf's gentle swells like a dream and gets you back to shore with your fresh catch in no time.
St Marks, FL