Florida Scalloping Charter with Captain Stacy
Private Trip
Cruise
4hour guided scalloping adventure with Captain StacySwim crystalclear waters collecting fresh scallops naturallyAll gear provided for familyfriendly Gulf Coast experience
Picture this: you're floating in gin-clear Gulf waters, mask on, fins kicking, spotting those telltale shells scattered across the sandy bottom. Captain Stacy's 4-hour scalloping charter puts you right in the heart of Florida's Gulf Coast scalloping grounds, where these sweet mollusks hang out in shallow grass flats just waiting to be discovered. This isn't your typical cruise where you sit back and watch the world go by—you're diving in, literally, for a hands-on adventure that gets the whole family involved. With gear provided and just four guests max, you'll have plenty of room to spread out and make this Gulf adventure your own.
Captain Stacy knows these Gulf waters like the back of his hand, and he'll cruise you out to the prime scalloping spots where the grass beds are thick and the visibility is crystal clear. The beauty of scalloping season along Florida's Gulf Coast is that you're working in relatively shallow water—usually 3 to 8 feet deep—so even novice snorkelers feel comfortable. Once you anchor up over a good bed, it's mask and snorkel time. You'll slip into water that's typically in the mid-80s during peak season, with visibility that often stretches 20 feet or more. The grass flats create this underwater garden effect, and scallops love to nestle in among the turtle grass and manatee grass. Captain Stacy stays close by, pointing out productive areas and helping first-timers get the hang of spotting those distinctive fan-shaped shells. The cruise keeps a relaxed pace—no rushing, no pressure—just good old-fashioned fun on the Gulf.
Don't worry about hauling a bunch of equipment—Captain Stacy's got you covered with masks, snorkels, and fins in various sizes. He also provides mesh bags for your scallop haul, which is key because you want something that drains well and doesn't weigh you down as you swim. The technique is pretty straightforward: you're essentially doing a casual treasure hunt along the bottom. Scallops can't actually swim away like fish, but they can clap their shells and scoot a few feet when startled, so a gentle approach works best. Look for that classic scallop shell profile sitting on top of the grass or nestled down in the sand. Some folks like to use a dive flag while they're working an area, and Captain Stacy can set that up if conditions call for it. The Gulf's gentle current and protected bays make this perfect water for beginners, while experienced snorkelers can cover more ground and really fill their bags. You'll quickly get into a rhythm of surface diving, scooping up your finds, and popping back up to breathe.
Bay scallops are the stars of this show, and they're about as Florida Gulf Coast as it gets. These little guys typically measure 3 to 4 inches across, with those beautiful ridged shells that range from brown and tan to almost purple. What makes Florida bay scallops special is their incredibly sweet meat—much more tender than the larger sea scallops you see in restaurants. They're filter feeders, pumping water through their shells and dining on tiny plankton and algae, which gives them that clean, briny flavor. Scalloping season runs from July through September, with August often being the sweet spot when populations peak. Unlike oysters or clams that stay put, scallops can actually see you coming with their dozens of tiny blue eyes around the shell edge, and they'll clap shut and jet away if you're too aggressive. That's what makes the hunt fun—you need a little stealth and quick hands. The daily bag limit is generous at 2 gallons of whole scallops per person, or 1 pint of scallop meat, so there's plenty of opportunity to take home a serious seafood feast. Kids especially love the challenge of spotting them, and there's something magical about finding your own dinner on the Gulf floor.
Captain Stacy's scalloping charter hits that perfect sweet spot—small enough to feel personal, big enough to bring the family, and guided by someone who really knows these Gulf waters. You're not just getting a ride to the scallop beds; you're getting local knowledge, quality gear, and the kind of relaxed atmosphere that makes for great memories. Whether you're a Florida local looking to try something new or visiting from out of state, this 4-hour cruise gives you a genuine taste of Gulf Coast culture. Just pack some snacks and drinks, bring sunscreen, and get ready to work up an appetite snorkeling these productive flats. The scallops you collect today could be tonight's dinner, pan-seared with a little butter and garlic. That's the kind of fresh-to-table experience that keeps people coming back to Florida's Gulf Coast, season after season.
Step aboard our beautifully restored 24-foot Carolina Skiff Sea Chaser for your scalloping adventure along Florida's Gulf Coast. This sleek center console boat was completely refreshed in 2023 and features a powerful 250HP Yamaha engine that delivers smooth cruising at speeds up to 55 knots. With room for up to 4 guests, you'll have plenty of space to move around while hunting for scallops in the shallow grass beds. The onboard fish finder helps Captain Stacy locate the best scalloping spots, while GPS navigation ensures we reach prime areas efficiently. An icebox keeps your snacks and drinks perfectly chilled during the 4-hour trip. The boat's shallow draft design makes it ideal for accessing those crystal-clear waters where scallops love to hide, and the center console layout provides easy entry and exit for swimming and collecting your catch.
St Marks, FL