Florida Scalloping Adventures with Reel Native
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Dive for premium scallops in Florida's clear watersSmall group experience with maximum six guests aboardMarine facilities available for postdive scallop cleaning
Picture yourself diving into crystal-clear Florida waters, searching for those beautiful fan-shaped shells that hold some of the sweetest meat you'll ever taste. Our scalloping trips take you to the best beds along Florida's coast, where bay scallops thrive in shallow grass flats and sandy bottoms. This isn't your typical fishing charter – it's an underwater treasure hunt that gets the whole family involved. You'll spend your day snorkeling and free-diving in waist-deep to shoulder-deep water, filling your mesh bags with these prized shellfish while soaking up the Florida sun.
We keep our groups small at just 6 guests max, so you'll have plenty of room to spread out and work the scallop beds without bumping into each other. The trip starts early to beat the afternoon heat and gives you the best visibility in the water. You'll be working shallow grass flats and sandy patches where scallops love to hang out – usually in 3 to 8 feet of water that's perfect for snorkeling. The water stays pretty calm in these protected areas, making it ideal for beginners and experienced divers alike. Don't expect us to clean your catch though – that's part of the fun you'll handle back at the marina where there are proper cleaning stations set up. Most folks actually enjoy learning how to shuck and clean their own scallops, plus you'll know exactly how fresh your dinner is going to be.
You'll need to bring your own snorkel gear – mask, snorkel, and fins are essential for a successful day. A mesh bag or dive bag is crucial for collecting your scallops, and many folks like to bring gloves since you'll be reaching around rocks and grass beds. The diving technique is pretty straightforward – scallops typically sit on top of the grass or bury themselves slightly in sandy spots between the vegetation. They're not fast movers, but they will clam shut and try to swim away in a zigzag pattern when they sense you coming. The key is to move slowly and scan the bottom methodically. We work areas where the grass isn't too thick, giving you clear sight lines to spot those telltale shells. Water temperature stays comfortable through scallop season, usually in the mid-70s to low 80s, so a thin wetsuit or rash guard is all most people need.
Bay scallops are what we're after on these trips, and they're absolutely worth the effort. These beauties typically measure 3 to 4 inches across and produce sweet, tender meat that's nothing like the big sea scallops you might buy at the store. Florida bay scallops are only available during a short season that runs from early July through mid-September, making these trips a real treat for locals and visitors alike. The scallops live in shallow seagrass beds where they filter-feed on plankton and algae. What makes them fun to hunt is their behavior – when threatened, they'll rapidly clap their shells together and jet away in unpredictable directions, sometimes right into your hands if you're patient. During peak season, you can expect to find good numbers in the right spots, and Florida's daily bag limit is generous enough that most folks can take home plenty for a few good meals. The meat is incredibly sweet and delicate, perfect for quick searing or adding to pasta dishes.
This top-rated scalloping experience books up fast during the short Florida season, especially on weekends when families want to get out together. The shallow-water diving makes this perfect for kids and adults who might not be comfortable on deeper fishing charters. You'll come back with a cooler full of fresh scallops, some great stories, and probably a few underwater photos of Florida's amazing grass flats ecosystem. The combination of treasure hunting, diving, and taking home some of the world's best-tasting shellfish makes this a customer favorite that people plan their vacations around. Don't wait too long to secure your dates – scallop season waits for no one, and the best spots produce consistently throughout the summer months.
Hit the shallows aboard our well-equipped motorboat designed for serious scalloping adventures. This 6-person vessel comes loaded with everything you need to find and harvest Florida's prized bay scallops. Our fish finder will help you locate the best scallop beds, while the wireless trolling motor lets you drift silently over the grass flats without spooking marine life. Keep your catch fresh in the onboard ice box, and use the GPS to mark your hottest spots for future trips. The multimedia system keeps the crew entertained between dives. Perfect for families and groups ready to get their hands dirty hunting these sweet shellfish in Florida's crystal-clear coastal waters. Clean your haul at the marina facilities after a productive day on the water.
Horseshoe Beach, FL