Are you planning your next escapade for scalloping in Florida? There’s so many reasons to take part of scalloping! Just to name a few:
- IT’S A FAMILY FRIENDLY ADVENTURE — stay close to shore with no hooks, bait or scuba tanks needed
- GULF WATERS ARE REFRESHING — they are clear, calm and only 3-4 feet deep allowing for an easy kick to reach the scallops
- ALL AGES CAN ENJOY — just float on the surface of the water holding the scallop bag or relax in the boat
- SCALLOPING IS A TEAM BUILDING EXPERIENCE — invite your buddies, co-workers, or in-laws
- YOU’LL BE SURROUNDED BY WILDLIFE — dolphins will jump behind the boat while seahorses and starfish keep you company underwater
- EVERYTHING IS BETTER WITH BUTTER — you get to eat your catch! Local restaurants and scallop guides can clean and cook your scallops for you
- THE QUAINT “OLD FLORIDA” FISHING TOWNS WILL HAVE YOU HOOKED — visit Apalachicola, St. Marks, Steinhatchee, Suwannee, Cedar Key, or Crystal River
Leave the big city behind and head to Florida’s Gulf Coast — where southern charm and waters full of delicious scallops await!
Florida’s Gulf coast scalloping towns are all small fishing villages big on adventure. Be very careful upon arrival as your big city stress will melt away, strangers will wave, and smiling locals will introduce themselves while bragging about their catch! Can you think of a better setting for Scalloping in Florida?
Plan ahead and hire a scalloping guide for an “only in Florida” salt life experience.
We’ve mapped every scallop guide in the state – just click here and grab your flip flops!
Professional guides will make it easy for your family, your buddies, or your (fun) in-laws to find the most productive seagrass beds – even cleaning your scallops when you get back to shore!
If you’d rather captain the boat yourself many marinas offer boats to rent – and in case you forgot anything they have all the snorkeling gear, licenses, food and drink needed for the adventure. Scalloping in Florida might be the reason you went, but don’t forget the “old Florida” towns will have you hooked. Bring your relaxed crew back to shore and continue the small town way of life by staying overnight in a small cottage or historic hotel.
So plan your trip now! Scallop season, depending on location, starts mid-June and continues through September. Load up the snorkel gear, mesh bag, dip net, sunscreen, and cooler for a bucket list summer adventure! If you bring your own boat or kayak, be sure to have a dive flag for your vessel and saltwater fishing license for those 16 years of age or older.
Be sure to visit FWC’s website before you go for up to date scallop zone information and to purchase a license. The University of Florida’s Nature Coast Biological Station’s video offers great scalloping information so be sure to watch before you throw on your flip flops.
Stay close to shore – no hooks, no bait, no scuba tanks needed!
Special thanks to Sea Hag Marina, located in the beautiful town of Steinhatchee, for providing photos of their happy customers!
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