Q: What is scalloping?

A: Scalloping is part saltwater fishing, part snorkeling, and part Easter-egg hunt. Recreational harvesting of the Florida Bay Scallop is conducted in the Gulf of Mexico in between 4 and 8 feet of water. For more about the Bay Scallop, visit our learning lagoon. For more information on scalloping, read on!

Q: What equipment do I need to go scalloping?

A: You’ve got options for scalloping in Citrus County. You can do it yourself, or you can go out on a scalloping tour.  Keep in mind that if you choose a tour, these reputable guides and tour operators can set you up with the equipment you need and provide everything from the boat and cooler to the fishing license for your group.

If you’re a do-it-yourself scalloper that’s missing something from the list below, check out the resources on our website for boat rentals and scalloping/snorkeling gear, and visit the FWC website to get your fishing license if you don’t already have one.

The following is a list of what you’ll need in order to have the best scalloping experience:

• A snorkel & mask
• A mesh bag to gather your catch
• A boat to get to the scalloping grounds
• A dive flag to indicate swimmers in the water.
• A container to hold the scallops until you are ready to clean them. A cooler with ice is helpful to keep them fresh while you’re on the water. The ice can also help many of the scallops open up which will make cleaning them easier. Having a gallon bucket can also help you keep track of your limits.
• A Florida saltwater fishing license
• An awareness of the limits – 2 gallons in the shell or 1 pint of scallop meats per person per day. No more than 10 gallons total in the shell or 1/2 gallon of scallop meats for the whole boat, regardless of the number of people aboard.
• A scallop/clam/oyster knife for cleaning the scallops (a teaspoon also works well), and a zip-top bag to hold the cleaned scallop meats.

Q: How much will a scalloping tour cost?

A: Scalloping tours are conducted by many businesses in the area, and prices do vary. The average price is $50 per person with a $200 minimum. Only have two or three in your group and don’t want to pay the minimum? Many companies have the option to mix parties, so ask your guide or contact the tourism office for recommendations. Don’t forget to peruse the Crystal Cash Coupons and Scalloping Specials sections of our website for special offers on lodging, dining, and more!

Q: Where are the scallops and how do I get there?

A: Scallops can be found most abundantly in Homosassa Bay, south of Crystal River, FL. Scallopers can get to this area by leaving from any public boat launch or marina in Crystal River or Homosassa. Travel time is slightly shorter if you leave from Homosassa. To get to the scalloping grounds, boaters should follow the marked channel along the Homosassa River or the Crystal River. Upon leaving the river and entering the Gulf of Mexico, the scalloping grounds will be immediately apparent by the other boats that have already begun and the dive flags indicating snorkelers in the water. If you want more specific information, contact the tourism office to request a copy of the Florida Bay Scallop Recreational Harvesting Guide and the Boating & Angling Guide to Citrus County. 

Q: Can I reach the scallops by land?

A: No. Citrus County’s scalloping grounds are located in the Gulf of Mexico and only accessible by boat.

Q: Where can I stay while on my scalloping trip?

A: For a complete list of Hotels, Motels, Campgrounds/RV Parks, Bed & Breakfasts, and Private Rentals in our area, visit the Lodging section of our website. The properties close to the water in Homosassa or Crystal River will have the most convenient access to the scalloping grounds. Check out our interactive accommodations map to see where the properties are located. You can also download a copy of our visitors guide, or request that one be mailed to you.

If you are bringing a boat and need accommodations that have boat docking and trailer parking available, here are some suggestions:

Homosassa: Homosassa Riverside Resort, MacRae’s of Homosassa, The Last Resort.

Crystal River: Plantation Inn Golf Resort & Spa, Best Western Crystal River, King’s Bay Lodge, Days Inn.

Don’t forget there are numerous private rental options that are on the water and have boat docking and trailer parking available.