The Great Florida Scallop Scavenger Hunt: Why Crystal River’s Underwater Search Party Is Worth the Drive

Let’s be honest: if you live in Atlanta, you’ve probably spent a summer or two sweating through your shirt at a Braves game, or maybe you’ve braved the I-75 crawl to the Gulf for a little sand and saltwater therapy. But if you’re looking for a summer tradition that’s equal parts nostalgia, aquatic adventure, and “did I just see a manatee?”—let me introduce you to the annual Bay Scallop Season in Crystal River and Homosassa.

This isn’t your average beach trip. Now through September 24, the sleepy towns of Crystal River and Homosassa transform into Florida’s answer to a low-key, saltwater scavenger hunt. Only instead of cryptic clues and a prize at the end, you’re after bay scallops—those sweet, blue-eyed bivalves hiding out in the seagrass beds just offshore. And instead of a checklist, you’ll want a mesh bag, a snorkel, and a willingness to look a little goofy in fins (trust me, everyone does).

What’s the Big Deal About Scalloping?

Picture this: you, your favorite people, and a boat (or a charter captain who knows the ropes and, crucially, has the right fishing license so you don’t have to Google “Florida saltwater regulations” at 6 a.m.). You’ll motor out a few miles, anchor up, and slip into water that’s usually about 3 to 8 feet deep—just enough to keep things interesting, but not so deep you’ll need to channel your inner Jacques Cousteau.

The hunt is half the fun. Scallops like to play hide-and-seek in the turtle grass, and once you spot one, odds are there’s a whole cluster nearby. Grab them by hand or with a dip net, drop them in your bag, and repeat until you’ve hit your limit or your fingers are pruney. (Pro tip: bring a cooler with ice to keep your haul fresh, and don’t forget a dive flag so the boaters know you’re down there channeling your inner mermaid.)

The Local Scoop: Tips from the Pros

Mike Engiles, who runs Crystal River Watersports, is feeling good about this year’s crop. “Early surveys look better than recent years, plus scalloping is just such a fun, family-friendly adventure,” he says. His advice? “Give your mask a good scrub with non-abrasive toothpaste or mask cleaner so you’re not battling a foggy lens out there.” (Nothing kills the vibe like missing a scallop because you’re basically snorkeling in a cloud.)

Auvis Cole, the local tourism director, is equally jazzed but wants you to keep it sustainable: “Only take what you plan to eat and use scallop sorters, which you can pick up for free at our visitor center, to help preserve the population for future seasons.” Translation: don’t be that person who hoards scallops like it’s the apocalypse. Leave some for the next crew.

What to Bring (and What to Leave at Home)

You don’t need much to get started, but a little prep goes a long way. Here’s your no-nonsense packing list:

• Mask, snorkel, and fins (most charters provide these, but bring your own if you’re picky)
• Mesh bag for your catch
• Sunscreen (reef-safe, please—no one wants to swim in a chemical slick)
• Hat and polarized sunglasses for the boat ride
• Swimsuit and towel (bonus points for a rash guard)
• Water shoes (the boat deck gets hot, and oyster shells are not your friend)
• Cooler with ice for your scallops
• Drinks and snacks (hydration is not optional)
• Dive flag (if you’re going DIY)
• A sense of humor (mask hair is inevitable, and someone will lose a flip-flop)

Leave the valuables at home. You’re not impressing the scallops with your Apple Watch, and that ring will just end up at the bottom of the Gulf.

When to Go and Where to Park

Early birds get the best parking at the boat ramps—think 6:30 or 7 a.m. if you want to avoid circling like a vulture. Fort Island Trail Park is a popular launch, but it fills up fast on weekends. If you’re not a morning person, just accept you might have a little walk (or a wait) before you hit the water.

If you’re booking a charter, most will tell you exactly where to meet and when. (And yes, they’ll have a cooler for your scallops, but it never hurts to double-check.)

Why Crystal River? (And Not, Say, Destin?)

Crystal River and Homosassa are the heart of Florida’s scallop country for a reason. The water’s clear, the seagrass is healthy, and the local vibe is more “old Florida” than “spring break circus.” Plus, you’re less than two hours from Tampa or Orlando, so it’s an easy weekend escape if you’re already down south visiting the mouse or the manatees.

And if you’re the type who likes a little extra with your adventure, plenty of local restaurants will cook your catch for you. Nothing says “I conquered the Gulf” like a plate of just-caught scallops and a cold drink at a waterside dive.

The Fine Print (Bag Limits, Rules, and All That Jazz)

• Season: July 1 – September 24 for Crystal River and Homosassa
• Bag limit: 2 gallons of whole scallops per person, or 10 gallons per vessel (whichever is less)
• License: If you’re going out with a charter, they’ve got you covered. DIYers need a Florida saltwater fishing license (unless you’re under 16, over 65, or wading from shore).
• Harvest responsibly: Only take what you’ll eat, and use a scallop sorter to help keep the population healthy for next year’s hunt.

Real Talk: Is It Worth the Drive?

Absolutely. It’s a little weird, a little wonderful, and a lot of fun—especially if you like your summer traditions with a side of saltwater and a dash of “did I just see a dolphin?” Bring a blanket, maybe a couple of folding chairs for the post-snorkel chill, and don’t stress if you’re not the fastest scallop hunter in the Gulf. No one’s setting a stopwatch.

Just remember: the best stories aren’t about how many scallops you caught, but about who you shared the boat with, how many times you laughed at your own mask hair, and whether you remembered to reapply sunscreen before you turned the color of a boiled lobster.

See you on the grass flats. I’ll be the one with the slightly crooked snorkel and the world-class cooler game.