Scallop Hunt with In-Water Guide Crystal River

Crystal River , United States

Scallop Hunt with In-Water Guide Crystal River

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(5 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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About this experience

Rich with scallops and teaming with wildlife, Citrus County is one of the last places in Florida you can collect scallops that are both fun to find and delicious to eat! Join us on our small boats for our most exclusive scallop tour!

Available options

10am Departure

10am Departure; 5 hour Scalloping Tour; Boat Capacity - 6 people

What's included

Bottled Water Provided

Private Boat with capacity for 6 people

Use of equipment (mask and snorkel gear)

In-Water Guide

USCG certified Captain

Detailed itinerary

Searching for scallops is so much fun it has made Citrus County a world famous destination for this unique and satisfying activity. Our Master Captain will lead your group to the Gulf of Mexico for 5 hours of salt water delight! Take a leisurely day out of your hectic vacation and relax with confidence on our comfortable boats. Feel the wind in your hair, smell the salt in the air and bask in the sunshine while we take care of the details!

Nestled in the shallow grass beds off the Crystal River, scallops spawn in summer and then reach the end of their life cycle. These delicious morsels are just waiting to be someone's dinner! Like an Easter Egg hunt under water, you never know what wildlife you may see out there... dolphins, sea turtles, starfish and seahorses. Corals, remora, pufferfish and conch... what will you discover on this adventure? Our Captains and guides are highly qualified and experienced; you are in good hands and will have a phenomenal time!

What's not included

Food and beverages (unless otherwise specified)

Photo DVD (available to purchase)

Towel and swimsuit

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

5 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Children are strongly recommended to be over 5 and a strong swimmer

Please bring a towel and a plastic bag to hold your belongings

Strong Swimming skills required

Important notes

*Please arrive 30 minutes prior to tour time.
*Children must be accompanied by an adult
*Boat capacity is 6 people, children must have their own seat
*It is advised that you have your swimsuit on underneath your clothes for a quicker check-in
*Please bring a towel and a plastic bag to hold your belongings
*Bring your own beverages and snack

About Crystal River

Crystal River is a unique destination known for its clear springs and manatee population. It offers a blend of natural beauty, outdoor activities, and historical sites, making it a great place for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.

Top Attractions

Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge

This refuge is home to the largest concentration of manatees in the world. Visitors can see these gentle giants year-round, with the best viewing from November to March.

Nature Half day to full day Free entry, but guided tours and activities may have fees

Crystal River Archaeological State Park

This park preserves the site of an ancient Native American settlement. Visitors can explore the museum and learn about the region's rich history.

Historical 1-2 hours Free entry, but donations are appreciated

Three Sisters Springs

This stunning spring system is part of the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge and offers crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking.

Nature Half day Free entry, but guided tours and activities may have fees

Must-Try Local Dishes

Grilled Grouper

Fresh grouper caught locally and grilled to perfection, often served with a lemon butter sauce.

Main Course Gluten-free, can be made without dairy

Key Lime Pie

A classic Florida dessert made with key lime juice, sweetened condensed milk, and a graham cracker crust.

Dessert Contains dairy and gluten

Popular Activities

Kayaking Snorkeling Hiking Swimming Sunbathing Waterfront dining Museum visits Historical tours

Best Time to Visit

November to April

This is the best time to visit for manatee viewing and outdoor activities. The weather is pleasant and ideal for exploring the springs and wildlife.

15-27°C 60-80°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Spanish
English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

EST (UTC-5) or EDT (UTC-4) during daylight saving time

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Crystal River is a safe destination for tourists, with low crime rates. However, visitors should take standard precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious when swimming in natural springs, as currents can be strong.
• Lock your car and secure valuables when parking in public areas.
• Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.

Getting there

By air

Crystal River Regional Airport • 5 km from city center
Tampa International Airport • 110 km from city center

By bus

Crystal River Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are affordable and convenient for getting around, but schedules may be limited.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

City Center Homesite Park

Day trips

Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park

30 km from Crystal River • Half day to full day

This state park is home to a variety of wildlife, including manatees, alligators, and black bears. Visitors can enjoy wildlife shows, nature trails, and a scenic boat ride.

Weeki Wachee Springs State Park

40 km from Crystal River • Full day

This state park is famous for its mermaid shows and crystal-clear springs. Visitors can enjoy swimming, kayaking, and riverboat cruises.

Festivals

Crystal River Manatee Festival • November

Pro tips

Visit the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge early in the morning for the best manatee viewing experience and fewer crowds.
Book accommodations and activities in advance, especially during peak season (November-April).
Bring waterproof gear for kayaking and snorkeling, as you may get wet.
Respect the environment and wildlife by following guidelines and regulations.
Try local seafood specialties, especially grouper and shrimp.