THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Spend five hours in Homosassa’s clear Gulf waters hunting bay scallops with an experienced captain and included in‑water guide. Perfect for families and first‑timers, this hands‑on outing combines easy snorkeling, wildlife viewing, and a sustainable harvest.
Spend five hours in Homosassa’s clear Gulf waters hunting bay scallops with an experienced captain and included in‑water guide. Perfect for families and first‑timers, this hands‑on outing combines easy snorkeling, wildlife viewing, and a sustainable harvest.
Book with River Safaris
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by River Safaris · Homosassa, Florida
Along Florida’s Nature Coast, Homosassa serves as the launching point for a quintessential Gulf of Mexico day: the Scallop Hunt WITH In-water Guide. Departing from 10823 W. Yulee Drive, Homosassa, Florida, this five‑hour outing puts you in shallow seagrass beds where bay scallops congregate each summer. The experience is equal parts low-impact marine biology and a hands‑on harvest—an underwater Easter‑egg hunt that rewards curiosity, patience, and a little luck. Your Master Captain pilots a comfortable six‑passenger vessel while the included in‑water guide teaches you how to find and harvest scallops legally and safely. Everything is provided: license, mask and snorkel, fins, scallop bag, and bottled water. Tours run semi‑private or private for groups up to six. Boats observe Florida’s limit—maximum harvest of 10 gallons per vessel or two gallons per person—so this is sustainable recreation when practiced properly. The scene is elemental: clear, shallow Gulf water over ribbonlike seagrass meadows where scallops attach and sway. Look closely and you might spot schools of fish, remoras on a ray, starfish, pufferfish, conch, even curious dolphins and slow‑moving sea turtles cruising the surface. The seagrass ecosystem itself is the trip’s star; these underwater prairies stabilize sediment, feed juvenile fish, and form the platform for scallop life cycles. This outing works especially well for families and first‑time snorkelers because the guides tailor instruction and keep the boat nearby. Captains legally remain onboard while in‑water guides enter the water to show you the ropes and help clean scallops afterwards if you choose. If you’ve never scalloped before, hiring the in‑water guide is highly recommended; their local knowledge turns aimless searching into a productive, educational experience. Practicalities matter: tours require a minimum of three passengers to run, last about five hours, and typically operate in summer when scallops are in season. Bring reef‑safe sunscreen, a hat, and a waterproof camera or phone case to record wildlife encounters. Respect harvest limits, follow your guide’s safety briefings, and pack a small cooler for your catch if you plan to take scallops home. Locals hail Citrus County as one of the best scalloping grounds in the continental United States; the shallow water and clear visibility create ideal conditions even for less-confident swimmers. Scallop season generally runs mid‑summer through early fall, with peak openings set by state regulators—check local calendars before you book. Bring a small cooler if you plan to save your catch for later. Wear quick‑dry layers, bring a light towel, and plan for sun: the Florida sun is intense even on breezy days.
A license is included with the tour, so you do not need to obtain one separately for this trip.
The tour includes boat, captain, in‑water guide, mask and snorkel, fins, scallop bag, license, and bottled water.
Florida law limits harvest to 10 gallons per vessel or 2 gallons per person—your captain will enforce these limits.
Minimum age is not specified in the listing; contact the operator to confirm suitability for young children and any age rules.
Bring or take over‑the‑counter seasickness medication before boarding and opt for morning departures when seas are calmer.
Yes, in‑water guides can demonstrate how to clean scallops and some crews assist with cleaning after the dive for an extra fee or as part of the service.
River Safaris is a tour operator in Homosassa, Florida, offering airboat rides, manatee swim tours, boat rentals, scallop hunts, and wildlife cruises. The fleet includes 20‑, 22‑, and 24‑foot pontoons and boats equipped with reliable engines, new seating, and optional Bluetooth speakers for on-water comfort and convenience. Airboat options include a 90 Minute Airboat Tour and a 60 Minute Airboat Tour that run through backwaters, estuaries, palm-lined canals, and mangrove islands where passengers can spot dolphins and historic shell mounds. From November through March, River Safaris operates semi-private and private manatee swim tours aboard heated or unheated boats. Those 4-hour manatee adventures feature small-group formats, snacks, and drinks, providing personalized wildlife viewing and close-up encounters with gentle manatees in warm coastal waters. Scallop hunters can choose a 5-hour Gulf of Mexico trip with or without an in-water guide to search for bay scallops while watching for dolphins, sea turtles, and other marine life. The Manatee Magic and Wildlife Safari in Old Homosassa cruises through local waterways, passes Monkey Island, and focuses on spot-and-see wildlife experiences. Boat rental guests can use boats for scalloping, swimming, fishing, or general exploration of Citrus County waterways. River Safaris employs experienced captains familiar with local waters and wildlife viewing etiquette. Reservations, detailed safety briefings, and clear seasonal schedules help guests plan trips. The company's offerings emphasize safe, guided access to Homosassa waterways and wildlife experiences for families and small groups. Online reservations and walk-up availability vary by season; advanced booking is recommended for popular dates.
Book with River Safaris