First Time Scalloping? Here's What to Expect on a Florida Charter

If someone told you there's a summer activity in Florida where you snorkel in crystal-clear water, collect dinner by hand, and take home some of the sweetest seafood on the planet — you'd probably want to try it.

That's scalloping. And if you've never done it before, a guided charter is the easiest way to have a great first experience without worrying about gear, licenses, or finding the right spot.

Here's an honest look at what your first scalloping trip looks like with Coyote Cruise & Charter in New Port Richey.

Do I Need to Be a Strong Swimmer?

This is the number one question from first-timers, and the answer is reassuring: no, you don't need to be a strong swimmer.

Scalloping happens in shallow water — typically 3 to 6 feet deep. Most of the time you're floating face-down at the surface with a mask, snorkel, and fins, occasionally duck-diving a few feet to pick up a scallop. You can touch the bottom in most spots.

For anyone who wants extra confidence in the water, we carry flotation devices — noodles, vests, and life jackets — that let you float effortlessly while you scan the grass flats below.

That said, you do need to be comfortable putting your face in the water and breathing through a snorkel. If you've never snorkeled before, Captain Aaron will walk you through the basics before you get in.

Is Scalloping Safe for Kids?

Absolutely — it's one of the best family water activities in Florida.

Kids love scalloping because it's essentially an underwater treasure hunt. They get to wear a mask and snorkel, float around in warm Gulf water, and spot scallops by their rows of bright blue eyes. There's no hook, no complicated casting, and no long waits. The action is constant and visual.

We've taken kids as young as five and six on scalloping trips. For younger children, we provide:

Child-sized snorkel masks and fins
Flotation devices (foam noodles and life jackets)
Patient instruction on snorkeling basics

Captain Aaron is experienced with young guests and makes safety the top priority. Parents can stay close to their kids in the water, and the captain monitors everyone from the boat.

A few practical tips for families:

Reef-safe sunscreen — apply generously before getting in and reapply on breaks. Kids burn fast when they're floating face-down.
Water and snacks — kids get hungry and thirsty faster than adults, especially in the summer heat.
Take breaks — we encourage everyone to hop back on the boat whenever they need a rest, a drink, or a snack.

What Does the Boat Ride Look Like?

From our dock in New Port Richey, the run to the scalloping grounds is typically 20 to 40 minutes depending on where the scallops are running best that day. Captain Aaron checks conditions, water clarity, and recent reports to find the most productive beds.

The boat ride is part of the experience — you're cruising through some of Florida's most scenic coastal waters. Once we arrive, Captain Aaron anchors up and gets everyone fitted with gear for the water.

What Gear Do You Provide?

Everything. Every Coyote Cruise scalloping charter includes:

Mask, snorkel, and fins (adult and child sizes)
Mesh collection bags for harvesting
Scalloping license for every guest
Ice and coolers to keep your harvest fresh
Flotation devices and life jackets
Fresh water rinse for after snorkeling

You don't need to buy, rent, or bring any scalloping equipment. Just show up in a swimsuit with sunscreen and a towel.

How Hard Is It to Find Scallops?

Easier than you'd think — especially with a captain who knows the beds.

Bay scallops sit on the sandy bottom among seagrass. When you float over a productive bed with your mask on, you'll start noticing them once your eyes adjust. They're about 2–3 inches across with tan or brownish fan-shaped shells. Get a little closer and you'll see their signature feature: dozens of tiny, iridescent blue eyes lining the edge of the shell.

The first one takes a minute. After that, you'll start seeing them everywhere. Most first-timers go from "I can't find any" to "I'm picking them up as fast as I can" within the first 15 minutes.

The trick is to move slowly and systematically over the grass bed. Quick movements stir up sand and reduce visibility. Float, scan, spot, grab, drop it in the bag, repeat.

How Many Can I Take?

The Florida bag limit is:

Per person: 2 gallons of whole scallops (shells on) OR 1 pint of shucked meat per day
Per vessel: 10 gallons whole OR ½ gallon of meat, regardless of headcount

On a 4-hour trip with 4–6 people in the water, most groups reach their personal limits or get very close. Captain Aaron keeps count and ensures everyone stays within the legal harvest.

What Happens After We Harvest?

Once the bags are full — or the time is up — we head back to the dock. The ride back is usually when the excitement really sets in, because you're looking at a cooler full of fresh-caught scallops.

At the dock, Captain Aaron walks you through how to clean and shuck your scallops. It's a quick process:

Open the shell with a knife or spoon
Scoop out the round white adductor muscle (the part you eat)
Rinse and bag

Most first-timers are surprised at how easy the cleaning process is once they see it demonstrated. The whole group usually helps, and it goes fast.

How Should I Cook Them?

Fresh bay scallops are incredibly sweet and tender — they don't need much. Some of our guests' favorite preparations:

Pan-seared in butter with garlic and a squeeze of lemon — the classic. High heat, 90 seconds per side.
Scallop ceviche — dice them up with lime juice, red onion, cilantro, jalapeño, and a pinch of salt. Let it marinate for 30 minutes.
Bacon-wrapped and grilled — an appetizer that disappears immediately.
Scallop pasta — toss seared scallops with linguine, white wine, cherry tomatoes, and fresh herbs.

The key with bay scallops is to not overcook them. They go from perfect to rubbery in seconds. When in doubt, pull them off the heat earlier than you think.

What If the Weather Is Bad?

Safety always comes first. If conditions are unsafe — high winds, storms, lightning — we reschedule your trip at no extra charge.

Captain Aaron monitors weather forecasts closely and will contact you in advance if a reschedule looks likely. Summer in Florida means afternoon thunderstorms are common, which is one reason we typically run morning trips.

What Does It Cost?

Coyote Cruise offers two scalloping charter options:

4-hour trip: $450 for up to 4 guests
8-hour full day: $750 for up to 4 guests

Additional guests are $50 each, up to 6 total. Both prices include all gear, all licenses, ice, coolers, and Captain Aaron's expertise finding the best beds. A $100 deposit reserves your date.

View our full pricing and trip options: Rates

Ready to Book Your First Scalloping Trip?

The 2026 season runs July 1 through September 24 — but dates fill fast, especially weekends in July.

Book online: Reserve your trip

Call or text Captain Aaron: 813-765-0695

Full scalloping details: Scalloping charter info

Questions? Don't hesitate to reach out. Captain Aaron is happy to talk through any concerns — especially if it's your first time. That's what we're here for.

Coyote Cruise & Charter offers guided scalloping and inshore fishing charters from New Port Richey, Florida, serving families and anglers throughout the Tampa Bay area.