2026 Scalloping Season Guide: Everything You Need to Know for Florida's Nature Coast

Florida's bay scallop season is one of the most anticipated events of the summer — and for good reason. It's part snorkeling trip, part treasure hunt, and you take home some of the freshest, sweetest seafood you'll ever taste.

If you're planning a scalloping trip this year, here's everything you need to know about the 2026 season, from dates and regulations to what to bring and where to go.

2026 Season Dates

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) sets scalloping seasons by zone. For the Nature Coast — which includes Pasco, Hernando, and Citrus counties — the 2026 season runs:

July 1 through September 24, 2026

That gives you nearly 12 full weeks to get on the water. But if you've done this before, you know that July and early August weekends book out fast. The earlier you reserve your trip, the better your chances of getting your preferred date.

Coyote Cruise & Charter runs scalloping trips every day the weather allows from our home base in New Port Richey throughout the entire season.

What Is Scalloping?

For anyone who hasn't done it before: scalloping is the act of swimming or wading over shallow grass flats in the Gulf of Mexico, spotting bay scallops on the sea floor, and collecting them by hand into a mesh bag.

Bay scallops live in seagrass beds in water typically 3 to 6 feet deep. You'll recognize them by their fan-shaped shells and, once you get close enough, their signature rows of bright blue eyes. Yes — scallops have eyes. Dozens of them lining the edge of their shell.

There's no hook, no rod, no complicated technique. You float face-down with a mask and snorkel, spot a scallop, and pick it up. That simplicity is why scalloping appeals to everyone from serious anglers looking for something different to families with young kids who just want a fun day in the water.

2026 Regulations and Bag Limits

Captain Aaron handles all licensing and keeps everyone within legal limits on every trip, but it's good to know the rules:

Bag Limits

Per person: 2 gallons of whole bay scallops OR 1 pint of shucked scallop meat per day
Per vessel: 10 gallons of whole bay scallops OR ½ gallon of shucked meat per day (regardless of how many people are on board)

Licensing

A valid Florida saltwater fishing license with a scalloping stamp is required for every harvester. When you book with Coyote Cruise, your scalloping license is included in the trip price — you don't need to get your own.

Harvest Rules

Hand harvest only (no mechanical dredges)
Scallops must remain in whole-shell form until you're back on shore
You may not harvest scallops within 100 feet of a permitted commercial aquaculture lease

Where We Scallop: New Port Richey and the Nature Coast

New Port Richey sits at the southern end of Florida's Nature Coast — the stretch of Gulf shoreline running from Pasco County up through Hernando and Citrus counties that's known for its clear, shallow grass flats and relatively undeveloped coastline.

The scalloping grounds we fish are generally north of the Anclote River, where extensive seagrass beds provide the habitat bay scallops need. Captain Aaron has spent his life fishing these waters and knows exactly which beds are producing on any given day. Conditions change throughout the season — scallops concentrate in different areas depending on water temperature, clarity, tides, and grass health. That local knowledge is the difference between a full bag and a frustrating day.

Why Launch from New Port Richey?

Short run to productive scalloping grounds (typically 20–40 minutes)
Easy access from Tampa, Clearwater, Orlando, and everywhere in between
Protected, calm waters in most conditions
Less crowded than some of the more well-known launch points farther north

What's Included on a Coyote Cruise Scalloping Charter

Every scalloping trip with Captain Aaron includes:

Snorkel, mask, and fins for every guest
Mesh collection bags
Scalloping license for every harvester
Ice and coolers to keep your catch fresh
Flotation devices and life jackets for anyone who wants them
Scallop cleaning demo at the dock after the trip

We offer two scalloping charter options: a 4-hour trip at $450 and an 8-hour full day at $750. Both accommodate up to 6 passengers, with up to 4 guests included in the base price. Additional passengers are $50 each.

A $100 deposit secures your date. We offer free rescheduling for bad weather.

What to Bring

We handle all the scalloping gear. You should bring:

Sunscreen — reef-safe preferred, and apply liberally. You'll be face-down in the water for extended stretches, and the backs of your legs and neck get serious sun exposure.
A towel and change of clothes for after the trip
Water and snacks — staying hydrated is important in summer heat
Swimsuit or quick-dry clothing
Polarized sunglasses — helpful for spotting scallops from the boat
A hat for the boat ride out and back
Waterproof phone case (optional) — great for underwater photos

What to Expect on the Trip

Here's how a typical scalloping charter goes:

Before Launch

We meet at the dock in New Port Richey, go over the plan for the day, and fit everyone with snorkel gear. Captain Aaron will give a quick briefing on technique and safety — especially useful if you have first-timers or kids in the group.

On the Water

The run to the scalloping grounds takes 20–40 minutes depending on where the scallops are running best that day. Once we anchor up, everyone hops in with their mask, snorkel, fins, and mesh bag.

Captain Aaron stays on the boat to assist, move the vessel when needed, and help anyone who wants a break or has questions. He'll also monitor weather and conditions throughout.

The Harvest

Scalloping is deceptively addictive. Once you start spotting them, it's hard to stop. Most groups work the flat for 2–3 hours, filling their bags steadily. Kids often turn it into a competition.

Heading Home

Once the bags are full (or the limit is reached), we cruise back to the dock. Captain Aaron walks everyone through how to clean and shuck the scallops so they're ready for the kitchen. Most guests cook them that same evening.

Best Time to Book

The season runs nearly three months, but not all weeks are created equal:

Early July — Opening week excitement. The scallops have been undisturbed since last season, so beds are full. Expect crowds at public ramps (another reason to go with a charter).
Mid-July through mid-August — Prime time. Water is warm, visibility is typically at its best, and scallop populations are at their peak.
Late August and September — Still productive, but some beds thin out as the season progresses. Less crowded, which can be a plus.

Weekends book out first, especially in July. If you have flexibility, weekdays tend to be less crowded both on the water and at the dock.

Scalloping vs. Fishing: Can You Do Both?

Scalloping is a dedicated trip. You're in the water snorkeling, not casting lines. If your group wants to fish, Captain Aaron offers inshore fishing charters ranging from 2-hour quick trips to full-day adventures.

Some families book a scalloping trip one day and a fishing charter the next to get the best of both worlds.

How to Book Your 2026 Scalloping Trip

Scalloping season dates fill fast — especially July weekends.

Book online: Reserve your trip here

Call or text Captain Aaron: 813-765-0695

Learn more about our scalloping charters: Scalloping trip details

Check all trip options and pricing: View rates

Coyote Cruise & Charter operates scalloping and inshore fishing charters from New Port Richey, Florida, serving the Tampa Bay area including Clearwater, Holiday, Tarpon Springs, and surrounding Gulf Coast communities.