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.

Updated October 16, 2026: the 2026 season has ended. This article records that season and explains how to plan a future trip. Confirm future dates and the departure location with Captain Aaron before booking; dates and emergency closures vary by harvest zone.

2026 Season Dates

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) sets seasons by harvest zone, not by the general name “Nature Coast.” Levy, Citrus and Hernando counties had a July 1–September 24, 2026 season. Pasco is a separate zone; FWC lists it closed effective August 6, 2026 because of toxin-producing algae. That zone includes the Anclote River.

Do not apply the northern counties' dates to a Pasco trip. Check the current FWC seasons, zone boundaries and emergency closures before making plans. Future seasons and operating arrangements are not confirmed by this article.

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

Recreational saltwater fishing-license rules apply, with exemptions described by FWC. Its scalloping guidance does not require a separate “scalloping stamp.” Ask Captain Aaron to confirm the charter's license coverage for the people and trip you are booking.

Harvest Rules

FWC permits harvest by hand or landing/dip net.
Vessel limits do not let an individual exceed the personal daily limit.
Confirm current zone boundaries, closures and other requirements directly with FWC before harvest.

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.

Scallop availability, legal access and water conditions vary. A New Port Richey business address does not mean every trip can legally harvest in nearby Pasco waters. Captain Aaron must confirm the open harvest zone, departure location and travel arrangements for each future trip.

Confirm Your Departure Arrangements

Ask which harvest zone the trip will use.
Confirm the meeting address and boat travel time.
Ask about weather, visibility and swimming requirements.
Do not assume a zone is open because a booking calendar accepts requests.

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

Travel time depends on the confirmed departure location and open harvest area. At a suitable site, guests use their mask, snorkel, fins and mesh bag after a safety briefing.

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

Timing depends on the specific zone and current conditions; a statewide calendar is not enough:

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.

Ask About a Future Scalloping Trip

The 2026 season is over. Contact Captain Aaron to discuss future options. This page does not announce or guarantee 2027 season dates.

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.