9027 S Suncoast Blvd Homosassa, Florida 34446
Call it an Easter Egg Hunt: Florida-style.
Every summer, the star of the sea is the delectable Bay Scallop, found in the warm, shallow waters of the Gulf of Mexico. It’s a fun family-friendly underwater adventure; all you need is a mask, snorkel, flippers, and one exceptional charter captain.
Don’t worry about dinner either. Once you’re back, you can even bring your catch to a local restaurant that will cook it for you. It’s a venerable local tradition and a Florida family favorite.
BOATING SAFETY
Safe navigation on our waterways is everyone’s responsibility. All operators are equally responsible for taking action necessary for safe boating. This includes understanding navigation rules, speed laws, manatee laws, and providing adequate safety equipment and obtaining all proper licenses for vessel operation.
For fishing, a saltwater and/or freshwater fishing license is required for all boaters between the ages of 16 and 64. There may be exceptions to this, so before beginning your excursion, familiarize yourself with the laws found on the FWC website.
SCALLOP SEASON
Scalloping season begins at the beginning of July until late September every year. Harvesting is done about 2-3 miles from shore in the gulf, and can be found almost anywhere eelgrass is located.
The bag limit is 2 gallons of whole scallops per person per day; or 1 pint of scallop meat per person per day. In addition, no more than 10 gallons of whole scallops (or ½ gallon of scallop meat) may be possessed aboard any vessel at any time.
It is also important to note that a dive flag is required for any vessel with swimmers in the water. The dive flag must be at least 20” x 24” with a stiffener to keep the flag unfurled. The flag must be displayed at the highest point on the vessel whenever swimmers are in the water. All swimmers need to stay within 300 feet of this flag for safety reasons.
REQUIRED EQUIPMENT
If you’re scalloping with a tour operator, then you’ll likely only need a swim suit and a towel. Most tour operators provide everything else you’ll need, including a license, when you arrive. However, always call and check with your tour operator to verify.
You’ll need a mask to see underwater and find the scallops. A snorkel will allow you to keep your eyes underwater while still allowing you to breathe. Fins are a smart choice, since swimming can become exhausting, especially on hot days. A mesh bag for carrying your catch will also be important since scallops can pinch.
If you’re not a strong swimmer, consider taking a life jacket or a flotation device with you while you swim. You can dive down to the scallops and return to your floatation device, allowing you to conserve energy and help prevent accidental drowning.
Purchasing a Launch Pass for Select Boat Ramps
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320 NW Hwy 19
Crystal River, Florida 34428
(352) 563-2763
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5380 S Boulevard
Homosassa, Florida 34448
(352)322-3722
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8600 W Miss Maggie Dr
Homosassa, Florida 34448
(352) 464-4867
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1500 S. Cherokee Way
Homosassa, Florida 34448
(352) 400-1925
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Ozello Trl x Salt River Bridge
Crystal River, Florida 34429
(352) 794 - 1555
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5300 S Cherokee Way
Homosassa, Florida 34448
(352) 302-1606
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8501 W Miss Maggie Dr
Homosassa, Florida 34448
(352) 232-2783
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614 NW US Hwy 19
Crystal River, Florida 34428
(352) 228-7873
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Shrimp Landing Marina, 12645 W Fort Island Trail
Crystal River, Florida 34429
(352) 601-7948
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9301 W Fort Island Trail
Crystal River, Florida 34429
(352) 362-6893
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Shrimp Landing Marina, 12645 W Fort Island Trail
Crystal River, Florida 34429
(352) 322-6660
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1422 SE US Hwy 19
Crystal River, Florida 34429
(352) 795-2255
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2380 NW Hwy 19
Crystal River, Florida 34428
(352) 795-7033
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10780 W Yulee Dr 490
Homosassa, Florida 34487
352-515-9467
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7990 Gulf to Lake Hwy
Crystal River, Florida 34429
(352) 445-5489
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7079 W Grant Street
Homosassa, Florida 34448
(352) 302-1831
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5297 South Cherokee Way
Homosassa, Florida 34448
(352) 303-9399
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5297 S Cherokee Way
Homosassa, Florida 34448
(352) 628-2474
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Shrimp Landing Marina, 12645 W Fort Island Trail
Crystal River, Florida 34429
(352) 601-1963
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2880 N Seabreeze Point
Crystal River, Florida 34429
(352) 476-7556
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9687 W Fort Island Trail
Crystal River, Florida 34429
(352) 794-3887
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No physical address
Ozello, Florida
386 249 5128
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406 NE 1st Street
Crystal River, Florida 34429
(352) 220-6038
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Shrimp Landing Marina, 12645 W Fort Island Trail
Crystal River, Florida 34429
(352) 212-5070
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5590 S Boulevard Dr
Homosassa, Florida 34448
(352) 572-4886
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4155 S Suncoast Blvd, Suite A
Homosassa, Florida 34446
(352) 601-8992
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5297 S Cherokee Way
Homosassa, Florida 34448
(352) 634-4309
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3550 E Hwy 316
Citranelle, Florida 32113
(352) 362-0656
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11 NE 4th Avenue
Crystal River, Florida 34428
(352) 795-1333
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5300 S Cherokee Way
Homosassa, Florida 34448
(352) 257-9487
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1911 NW 17th St
Crystal River, Florida 34429
(352) 746-9067
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5424 S Cherokee Way
Homosassa, Florida 34448
(352) 396-7525
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9301 W Fort Island Trail
Crystal River, Florida 34429
3526018460
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9301 W Fort Island Trl
Crystal River, Florida 34429
(352) 795-5797
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5300 S Cherokee Way
Homosassa, Florida 34448
(352) 382-3939
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5297 S Cherokee Way
Homosassa, Florida 34448
(813) 924-9571
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