Ready for one of Florida’s most exciting summer traditions? Join Captain Frankie for a private Crystal River scalloping charter and spend the day snorkeling through beautiful Gulf waters in search of bay scallops! It’s like an underwater treasure hunt, with plenty of opportunities to explore, cool off, and enjoy the sunshine. Our guided scalloping trips are perfect for families, friends, and anyone looking for a unique Florida adventure.
Trip Details, Pricing & What’s Included
A SUMMER DAY SEARCHING FOR FLORIDA BAY SCALLOPS
Our private Crystal River scalloping charters offer a fun way to experience Florida’s seasonal bay scallop harvest. Captain Frankie guides your group to suitable scalloping areas based on water conditions and the current season, giving you the chance to snorkel and search the seagrass beds for these little underwater treasures.
Scalloping trips take place in the Crystal River area, with meeting details confirmed when you book. Bring your swimsuit, sunscreen, towels, and plenty of water for a day outdoors. Contact Captain Frankie to discuss available dates, trip duration, equipment arrangements, and pricing before reserving your adventure.
CRYSTAL RIVER SCALLOPING CHARTER
PRIVATE SEASONAL ADVENTURE
Call for Pricing
Season: July 1 – September 24
Duration: Confirm when booking
Charter: Private cruise with Captain Frankie
Activity: Snorkeling and searching for bay scallops
Location: Crystal River, Florida
Equipment: Confirm snorkeling gear availability
Booking Deposit: Confirm when booking
AN UNDERWATER TREASURE HUNT IN CRYSTAL RIVER
Scalloping is one of those Florida experiences that everyone should try at least once! Instead of casting a fishing line, you’ll hop into the water with a mask and snorkel to search the seagrass beds for bay scallops hiding below. It’s a fun, hands-on adventure that turns a summer day on the Gulf Coast into something special.
Captain Frankie takes your group into suitable scalloping waters around Crystal River, where you’ll have the opportunity to search for scallops during the designated season. He’ll help you understand what to look for and how to spot them among the grass. Finding that first scallop is always exciting, especially when everyone starts comparing their discoveries!
Our private Crystal River scalloping trips are a great way to spend time outdoors with family or friends. You can enjoy the warm water, take breaks on the boat, and explore at a comfortable pace. Whether you’re visiting Florida or planning a summer outing close to home, it’s an adventure you’ll be talking about long after the trip ends.
WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT ON A CRYSTAL RIVER SCALLOPING CHARTER?
EXPLORE FLORIDA’S CLEAR WATERS IN SEARCH OF SCALLOPS
Crystal River is known for its beautiful coastal waters and seasonal bay scallop harvest. During scalloping season, visitors head out to the shallow Gulf waters to search for scallops nestled among the seagrass. The experience feels a little like snorkeling mixed with a treasure hunt, and it’s easy to see why families return year after year!
Bay scallops can be surprisingly tricky to spot at first. Their shells blend into the grass and sandy bottom, so you’ll need to slow down and look carefully. Captain Frankie can help your group learn what to watch for and understand the rules for harvesting scallops during the open season.
Scalloping is about more than filling a collection bag. You’ll spend time swimming, exploring underwater, and enjoying Florida’s beautiful Gulf Coast. Some guests love the challenge of finding scallops, while others are just happy to spend the day snorkeling and relaxing with their favorite people.
ACCEPTED PAYMENT OPTIONS
CANCELLATION POLICY
Our preparation for your trip begins several days prior and includes rigging tackle, fueling, and netting bait, which is why we ask for at least 7 days cancellation notice. A cancellation fee of 50% cost of the trip will be charged if not cancelled within 7 days of the charter. Forfeit of the $100 deposit will occur if the trip is not cancelled within 30 days.
If for some reason the Captain must cancel or there is inclement weather, we will work with you to reschedule or provide a full refund of deposit.
WHY CHOOSE BAREFOOT FISHING CHARTERS FOR YOUR CRYSTAL RIVER SCALLOPING TRIP?
Scalloping is one of the most enjoyable ways to spend a summer day in Florida, especially when you’ve got Captain Frankie showing you around! At Barefoot Fishing Charters, our private Crystal River scalloping trips give your group the chance to explore the Gulf Coast’s beautiful underwater scenery while searching for bay scallops. Captain Frankie helps guests get familiar with the experience, understand where to look, and enjoy the adventure at their own pace. It’s a great outing for families with kids who are comfortable swimming, couples looking for something different, or friends planning a summer getaway. With your own private charter, you can enjoy time together without the crowds of a larger group tour. Bring your swimsuit and a sense of adventure, and get ready to see a different side of Florida!
“Scalloping is a blast because everybody gets excited when they find one. Before you know it, the whole group is searching the grass trying to find the next one!”
— CAPT. FRANKIE BIRD
CRYSTAL RIVER SCALLOPING TRIPS FOR TAMPA BAY & GULF COAST VISITORS
Barefoot Fishing Charters welcomes families and visitors from Tampa, Brandon, Riverview, Apollo Beach, Ruskin, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Bradenton, and surrounding Florida communities for seasonal scalloping adventures in Crystal River. Our private scalloping charters take place in the Crystal River area, where guests can enjoy snorkeling and searching for bay scallops during the open harvest season. Contact Captain Frankie to plan your summer scalloping trip!
FAQs
Scalloping is a seasonal activity, generally available during the summer. Exact opening and closing dates can change, so check the current Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission regulations or contact Captain Frankie before planning your trip.
No previous scalloping experience is necessary! Captain Frankie can explain how to look for bay scallops and what to expect in the water. Guests should be comfortable swimming and snorkeling in natural waterways.
Pricing depends on the trip arrangements. Contact Captain Frankie at (813) 751-7895 for current scalloping charter rates, availability, and booking details.
Please confirm equipment availability when booking. We recommend bringing your swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, drinking water, and any personal snorkeling equipment you prefer to use.
Scallops may be harvested during the designated open season, subject to Florida’s current size, bag, vessel, and area restrictions. Captain Frankie can help explain the applicable rules before your trip.
From Our Clients
Great day fishing. Frankie was a great captain. He took us to multiple spots and we caught lots of fish! Lots of snook, trout, catfish, ladyfish and yellow jack. He took the time to teach and help me and my kids with everything. Highly recommend for any fishing trip.-Andrea
I just spent a week in Florida with my son and two friends and we booked with Capt. Frankie for four days, and what a great time we had. Frankie put us on fish every day and went above and beyond our expectations. We endured wind and rain and it didn’t bother him a bit. We just moved around the bay to find new spots out of the weather. He works hard every day catching fresh bait and he isn’t afraid to run around and burn gas to put you on fish. If you’re looking for a good guy to fish with that’s laid back and easy to get along with, Frankie is your guy.-Josh
We went out on a full-day, in-shore trip and had an absolute blast! We caught a good variety of fish including snapper, mackerel, grouper, snook and tarpon and were able to bring home plenty for dinner. Frankie was an awesome captain and made sure we got the most out of our time. We also appreciated his enthusiasm and excitement every time we caught a fish. We will definitely be booking with Barefoot again!-Madeline
Capt. Frank is top notch. His communication before the trip was amazing. His knowledge of the area was also amazing. It felt like just three guys fishing. He was one of the guys with the go to spots. Highly recommend and worth every dime.-Kevin
Get in Touch
104 4th St SW, Ruskin, FL 33570
(813) 751-7895
Barefootfishingcharter@gmail.com
104 4th St SW, Ruskin, FL 33570
(813) 751-7895
Barefootfishingcharter@gmail.com
