Summer is the Time for Florida Scalloping

Have you always assumed that Florida is intolerably hot in summer? If so, you need to change your mind. While Florida is typically very warm in the summer, the sun and heat can offer some exciting experiences. Imagine spending your days enjoying the sun and cooling off with occasional dips or dives. Summer in Florida offers a vast array of outdoor activities, complemented by smaller crowds and remarkably low rates. Additionally, there’s the enticing prospect of scalloping, adding to the allure of visiting during this season.

Scalloping, a fun summertime activity

Every year, crowds of people flock to the shallow waters of Florida to enjoy scalloping during the summer. Spanning from south central to the Gulf Coast, in places like Steinhatchee, Homosassa, and Crystal River, various groups of fishermen, families, friends, and coworkers gather at specific locations. They engage in the pursuit of scallops, which are typically situated in water depths ranging from 4 to 7 feet. It’s an opportunity to swim through warm water, peering through masks and diving to collect the tempting scallops in mesh bags. Because scallops thrive in shallow waters, scalloping becomes a simple, thrilling, and enjoyable summer activity suitable for all ages. Also, it culminates in the rewarding delight of savoring the delicious results of the hunt.

The bounties of Crystal River

While there are many productive scallop sites in Florida, Crystal River is an ideal place to collect these underwater treasures. Annually, boasting of the largest and most consistent numbers of scallops, Crystal River delivers an all-round summer experience for scallopers. The waters of Crystal River frequently remain tranquil. Additionally, it provides an excellent vantage point for observing nature’s underwater world. Moreover, these serene conditions create an optimal environment for gathering scallops. The invitingly warm Florida springs offer a comfortable experience as you ease into the water. You can search for scallops and easily spot them where the sand meets the edges of the grass beds. You can observe these remarkable shells as they glisten below or gracefully navigate through the water. Undoubtedly, it will provide you with a thrill, regardless of your age.

Florida’s two-gallon scallop limit

After you jump into the water, you will see the scallops hidden on the grass beds looking like Easter eggs. Look closer and they seem to produce a bluish glow as if there are tiny lights on the rims of their shells. Some also may appear to be swimming, propelling themselves through water by closing and opening their shells. Additionally, you collect these tiny mollusks and put them in your mesh bag.

Since scallops are easy to find and collect in the summer, the legal daily limit per person for fresh, uncleaned scallops is two gallons. The two-gallon limit offers a generous quantity of delicious scallops for every person to savor at the end of every trip. If you want to clean your own scallops, it is usually an easy and painless process using a spoon or a simple shucking tool. There are also several ways to prepare scallops, including cooking in half-shell or lightly frying. No matter how you prepare your scallops, they will provide a superb treat for you and your family.

Extraordinary experience

Scalloping in Florida and snorkeling with manatees in one of Captain Mike’s high-safety, extreme-comfort and super-fast boats will be a memorable experience. The underwater treasure hunt is an eagerly anticipated activity every year with hundreds of people rushing to Florida for scallop season, typically from July 1 to Sept. 24. There are also other outdoor activities such as kayaking, boating, fishing, biking, paddle-boarding, water sports and soft-adventure activities available in Crystal River in addition to scalloping that make for an unforgettable vacation.

If you are looking for a great summer outing with a delicious bonus at the end of your daily quest, Captain Mike’s scalloping adventure in Florida is ideal. With the help of experienced guides who know where to find scallops, Captain Mike’s guarantees that you have everything you need for your scalloping expedition. They can answer all your scallop-related questions and help you collect enough scallops per day for a satisfying treat at the end of your trip. For more information on summer scalloping tours in Florida, visit the “Captain Mike’s Swimming With The Manatees” site.

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