Featured Image: Paddletail Waterfront Lodge
“I found one!” I shriek through my snorkel. I hold my breath to dive down and grab the scallop, tucking it safely into my neon green mesh bag.
I checked off this bucket list Florida adventure in Crystal River, just a 90-minute drive from the theme park mecca of Orlando.
Every summer, locals and tourists flock to the shallow grassy waters along Florida’s Gulf Coast to harvest bay scallops. This culinary treasure hunt lures families of all ages to grab a mask and snorkel and hunt for the tasty shellfish.
The season runs until late September, so there’s still time for a last-minute summer fling to experience part of “Real Florida,” where abundant wildlife and tranquil waters await.
Foraging the Ocean Floor
“You know that Shell gasoline symbol? That’s what you’re looking for. Look in the seagrass or the sandy patches nearby,” Captain Jake from Paddletail Waterfront Adventures instructs. My husband and I were on their 5-hour scallop tour, heading out from King’s Bay through Crystal River into the warm Gulf waters.
I adjust my snorkel and slide off the boat into the clear 4-foot-deep water. I swim for a few minutes to get comfortable, then search for scallop-shaped shells with tiny, bright blue eyes that line the perimeter of their shells.
Many people compare scallop diving to an underwater Easter egg hunt, but I thought gently combing the dense seagrass with my fingers and scrutinizing the sand felt more like panning for gold. This seems impossible, I thought, beginning to feel discouraged. Then suddenly, I see a speckled clump in the sand.
After the first one, they become easier to spot, although a few get away before I can reach them. I’m hooked, wanting to fill my bag, and imagine a feast of succulent seafood for lunch. But our fun is cut short when Captain Jake sounds the airhorn, calling us out of the water as he spots lightning on the horizon. We speed back to shore, passing a dolphin on the way. The herons, osprey, and egrets have taken cover, and the incoming storm obscures the triple rainbow we saw earlier.
Sustainable Scalloping
Commercial harvesting of bay scallops was discontinued in Florida in 1994 due to a declining population. Changing climate conditions, over-harvesting, and the mollusk’s short life span all threaten a flourishing population. You can do your part to preserve the future of scalloping by choosing a charter company certified as eco-compliant through Discover Crystal River.
Be sure to follow the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission scallop harvesting regulations, including harvesting areas and daily catch limits. Recreational scallopers need a fishing license, and may only use their hands or a dip net.
After you shuck your catch, don’t toss the scallop shells back into shallow water where they can damage seagrass habitats or injure swimmers. Dispose of them in the garbage, or better yet, take them home for miniature serving dishes or souvenirs.
Plan Your Adventure
The recreational scallop diving season runs from July to the end of September, with exact dates varying for the five zones along the Gulf coast, spanning from Port St. Joe in the north to New Port Richey in the south.
Gear up with a swimsuit, water bottle, and plenty of sunscreen. Crystal River has one of the longest seasons, and dozens of scallop charters to choose from. Florida’s summer weather is unpredictable, so it’s not a bad idea to plan to spend a few days.
Our scallop diving tour was cancelled the first morning due to weather, but we had an unforgettable swim with the manatees instead. There’s also kayaking, hiking, birdwatching, and plenty of restaurants to explore in Crystal River.
Preparing Your Catch
The 18 or so scallops we caught were some of the sweetest shellfish I’d ever tasted. The crew shucked them for us, and the Tiki bar at Paddletail Waterfront Lodge served up our lightly blackened catch with fries and coleslaw for an unforgettable ocean-to-table seafood lunch we caught ourselves.
Several restaurants will cook your catch for a small fee, or you can bring a cooler and keep your catch on ice until you get home. Most charters will offer to shuck your scallops for you – or you can ask them to teach you how.
Here are a few tips for preparing fresh Florida bay scallops. Remember, these sweet little morsels need just a few minutes – don’t overcook!
- Wrap scallops, cream cheese, and candied jalapeño slices in bacon and bake until bacon is cooked.
- Place cleaned scallops back in their shell and add a dash of white wine and your favorite seasoning. Cook them on the grill until tender.
- Steam and serve with clarified butter.
- Sauté with olive oil, garlic, and a squeeze of lemon.
- Bread scallops in panko and quickly deep fry.
- Sear in a hot pan with butter then toss with your favorite blackening seasoning.
Scallop recipe ideas courtesy of Paddletail Waterfront Adventures.
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