Private charter · Gulf of Mexico
Scalloping tours in Homosassa, Florida
Four hours on the Gulf grass flats with snorkels, fins and a captain who knows where the scallops hide. $450 for up to four guests.
The trip
An underwater treasure hunt in the Gulf
Join us for a scalloping tour along the Gulf of Mexico, where clear water meets the thrill of the hunt. We run private four-hour charters from the marina at Monkey Island Riverside Resort into the grass flats off Homosassa, where bay scallops sit in the seagrass in plain sight. Snorkels and fins are included.
This is not a sightseeing cruise with a stop. You will be in the water, snorkeling, hunting and hauling — and the captain is with you the whole way.
What you are looking for
Bay scallops are small, fast and surprisingly hard to see until your eyes adjust. They sit in the seagrass and sandy patches in shallow Gulf water, often in clusters. Once you spot one, you will spot twenty.
Four reasons people book this charter
Underwater scavenger hunt
Dive into the clear, shallow water and snorkel the seagrass beds and sandy bottoms, where scallops hide in plain sight.
Fresh catch to take home
Gather your bounty, learn the art of shucking, and bring the taste of the Gulf to your table.
A coastal adventure for all levels
Families, friends and sea enthusiasts are all welcome. The captain keeps it safe and easy, with tips and insights along the way.
A private boat at your own pace
Four guests, one boat, four hours. No crowd, no schedule but yours.
How the four hours go
Meet at the marina
Arrive 10 minutes early at Monkey Island Riverside Resort, 5297 South Cherokee Way. The captain will fit snorkels and fins and run through the plan.
Run out to the flats
We head downriver and into the Gulf to the grass flats, where the water is clear and shallow enough to snorkel comfortably.
Snorkel and gather
You work the seagrass in short drifts, scooping scallops by hand. The captain stays with the group and helps sort the keepers.
Shuck and head home
Back on board you learn to shuck, ice your catch and get it ready for the drive home.
From the flats
What a scallop day looks like
Clear water, seagrass, and a cooler that fills up faster than you expect.
Included
What is on board
- Snorkel and mask
- Fins
- Your captain and the boat for four hours
- Coaching on where to look and how to shuck
Bring with you
What to pack
- Swimsuit and a towel
- Reef-safe sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat
- Water and snacks
- A cooler with ice for the ride home
- A Florida saltwater fishing licence, if one is required for your harvest — we will confirm before you go
Scallop season is short
Bay scallop season in this part of the Gulf typically runs from July through late September. Weekends and holiday weeks fill first — book early for your dates.
“Capt. Kangaroo was a great sport and capt. We had a very relaxing ride with lots of laughs.”
“Awesome 45 minute ride! A must do. A lil bit pricey but well worth it!”
“The boat was clean, the company was great… It was my sister's birthday and this was the best part of our weekend.”
Good to know
Scalloping questions, answered
When is scallop season in Homosassa?
Bay scallop season in this part of the Gulf typically opens in July and runs through late September. Scallop charters are booked within that window, so check the calendar for your dates before you plan around them.
Do we need scalloping experience?
No. Most guests have never scalloped before. The captain briefs you on the flats, shows you how to spot a scallop in the seagrass and how to shuck one, and snorkels and fins are on board.
What is included in the $450 charter?
The $450 price covers the boat, your captain and up to four guests for four hours, with snorkels and fins included. Bring swimwear, towels, water, sunscreen and a cooler if you want to take your catch home.
Can we book for more than four people?
The scallop charter is priced for a group of four. If your group is larger, contact us before booking and we will tell you what can be arranged for your date.
What happens if the weather turns?
If the captain cancels for weather or safety, you receive a full refund or credit. Cancellations you make 72 hours or more before departure also receive a full refund or credit.
Where does the scallop charter leave from?
We meet at the marina at Monkey Island Riverside Resort, 5297 South Cherokee Way, Old Homosassa, Florida. Plan to arrive 10 minutes before your start time.
Keep planning
Book your scallop charter
Four hours, four guests, one private boat — and a cooler of scallops to take home.