Scalloping Charters in St. Petersburg, FL
St. Petersburg, FL · Six Hours · Up to Six Guests · Snorkel Gear Included
Florida's bay scallop season is one of the Gulf Coast's best-kept summer traditions - and now you can experience it with Reel Coquina. Captain Pablo takes your group out on the Pathfinder 2200 V, a purpose-built shallow-water bay boat, and puts you right on productive scallop grounds in the warm, crystal-clear waters off Florida's Nature Coast.
No experience needed. Just bring your crew, jump in, and start picking scallops off the seagrass. We handle the rest.
What Is Scalloping?
Scalloping is the Gulf Coast's version of an underwater Easter egg hunt. You float in warm, shallow water - usually three to six feet deep - wearing a mask, snorkel, and fins, scanning the seagrass beds below for bay scallops. When you spot one (look for the row of bright blue eyes peeking out of the grass), you dive down, grab it, and drop it in your mesh catch bag. That's it.
Bay scallops (Argopecten irradians) are small, sweet, and wildly delicious - nothing like the large sea scallops you get at restaurants. They're harvested exclusively by hand in Florida's protected Gulf waters, and the meat you take home is as fresh as seafood gets. Sear them in butter that night, and you'll understand why people plan entire vacations around scallop season.
It's simple enough for kids, exciting enough for adults, and one of the most memorable days you can have on Florida water.
Why Scallop With Reel Coquina?
Most scalloping charters operate out of Crystal River or Homosassa - over an hour north of Tampa Bay. Reel Coquina gives you a premium private charter experience departing from St. Petersburg, with a captain and a boat built for exactly this kind of trip.
Private Charter, Your Group Only
Every Reel Coquina scalloping trip is a private six-hour charter for up to four guests. There are no strangers on the boat or shared schedules—just your group, your pace, and your day on the water.
A Captain Who Knows the Water
Captain Pablo Koch-Schick has logged over 1,500 charters in Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. He's been featured in Florida Sport Fishing Magazine, and he brings the same level of professionalism, safety, and local knowledge to scalloping trips that he delivers on every offshore and inshore charter.
Captain Pablo scouts conditions before your trip, reads the tides and water clarity, and puts your group on the most productive scallop beds available that day. When the spot produces, you stay. When it's time to move, he knows where to go next.
The Right Boat for the Job
Scalloping happens in skinny water over grass flats - and most offshore boats aren't designed for it. The Pathfinder 2200 V is. This 22-foot bay boat was purpose-built by anglers for shallow-water performance, and it's the ideal platform for a scalloping charter.
The Boat: Pathfinder 2200 V
The Pathfinder 2200 V is a legendary shallow-water bay boat trusted by serious anglers across the Gulf Coast. Here's why it's the perfect scalloping vessel:
Shallow Draft Access
With just 11 inches of draft, the Pathfinder 2200 V slides right over the seagrass flats where scallops live. While deeper-hull boats are stuck anchoring offshore, we're parked directly on top of productive beds - so you spend less time swimming and more time filling your bag.
Fast and Efficient
Powered by up to 250 horsepower, the Pathfinder gets your group to the scallop grounds quickly and comfortably. The smooth-riding fiberglass hull with a 15-degree deadrise handles open-water crossings without pounding, even when afternoon chop kicks up on the return run.
Built for Comfort
At 22 feet with an 8'6" beam, the 2200 V gives your group room to gear up, spread out, and relax between dives. Walk-around gunwales make it easy to move around the boat, and there's ample storage for coolers, gear, towels, and everything else you bring along.
Reliable and Safe
Fiberglass construction, hydraulic steering, trim tabs, and a full safety package mean you're in capable hands from dock to dock. The boat is equipped with all required safety gear, a swim ladder for easy water access, and plenty of shade options to keep your group comfortable in the Florida sun.
What's Included
Every Reel Coquina scalloping charter includes everything you need for a successful day on the water:
✅ Private charter - your group only
✅ Captain Pablo - USCG-licensed captain with 1,500+ Gulf charters
✅ Snorkel gear - mask, snorkel, and fins (bring your own if preferred)
✅ Mesh catch bags - for collecting your scallops
✅ Florida saltwater fishing license - covered under the captain's license
✅ Dive flag - required by Florida law, provided by us
✅ Ice and cooler space - to keep your catch and drinks cold
✅ Fuel - included in the charter price
✅ Scallop cleaning demo - learn how to shuck your catch
✅ Safety gear - life jackets, first aid, all USCG requirements
What to Bring
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Swimsuit and towel
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Sunscreen (reef-safe preferred)
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Polarized sunglasses
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Water shoes or flip-flops
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Drinks and snacks
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An empty cooler to transport your scallops home
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A camera - you'll want one
2026 Scalloping Season Dates
Florida's bay scallop season is set by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and varies by zone. The zones closest to St. Petersburg are:
|
Zone |
Season Dates |
Distance from St. Pete |
|
Pasco County |
July 10 – August 18 |
Closest - short run north |
|
Hernando, Citrus & Levy Counties (Crystal River, Homosassa) |
July 1 – September 24 |
~60–90 min run north |
|
Fenholloway – Suwannee Zone (Steinhatchee, Keaton Beach) |
June 15 – Labor Day |
Extended run |
Note: Reel Coquina's scalloping charters are available during the active season windows listed above. Availability depends on weather, water conditions, and open season dates. Book early - scalloping dates fill fast during peak summer.
Bag Limits (Per FWC Regulations)
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Per person: 2 gallons of whole bay scallops in shell OR 1 pint of scallop meat
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Per vessel: Maximum of 10 gallons whole in shell OR ½ gallon of scallop meat
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Vessel limits cannot allow any individual to exceed their personal bag limit
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Scallops may only be harvested by hand or with a landing/dip net
What to Expect on Your Trip
Before the Trip
Captain Pablo will reach out to confirm your trip details, go over the plan for the day, and answer any questions about what to bring. He checks tide charts, water clarity reports, and weather conditions to choose the best scalloping grounds for your trip date.
Departure
Your group meets Captain Pablo at the marina in the St. Petersburg area. After a quick safety briefing and gear check, you're underway. The run to the scalloping grounds takes you north along Florida's stunning Gulf coastline.
On the Water
Once Captain Pablo anchors over a productive grass flat, everyone gears up and slides into the warm, shallow water. The typical depth is three to six feet - comfortable for swimmers and snorkelers of all experience levels. Captain Pablo stays with the boat, moves to fresh beds when needed, and helps anyone who needs a break or instruction.
The Hunt
Float face-down, scan the seagrass, and watch for scallops. They're easy to spot once you know what to look for - a small fan-shaped shell nestled in the grass, often with a row of tiny iridescent blue eyes staring back at you. Grab them, drop them in your mesh bag, and keep going. Most groups fill their limit within a few hours.
After the Harvest
Once your group has filled up (or the clock winds down), Captain Pablo heads back. He'll show you how to shuck and clean your scallops so you're ready to cook them that evening. Transfer your cleaned catch to your cooler, and you're headed home with the freshest seafood you'll ever eat.
FAQs about Scalloping Charters
How much is a scalloping charter?
A private six-hour scalloping charter costs $950 for up to four guests. Snorkel gear is included in the charter price.
Do I need to know how to scuba dive?
No. Scalloping uses snorkeling gear only - mask, snorkel, and fins. You float on the surface and make short, shallow dives to pick up scallops. No scuba certification or experience is required.
Is scalloping safe for kids?
Yes. Scalloping is one of the most family-friendly water activities on the Gulf Coast. The water is typically three to six feet deep, warm, and calm. Children should be comfortable swimming and wearing a snorkel mask. Life jackets and flotation devices are available on board.
Do I need a fishing license?
No. When you're on a licensed charter, all passengers are covered under the captain's license. You don't need to purchase a separate Florida saltwater fishing license for the trip.
What if I've never snorkeled before?
No problem. Captain Pablo can provide instruction on how to use your gear before you get in the water. Snorkeling for scallops is done in shallow, calm water - it's one of the easiest ways to learn.
How many scallops can I take home?
Florida law allows 2 gallons of whole bay scallops per person per day (or 1 pint of cleaned meat). The vessel maximum is 10 gallons whole (or ½ gallon of meat). Most groups hit their limit on a full trip.
What if the weather is bad?
Captain Pablo monitors conditions closely. If weather makes the trip unsafe or unproductive, he'll work with you to reschedule. Safety always comes first.
Can you cook the scallops at a local restaurant?
Many waterfront restaurants in the St. Petersburg and Tampa Bay area will cook your catch for you. Captain Pablo can recommend spots. Bay scallops are incredible seared in garlic butter, tossed in pasta, or eaten as ceviche.
How far is the run to the scalloping grounds?
The run depends on which zone is open and where conditions are best. Pasco County waters are the closest scalloping grounds to St. Pete, typically a short boat ride north. Crystal River and Homosassa are farther but offer an extended season window.
How do I book?
Book online, call 404-438-8732, or text Captain Pablo directly. Scalloping charters sell out fast during peak season - especially weekends and holidays - so booking early is strongly recommended.