Half-Day Private Scallop Harvesting Snorkel Excursion in Crystal River
Crystal River, United States

Half-Day Private Scallop Harvesting Snorkel Excursion

Outty Ranking 58 5.0 · 11 traveler reviews5 hoursFrom $700

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September 2026

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Adults

Age 13 and over

2

Children

Age 12 and under

0

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From, per person$700
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Outty Ranking

58/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

5.0/5

Based on 11 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Half-Day Private Scallop Harvesting Snorkel Excursion worth booking?

Half-Day Private Scallop Harvesting Snorkel Excursion is a 5-hour experience in Crystal River, United States, from $700 per person. It scores 58 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look, based on a 5/5 rating across 11 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
58 / 100
Rating
5/5 (11)
Duration
5 hours
From
$700 per person

A Florida-style underwater Easter egg hunt!! From July 1st - September 24th, Bay Scallops are the name of the game when it comes to the ultimate in family fun! Found in the shallow water grass beds of the Gulf of Mexico

What you get

    About this experience

    A Florida-style underwater Easter egg hunt!! From July 1st - September 24th, Bay Scallops are the name of the game when it comes to the ultimate in family fun! Found in the shallow water grass beds of the Gulf of Mexico, these delicacies from the sea are the ultimate in harvest to table experiences. Like Discover Crystal River says, "It’s a fun family-friendly underwater adventure; all you need is a mask, snorkel, flippers, and one exceptional charter captain" that's where we come in! After a scenic 40-minute cruise to the scallop grounds, you'll don your masks, fins, and snorkels and grab a catch bag. (All provided in the cost of the charter.) Our in-water guide will get you started by pointing out these tasty morsels. Then it's off to the races snorkeling to collect your treasure. Once you’re back, you can even bring your catch to a local restaurant that will cook it for you. It’s a cherished local tradition and a Florida family favorite.

    What's included

    Included

    • Salt Water Fishing License
    • Bottled water
    • Use of snorkeling equipment
    • In-vehicle air conditioning

    Not included

    • Scallop Shucking (Shucking available for additional $8.00/gallon at the marina.)
    • Towels, sunglasses, hats, sunglasses and beverages other than bottled water are not included but highly recommended.

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Crystal River

    We are located at Salty Siren Tours in the Crystal Terrace Shopping Center located directly behind Hardee's on US Highway 19 in Crystal River, FL.

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    We are located at Salty Siren Tours in the Crystal Terrace Shopping Center located directly behind Hardee's on US Highway 19 in Crystal River, FL.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 15 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Salt River, LLC

    Know before you go

    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Service animals allowed
    • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Participants should know how to swim.
    • Participants that require regularly worn vision correction should wear contact lenses or purchase a prescription mask.

    Photos

    Half-Day Private Scallop Harvesting Snorkel Excursion in Crystal River, photo 2Half-Day Private Scallop Harvesting Snorkel Excursion in Crystal River, photo 3Half-Day Private Scallop Harvesting Snorkel Excursion in Crystal River, photo 4Half-Day Private Scallop Harvesting Snorkel Excursion in Crystal River, photo 5Half-Day Private Scallop Harvesting Snorkel Excursion in Crystal River, photo 6

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 11 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    Good for families

    3 mentions

    Reviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    2 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Traveler reviews

    11 verified traveler reviews for Half-Day Private Scallop Harvesting Snorkel Excursion. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    11
    4 star
    0
    3 star
    0
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    0
    Sort
    O9298ISjohnc · September 2025

    Scalloping Rockstars!!!

    We had the most amazing family experience with Capt Ed and Capt Kim on this trip! The scalloping was awesome, but the education about the area and vital ecosystem was just as exciting! They both are an amazing amount of knowledge and you can tell how passionate they are about what they do. It was an experience that our family can’t wait to do again!!! I never knew how competitive my family could get about finding scallops and we would not hesitate to book with SaltySirenTours again!!! We are hooked! Thanks again Capt’s Ed and Kim!!! You guys knocked it out of the park!!

    Response from the operator: 🌟 What an incredible review — thank you so much! We’re absolutely thrilled your family had such an amazing scalloping adventure with us. 🐚✨ It makes us so happy to hear you enjoyed not only the scalloping itself, but also learning about the area and the ecosystem we’re so passionate about protecting. 💙 We love that your family got a little competitive — that’s all part of the fun! 😄⚓️ Knowing you’re already “hooked” and planning to join us again means the world to us. Thank you for trusting Salty Siren Tours with your family’s experience… we’ll be ready to knock it out of the park again on your next trip! 🙌💦

    via Tripadvisor

    betsybR2312ES · July 2025

    Best. Day. Ever.

    Going out with Capt. Ed and Capt. Kim felt like going scalloping with old friends. Thankful for their expertise and generosity. We learned a lot from our time on the water with them. Definitely coming back!

    Response from the operator: Thank you for the kind words. We’re so glad your day with Capt. Ed and Capt. Kim felt like heading out with old friends. Their expertise, generosity, and love for the water make every trip special, and we’re thrilled you enjoyed learning along the way. We look forward to welcoming you back for your next adventure.

    via Tripadvisor

    396MarcK · July 2025

    Crystal River Scallop Charter 1/2 day.

    There are no better captains on the river!!! We have been sailing with Capt. Ed & Kim for many years. There make you feel like family and always get the job done!

    Response from the operator: Thank you for your heartfelt review. It means so much to know you’ve been sailing with Capt. Ed and Kim for many years and that they make you feel like family every time. Their dedication to creating memorable, successful trips is unmatched, and we’re grateful for your continued trust. We look forward to many more adventures together on the river.

    via Tripadvisor

    Traveler36975626129 · July 2025

    Amazing time!

    Both captains were amazing I would definitely them to anyone that wants a fun day of scalloping. We plan on coming back again in the future. Both of my daughters said they want to come out again before we even made it back to the marina.

    Response from the operator: Thank you for your kind words. We’re so glad you and your family had such a great day scalloping with our captains. Hearing that your daughters were ready to come back before you even returned to the marina is the best compliment we could receive. We look forward to welcoming you all back for another fun day on the water.

    via Tripadvisor

    robinski2 · July 2024

    A must use tour operator for a must do activity in a must visit town

    Thank you Ed and Kim for yet another great experience in Crystal River. We went out with Ed a few years ago and looked him again on our return to Crystal River. Scalloping and Fishing with Ed is a reason to visit the area on it's own. Ed and Kim know how to treat people fairly and provide a great experience on the water. And the scallops were lovely to eat !

    Response from the operator: Thank you so much for allowing us the opportunity to one again get you out on the water to appreciate all that Crystal River has to offer! It was our sincere pleasure to serve you, and we can't wait to see you again!

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    5 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    4
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    Why this scores 58

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)94
    Review evidence (18% weight)32
    Booking momentum (14% weight)24
    Value for money (12% weight)0
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)56
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Half-Day Private Scallop Harvesting Snorkel Excursion: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Crystal River.

    How much does Half-Day Private Scallop Harvesting Snorkel Excursion cost?

    +

    Prices start at $700 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Crystal River usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Half-Day Private Scallop Harvesting Snorkel Excursion take?

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    Plan for about 5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Crystal River is not rushed.

    Is Half-Day Private Scallop Harvesting Snorkel Excursion worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 58 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 11 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Crystal River, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Half-Day Private Scallop Harvesting Snorkel Excursion?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Half-Day Private Scallop Harvesting Snorkel Excursion suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Half-Day Private Scallop Harvesting Snorkel Excursion?

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    Around 4 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Crystal River can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Crystal River and add a light layer if any part of the 5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Half-Day Private Scallop Harvesting Snorkel Excursion start and how do I get there?

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    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Crystal River within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Crystal River?

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    Crystal River is the one place in Florida with permitted in-water manatee tours: early-morning snorkel trips into Three Sisters Springs, scalloping in summer and spring-fed kayak paddles. On Outty we rank every Crystal River experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include 3 Hour Small Group All Inclusive Manatee Swim with free Photo pkg, Guided Small Group Manatee Snorkeling Tour with In-Water Photographer, Most Popular 3hr Manatee Swim Tour + In-Water Guide!. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Crystal River?

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    November to March for manatee season, July to September for scalloping. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Crystal River?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

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