Scalloping Adventure: Crystal River Experience

Join our 5-hour Crystal River scalloping charter for a fun-filled adventure with expert guides, top-notch gear, and delicious scallop ceviche.

Duration: 5 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Gulf of Mexico - Meet at Manatee Swim Center and embark on an underwater Easter egg hunt. We will travel out to the crystal bay where we will search the crystal clear waters for scallops. We will hit a spring on the way back into the marina to rinse off.
What's Included
  • Ice with cooler space
  • Towels
  • Use of snorkeling equipment
  • Bottled water
What's Not Included
  • Lunch
  • Sunscreen, Hats, long Sleeve performance shirt
Additional Information

After many years of scalloping we have teamed up to perfect the art of Scalloping in Crystal River. You can expect a safe and fun tour with us. We start with the best equipment possible and follow up with fun and entertainment. One will be your personal DJ, Scallop hunter and last but not lease Chef. After a day in the sun looking for scallops we cap it…

Location
1610 SE Paradise Cir W
Southeast Paradise Circle West
We will meet at Manatee Swim Center Gift Shop located on the water behind the Port Hotel. We are located next to Waterfront Social Restaurant.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(49 Ratings)
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Georgecm169du
Aug 13, 2025
Great people - So much fun with Capt John He is fantastic with kids Easter egg hunting under water !!! I would highly recommend this for summer fun
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Anthonybu4104eq
Aug 12, 2025
Great time for all ages! - This is a great time for all ages! This makes our 7th year to go out with Capt John and he didn't take anytime to put us on the scallops. Capt John worked hard to get us a limit and even takes you to the springs afterwards to round off your experience. This is a "must do" while you are in the area and Capt John gets our recommendation to get the job done.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
J932rjnr
Aug 12, 2025
He finds the scallops! - Year after year we love going scalloping with Capt. John Spann! He always does everything to make our day enjoyable and fun. His knowledge of the area and his Young boat make for a wonderful day on the water. We highly recommend him!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kimwo9264fc
Jul 28, 2025
A day to remember! - Wow what a fantastic time. Capt Paul and Lucas are the best to go scalloping with. Picture heading out to scalloping grounds with the wind in your hair, sun in your face, music to match the vibe and the gulf like a mirror to the sky. Along the way seeing a dolphin and manatee. Once we got there they helped our five year old learn and collect her first scallop (and the ones after that!) They were patient with me and not overbearing with my husband who is a more confident diver. Lucas must be half mermaid! He swam the whole time and came back with a full scallop bag and his ceviche was the best. They even made friends with my youngest by the end who is shy. We ended the day with a dip in the freshwater spring by the dock to wash the salt off. It felt so refreshing! What kind, friendly people that clearly have a love and passion for what they do. There has clearly been a lot of thought put into the day. It is so rare to have a five star experience but they deserve more stars than that. If you are thinking about trying scalloping you won’t regret going with them.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
F4820suwayneb
Jul 27, 2025
Scalloping with the best - This was our third year scalloping with Captain Paul and Lucas and as usual we had an awesome time! Lots of laughs and scallops! See you next year Captain Paul and Lucas! Yee Yee!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kimdi6485ex
Jul 25, 2025
Our Favorite Day of the Year-Scalloping - This was our second year going on a scalloping tour and it has truly become our family’s favorite trip! We always have the best time. The crew even taught my kids how to shuck the scallops which they loved. We found six pounds thanks to our amazing tour guide who made sure we were successful. Their customer service is outstanding as they genuinely cared about our time, stopped to watch the dolphins and made sure the entire experience was fun and memorable. It was a wonderful, wonderful day and we are already looking forward to coming back every single year!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Brandidh5891ou
Jul 15, 2025
Book them!!! - We had the BEST time scalloping with our guides, Paul, John, Lucas and Nathan! From start to finish, everything was top-notch. They were friendly, professional, and incredibly knowledgeable about where to find the biggest beds of scallops. They made sure everyone felt comfortable and safe. We found more scallops than we ever expected and had so much fun along the way. Lucas made everyone FRESH ceviche that tasted AMAZING!! If you’re looking for an unforgettable experience on the water with guides who truly care about making your trip amazing, look no further. Highly recommend them!! We will definitely be booking again next season! Thanks again Paul, Lucas, John, and Nathan!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Katiecw9442ki
Jul 14, 2025
Just Amazing! - Absolutely amazing trip!! Amazing team!!! Collected more scallops than we can count x 100! Beautiful place. Could not possibly be more pleased! THANK YOU Captain Cross!!! We love you!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Elizabethkq3800de
Jul 12, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️One for the Books! A Perfect Family Day on the Water with Paddletail Adventures - July 2025 marked our second scalloping trip with Paddletail Adventures out of Crystal River—and once again, Captain John did not disappoint! My husband and I brought our two boys (ages 11 and 7), and the experience was so much fun that we're already dreaming of our next visit. The weather was absolutely perfect—clear skies and calm seas—which set the stage for an unforgettable adventure. Captain John’s boat was clean, comfortable, and clearly cared for. He also knew just how to keep our boys entertained, ramping up the speed for a little thrill and adventure, which they absolutely loved! John is not only a skilled captain but also a wealth of knowledge when it comes to the local ecology. His passion for nature really shines through. Despite challenging high tides and other unpredictable elements of Mother Nature, he expertly navigated us to a great spot, ensuring a generous haul of scallops. We collected more than enough for our family of four—with plenty to share with relatives later. On the way back to port, Captain Jake and his first mate, Jake added a special touch by showing the boys how to shuck scallops and even prepared some fresh ceviche right on the boat. Picture this: raw scallops marinated with lime, cilantro, and a secret blend of spices. Absolutely delicious, and yes—even the kids loved it! Back at the dock, we had the option to pay someone to shuck the rest of our scallops, but since there was a shucking station next to a tiki bar and pool, we made a whole afternoon out of it. Cold beers for the grownups, swimming for the kids—pure Florida bliss. I even made an Italian cooking playlist on Spotify, and later that evening we turned our fresh catch into a Mediterranean feast with antipasti, vino, and great vibes. This wasn’t just a tour—it was a full-on experience. Perfect meal, perfect day, perfect memories. Thank you, Captain John and Captain Jake, for another unforgettable family adventure. We’ll be back!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
419karlat
Aug 6, 2025
Great time!! - Great experience!! A must do! Captains Morgan and John are so much fun and knowledgeable! We will see them again! The Thorltons
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $600 (Per Boat)
up to 15 guests
1 - Traveler
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).