Get ready for a killer day on the water with our 4-hour scallop snorkeling trip in Port Saint Joe Bay, Florida. This ain't your average day at the beach - we're talking about diving into crystal-clear waters and scooping up some of the tastiest seafood you'll ever eat. From August to September, as set by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the bay becomes a scallop hunter's paradise. For just 500 bucks, you and a buddy can gear up and hit the shallows for an underwater treasure hunt like no other.
Here's the lowdown on what to expect: We'll cruise out into Port Saint Joe Bay, one of the prettiest spots on the Forgotten Coast. The water here is typically calm and clear, perfect for spotting those fan-shaped shells on the sea floor. Our guides know this bay like the back of their hand, so we'll take you straight to the honey holes where scallops love to hang out. You don't need to be a pro swimmer or diver - just grab a mask, snorkel, and mesh bag (all provided), and you're good to go. We'll show you how to spot scallops and safely scoop 'em up. It's like an underwater Easter egg hunt, but way cooler and with way better eats at the end.
If you've never been scalloping before, don't sweat it. We'll hook you up with all the gear you need - mask, snorkel, fins, and a mesh bag for your catch. The water's usually about 3 to 6 feet deep, so it's perfect for beginners. You'll float face down, scanning the grass flats for those telltale blue eyes of the scallops. When you spot one, just dive down and scoop it up. It's that easy. We'll teach you how to tell the keepers from the little guys, so you're not wasting time on scallops that aren't worth the effort. And don't worry about the cleaning - we'll show you how to shuck 'em right on the boat if you want, or you can take 'em home whole to clean later.
"Spent three wonderful days chasing tripletail with Capt Mark Butler. We are fly fisherman and Mark did a nice job putting us in position to catch fish. Great boat, beautiful area and an abundance of fish species in the bay. Can't go wrong with Capt Mark, and he makes a damn fine lunch too. Do practice your casting in the wind as the bay seems to always have a breeze (which is nice when it's 90* and 80% humidity! Highly recommend Triple Tail Charters - give them a try." - John
"I've fished with Mark several years and he's one of the most knowledgeable guides out there. He knows where the fish are!!" - Dan
"Knowledgeable captain! Awesome trip!" - Monica
While we're out scalloping, keep your eyes peeled for some of the other critters that call Port Saint Joe Bay home. You might spot some redfish tailing in the shallows or see a school of mullet skimming across the surface. If you're lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of a sea turtle or a dolphin. The bay is teeming with life, and every trip out is like a mini nature documentary.
Now, let's talk about the star of the show - the bay scallop. These little bivalves might not look like much, but they're prized for their sweet, tender meat. Bay scallops are smaller than their sea scallop cousins, usually about the size of a half-dollar. They've got anywhere from 50 to 100 bright blue eyes lining their shell, which is how you spot 'em on the bottom. Scallops are filter feeders, so they help keep the water clean, and they're a favorite snack for lots of other sea critters. That's why there's a strict limit on how many you can take - we want to make sure there's plenty left for next year's crop and to keep the ecosystem in balance.
Look, if you're itching for a day on the water that's more than just lounging on the beach, this scallop trip is your ticket. It's hands-on, it's fun, and at the end of the day, you've got a cooler full of fresh seafood to show for it. Plus, you can't beat the bragging rights of telling your friends back home that you caught your own dinner. The season's short and spots fill up fast, so don't sit on your hands. Give us a call at Tripletail Charters and let's get you out on the water. Trust me, once you've tasted a scallop you caught yourself, you'll be hooked for life. So what are you waiting for? The scallops ain't gonna catch themselves!
July 12, 2024
I’ve fished with Mark several years and he‘s one of the most knowledgeable guides out there. He knows where the fish are!!
November 18, 2023
Knowledgeable captain! Awesome trip!
August 1, 2024
The tripletail king!!!!!! Never disappoints. 🥰🥰
September 10, 2023
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 2
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 45
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 150
Spent three wonderful days chasing tripletail with Capt Mark Butler. We are fly fisherman and Mark did a nice job putting us in position to catch fish. Great boat, beautiful area and an abundance of fish species in the bay. Can’t go wrong with Capt Mark, and he makes a damn fine lunch too. Do practice your casting in the wind as the bay seems to always have a breeze (which is nice when it’s 90* and 80% humidity! Highly recommend Triple Tail Charters - give them a try.