Cape San Blas Scallop Season

Scallop season in Cape San Blas takes place each fall, and it's one of the best times of the year to visit. From August 16 - September 24, locals and visitors are allowed to go scallop harvesting in the waters of the St. Joseph Bay and Gulf County. If you're planning a trip to Cape San Blas to go scalloping, there are some things to keep in mind. Use this guide to help you plan your adventure here for the scallop season in 2024. 

Where can I look for scallops?

During this time, the waters of the Mexico Beach Canal in Bay County to the westernmost point of St. Vincent Island in Franklin County are open for scallop harvesting. 

What do I need to go scalloping?

• A Florida Fishing License for saltwater
• Access to a boat so you can easily reach waters where scallops are found
• A dive flag so others know you are swimming
• Gear, including a mask, snorkel, and fins
• Mesh bag to keep your scallops
• A cooler of ice to maintain the freshness of scallops
• Knife or spoon to clean scallops
• Other helpful items include reef-safe sunscreen, food/snacks & plenty of water

How do you harvest scallops?

Scallops live in water that is typically 4 to 8 feet deep. It's easiest to find them in clear water around seagrass beds. Look around the edges of seagrass beds for your best chance of catching them. Using your snorkel, mask, and fins, slowly glide through the water looking for scallops. Bring along a mesh bag to store scallops while you're harvesting.

Once you get to land or your boat, place the scallops in a live well or on ice. If you're storing them on ice, be sure to keep them away from the water runoff as scallops are very sensitive to temperature and type of water. The best option is to keep them in a live well right up until you're going to clean them, which is when it's a good time to put them on ice. 

The daily bag limit per person of scallops in the shell is 2 gallons or one pint of scallop meat per person.

Why Visit Cape San Blas for Scallop Season

There isn't a better reason than getting a chance to eat delicious fresh scallops! Scalloping in Cape San Blas is a fun and accessible activity out on the water. Whether you simply venture out from the shore or charter a boat to find the best location, harvesting is great for all ages and skill levels. With average temperatures in the low 80s this time of the year, Cape San Blas is an idyllic beach destination. 

Plan your Cape San Blas vacation for the 2024 scalloping season. Our vacation rentals are a great home base for all your adventures here.