Local Guides in Citrus County Ready to Welcome Visitors
CRYSTAL RIVER, Fla. (June 15, 2021) – In addition to winter, spring, summer, and fall, the major “seasons” in Citrus County, Florida, include various fishing seasons, manatee season, and scalloping season, which runs July 1 through Sept. 24. Sometimes described as fishing, snorkeling and a treasure hunt, all rolled into one, scalloping is a long-time Florida tradition in the Big Ben Region, popular with generations of visitors and locals alike. With more travelers now searching for safe, affordable, family-friendly, outdoor getaways, guides in Crystal River and Homosassa are looking forward to sharing this fun summertime adventure with visitors to the area.
“Scalloping is a favorite annual pastime in Citrus County, and people look forward to it all year,” said John Pricher, Executive Director of Discover Crystal River. “Despite all the health concerns, last year’s season was fairly busy since scalloping is a great way to safely get outside to spend time with friends and family. Now that more people feel safe traveling, we expect this summer to be a big success.”
With just a short boat ride, scallopers can find Citrus County’s sweet bay scallops in just 3 to 8 feet of water along the grassy beds in the Gulf of Mexico. The easiest way to get on the water is with one of the area’s top-rated guides and rental services, who provide all the gear, know all the best stops and provide helpful tips, and do not require a fishing license. For those who like to do it on their own, there are several marinas and outfitters with all the necessary provisions.
After a successful scalloping trip working up on an appetite, divers can take their catch to one of several local restaurants for a Cook-Your-Catch meal. Many choose to complete their scalloping adventure with a stay at one of Citrus County’s accommodation options, including hotels, beds and breakfasts, vacation rentals, and RV campgrounds.
Scalloping is a seasonal activity, making it a sustainable food source; every year during the off season, the local bay scallop population replenishes itself. The area’s sustainable practices include bag limits and designated scalloping areas.
For more information about Scalloping Season in Citrus County, and to plan your visit today, go to DiscoverCrystalRiverFL.com.
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About Crystal River Florida
Widely known as the Manatee Capital of the World, Crystal River, Florida, is the only place in the United States to legally experience the up-close encounter of swimming with these gentle giants. Located in Central Florida’s Gulf Coast, Crystal River and the surrounding cities of Old Homosassa, Inverness and Floral City are an authentic showcase of outdoor adventure and scenic beauty. Within tens of thousands of acres of protected state parks, forests and wildlife refuges, visitors can explore miles of bicycling, walking, birding, horseback riding and hiking trails to unlock a wild and wonderful world of natural, recreational and archaeological treasures. Pristine swimmable springs and a shimmering network of rivers, lakes, marshlands and mangroves make Crystal River perfect for kayaking, paddle boarding, canoeing, boating, fishing and floating. Feeding the fun is a creative collection of restaurants, pubs, bistros and bars serving up freshly caught seafood and other seasonal favorites all year long – from summer scallop season, to fall blue crab season, to manatee season and a year-round fishing season. Begin your adventure at DiscoverCrystalRiverFL.com or call (352) 794-5506.