Location, times and cost details can be found below this story.

Now until September 24 there's a scavenger hunt in good taste afloat in the Gulf of Mexico.

"It's a big Easter egg hunt in the water in the summertime," said Capt. Jeff Mauldin, with the Plantation Adventure Center.

Under the water's surface and resting along the bottom, you'll find shells around the size of your fist.

"They lay there looking like a rock," Mauldin said, offering a lesson on how to pronounce scallop. "Depending on what part of the country you're from, it may be scall-up ... schol-lip. Whatever works for  you."

Call them what you will, it's their season in Florida. From late June to Sept. 24 this year, charter boat captains, like Mauldin, are taking scallop hunters of all ages to the Gulf of Mexico.

"I have people in the boat from 3 years old to 80," Mauldin said.

Austin Newlon and his father are from West Virginia. They had one goal: find dinner.

On the windy day we visited, Maulin anchors in shallow waters and then the hunt is on.

After spraying anti-fog in his mask, Austin is first to immerse himself in a world of emerald grass.

"It was awesome," Austin said. "Great day to get in the water."

Hiding in the tall grass, you'll spot the scallop shells, many almost camouflaged. 

"The hardest part was actually seeing them," Austin said.

Mauldin recommends a sunny day for the best visibility along the Gulf's bottom.

"You just float on the top," Mauldin said. "Once you see one, you dive down there and grab it and put it in your bag and go to the next one."

Inside the shell, the creature known for its succulent white seafood awaits. Most scallops go into your dive bag with ease. Others are ready to put up a fight and try to flutter away. They are also known to pinch on occasion.

"They got their eyes open looking at you with their pretty blue eyes," Mauldin said.

At the end of the full-day or half-day excursion, captains will put the scallops on ice for the ride back to the dock in Crystal River.

"It's something you can take your family and do," Austin concludes.

About this Destination
Scalloping with Plantation Adventure Center

Where: Crystal River, Citrus County

Open: Monday through Sunday

Hours: Customized to your schedule.
Half day and full day excursions available.

2015 Scallop Season:
June 27 - September 24

2015 Daily Limit:
2 gallons whole bay scallops in shell,
or 1 pint of bay scallop meat per person

Phone:
1-800-632-6262

Charter Prices:
Call for reservations. 
Weekday prices are cheeper than weekends

Address:
9301 W. Fort Island Trail
Crystal River, Florida 34429

Website:
http://www.plantationoncrystalriver.com/scalloping.htm

GPS Longitude & Latitude:
Latitude:  28.879967
Longitude:  -82.590202

Latitude:  28° 52' 47.8812"
Longitude:  -82° 35' 24.7272"

Drive Times:
From Orlando: 2 hours
From Tampa: 1 hour, 45 minutes

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