The Great Scallop Hunt: A Nantucket Scalloping Adventure

Fall on Nantucket brings cooler days, quieter beaches, and the return of one of the island’s most beloved traditions: bay scalloping. This October, the Maria Mitchell Association (MMA) is offering a special opportunity to experience the start of scallop season from the water with The Great Scallop Hunt.

Held on Friday, October 2 and Saturday, October 3, 2026, this immersive experience invites participants aboard Captain Bruce Beebe’s boat for a hands-on scalloping expedition. Guests will learn from a seasoned local scalloper while harvesting, shucking, and tasting fresh Nantucket bay scallops, with a picnic lunch and beverages included along the way.

Experience a Nantucket Tradition

Bay scalloping has long been woven into the fabric of island life. Nantucket remains one of the few places where wild bay scallops are regularly harvested, and the Maria Mitchell Association has worked with the Nantucket Shellfish Association on long-term research into the species since 2003. Their research focuses on scallop reproduction, survival, longevity, and habitat within Nantucket’s waters.

The Great Scallop Hunt offers participants a chance to experience this tradition firsthand. Led by Captain Bruce Beebe, the excursion provides an insider’s perspective on scalloping while visiting local waters and learning what makes Nantucket’s bay scallop fishery so special. Participants can harvest scallops to bring home and enjoy some of their catch during the experience.

The Great Scallop Hunt 2026

Two excursions are planned for this year:

Friday, October 2: 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Saturday, October 3: 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Cost: $500 per person, with a $250 tax-deductible portion
Availability: Only six spots are available for each trip, and advance registration is required.

A full itinerary will be provided to registered participants closer to the event. The Maria Mitchell Association describes the experience as an opportunity to discover Nantucket through one of its most cherished traditions, with access to local scalloping spots and insight from island experts.

Before You Go

Participants who would like to take their harvested scallops home must have a valid Nantucket shellfish permit, with each person keeping scallops required to have their own permit. Those participating without taking scallops home do not need a permit.

Space for The Great Scallop Hunt is extremely limited, making early registration a good idea for anyone hoping to take part.

Whether you are a longtime Nantucket scalloper or experiencing the tradition for the first time, The Great Scallop Hunt offers a memorable way to welcome fall, get out on the water, and experience a tradition that remains an important part of island life.

Learn more and register for The Great Scallop Hunt through the Maria Mitchell Association. The Great Scallop Hunt at the Maria Mitchell Association