What Is Crab Island in Destin, Florida? (2025 Guide with Tours, Tips & Itineraries)

Crab Island isn’t an island. It’s a vibe.

Floating in the emerald waters of Destin, Florida, Crab Island is a shallow underwater sandbar turned social hotspot. From family-friendly boat tours to floating restaurants, water parks, and epic people-watching—it’s no surprise this is the #1 thing to do in Destin.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a local planning a boat day, this 2025 guide covers everything you need to know—plus how to book the perfect Crab Island tour based on your group, budget, and vibe.

What Is Crab Island?

Crab Island is a submerged sandbar located just north of the Destin Bridge in Choctawhatchee Bay. Once a true island formed by dredged sand from the Destin Pass in the 1960s, it gradually eroded over time due to shifting tides and storms. Today, it sits underwater but remains shallow—just 1 to 4 feet deep in most areas—making it perfect for wading, floating, and relaxing.

It’s not a theme park, but it might feel like one.

On any given day you’ll find:

• Floating food vendors
• Inflatable obstacle courses and waterslides
• Music, rafts, and floats galore
• Hundreds of anchored boats and happy people
• No roads, no entry gates—just show up by boat and enjoy the party (or peaceful corner, if that’s more your speed)

How Do You Get to Crab Island?

You can’t swim or walk to Crab Island (the currents are too strong). You must go by boat or shuttle.

Best Ways to Get to Crab Island:

• Public Crab Island Tours – Great for families and groups without boating experience
  👉 Browse Public Crab Island Tours

• Private Boat Charters (Captain Included) – More freedom, less stress
  👉 Explore Charters with Captains

• Pontoon Boat Rentals (Drive Yourself) – Fun for experienced boaters
  👉 See Crab Island Pontoon Rentals

Can You Go to Crab Island on Jet Skis, Kayaks, or Paddleboards?

Yes—you can visit on personal watercraft like jet skis, kayaks, or paddleboards, but you can’t anchor them at Crab Island. Anchoring smaller vessels is dangerous due to high currents and heavy boat traffic. You can float nearby or meet up with friends—just don’t anchor or leave your vessel.

What Do You Do at Crab Island?

Crab Island isn’t a place you “tour”—you experience it.

Once you anchor in the shallow turquoise water, you’ll:

• Lounge on a giant flamingo or pineapple float
• Play water games like paddle pong or frisbee
• Wade to floating restaurants for burgers, tacos, and ice cream
• Explore inflatable obstacle courses (seasonal)
• Blast your playlist and relax in paradise

It’s like a beach party without the sand—and you’re floating in crystal-clear water the whole time.

Where Is Crab Island?

Crab Island sits just north of the Destin Bridge (Marler Bridge) in Choctawhatchee Bay.

Coordinates: 30.3930° N, 86.5127° W

Parking Tip: Most tours depart from HarborWalk Village or Destin Harbor—arrive early for parking.

When’s the Best Time to Visit Crab Island?

Mid-morning to early afternoon is ideal for good tide levels and fewer crowds.

Best Months:

April–September: Peak vendor season (a.k.a. when it’s at its prime!)

May–August: Social and lively

Late April and October: Calmer and a more budget-friendly time to visit Destin

Choose a Crab Island Tour That Matches Your Vibe

TripShock makes it easy to filter Crab Island experiences based on what matters to you:

• Crab Island tours with restroom onboard
• Crab Island boats with waterslide included
• Large group boats in Destin
• Destin pontoon charters with captain included
• Public tours to Crab Island
• Discounted Destin pontoon rentals

Planning a Destin Bachelor or Bachelorette Party?

Crab Island is the ultimate pre-wedding adventure.

• Rent a large pontoon or private charter (captain included = no worries)
• Bring themed floats, snacks, drinks, and a speaker
• Float, laugh, and celebrate with unforgettable views

Pro tip: Book early—weekends fill up fast! You can also plan ahead and save on Crab Island experiences with our best deals.

👉 Find large group charters for 20+ people

Marine Life Around Crab Island

There’s more to see than just floats and food boats:

• Dolphins often swim past the sandbar—and if you love those friendly creatures, you’ll find a Destin dolphin cruise a delightful and informative activity for another day!
• Spot schools of fish, rays, or even sea turtles
• Jellyfish can appear (especially in late summer). Most are harmless moon jellies, but it’s wise to float with awareness

Local tip: Pool noodles or inflatables offer comfy, worry-free floating

Sample Itinerary (Family-Friendly)

10:00 AM – Arrive at your tour check-in or rental dock
10:30 AM – Depart for Crab Island
11:00 AM – Anchor, explore, float, eat, and play
2:00 PM – Cruise through Choctawhatchee Bay for dolphin spotting and relaxing views
3:00 PM – Return to dock and grab snacks at HarborWalk Village
6:00 PM – Hop aboard a Destin sunset cruise after dinner (and maybe a nap!)

Many tours let you BYO food, drinks, and floats—so plan ahead and stop by a nearby Publix, Target or Walmart to save.

Crab Island FAQs

Can you go to Crab Island without a boat?
No—you need a boat, shuttle, or guided tour to get there safely.

Can you bring alcohol?
Yes, on your boat in non-glass containers. Vendors once sold alcohol directly on the water—but due to safety laws passed in 2018, alcohol is now BYOB only.

Is it family-friendly?
Absolutely! Go in the morning or midweek for a calmer vibe.

Is Crab Island open year-round?
Yes, but floating vendors and activities are seasonal (April–October).

How deep is the water?
1–4 feet in most places, but watch for deeper channels. Keep small children close.

Ready to Plan Your Day at Crab Island?

Whether you’re reserving a private pontoon or hopping on a public tour, TripShock has your ticket to the ultimate floating playground. Book early, float easy, and make this the trip you talk about all year.

📍 Browse All Crab Island Tours & Rentals