If you live or vacation in Destin Florida, Crab Island has to be on your summer bucket list. All the talk throughout the summer is Crab Island, one of the top things to do in Destin. Our summer visitors and friends are curious about Crab Island, which is by far our most popular cruise at SunVenture Cruises. We take two daily trips to this underwater sandbar for guests to enjoy an unforgettable day of relaxing and having fun in the sun. Our captains and staff get a variety of questions each week about what Crab Island is, what there is to do, how to get out there, etc. so we are answering some of the most frequently asked questions. Learn everything you need to know before you hit this must-see attraction in Destin Florida.
What is Crab Island?
Surprisingly Crab Island is not an island but it use to be. Crab Island got its name because it was a small island shaped like a crab before a hurricane submerged it. Today, it’s a shallow, underwater sandbar near the iconic Destin bridge that is the epicenter of fun in Destin Florida as boats anchor and people wade in the waist-deep emerald green waters. Drive over the Destin bridge any day in the summer and you can’t miss Crab Island with hundreds of anchored boats and people relaxing and catching rays from the water or on floats. There are also a variety of attractions such as floating food vendors, inflatable water slides and more.
Crab Island is so popular with locals and visitors alike because of what a breathtaking and unique experience it is – how often do you get to hang out in the middle of waist deep, emerald green waters with friends? From paddle boarding to kayaking to music, inflatables and people lounging, there’s something for everyone of all ages. It’s an attraction unlike any other that you have to experience for yourself.
How do you get out to Crab Island?
Since Crab Island is out in the middle of the waters, the only and safest way to get out there is by boat. On the busiest days in the summer (typically Wednesday through Sunday) there could be hundreds of boats anchored and hundreds of people wading in the water. That’s why the safest way to get to Crab Island is by letting an experienced captain take you. The SunVenture Cruises captains take two trips daily to Crab Island at both the Destin location and the Okaloosa Island location. Our Coast-guard licensed captains are well versed on navigating the busy waters as well as knowledgeable about the varied depths of Crab Island. They know just right the location to anchor and how to anchor safely around the hundreds of other boats and people.
Unlike boat shuttle services, our boats and captains stay with you the entire time so you have full access to shade, restrooms and your coolers. Renting a pontoon boat in Destin can be very expensive and less convenient than a SunVenture Cruise. Our Crab Island cruises cost a fraction of the price and our captains do all the work so you enjoy a stress-free day on the water.
How deep is the water?
The average depth of the water at Crab Island is 3 feet. Perfect for relaxing but ever more reason for boat drivers to be cautious. There are some spots that are deeper and others that are more shallow – another reason why it’s better to ride with an experienced captain who knows how to navigate the busy waters and varied depths.
What is there to do at Crab Island?
There’s something for everyone of all ages at Crab Island. Whether you want to relax or want an adventure, it’s all available at Crab Island. You will find many people lounging on floats in the water and listening to music. You will see people renting paddle boards or kayaks to explore the emerald green waters. Floating food vendors are also around and open daily. One of the most popular attractions is the inflatable water park with trampolines, obstacle courses and more. All these Crab Island activities cost an additional price based on the particular vendor so bring additional cash to enjoy these amenities.
Can you drink alcohol at Crab Island?
Vendors are no longer allowed to sell alcohol at Crab Island but guests are welcome to bring their own. If you want to enjoy a safe day of drinking on the water, SunVenture Cruises is the safest option. Guests are welcome to bring their own cooler and have access to it the entire time we are at Crab Island. Our captains do the driving and anchoring and you have fun at a fraction of the price of renting a pontoon boat.
Is Crab Island kid-friendly?
Yes, Crab Island is a popular place for kids and families to enjoy the beautiful emerald green waters. Peak hours for Crab Island are in the afternoon and so kids and families are recommended to go on our early Crab Island cruise to avoid the heat and crowds. The 3-hour morning Crab Island cruise is great for families with small children or those who want to enjoy Crab Island before the afternoon heat settles in. Our 4-hour Crab Island excursion is perfect for those who want to enjoy all that Crab Island has to offer. This afternoon trip is great for those looking for a little bit more time to relax and play.
Are there crabs at Crab Island?
Again, contrary to its name, Crab Island is not an island full of crabs. But you might find local sea life swimming in the emerald green waters of Crab Island including small crabs, fish, hermit crabs, dolphins and more. Our captains are always on the lookout for dolphins as they venture out to Crab Island.
Is there a bathroom at Crab Island?
If you are not on a boat with a restroom, then there is a vendor that you can pay to use a portable bathroom. Luckily, both the SunVenture I and SunVenture II have restrooms on board and our boats stay with you the entire time so you have full access. A huge plus in a time of need and another convenient reason to cruise with us to Crab Island.
What should I bring to Crab Island?
Even if you don’t plan to get in the water you might get wet on the boat so plan accordingly. On SunVenture Cruises, we allow personal coolers that will fit under your seat. For Crab Island, we suggest a towel, sunscreen, extra cash for Crab Island activities if you want to do them, bathing suit, flip flops, waterproof camera or waterproof pouch for your phone.
SunVenture Cruises offers daily cruises to Crab Island. You can join us at 9:45 am for a 3 hour Crab Island Cruise or at 1:30 pm for a four hour Crab Island excursion from either the Destin Harbor location or from Okaloosa Island. Check out our daily Crab Island Cruises schedule and enjoy the most relaxing, convenient and affordable way to experience the one and only Crab Island.
SunVenture Cruises Named One of the Top Boat Tours and Cruises in Destin by Tripadvisor for Third Consecutive Year
SunVenture Cruises has earned the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence Award for the third consecutive year as one of the top Boat Tours and Cruises in Destin Florida. The achievement celebrates businesses that are consistently excellent – having earned great traveler reviews on TripAdvisor over the past year. SunVenture Cruises is a leisure cruise company with locations at the Destin Harbor and Okaloosa Island, offering daily summer cruises to Crab Island, Dolphin Sunset Cruises, Fireworks Cruises and Private Cruises. SunVenture Cruises has been consistently rated as one of the top things to do in Destin as well as one of the top chartered cruises in the area, based on reviews and testimonials.
“This award is extremely valuable to us because it is solely based on guest reviews. To earn this award for three consecutive years speaks volumes to the level of service, value and overall experience that our team provides. It is consistently our goal to exceed our guests’ expectations with an unforgettable experience on the water,” stated James Murray, proprietor for SunQuest Cruises the parent company to SunVenture Cruises.
For the past three consecutive years, SunVenture Cruises has earned this honor due to consistently high reviews from guests on the convenience, level of service and unforgettable experience offered on all our cruises. The Certificate of Excellence accounts for the quality, quantity and recency of reviews submitted by travelers on TripAdvisor over a 12-month period. To qualify, a business must maintain an overall TripAdvisor bubble rating of at least four out of five, have a minimum number of reviews and must have been listed on TripAdvisor for at least 12 months.
“TripAdvisor is excited to announce the recipients of the 2019 Certificate of Excellence, which for nearly a decade has celebrated businesses that have consistently received positive ratings from travelers and diners on the world’s largest travel platform,” said Neela Pal, Vice President of Brand, TripAdvisor. “This recognition allows us to publicly recognize businesses that are actively taking into account customer feedback to help travelers confidently experience the most highly reviewed places to eat, stay, and explore.”
TripAdvisor is the world’s largest travel site. Certificate of Excellence recipients include restaurants, accommodations and attractions located all over the world that have continually delivered a quality customer experience. Guests have consistently rated SunVenture Cruises with four and five-star ratings for its service, value and overall experience.
Great Service on Cruises From Beginning to End
Our Coast-guard licensed captains are experts on the water so you can sit back and relax in the sun. Our captains will keep you educated and entertained as they navigate the busy waters of the Destin area. Our goal is to give our guests a stress-free, safe experience on the water. Whether it’s finding the perfect spot to watch dolphins, the sunset or fireworks or anchoring at Crab Island, our captains and deckhands are with you from beginning to end to make sure you have fun and are safe. While anchored at Crab Island, our crew is at your service to help you on and off the boat where you have full access to the boat, shade, your cooler and a restroom.
“Easy booking online, easy to find, and a great time!! Boat is nice, not overly crowded. Captain did a great job. Used SunVenture twice during our vacation. Once from Destin and once from Okaloosa Island. Enjoyed the boat ride out from Okaloosa a little more. They can go a little faster. Kids loved that!! And it was easier traffic wise if you are staying in Fort Walton to use the Okaloosa Island location. But recommend both locations. Great service and you feel safe and don’t have to worry about a thing. Take a float to Crab Island and they will take care of blowing it up for you!!! Makes the trip even better!! There is a restroom on board which helped having kids on trip..” – June 2019 review from Heather
It’s All About the Value & Convenience on Our Cruises
SunVenture Cruises is a much more affordable and convenient alternative to renting a boat in Destin Fl. Taking a Captain-Chartered Cruise is a fraction of the price of renting a pontoon boat, not to mention avoiding the hassle of driving the boat. Guests are invited to bring their cooler on-board and enjoy a day in the sun while our Captains drive. Now SunVenture Cruises makes it even more convenient with a second location at Okaloosa Island, offering more cruise options.
“Capt Lowry, Mark and Cynthia made our cruise to Crab Island worth every penny! Booked by phone with Cynthia and she was awesome with information! She was very helpful with directions and had plenty of answers to all my questions. There is no alcohol for sale at Crab Island anymore and you’re allowed to BYOB on this boat, just no glass. Capt Lowry and Deckhand Mark were awesome! So fun to talk to made sure everyone had a great time. Snacks and drinks on the boat (water, soda, etc) were $2 each, cash. You can also rent a paddleboard or kayak from them to try out around Crab Island! Our trip was a ton of fun and so much cheaper and safer than renting our own boat. Thank you Cynthia, Capt Lowry and Mark for a great time! We will be back!” – May 2019 review by Sarah
Embark on an Unforgettable Cruise Experience
The mission of SunVenture Cruises is to offer unparalleled, unforgettable experiences on the water for all cruises including Crab Island Cruises, Sunset Dolphin Cruises, Sunset Dolphin Fireworks Cruises and private cruises. Our Crab Island cruises and Sunset Dolphin Fireworks Cruises are rated as some of the top things to do in Destin. The easiest way to experience the one and only Crab Island is on a chartered, stress free SunVenture Cruise where we do the driving, anchor and stay with you with a restroom on-board, shade and access to your cooler. You enjoy your Crab Island experience and we’ll do all the work.
“My family had the most incredible experience. We can confidently say it was by far our favorite thing we did in Destin. Our captain and 1st mate were nothing short of phenomenal and were very good with the kids. They made sure our dolphin tour was interactive and the fireworks were also amazing. We will be back next year!.” – May 2019 review by Daniel
Enjoy the Destin Harbor Fireworks from SunVenture Cruises
Summer time means weekly fireworks from the Destin Harbor and Emerald Grande every Thursday night. Watching the fireworks in Destin should definitely be at the top of your list of things to do in Destin Fl. Avoid the crowds and ‘venture’ aboard SunVenture Cruises for an unforgettable Sunset, Dolphin and Fireworks cruise – all the fun in one cruise. The best way to explore the local Destin waters and watch the Destin Harbor fireworks is with our captains who will make it fun, entertaining and educational. Our weekly Destin Harbor Fireworks Cruises are perfect for all ages, whether it’s a family on a Destin beach vacation or a couple looking for a memorable night out on the town. Either way, be prepared for a magical and unforgettable night on the water!
Dolphin Cruise
Enjoy your own personal seat aboard the SunVenture I from the Destin Harbor or the SunVenture II from Okaloosa Island. Both boats feature open air arrangements, shaded areas and plenty of seating that is close to the water so you can get the best views and the best pictures. Your two-hour Sunset, Dolphin and Fireworks cruise begins with a narrated tour of the local waters by our Coast-Guard licensed captains. They are the local experts on the water and will take you on a quest to find our local dolphins at some of their favorite spots. You will get the most up close and personal views of our local dolphins from your seat on the SunVenture. Also, learn some interesting history and facts about Destin Florida and our local waters as you enjoy a leisure cruise through the pristine Emerald green waters.
Sunset & Fireworks Cruise
As you leisurely cruise the waters, enjoy ever-changing views of the picturesque sunset as it descends over the Destin bridge and the Destin Harbor. A sunset dolphin cruise is definitely one of the top things to do in Destin but our night doesn’t end there. Our cruise ends with a bang as the sky darkens and then illuminates with vibrant fireworks from the Destin Harbor and Emerald Grande. It’s an All-American celebration every Thursday night for the Red, White and Blue Heroes Fireworks from the Emerald Grande. Our captains know the perfect spot to watch the Destin fireworks so you can enjoy the best seat in the house and take the best pictures.
Check off three things on your Destin summer vacation bucket list with our weekly Sunset, Dolphin and Fireworks cruises – the best of all worlds. Our weekly Fireworks cruises occur every Thursday night in the summer from 7 – 9 pm. SunVenture Cruises is also one of the best ways to watch the 4th of July fireworks over the Destin Harbor. Our SunVenture I 4th of July Fireworks Cruise from Destin is sold out but there is still availability on the SunVenture II from Okaloosa Island. Make your 4th of July Fireworks Cruise reservation today.
There are two convenient locations to book your cruise from. Choose to cruise on the SunVenture I, docked at the heart of the Destin Harbor, or five miles away at the SunVenture II on Okaloosa Island across from The Island Hotel at Dock on the Island. Remember, if you can’t find availability at one location, check the other. Click here to view our schedules and conveniently book your cruise online. We hope to see you on the water soon!
It’s the weekend that all locals and visitors to Destin Florida look forward to every year. Memorial Day weekend in Destin Florida is the glorious start to another fun summer season on the Emerald Coast. And if the current condition of Crab Island is any indication of what this summer is going to be like – it’s going to be amazing! Crab Island is glistening with sparkling emerald green waters similar to the Caribbean waters. Picture yourself here for the most memorable experience of the weekend!
Crab Island is one of the top things to do in Destin Florida for Memorial Day weekend and all summer long. Go where the locals go to relax in pristine, waist deep emerald green waters, leisurely float around, paddle board or jump on the inflatables. You can only get to Crab Island by boat and it can be a stressful process to navigate a boat through the busy waters on Memorial Day weekend. SunVenture Cruises now has two boats taking daily trips to Crab Island from the Destin Harbor and Okaloosa Island. Don’t miss the boat on the safest, fastest, most affordable and most convenient way to get to Crab Island in Destin. Here are the top reasons to cruise with SunVenture Cruises to Crab Island this Memorial Day weekend.
The Stress-free Way to Get To Crab Island
Who wants stress on their three-day weekend? Memorial Day weekend in Destin Florida is all about relaxing and enjoying your time away from the daily stresses of life. Driving or renting a pontoon boat to get to Crab Island is a stressful process from the beginning to the end. SunVenture Cruises is the best way to get to Crab Island as our captain drives the boat, navigates the busy waters and drops anchor at the epicenter of all the fun. Our boat stays the entire time and our deckhands are at your service to help you on and off the boat. Enjoy our three or four hour Crab Island cruises throughout the Memorial Day weekend.
Most Convenient Cruise to Crab Island
One of the many reasons that makes SunVenture Cruises the best way to get out to Crab Island is having a restroom on-board our boats. During our Crab Island Cruises, our boat stays the entire time, giving you full access to a restroom, a large shaded area and your cooler. You are welcome to get on and off the boat at your leisure and convenience throughout your entire stay at Crab Island. You can also enjoy the convenience of taking a Crab Island cruise from two locations – either from the Destin Harbor or at our new location five miles away at Okaloosa Island. If you can’t find availability at one of our locations, you can check the other location’s availability, just a few miles away.
Save Money and Time
Taking a SunVenture Cruise is way more affordable than renting a pontoon boat to go to Crab Island. A Crab Island cruise on the SunVenture costs a fraction of the price of renting a pontoon boat, plus we do all the work so it saves you time and stress. You simply board and let us do the work while you relax and have fun in the sun. Our Coast-guard licensed captains know the fastest and safest way to get to Crab Island and the best spot to anchor so you can have the ultimate experience. Now that’s a perfect Memorial Day weekend in Destin Florida.
If you’re up for another ad”venture”, check out our daily evening Sunset Dolphin Cruises from Destin or Okaloosa Island. Our captains provide a fun, entertaining and educational tour of the local waters as they go on a quest to find dolphins and cruise into the iconic sunset.
SunVenture Cruises Expands to Offer the Only Chartered Cruises from Okaloosa Island on the SunVenture II
It’s an exciting New Year for SunVenture Cruises with a New Boat, New Web Site and New Cruises! SunVenture Cruises today announced that it is expanding its leisure cruises beyond Destin and into Okaloosa Island, featuring the only chartered cruises in that area. SunVenture Cruises has launched a custom-built new vessel, the SunVenture II, and is now offering full-service leisure cruises from the Dock on the Island on Okaloosa Island. Both the SunVenture I, docked at the Destin Harbor, and the SunVenture II are cruising daily in the summer for Crab Island Excursions, Sunset Dolphin Cruises, Fireworks Harbor Cruises and Private Cruises for up to 98 guests. Both vessels offer the advantage of having an on-board restroom and full access to the boat and captain during all cruises.
“Our Crab Island cruises have grown in popularity as the safest, easiest and most affordable way to enjoy Crab Island so it made sense to expand into Okaloosa Island. Our guests love the convenience of our captain navigating the busy waters to Crab Island and staying with them the entire time so they have access to the boat with a restroom and shade,” stated James Murray, Proprietor of SunVenture Cruises. “Just five miles from our Destin location, the new Okaloosa Island location gives our guests more convenient options for cruising to Crab Island, enjoying a Dolphin Sunset Cruise or a private cruise for up to 98 guests.”
Established in 2012, SunVenture Cruises is a locally owned and operated business that offers a variety of daily summer leisure cruises with Coast Guard-licensed captains. Its parent company, SunQuest Cruises, is a locally-owned and operated business that is celebrating its 15th successful year of offering leisure cruises and weddings in this area. The SunVenture I, docked at Heron Harbor on the Destin Harbor, is a 45-foot sporty catamaran for up to 49 passengers with a restroom on-board, open air arrangement, state-of-the-art sound system and seating in close proximity to the water. The new SunVenture II is five miles away at the Dock on the Island across from The Island Hotel by RL on Okaloosa Island. Identical to its sister boat, the SunVenture II is a custom-built, 45-foot vessel with on-board restroom, shaded area and capacity for 49 passengers.
The Best Way to Get to Crab Island in Destin Fl
For the past seven years, SunVenture Cruises has provided a safe and viable option for enjoying Crab Island, an underwater sandbar featuring hours of relaxing and fun in the sun. Both vessels offer daily cruises at a fraction of the price of renting a pontoon boat plus the Coast-Guard licensed captain drives the boat and stays the entire time. Guests have full-access to an on-board restroom, their coolers and a shaded area. Together, there are four daily Crab Island summer cruises including a three-hour mid-morning excursion and a four-hour afternoon excursion.
Other leisure cruise options include two daily Sunset Dolphin evening cruises and two weekly Destin Harbor Sunset and Fireworks cruises every Thursday night in the summer. With the expansion of an additional vessel, SunVenture Cruises has doubled its capacity for private cruises to up to 98 guests. Private cruises have evolved into a popular option for memorable celebrations on the water. SunVenture Cruises has hosted a variety of private cruises for family reunions, bachelor/bachelorette parties, birthday parties, weddings, receptions, corporate retreats, brunches and more. The state-of-the-art sound system, shaded areas, catering options and open deck arrangement makes it an ideal venue for any occasion, big or small.
Based on guests’ reviews, SunVenture Cruises is the proud recipient of the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence for the past two consecutive years as well as the “People Love Us on Yelp” award.
SunVenture I is located at 314 Harbor Blvd in Destin Florida, one mile east of the Destin Bridge at Heron Harbor. Just five miles away, SunVenture II is located at 1318 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE on the bayside of Okaloosa Island at Dock on the Island behind Island Time (across from The Island Hotel by RL). Cruises for both vessels can be conveniently booked online. For additional information, including cruise videos, schedules and online reservations, visit the redesigned new website – www.SunVentureCruises.com.
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About SunVenture Cruises
Established in 2012, SunVenture Cruises is a locally-owned and operated leisure cruise company offering a variety of daily summer cruises by Coast-Guard licensed captains on two vessels: the SunVenture I at the Destin Harbor and the SunVenture II, at the Dock on the Bay on Okaloosa Island. SunVenture Cruises provides the easiest, safest and most affordable way to get to Crab Island with captains driving the boat that stays the entire time with on-board restroom and shaded areas. Other cruises include Dolphin / Sunset Cruises, Sunset Harbor Fireworks Cruises and Private Cruises for up to 98 people. SunQuest Cruises is the parent company to SunVenture Cruises. For additional information, including schedules, cruise videos and online reservations, visit www.SunVentureCruises.com.
About SunQuest Cruises
Established in 2004, SunQuest Cruises is a locally owned and operated company based out of Miramar Beach, Fl. SunQuest Cruises began with the only dining and entertainment yacht in Northwest Florida, the SOLARIS. Docked at Sandestin’s Baytowne Marina, SunQuest Cruises’ SOLARIS yacht is a magnificent 125 foot, 5,200 square foot yacht with three decks of indoor and outdoor spaces. The SOLARIS offers public dinner cruises year-round for up to 150 people and is an award-winning wedding venue. In 2012, SunQuest Cruises expanded into Destin with SunVenture Cruises to fill a niche for Crab Island cruises. SunQuest Cruises expanded again in 2018 with SunQuest Beach Weddings, a full-service wedding company providing Destin beach weddings, floral design, wedding planning, catering, rentals and more. For more information, visit www.SunQuestCruises.com or call 850.650.2519.
Since Crab Island is out in the middle of the waters, the only and safest way to get out there is by boat. On the busiest days in the summer (typically Wednesday through Sunday) there could be hundreds of boats anchored and hundreds of people wading in the water. That’s why the safest way to get to Crab Island is by letting an experienced captain take you. The SunVenture Cruises captains take two trips daily to Crab Island at both the Destin location and the Okaloosa Island location. Our Coast-guard licensed captains are well versed on navigating the busy waters as well as knowledgeable about the varied depths of Crab Island. They know just right the location to anchor and how to anchor safely around the hundreds of other boats and people.
There’s something for everyone of all ages at Crab Island. Whether you want to relax or want an adventure, it’s all available at Crab Island. You will find many people lounging on floats in the water and listening to music. You will see people renting paddle boards or kayaks to explore the emerald green waters. Floating food vendors are also around and open daily. One of the most popular attractions is the inflatable water park with trampolines, obstacle courses and more. All these Crab Island activities cost an additional price based on the particular vendor so bring additional cash to enjoy these amenities.
SunVenture Cruises has earned the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence Award for the third consecutive year as one of the top Boat Tours and Cruises in Destin Florida. The achievement celebrates businesses that are consistently excellent – having earned great traveler reviews on TripAdvisor over the past year. SunVenture Cruises is a leisure cruise company with locations at the Destin Harbor and Okaloosa Island, offering daily summer cruises to Crab Island, Dolphin Sunset Cruises, 
Our Coast-guard licensed captains are experts on the water so you can sit back and relax in the sun. Our captains will keep you educated and entertained as they navigate the busy waters of the Destin area. Our goal is to give our guests a stress-free, safe experience on the water. Whether it’s finding the perfect spot to watch dolphins, the sunset or fireworks or anchoring at Crab Island, our captains and deckhands are with you from beginning to end to make sure you have fun and are safe. While anchored at Crab Island, our crew is at your service to help you on and off the boat where you have full access to the boat, shade, your cooler and a restroom.
SunVenture Cruises is a much more affordable and convenient alternative to renting a boat in Destin Fl. Taking a Captain-Chartered Cruise is a fraction of the price of renting a pontoon boat, not to mention avoiding the hassle of driving the boat. Guests are invited to bring their cooler on-board and enjoy a day in the sun while our Captains drive. Now SunVenture Cruises makes it even more convenient with a second location at Okaloosa Island, offering more cruise options.
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