Located at Heron Harbor - 314 Harbor Blvd. Destin, FL
Frequently Asked Questions about SunVenture Cruises
SunVenture Cruises answers some of the most frequently asked questions about our Destin cruises.
We are here to help you with any questions you may have, in order to help make your cruise experience as memorable as can be. Our experienced team of local experts are readily available to answer your questions or help you customize a private cruise.
Where are you located?
SunVenture Cruises is conveniently located along the Destin Harbor. While we allow 45 minutes for boarding, please allow enough time for parking and traffic, especially in the busy peak summer season.
SunVenture Cruises (Destin – Heron Harbor) is conveniently in the heart of Destin, 1/2 mile east of the Destin Bridge at Heron Harbor. The physical address for mapping directions is:
Heron Harbor
314 Harbor Blvd
Destin, Florida 32541
850.424.6465
Heron Harbor Parking: Parking ranges from $10-$30/car. This fee is NOT imposed by SunVenture Cruises. Parking is managed by Premium Parking and payment can be made via text, mobile app, camera pay, pay machine, or website.
Parking Fees:
4 Hours: $10
6 Hours: $12
10 Hours: $16
12 Hours: $18
24 Hours: $20
STAR Rate (Premium Spots, Front Row):
4 Hours: $15
8 Hours: $20
12 Hours: $25
24 Hours: $30
How do I make a reservation?
It is suggested to make a reservation online for your cruise. Select your location, cruise date, and time from the online reservation system.
Then enter the number of people in your party, enter any promo codes and confirm your total. Enter your contact and payment information on our secure online system. Once the transaction is complete, print your boarding pass (or have it available on your mobile device) or the email confirmation that is sent to you to present to at the SunVenture kiosk.
How far in advance should I arrive for my cruise?
You must check in 45 minutes prior to the scheduled cruise time at the SunVenture Kiosk. Please allow enough time for parking and traffic. Please have your email confirmation available on your smartphone or have a printed copy of your boarding pass.
What is your cancellation or refund policy?
There is a 48 hour cancellation policy. If for any reason you are not able to cruise with us, you must call our office by 5 p.m. central time 2 days prior to your cruise date.
How many people can you accommodate?
Each catamaran can accommodate up to 49 passengers. Our two catamarans altogether can accommodate up to 98 people for any private cruise. We can customize any private cruise experience including Crab Island cruises, Destin Sunset Cruises, Destin Harbor Dolphin Tours, Destin Harbor Fireworks Cruises, and more. Our event planners can assist with all the details, including catered food.
If you are seeking a venue for a larger group for Destin Florida weddings, rehearsal dinners, corporate events, yacht rentals, or other private charters in Destin, consider our sister yacht – the 125′ SOLARIS entertainment and dining yacht (voted “Best Wedding Venue” by the Knot readers for the past nine years) hosting up to 149 guests.
What is Crab Island?
If you aren’t familiar with Crab Island in Destin Florida, you are missing out on one of the most amazing and authentic Emerald Coast experiences around. Crab Island is a shallow sand bar located just north of the iconic Destin Bridge. If you happen to cross the Destin Bridge over the spring and summer, you’re sure to see a majestic view of boats anchored on the sandbar and people relaxing and playing in the waist-deep, emerald-green waters.
SunVenture Cruises takes daily cruises to Crab Island on both catamarans from Destin. Our captain and boat stay with you the entire time, giving you complete access to your coolers, a restroom, shaded areas and helpful deckhands. Learn more about our Crab Island Cruises here.
What types of private cruises & Destin boat rentals are available?
SunVenture Cruises offers two catamarans that are a unique and fun option for private parties & cruises and pontoon boat rentals for up to 98 guests. Your guests will not only enjoy the state-of-the-art sound system, but also the open deck, ideal for relaxing in the sun or dancing under the stars. You also have access to our full-time Destin event planners who are experienced and creative in helping you with all the details.
Complete a request for reservation form for pricing and availability for private cruises or give us a call at the location of your choice. Flexible schedules & catering available.
Break out from the four walls and get on the water! The perfect venue for any Destin Florida private event, cruise, boat rental, or special occasion:
- Pre or post-wedding fun
- Destin wedding venue
- Wedding reception
- Birthday parties for all ages
- Party boat rentals to Crab Island
- Destin Bachelor party / Bachelorette party
- Ladies brunches / Girls Weekend
- Anniversary / Retirement Parties
- Corporate team building
Our Private Cruises from Destin:
What if the weather looks like rain?
The captain will make the call at the time of the cruise. If the cruise is cancelled, it can be rescheduled or the reservation can be cancelled.
How many people must I have in my party for a private cruise or boat rental?
Big or small, we cater to all. There is no minimum number of people needed for a SunVenture private cruise or boat rental. Private cruises & boat rentals are based on availability for up to 98 people. Call the location of your choice or complete a request for reservation form for pricing and availability private cruises.
Are there bathrooms on-board?
Yes, there is a bathroom on board and our boat / captain stays with you the entire time.
Will we get wet on the cruise?
You will be on a boat so there is a chance you may get wet. Plan accordingly. We do not take responsibility for any lost, stolen or damaged items brought on board.
What should I bring with me?
For all our cruises, you should plan to bring a towel, sunglasses, cash to purchase drinks/food, clothes you don’t mind getting wet or a bathing suit and sunscreen and flip flops, sandals or aqua socks. Other suggested items include a snorkel/mask and a water proof camera. Personal carry-on bags are allowed as long as they fit and are stored under your seat. Coolers are NOT allowed on the dolphin / sunset cruise but are permitted on the Crab Island cruise. Hats and other items may be blown away and are not recommended on board. No loose clothing or loose items please. All your personal items need to be secured and stored under seat.
Are beverages and food available for purchase?
Yes, drinks and snacks are available for purchase (cash only). No alcohol is sold at Crab Island. You are welcome to bring your own alcoholic beverages – no glass, please!
What is your alcohol policy?
Personal coolers and alcoholic drinks may only be brought on board for the Crab Island cruises. Crab Island cruise patrons must drink responsibly or authorities will be called. Underage drinking is strictly prohibited. Non-alcoholic drinks and snacks are available for purchase (cash only).
Are there age limits?
All children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. For the Crab Island cruises, all minors must be accompanied at all times by their parent or guardian in and out of the water.
Great Dolphin Cruise and Crab Island Excursion - This was our first beach vacation to Destin and Sunventure was recommended to us. We had such great time on the Sunset Dolphin Cruise. We spotted dolphins as soon as we got out the Destin harbor into open waters and they were so close to the boat I was able to get great pics and video. Then we came back for a tour of the harbor and docked near the barge that shot off fireworks so we were right under them. We came back 2 days later for the Crab Island excursion. It was a great alternative to renting our own boat since we weren’t comfortable enough to captain one ourselves. Crab island is gorgeous and the boat was nearby if we ever needed something from our cooler. We actually never went back to the boat until it was time to leave because we got our lunch and all our drinks from the super friendly venders on Crab Island. The captain and first mate were very helpful and knowledgeable and it was cool that the captain was a fellow Virgin Islander like myself."
Clarissa
How to Book Our Cruises
Booking our Destin cruises is as easy as 1, 2, 3. You can easily book online.
- After clicking to the schedule for your desired location, select your cruise date and time from the online reservation system.
- Enter the number of people in your party and confirm your total. Enter your contact and payment information on our secure online system.
- Once the transaction is complete, print your boarding pass or the email confirmation that is sent to you to present to at the kiosk at your location.
- To book a private cruise, contact us here.
What to Bring on Crab Island Cruises
- You will be on a boat so there is a chance you may get wet. Plan accordingly.
- Bring your Crab Island cruise confirmation printed out or ready on your mobile phone.
- Crab Island activities (i.e. kayaks, food, etc.) are not included in your cruise ticket price and are not associated with SunVenture Cruises. Please plan to bring cash/credit cards for additional activities. (all activities are subject to availability by outside vendors and are additionally priced by outside vendors)
- Make sure to wear your swimsuit to enjoy relaxing and playing in the waist-deep waters. Sunscreen is highly recommended.
- Floats must be deflated when you bring them on board. We will inflate them for you.
- Personal, small coolers & bags permitted. They must be stored under your seat.
- Alcohol is not sold at Crab Island, but we do permit you to BYOB. No glass is allowed on the boat. The consumption of alcohol must be done responsibly. Underage drinking is strictly prohibited. Any abuse of this policy could result in having the police called.
- Hats and other items may be blown away, please be sure to secure these items during the cruise.
- We do not take responsibility for any lost, stolen, or damaged items brought on board.
What to Expect on Crab Island Cruises
- There is a 48 hour cancellation policy. You must call prior to 5 p.m. (central time) 2 days prior to your cruise date. Missing the cruise for any reason will result in the credit card being charged for the full amount.
- Double check that you have the correct location and address. Please allow ample time for parking and traffic during the busy summer season.
- Check-in 30 minutes prior to your cruise time at the SunVenture kiosk at your location.
- Enjoy an eco-tour narrated by our Captains on the way to Crab Island.
- Enjoy an open-air catamaran offering the most up close and personal views of the water.
- All seats offer great views in a relaxed, personal setting.
- Shaded-canopy areas
- Restroom on-board
- Our captains always enjoy some extra help – kid captains are always welcome!
- After the short ride through the Emerald Coast waters, our captains will drop anchor in the shallow, crystal clear waters of Crab Island.
Our captain and deckhand will assist you on and off of the vessel. Please wait for their assistance before boarding. - Our boat and captain stays with you during the entire excursion.
- The rest of the time is yours to partake in the activities or just relax. You can choose to snorkel, listen to live music on a floating stage, have lunch at one of the floating food vendors, or chill on a float.
- Your cruise ticket does not include Crab Island activities i.e. kayaking, food vendors, etc. so please plan to bring additional cash/credit cards if you choose these options. (all activities are subject to availability by outside vendors and are additionally priced by outside vendors)
- All children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. All minors must be accompanied at all times by their parent or guarding in and out of the water.
- If you choose to enter the water, it is at your own risk and by doing so, you take full responsibility for your own safety. We ask that you do not venture far from the boat to avoid the risk of getting lost.
- When it is time to head back to the dock from Crab Island, you must be onboard the SunVenture 30 minutes prior to the end of the scheduled cruise time. Unfortunately, we must leave at the exact time and cannot wait for anyone.
- If bad weather approaches, we may return to the dock early.
- No smoking while aboard the SunVenture.
What to Bring on Dolphin & Sunset Cruises
- You will be on a boat so there is a chance you may get wet. Plan accordingly.
- Make sure to bring your Dolphin & Sunset cruise confirmation printed out or ready on your mobile phone. Double check the address of your correct location.
- Drinks and snacks are available for purchase (cash only).
- Personal carry-on bags are allowed but they must be able to be stored under your seat.
- Hats and other items may be blown away and are not recommended on board.
- We do not take responsibility for any lost, stolen or damaged items brought on board.
What to Expect on Our Dolphin & Sunset Cruises
- There is a 48 hour cancellation policy . You must call prior to 5 p.m. (central time) 2 days prior to your cruise date. Missing the cruise for any reason will result in the credit card being charged for the full amount.
- Double check that you have the correct location and address. Please allow ample time for parking and traffic during the busy summer season.
- Check-in 30 minutes prior to your cruise time at the SunVenture kiosk at your location.
- Enjoy an open air catamaran offering the most up close and personal views of the water and dolphins
- All seats offer great views in a relaxed, personal setting
- Shaded-canopy areas
- Restroom on-board
- Your Dolphin and Sunset Cruise begins with a narrated tour through the emerald green waters by our entertaining, Coast-Guard licensed captain.
- Our captains always enjoy some extra help – kid captains are welcome!
- This is a guided, sightseeing cruise. Although we may see dolphins most of the time, it is not guaranteed. Dolphins are plentiful in our area, however occasionally they may not want to be seen.
- All children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. All minors must be accompanied at all times by their parent or guarding in and out of the water.
- If bad weather approaches, we may return to the dock early.
- No smoking.
What to Bring on Fireworks Cruises
- You will be on a boat so there is a chance you may get wet. Plan accordingly.
- Bring your cruise email confirmation printed out or ready on your mobile phone. Double-check the address of your correct location.
- Drinks and snacks are available for purchase (cash only).
- Personal carry-on bags are allowed but they must be able to be stored under your seat.
- Hats and other items may be blown away. Please be sure to secure these items during the cruise.
- We do not take responsibility for any lost, stolen or damaged items brought on board.
What to Expect on Fireworks Cruises
- There is a 48 hour cancellation policy. You must call prior to 5 p.m. (central time) 2 days prior to your cruise date. Missing the cruise for any reason will result in the credit card being charged for the full amount.
- Double-check that you have the correct location and address. Please allow ample time for parking and traffic during the busy summer season.
- Check-in 30 minutes prior to your cruise time at the SunVenture kiosk at your location.
- Enjoy an open-air catamaran offering the most up close and personal views of the water and dolphins.
- All seats offer great views in a relaxed, personal setting.
- Shaded-canopy areas
- Restroom on-board
- Our captains always enjoy some extra help – kid captains are welcome!
- This is a Fireworks Cruise. Not a dolphin cruise. If you wish to join us for a Sunset Dolphin Cruise, please book accordingly.
- All children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. All minors must be accompanied at all times by their parent or guarding in and out of the water.
- If bad weather approaches, we may return to the dock early.
- No smoking while aboard the SunVenture.
What to Bring on Private Cruises
- Our event planner will work closely with you to customize your Destin private cruise and accommodate your group's needs, including catered lucnh.
- You will be on a boat so there is a chance you may get wet. Plan accordingly.
- Personal carry-on bags are allowed but they must be able to be stored under your seat.
- Hats and other items may be blown away and are not recommended on board.
- We do not take responsibility for any lost, stolen or damaged items brought on board.
What to Expect on Our Private Cruises
- There is a 48 hour cancellation policy . You must call prior to 5 p.m. (central time) 2 days prior to your cruise date. Missing the cruise for any reason will result in the credit card being charged for the full amount.
- Double check that you have the correct location and address. Please allow ample time for parking and traffic during the busy summer season.
- Check-in 30 minutes prior to your cruise time at the SunVenture kiosk at your location.
- Enjoy an open air catamaran offering the most up close and personal views of the water and dolphins
- All seats offer great views in a relaxed, personal setting
- Shaded-canopy areas
- Restroom on-board
- Our captains always enjoy some extra help – kid captains are welcome!
- All children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. All minors must be accompanied at all times by their parent or guarding in and out of the water.
- If bad weather approaches, we may return to the dock early.
- No smoking.
