Crab Island –  How to Get There 2020

If you’re visiting Destin, FL this summer you won’t want to miss out on Destin’s top spot – Crab Island. No longer a physical island, Crab Island is an area in the water where visitors can enjoy waist-deep waters, pristine emerald green water, and fun in the sun. You may have heard about changes coming to Crab Island, and we’re here to sort it out for the 2020 season. We’re answering all of your questions such as how to get there, which vendors will be operating this season, and which changes will impact your visit to Destin, FL in 2020.

 

How to get to Crab Island

The burning question – how do I get there? Visitors cannot drive or swim to Crab Island. You must travel to Crab Island via a vessel such as a boat, jetski, or kayak. If you have never operated a boat or other vessel, we highly recommend Captained Crab Island Excursions. A captain is included in your charter and stays with you the entire time so that you can get on and off the boat at your leisure. Aboard SunVenture Cruises, there’s also a restroom on board. Visitors who wish to go to Crab Island can rent their own boat, book a Crab Island Excursion, or hire a Private Charter. 

 

What to do at Crab Island

Over the years, a variety of vendors have appeared at Crab Island, offering services ranging from food and beverage to inflatable obstacle courses. New to 2020, vendors must now leave Crab Island each night, meaning that they are no longer allowed to anchor or moor overnight at Crab Island. Because of this, the inflatables are not returning to Crab Island this year. Vendors who transport visitors to Crab Island must operate from a commercially licensed location, such as the dock at Heron Harbor, Dock on the Island, or Harborwalk Village. Vendors will no longer be allowed to pick up passengers from public beach space. 

 

What to Bring

No alcohol is sold at Crab Island, but you are welcome to bring your own in a small cooler aboard SunVenture Cruises’ catamarans. Just remember, please no glass! We also recommend bringing a towel, change of clothes, sunscreen, and food and drinks. For the 2020 season, food vendors will still be allowed to operate at Crab Island. Pack as if you are going to the beach and make sure to bring water toys and floats. Our captains are happy to assist you with inflating your floats upon arrival to Crab Island.

 

When Does the Season Open?

While Crab Island never “closes,” vendors usually operate at Crab Island from May-October. In 2020, SunVenture Cruises is offering Crab Island Excursions starting on May 1, 2020, and will continue through October. Booking online is now available for Crab Island Excursions, Sunset Dolphin Cruises, and Fireworks Cruises. 

 

 

SunVenture Cruises’ Crab Island Excursions

Let Us Take You! Now cruising from Destin and Okaloosa Island, SunVenture Cruises is home of the original Crab Island Excursion! Cruise aboard our 45’ Catamarans, with covered shaded areas and a restroom on board. Each cruise includes a Coast Guard Licensed Captain and Deckhand. Choose between a 3 or 4 hour Crab Island Excursion. After a short cruise to Crab Island, you’ll enjoy waist-deep waters. On your cruise back to the dock you may see some of our favorite locals, such as dolphins, sea turtles, or rays. Not done exploring the Emerald Coast? Book a Sunset Dolphin Cruise or Dolphin & Fireworks Cruise to enjoy the best of Destin into the evening.