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.
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