Crab Island, Off Destin Beach: Any Time's A Good Time To Visit

By Kellilynn Hann

Destin, Florida. Known for its white sand beaches, crystal-clear ocean and exceptional fishing, this Panhandle town is the most popular destination on Florida’s Emerald Coast, drawing over 4.5 million visitors each year.

One of the brightest jewels in Destin’s crown is Crab Island, a submerged sandbar in Choctawhatchee Bay, five minutes by boat from Destin Harbor. Covered in just 1-4 feet of water that’s brilliant turquoise during high tide and clear emerald green the rest of the time, it’s like a four-acre swimming pool where visitors can wade, snorkel, play and relax.

Heather Thomas, co-owner of Destin Vacation Boat Rentals, has been doing business in the area for 20 years. “Nearly everyone who rents a boat in Destin stops at Crab Island,” she says. “It’s a fun and beautiful place.”

So, what can you expect on your visit? Here’s a guide to planning your vacation to Crab Island for this season and beyond.

Getting to Crab Island

First and foremost, you cannot swim to Crab Island. It’s farther from shore than it looks and there are strong currents. Luckily, there are plenty of watercraft options to get you there safely — and don’t require a boater’s license.

The most popular rentals are pontoon boats because they’re stable, easy to drive, and comfortably carry 10-12 people. Some are even double-decker with slides. If you want to explore the waters around the sandbar and plan only a short stop at Crab Island, speed boats and jet skis are available for rent as well.

If you prefer to let the experts handle the details, consider one of these tours:

Destin Vacation Boat Rentals offers a Crab Island Adventure Tour that covers everything from parking to play. Enjoy unlimited use of clear-bottom kayaks, paddleboards, snorkeling gear and their exclusive inflatable playground in the Gulf Islands National Seashore before heading over to experience Crab Island. They also have a transportation-only shuttle to and from Crab Island.

Crab Island Pontoons offers tours for up to six people on a double decker pontoon boat with slide. Rental includes a licensed captain, a cooler of ice, paddleboards, water toys, snorkel masks, inflatables and more.

Crab Island Cruises is a charter service for up to six people that lets you customize your trip. Take a tour of Destin Harbor, look for dolphins, go snorkeling, or spend the whole day on Crab Island— you decide! They provide a certified captain, cooler of ice, bottled water, floating mats and volleyball nets, beer pong, and more.

Destin Crab Island Adventures offers luxury captained charters, promising a stress-free, all-inclusive way to experience Crab Island, complete with paddleboards, floating mats, snorkeling gear, premium seating, and a Bluetooth sound system. Whether you're looking for dolphin watching, sightseeing, or a relaxing day anchored at Crab Island, their expert team ensures a fun, safe, and personalized adventure on the Emerald Coast’s most famous sandbar. Options include non-private tours and cruises for six, 11, 16, 18, 20 and even 32 people.