9 Best Crab Island Tour Options in Destin in 2024

A Crab Island tour is the best way to visit Crab Island. If you do not have your own boat with you while you are in Destin, Florida, you have limited options for making it to Crab Island. It is incredible to see all the boats, food vendors, and people enjoying this unique area.

You will not find many, if any, islands that are equivalent to Crab Island. The whole family will enjoy relaxing and spending time in the warm Florida water. 

If you don’t want to take your typical tour to Crab Island, there are a few options. You can take a private charter boat, or you can rent your own pontoon boat and drive the whole family or party to Crab Island.

However, if you decide to go, you will enjoy a Crab Island excursion, and below, you will find the best ways to visit. 

Quick Guide: Crab Island Tours 

Crab Island Tours 

1. Crab Island and Dolphin Cruise

⭐ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 Stars ⎸🕑 TOUR LENGTH: 3 Hours ⎸Check Rates and Availability 

The Crab Island and Dolphin Cruise Tour is one of the cheapest and most economical Crab Island excursions. It is a great way to get to Crab Island, but you should have the correct expectations.

The tour group can be a little bit larger group, but you will get to anchor and play in the waters of Crab Island. The staff is great, and many people say the tour of Crab Island is a must.

Favorite part of our trip for sure. Highly recommend! We had beautiful weather and the water was unbelievable. The staff was incredible.

– SAmantha (Read More Reviews)

The environment is great, with beautiful water. The tour starts with a scenic boat ride that takes guests from the shore out to Crab Island. The tour is not something that spends a lot of time searching for dolphins, but because of the areas you pass going to Crab Island, there is a reasonable chance you will see dolphins making it a Crab Island dolphin tour.

If you are going to be upset if you do not see dolphins, this is probably not the tour for you. If you are looking for a great time relaxing and playing in the Crab Island waters while saving some money, this is the tour you want. 

▶ BOOK Crab Island and Dolphin Cruise

2. 4-Hour Crab Island Tour Departing from Baytowne/Sandestin

⭐ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 Stars ⎸🕑 TOUR LENGTH: 4 Hours ⎸Check Rates and Availability 

The 4-Hour Crab Island Tour is a nice tour that many people enjoy because it is a smaller group tour than other tours but still is a reasonable price.

The tour departs from Baytowne Marina in Miramar. This means that your starting point is a little farther away from Destin and Crab Island. Your boat ride to Crab Island is around 45 minutes each way.

This can be a good thing or a bad thing, depending on what you are looking for. It is great for those looking for a nice boat ride that looks for dolphins, but it is not great for those who would rather not spend 1.5 hours riding on a boat.

Had a great time, crew was great ! The enclosed ride was great for family with young children as it was a little cold riding over and being able to close windows was nice

– Paula (Read More Reviews)

This tour is best for those who are going to be staying near Miramar, Florida. This tour is a good option for those not staying in Destin. If you are staying close to Destin and don’t want a long boat ride or you don’t want to drive to Miramar, then you should go with another option.

If you don’t mind a relaxing boat ride, then this could be a great tour for you. The tour is longer than the other tours, so your total time playing on the Crab Island Sandbar is going to be competitive with your other tours.

▶ BOOK 4hr Crab Island Tour departing from Baytowne/Sandestin

TikiBar Tours to Crab Island

3. Original Cruisin’ Tikis 3hr Crab Island Sandbar Adventure

⭐ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars ⎸🕑 TOUR LENGTH: 3 Hours ⎸Check Rates and Availability 

The Original Cruisin’ Tikis 3-Hour Crab Island Sandbar Adventure is an incredible tour in Destin, Florida that offers visitors an unforgettable experience in a breathtaking setting. This is one of the best tours to visit Crab Island for multiple reasons.

The tour starts at Destin Harbor. This is great because you are only a short distance from Crab Island. Your tour group is also much smaller on this tour. This is going to be your smallest tour group that is not a private tour.

Your total time visiting Crab Island is similar to the other half-day adventures, but your total time in transit is less. On this three-hour tour, guests will board a captained tiki hut boat and cruise out to the beautiful Crab Island.

The tiki hut boat gives off vibes similar to pedal pubs and other alcoholic tours, but this is not how these work. There are no alcoholic beverages sold on this tour or on Crab Island. If you are planning on drinking alcohol, you must bring your own.

Captain Brandon is a professional and set the bar for a good time. Music was fantastic and the spot at crab island was on the money.

– Enock (Read More Reviews)

Because of the small group setting and the tour not being a tour where alcohol is served, this is a very versatile tour. It will feel like a family-friendly Crab Island water taxi. You can have a family-friendly tour where you bring your own non-alcoholic beverages and great food. Coolers are provided.

On the other hand, if you like, you can bring your adult beverages and have a great time with your bridal shower or other party group. The tour fits about five adults, so if your group is larger than that, there is a possibility of being on two different boats.

If this is the case after booking, you should contact the tour provider and make sure everything is set up accordingly, and everyone is on the same page. 

If you are visiting Destin, then visiting Crab Island should be on the list of fun things to experience while there. 

▶ BOOK Original Cruisin’ Tikis 3hr Crab Island Sandbar Adventure

Crab Island Jet Ski Dolphin Tours 

4. Island Jetski Adventure

⭐ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 Stars ⎸🕑 TOUR LENGTH: 1 Hour ⎸Check Rates and Availability 

The Island Jetski Adventure is a fun experience that guests visiting Destin, Florida enjoy. On this one-hour tour, visitors can explore the beautiful emerald waters of Crab Island and its surrounding areas on their own jet ski.

As you cruise through the waters, you’ll have plenty of opportunity to observe dolphins swimming in their natural habitat, as well as other marine life, such as sea turtles, manatees, stingrays, and other species of fish.

This was a great experience with my husband. First time on a sea-doo the tour was fun and Chris explained everything so well and guided us through out tour. We did got to crab island and were able to take some pictures. I will recommend this tour!

– Joanna (Read more reviews)

This tour will pass the area of Crab Island but is not intended to spend time at the island. The tour is geared towards seeing secluded islands, wildlife, and the best views of the intercoastal waterway

On this tour, you’ll be treated to amazing scenery and stunning photo opportunities. Something to be aware of when taking this tour is that if born after January 1st, 1988, you must have a boater safety certificate.

These are not complicated to get, but after booking, you will need to work with the tour provider to ensure you have the proper safety certificate to operate a jetski in Florida. 

▶ BOOK Island Jetski Adventure

5. Crab Island Dolphin Jetski Adventure

⭐ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 Stars ⎸🕑 TOUR LENGTH: 2 Hours ⎸Check Rates and Availability 

This Crab Island Dolphin Jetski Adventure is an exciting experience that visitors to Destin, Florida won’t want to miss! On this two-hour tour, guests will have the chance to explore the beautiful emerald waters of Crab Island and its surrounding areas on their own jet ski.

Unlike our other recommended jetski tour, this tour makes a direct stop at Crab Island. Here you will get to play in the water and enjoy the Crab Island crowd. Dolphins frequent the area, so there is a good chance you will see dolphins on this tour.

We had a great experience!!! Nick, our tour guide was excellent and made sure everyone was safe and having a great time!!! We got to see parts of the water that aren’t seen from shore and nick was full of knowledge of the surrounding area; would highly recommend and ask for Nick.

– Brooklynn (Read more reviews)

For those who are interested in having the tour take photos of the excursion, you can upgrade your tour to include photos. When booking this tour, keep in mind that the booking is per jet ski. Each jet ski holds two passengers.

It is also important to note that this tour is guided. You will follow your guide as they ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. 

▶ BOOK Crab Island Dolphin Jetski Adventure

Private Crab Island Tours

6. Private Crab Island Double Slides Pontoon Charter with Captain

⭐ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars ⎸🕑 TOUR LENGTH: 4 Hours ⎸Check Rates and Availability 

The Private Crab Island Double Slides Pontoon Charter with Captain is a fantastic adventure for visitors to Destin’s Crab Island. On this 4-hour tour, guests will have the chance to explore Crab Island and its surrounding areas on a private pontoon boat captained by an experienced local guide.

As they cruise through the waters, visitors will get the opportunity to observe dolphins as well as other marine life.

A private charter is one of the best ways to explore the island with your friends or family. You do not have to deal with rowdy guests from a group tour, and you will be able to pick your own music and the company of your friends and family.

Overall our trip to crab island with our charter captain was a great and fun trip. Our charter captain placed us in an excellent area near plenty of floating Restaurants and the general store. Our trip was a last minute trip and we were lucky to get it. We had a great time and would definitely recommend this charter.

– Victor (Read more reviews)

The tour includes a floating mat, goggles, a paddle board, and some water toys, all of which you will be able to use while you soak up the sun while visiting Crab Island. The double slides are also a bonus. Our kids love playing on the pontoon slides.

The only downside of the tour is that the tour only fits six passengers, so if you have a larger group, you will need to book a different private pontoon charter with a larger boat. 

▶ BOOK Private Crab Island Double Slides Pontoon Charter with Captain

7. Private Crab Island Pontoon Charter with Inflatables

⭐ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars ⎸🕑 TOUR LENGTH: 4 Hours ⎸Check Rates and Availability 

The Private Crab Island Pontoon Rentals with Inflatables offers visitors a private charter that holds up to 12 passengers. On this four-hour tour, your captain will get you to and from your starting point at Fort Walton Beach and will set up all of the toys and the newly added inflatable trampoline.

This charter also provides snorkeling equipment. Many of the other tours do not provide this equipment, so if you want to snorkel in the area and you do not go on this charter, make sure you are prepared with your own or check with the provider if snorkeling equipment is provided. 

Great day with friends! Not too crowded at crab island, our boat captain was accommodating and helpful! Great adaptable trip for friends, families, etc!

– Leslie (Read more Reviews)

The water on the Emerald Coast is beautiful, and Crab Island in Florida is such a unique experience. If you have the opportunity to take a tour or a private charter, you will be glad you did.

Keep in mind when you book charters and tours, gratuity, food, and drinks are not typically included in the charter.

The charter is a go unless there is a small craft advisory. This means even if the weather is not super great, you will not be issued a refund unless it is reported unsafe and the charter is not allowed to proceed. 

▶ BOOK Private Crab Island Pontoon Charter with Inflatables

Crab Island Boat Rentals 

8. Crab Island 10 Passenger Pontoon Boat Rentals

⭐ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars ⎸🕑 TOUR LENGTH: 4-8 hours ⎸Check Rates and Availability 

This Crab Island boat tour in Destin, FL is a 10 Passenger Pontoon Boat Rental and is going to be the cheapest way to visit the island if you are going with a group. This is a boat rental and does not come with a guide.

You will need to have your boater safety certificate, and this can be acquired online without too much hassle.

We had a great time. The boat was nice comfortable and easy to drive. The staff was courteous and professiona, and. Check-in was easy.

– Demario (Read More Reviews)

You can either do a 4-hour boat rental or an 8-hour boat rental, depending on how long you want to be on the ocean. The tour starts at Fort Walton Beach, which is only a short boat ride to Crab Island, so if you have some boat experience, you should not find this rental overly complicated.

The boat rental does not come with toys such as paddle boards and kayaks, but it is still a fun and economical way to play at Crab Island. You will have an available cooler for food and drinks, so make sure you fill that cooler up with your favorite beverages and foods.  

▶ BOOK Crab Island 10 Passenger Pontoon Boat Rentals

9. Crab Island 12 Passenger Pontoon Boat Rentals

⭐ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars ⎸🕑 TOUR LENGTH: 4 to 8 Hours ⎸Check Rates and Availability 

The Crab Island 12 Passenger Pontoon Boat Rentals is a great way for a group of friends or family to visit the famous Crab Island sandbar. This is a boat rental and does not come with a guide. This means you will take the boat after being instructed on how to drive and where to go from the rental facility.

You will need to have your boater safety certificate, and this can be acquired online without too much hassle. If you are unsure about the boater safety course, you can touch base with the rental provider, and they will help you get situated with your safety course.

We enjoyed a mix of fishing with the older kids, visiting Crab Island, seeing a few abandoned ships, watching the jets from Eglin base fly over, swimming and exploring a few small islands with the little ones, and just being out on the water. We went with the 8-hr rental and are glad we did because there was so much to do.

– Shawn (Read more reviews)

The options for this boat rental are very similar to the previous pontoon Crab Island boat rental. You can choose to have the boat for 4 hours or 8 hours, and you will start at Fort Walton Beach, the same as the other rental option.

Fort Walton Beach is only a short boat ride to Crab Island, so if you have some boat experience or not, you should not find this rental overly complicated.

The main difference between this boat rental and our previous option is that the boat can hold a few more people. The boat rental does not come with toys like paddle boards and kayaks, but it is still a fun and economical way to play at Crab Island.

You will have an available cooler for food and drinks. You can bring your own cooler along with the provided cooler. If you are filling the boat with friends and family, you may need a few coolers, especially if you are staying out for 8 hours and don’t want to buy food from the vendors on the island.

Make sure you fill that cooler up with your favorite beverages and foods and have a great time exploring the Crab Island Sandbar.

▶ BOOK Crab Island 12 Passenger Pontoon Boat Rentals

Where is Crab Island?

Crab Island is located just north of the Destin Bridge, which is only a few minutes from the Destin Harbor. The Destin Bridge is the bridge you cross if you are coming from Okaloosa Island into Destin, Florida. You will also see the Welcome to Destin sign just before the bridge. 

Why Is It Called Crab Island? 

Crab Island is called Crab Island because when it was an island that looked like a crab. Unfortunately, today the island is no longer an island, and it does not look like a crab.

Even though the island is no more, it is still one of the most popular and famous destinations to visit in Destin, Florida. 

Cheapest Way to Get to Crab Island

The cheapest way to get to Crab Island depends on how many people you are trying to get to Crab Island. If you are going by yourself, then the Crab Island Dolphin Cruise is a very economical way to get to crab island. Couples going to Crab Island can take a jetski tour to the island, but the downside is that the jetski tours don’t spend a lot of time making a relaxing day at Crab Island. 

If you have a small group, the cheapest way to get to the island is by taking a Crab Island tour in Destin, Florida, but if you have a medium to large size group, then your best option is to rent the 10- or 12-passenger pontoon boat and drive yourself to Crab Island.

For our family of five, the cheapest way to get to Crab Island ended up being the private pontoon boat rental.

Things to Bring to Crab Island 

Sunscreen

Don’t forget to bring your sunscreen. Sunscreen is a must when visiting Crab Island. There are not many things that will ruin your vacation, like getting burnt on your first day at the beach.

▶ SHOP Sunscreen

Cooler

We love our backpack cooler. We take it with us no matter where we are going. Our family takes it on all of our RV trips, and if we are flying, we will bring it with us. It is one of the most useful bags we own. 

▶ SHOP Backpack Cooler

Waterproof Bag

If you are going to spend a lot of time on the ocean visiting Crab Island, then it might be a good idea to bring a waterproof bag. This will keep your clothes and electronics from accidentally getting wet. If you do not want a full-on bag, then a waterproof phone case is also a great option. 

Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board or Innertube

An inflatable SUP or innertube is a great way to relax on Crab Island. If you are flying into Destin, this can be a challenge, but if you are traveling with your car or your RV, then it might not be too bad to have your SUP with you.

These are also something you can use on the beach, along with your beach kite and beach chair. 

Beach Towels

Don’t forget your towels. If your towels look like washrags or you just want to get something that is softer, then some new towels are a great option. 

▶ SHOP Beach Towels

Other Fun Things to Do Near Crab Island 

Okaloosa Island And Pier 

Okaloosa Island is an 8-mile-long barrier island located between Pensacola Beach and Destin, Florida. It is a popular destination due to its stunning white sand beaches, crystal clear beautiful waters, quaint boardwalk, fun activities, and nearby attractions.

Those who visit the island enjoy beachcombing, fishing, kayaking, parasailing, dolphin watching, boogie-boarding, and sunbathing. 

There are also lots of beach-front Destin hotels here if you’re looking for a hotel in the area.

Henderson Beach State Park 

Henderson Beach State Park is a beautiful state park with some of the most beautiful sugar-white sand you will find. These Florida Gulf Coast beaches have amazing shells you and your kids will love. This special place is great for day trips or for camping trips.

The state park has easy access to stores in Destin and the surrounding beaches. We love exploring the Florida state parks and national parks while soaking in the Florida sun, so grab your beach chairs and hit the warm gulf waters at this great Florida State Park. 

30A Beaches

Destin, Florida, is an amazing place to visit, but there are many close areas that we would recommend taking the time to visit while in the area. One of these areas is 30A. If you have not heard of 30A beaches, you should. You can thank us later. 

The Track 

The Track Destin is a fun adventure park where you can ride go-carts and amusement rides, play miniature golf, and play arcade games. We had a great time visiting the Track Destin.

When we were there, it was not crowded at all, and all of our kids were able to have a great time. Our youngest, who was three at the time, thought she was driving the go-cart and had the biggest smile. 

Dolphin Tour 

A dolphin tour is a great way to see the beach from a different perspective and to see the great marine life that is all over Destin, Florida. The ocean is beautiful, and it is so fun to explore looking for marine life.

There are dolphins all over Destin, Florida, and the surrounding beaches. A dolphin tour is not a guarantee that you will see dolphins, but we have been to the Florida coast many times, and we always see dolphins on our tours and from the beaches, so keep your eyes open and get out on a dolphin tour. 

▶ BOOK Destin Dolphin Tour

Gulfarium 

At Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park, you can see live shows with dolphins, sea lions, and harbor seals. At the adventure park, there are also aquariums and touch tanks inside the park where you can touch different creatures.

The best part about the park is the dolphin shows. Watching the dolphin show was so cool. They teach you how they train the dolphins, and you get to see the dolphins do some amazing tricks. The adventure park also has some other animal shows that we enjoyed. 

Fishing Trip

A fishing trip while in Destin is a must. Destin is nicknamed the luckiest fishing village because it is a great place to go on a fishing charter. I had a great experience with the fishing charter we took. We caught lots of fish, and they were delicious to cook and eat. 

I sometimes balk at the prices for fishing charters and tours, but after doing them, I would do them over and over every time we return because they are so great and so worth it. 

▶ BOOK Fishing Trip

The Backporch 

The Back Porch specializes in grilled seafood dishes you won’t want to pass up. Though the food here is tasty, the ambiance and gulf views at this establishment are what make the experience. We loved relaxing in this restaurant while enjoying the amazing ocean views.

The indoor decor is very similar to that of a boathouse. Visitors are surrounded by wood. The furniture, walls, and even flooring emanate the natural warmth and comfort that wood brings. There’s a long porch on the second level where patrons can enjoy their meal and beach views at the same time. 

Delicious food in Destin doesn’t get better than the Amberjack Sandwich served here. The fish can be fried, chargrilled, bronzed, or blackened upon the customer’s request.

It’s a delectable dish but be prepared for the $20.50 price tag. This rate may be too hefty of a price for a sandwich for some patrons. 

The Back Porch is one of the busiest restaurants in Destin, FL, so if you find yourself waiting for a table, kill some time in the gift shop. Funny enough, it’s one of the best spots to find unique and fun Destin souvenirs to bring home to your loved ones. 

Places to Stay Near Crab Island 

The Island Resort at Fort Walton Beach (Luxury)

If you are looking to stay close to Destin and Crab Island, then you should take a look at Fort Walton Beach hotels. The area is just down the road from Destin, and the Island Resort at Fort Walton Beach has a beautiful campus, beautiful pools, and a beautiful private beach.

The kids will love the mermaid programs. They have Misty The Mermaid birthdays and story time the kids enjoy. Take advantage of this great resort at Fort Walton Beach and explore Crab Island while you are at it. 

▶ BOOK The Island Resort at Fort Walton Beach

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Destin (Mid-Range)

The Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Destin is a great modern hotel. You are close to Crab Island, Destin Harbor, and the local beaches. You will find that your rooms are exceptionally clean. It is only a 3-minute walk from the popular Henderson Beach State Park.

If you are looking to be right next to Crab Island, then you might want to find a different hotel, but as a whole, this is a great place to stay. 

▶ BOOK Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Destin

Motel 6 Destin, FL (Budget)

The Motel 6 is going to be one of the cheapest, if not the cheapest, option in the area. You will have all your necessities, but everything is pretty basic. We stayed at Motel 6 on numerous occasions because they are so economical and family-friendly.

If you have the right expectations, you are going to have a great stay at Motel 6 in Destin, Florida.  

▶ BOOK Motel 6 Destin

FAQ: Crab Island Tour 

How Much Does It Cost To Go To Crab Island? 

The cost to get to Crab Island varies depending on how many people are going and how you would like to get there. You can take a cheap Crab Island tour, and it is going to cost around $80 dollars per person, or you can rent a pontoon boat that can fit 10 or 12 people, and you will pay around $250 dollars for the pontoon boat rental. 

Is It Worth Going To Crab Island? 

Yes, it is worth going to Crab Island. A visit to Crab Island is one of our favorite things to do in Destin with kids!

Depending on the time of year you are visiting and planning on going to Crab Island can make a difference in your experience. During the busy season, the island gets pretty crowded, but there are vendors and activities that are set up that make the environment really fun.

Other times of the year, like if you visit Destin in March for example, there are not that many people and you will have most of the area by yourself. 

What Is The Best Day of The Week To Visit Crab Island? 

If you don’t want to be bumper to bumper with your fellow boaters, then your best days to go are Monday through Thursday. These are typically the least busy days.

The weekends can get very busy and very rowdy. You will find more parties and more people drinking alcohol on the weekend. If that is what you are looking for, then the weekend is the best option. 

Can I Go To Crab Island On My Own? 

To get to Crab Island on your own, your best option is going to rent a pontoon boat or a jet ski if you don’t have your own watercraft. Both options can be very economical, but it will depend on how many people you are taking with you. 

When Is The Best Time of Day to Go To Crab Island? 

The best time to visit Crab Island is when the water is at high tide. This is because the high tide pushes the river water back into the rivers, and it makes Crab Island look beautiful with amazingly clear water. Take a look at the tide charts to determine when to go to Crab Island. 

How Long Should I Spend At Crab Island? 

Most people will spend half a day on the island. Many people who spend two hours on the island wish they had more time, but a full day is going to be too much for most people. 

If you are debating on how long to rent a boat, the four-hour rental will probably be about right or a little short, and the eight-hour rental will be too long. However, if you don’t mind being a little rushed, do four hours. If you want plenty of time, then eight hours is better. 

Can I Walk or Swim To Crab Island?

No, you should not swim to Crab Island. There are strong currents and a deep channel between Crab Island and the shore. It looks close, but the short distance is dangerous to swim. 

How Long Is The Boat Ride to Crab Island?

The boat ride to Crab Island depends on where you start. Some of the tours start at Sandestin, and the boat ride is 45 minutes.

Some of the other Crab Island tour boats leave from Fort Walton or Destin Harbor. These boat rides are much shorter. Crab Island is only a few minutes by boat from Fort Walton or Destin Harbor. 

Conclusion: Crab Island Tour 

Crab Island is a hot spot for many who enjoy the water in northwest Florida. One of the best places to snorkel in Destin, people enjoy the warm green waters, the Crab Island inflatables, Crab Island dolphin tours, and much more.

will enjoy relaxing and spending time in the warm Florida water. 

You are going to love going on a Crab Island adventure tour. The natural beauty is stunning, so make sure you pack your favorite sunscreen and ice cream. You are in for an extraordinary Crab Island adventure.