All About Crab Island: Everything You Need to Know
Crab Island in Destin, Florida is one of the most beautiful and unique places on the Emerald Coast. Name just about any classic beach activity, and you’ll find it at Crab Island.
But what is Crab Island all about, how do you get there, and what should you plan to bring? We’ve got answers. Here’s your complete guide to Crab Island in Destin.
Where is Crab Island Located?
Crab Island is considered to be part of Destin, Florida. It’s located just off the coast, near the Destin Bridge. If you get anywhere near the island, it won’t be hard to find: there are often many boats and jet skis circled up, taking advantage of the clear, shallow water and festive atmosphere.
Crab Island cannot be reached by car. It’s not connected to the rest of the shoreline, and there’s no visible land above water. That’s one of the reasons it’s become such a destination for tourists: this island is unique, and truly provides the full ocean experience.
How to Get to Crab Island
Crab Island can be reached by Destin pontoon boat rental or jet ski. Fortunately, it’s relatively easy to get from Destin or Fort Walton Beach to Crab Island. And the trip itself is almost as fun as the actual island!
You don’t necessarily have to book a ferry to get to the island. Many vacationers prefer the Crab Island pontoon rental in Destin, Florida, for their own wave runner or pontoon boat for the day, which allows for more flexibility – and a more personal, intimate experience.
If you’re planning to make Crab Island a part of your next vacation, book a pontoon boat charter rental with Xtreme H2O in advance. You can choose the right experience for you and the rest of the people in your travel party, and make sure you have a safe, clean, comfortable mode of transportation ready to go.
What Should I Bring to Crab Island?
Most travelers who venture out to Crab Island stay for several hours or a full day. Which makes sense, since there’s so much to do on and around the island!
Plan to bring everything you’d pack for a day at the beach. Most visitors choose to bring snacks, portable speakers, beverages, and maybe even an umbrella to give you and your fam some shelter from the sun. Crab Island is also great for snorkeling, so you may want to rent some snorkel gear and fins in order to truly get the full experience.
If you rent a pontoon boat, you’ll be able to pack everything you need and more. Pontoon boat rentals with Xtreme H2O can seat up to 12 people, with additional storage space. If you’re planning a full day of sunshine, beach, meals, and exploring, then ample space will certainly come in handy.
When to Visit Crab Island
Crab Island, like most of Florida, is temperate most months of the year. You may want to plan to visit in the spring or fall, since the middle of summer will be extra hot and humid, and winter months could bring a few chilly days.
If you’re planning a day trip to Crab Island, try to get there around high tide, when the water is clearest. This is especially true if you want to go swimming or snorkeling. If you plan to arrive at Crab Island before 11:00 AM, you’ll probably see the water at its clearest and get the best experience.
Can I stay Overnight on Crab Island?
Crab Island is fully submerged: it’s not a true, above-ground island. So if you’re searching for a hotel on Crab Island, you’ll be looking for quite a while.
But there are plenty of places to stay that are very close to the island, including hotels and Airbnb’s in the Destin area. If you stay nearby, you can easily rent a boat that allows you to visit the island and come back as you please.
And even though you can’t stay overnight on Crab Island, you can easily spend a full day floating around the island and checking out the party scene. You’ll find bars, water activities, and a lively atmosphere everywhere you look.
Planning Your Trip to Crab Island
If you’re planning to spend some time in Destin and at Crab Island, then there are plenty of activities you can enjoy on the water.
The water over Crab Island is relatively shallow, making it a safe place to swim or snorkel. Some choose to rent a party boat, so they can float around the island and enjoy the views in every direction. And because Crab Island has become so popular, there are likely to be lots of boats hanging around – which makes for great people-watching and a lively crowd.
If you rent a Crab Island jet ski, you can circle the island and beyond. Jet skis are fast and nimble, allowing you to catch a breeze and explore the Destin coastline within just a few hours.
If you’re still looking for things to do while you’re at Crab Island, there are also guided cruises of the island. You can board a chartered Crab Island cruise, and enjoy the sightseeing as you glide around the water.
No matter what you choose to do while you’re at Crab Island, you’re going to come home with epic memories and some amazing pictures – not to mention a new tan.
Crab Island Boat Rentals
A boat rental is the most flexible way to visit Crab Island. Since you can’t stay on the actual island itself (though you might want to), a rented pontoon boat or jet ski is your next best option. You’ll be able to head over to the island whenever you’re ready, and come back to Destin once you’ve had your fill of the party atmosphere.
If you’re planning to rent a boat to get to Crab Island, look for a company that rents out pontoon boats, like Xtreme H2O. Pontoon boats tend to be more spacious and comfortable, and have a relatively quiet motor. They’re also pretty easy to operate, even for those who are new to boating.
Book a boat rental today to make sure you can get to Crab Island and back safely during your trip.
