What is Crab Island?
Crab Island isn't really an island. It's a wide, shallow sandbar in Choctawhatchee Bay, just north of the Destin bridge where the bay meets the Gulf at East Pass. Boats anchor in clear, waist-deep water, and people hop off to wade, float and swim. On a summer weekend it turns into a floating party, with hundreds of boats, inflatables and floating food vendors.
There is no dry land and no road. The only way to get there is by boat.
When to go
- Go at high tide. The incoming tide brings in clear, green Gulf water. At low tide the water is shallower and murkier.
- Go early. On summer weekends the best spots fill by late morning. Weekdays are calmer.
- Season: late spring through early fall is the main season. Summer holidays are the busiest days of the year.
How to get there
- Rent a boat and drive yourself. The most popular way. Pontoons are the easy choice for families.
- Double-decker pontoons with slides. Great for kids and bigger groups.
- Bring a captain. Someone else handles the driving, anchoring and the busy channel.
- Tiki boat tours. A party boat with a captain and music.
- Jet skis. Fast and fun, but not a place to hang out for the day.
Not sure? See every Destin boat in one list.
Good to know before you go
- Boater ID: in Florida, anyone born on or after January 1, 1988 needs a boating safety ID to drive most boats. Rental companies can usually help with a short test before you leave the dock. Ask when you book.
- Life jackets for kids, and for anyone who isn't a strong swimmer. The water drops off fast near the channel and the current through the pass is strong.
- Leave glass at home. Bring cans and plastic.
- The driver stays sober. Boating under the influence is enforced here.
- Bring: sunscreen, water, snacks, a cooler, water shoes and a waterproof phone pouch. There's no shade but what's on your boat.
Every boat that goes to Crab Island
322 tours
Private Crab Island Single Deck Charter
Crab Island Destin Private Tiki Cruise • Lil' Kahuna
Bentley Legacy 24ft Pontoon Boat • 115HP Motor
Tiki Adventure to Crab Island • 6 people • Lil' Kahuna
Double Decker Pontoon w/Slide, Trampoline, Water Couch and Paddleboard
Private Crab Island Double Slide Pontoon w/Restroom
Private Crab Island Double Slide Pontoon Charter
Private Tiki Adventure to Crab Island (4 hours)
Prices checked November 12, 2026
Crab Island questions
How deep is the water at Crab Island?
Most of the sandbar is shallow enough to stand, often around waist deep. It depends on the tide and where you anchor, and it gets deep quickly near the channel.
Is Crab Island safe?
For most visitors, yes. The real risks are strong current near the pass, boat traffic, too much sun and too much drinking. Keep kids in life jackets and stay off the channel edge.
Can you walk or swim to Crab Island?
No. Treat it as boat access only. The pass has heavy boat traffic and strong current.
Is there food at Crab Island?
Usually. Floating vendors sell food, drinks and ice cream in season. Bring your own too, since vendors come and go.
Is Crab Island worth it?
If you like a lively day on the water, yes. If you want a quiet beach, go on a weekday morning, or pick a sunset cruise instead.
How much does a Crab Island boat cost?
It depends on the boat, the group size and the day. The list above shows each operator's price so you can compare. Check the operator's calendar for your exact date.