A Guide to Crab Island in Destin

Here is a guide to Grab Island in Destin, Florida. There are other “Crab Islands” in the US, so make sure you’re looking at the right one when doing your Crab Island research.

If you’re looking for more things to do in Destin, check out 32 things to do in Destin, Florida, and the 20 best things to do in Navarre with kids. You’ll also want to eat on vacation, so check out the best restaurants in Destin.

If you’re flying into Destin, check out Discount USA Car Rental. They offer the best prices on rental cars and work with all the major car companies.

Now, let’s get started with the guide to Crab Island!

What is Crab Island?

When you hear the word island, you automatically assume the place you visit is an island. Surprise! You will not be on an island when you visit Crab Island!

Crab Island is actually an underwater sandbar. In the 1960s, the Army Corps of Engineers dredged a nearby area and placed the sand where Crab Island is located. The sand formed a small island, which they called Crab Island. Over time, the sand moved, and the island turned into this beautiful sandbar.

Where is Crab island?

Crab Island is to the north of the Destin Bridge, which is also called the Marler Bridge. It is at the southern entrance of Choctawhatchee Bay.

How to Reach Crab Island?

The only way you can reach Crab Island is by boat. The strong tidal currents prevent you from taking a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard out to the island. However, you can rent those and take them on the boat. Paddling around Crab Island is a fantastic way to spend a few hours on the water.

If you plan on renting a boat, you can do so in Destin, Fort Walton Beach, or Okaloosa Island. Most of the boat rentals are pontoon boats, which generally have space for about 12 people.

If you don’t want to rent a boat or do an excursion, you can always take the new shuttle to Crab Island. The Crab Island Shuttle Boat will take you from Destin Harbor to Crab Island. The shuttle boat will stay with you the entire time, which is approximately 3 hours. This is perfect if you want a boat with a restroom and someone to drive the boat for you.

Is Crab Island Family Friendly?

Over the years, Crab Island has received a bad rap for being a party destination, which it can be. However, most of the time, Crab Island is the perfect place for families to have a bit of fun in the sun.

There are so many family-friendly activities to do at Crab Island. And if you notice that one group is in party mode, there is plenty of space to avoid them.

One thing to note is that Crab Island gets busy on weekends and holidays. So, if you want to avoid the party scenes altogether, I recommend visiting during the week.

What Should I Pack for a Visit to Crab Island?

Packing for a day at Crab Island is the same as packing for a day at the beach. Bathing suits, towels, sunscreen, and floats are all on the list. You can also bring a picnic lunch and drinks.

When is the Best Time to Visit Crab Island?

I mentioned above that visiting Crab Island during the week is best if you want to avoid significant crowds and the party scene. However, it is also important to note that this is a seasonal destination.

The best time to visit Crab Island is between March and October. The water is warm, and the sun almost always shines unless there’s a hurricane coming through.

During the rest of the year, the water can be cooler so while you can go out, you might not want to.

Things to Do at Crab Island

There are so many things to do when you arrive at Crab Island. I will try to cover them all in this guide to Crab Island.

Some of the best things to do at Crab Island include swimming, snorkeling, and looking for dolphins and other marine animals. The local vendors float around on boats, so you can always grab some food and drinks from them if you run out.

On a Tiki Bar excursion, you can’t go wrong with a Crab Island Sandbar Adventure. When you book this excursion, all you need to do is pack your drinks and food in the coolers at the Tiki Bar. Then relax as the Tiki Bar takes you to Crab Island for a day of fun.

Photo property of Cruisin Tikis Destin

Having fun is the name of the game at Crab Island. So, you may want to rent a pontoon charter with double slides off the side of the boat. You can slide into the water all day or between the rest of your adventures.

The Crab Island Dolphin Jetski Adventure is another popular option I know you will love. You will take the jet skis to the island, ride around to see the dolphins, and eventually return to the mainland.

Guide to Crab Island Destin FL

I hope this guide to Crab Island has shown you how many fun activities are available when you decide to vacation in Destin.

Here are some other things to do in Northwest Florida:

• The Best Places to Stay in Navarre Beach Florida
• The 20 best things to do in Navarre with kids
• The best Destin Florida Beaches
• 32 things to do in Destin Florida

About Florida Travel With Kids

Florida Travel with Kids was started by a family who loves to travel the state of Florida with kids! This site will help you explore the fun state of Florida and all of the kid-friendly activities you’ll find here.

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