What is Crab Island?
Crab Island is actually not an island, but a shallow area of water that is as little as waist deep in some parts.
The water is clear and the colors show you just what it means to be on the “Emerald Coast.” You will most likely encounter some sea life such as dolphins, turtles, and all sorts of local fish!
There are several floating businesses where you can find food, drinks, live music, and even a floating playground for the kids (and adults if you’re feeling young!).
If you rent with us, we will explain to you how to navigate Crab Island, because it can get busy, throw the anchor to place your boat where you want it to be, be safe during high and low tides, where to see dolphins and other sea life, and general boating rules and etiquette.
We serve Destin, Fort Walton Beach, 30A, Santa Rosa Beach, Miramar Beach, Grayton Beach, & Navarre Beach, Florida.
Click here for current rates.As you can see from the photo of Crab Island above, 100’s of boaters gather at Crab Island to spend their day having fun under the sun! The lighter area of blue water is indicative of the most shallow portion of Crab Island- here you can walk around and the water will only be at your knees to your waist. Also seen is the Destin bridge with the west to the left and east to the right. The Destin Harbor (where we are located) begins at the east end of the bridge and goes for about a mile. The Destin Warbirds are also shown flying high above Crab Island during their weekly airshow! Dockside’s owner, Bruce, is one of the pilots. They can be seen every Thursday evening performing for Destin visitors and locals!
Tourist Attraction Access to Crab Island and Beyond
Crab Island is Destin’s main tourist attraction, and we know it better than anyone. The floating restaurants, the sandbar parties, the clear shallow water – it’s all there, but you need to know when to go and where to anchor.
Our boats can get you to Crab Island, but more importantly, our briefing tells you what to expect. The water’s only 2-3 feet deep in most spots. The current can be strong. Weekends are packed, weekdays are chill.
Beyond Crab Island, we can get you to the other tourist attractions most people miss: the jetties where the fishing is incredible, the secluded beaches perfect for shelling, and the spots where dolphins show up regularly.
How to get to Crab Island
Crab Island in Destin, FL is the most popular destination in Destin, Fl for both locals and tourists alike. You can only get there by water and we have just what you need!
We rent Destin pontoon boats, double decker pontoons and tiki boats – all vessels that can get you there quick and safe.
There are various things to do while out at Crab Island for a day: snorkel, relax on the boat, swim over to the food barges for a snack, play volleyball at the floating volleyball net, walk around and sight see as you meet other boaters- and the list goes on!
So, come see us if you are staying in or around Destin, Fort Walton Beach, 30A, Santa Rosa Beach, Miramar Beach, Grayton Beach, & Navarre Beach, Florida.
If you have any more questions regarding Crab Island or would like to go ahead and reserve your vessel to get there, please call us at 850-428-3313.
We can help guide you in choosing the right vessel for your day on the water!
Click here for current rates.The Owner can require the Charterer to hire a Master/Skipper with a preset level of qualifications. Master/Skipper MUST have demonstrated competency with our vessel and have a working knowledge of navigation, charts, compass and on board systems. In addition, the skipper must have extensive knowledge of our waterways and local rules and regulations. When making a reservation all skipper information must be provided to ensure the skipper meets requirements for driving the vessel. Master/Skippers work for the Charterer as an independent contractor on an “at will” basis as agreed between the two parties. We can provide you with a list of qualified skippers upon request.