Destin Pontoon Boat Rentals Are the Best Way To Get To CRAB ISLAND!
There is no better way to explore our beautiful waters than to rent a pontoon boat for a day!
Here at Dockside Watersports, a pontoon boat is the most popular for many reasons. The adventures are never ending when you are your own skipper – your family can park on a beach and snorkel, anchor at Crab Island to swim and relax all day, cruise around the bay while Dolphin watching, take it out during our one-of-a-kind sunset or cap your Thursday night off by being right underneath the T-6 Warbirds airshow followed by Fireworks (call for more information)!
Why Destin Is Perfect for Pontoon Boat Rentals
We’ve served Destin, Florida and the surrounding areas since 2005.
This isn’t just another beach town, it’s one of the best places in Florida for pontoon boating.
The emerald-green water that gives the Emerald Coast its name comes from the mix of white sand and shallow bay conditions. Unlike the Gulf, which can get rough, the waters of Choctawhatchee Bay are typically calm and ideal for families, first-time boaters, and groups.
Pontoon boats are especially popular here because they’re:
- Easy to drive, even if you’ve never operated a boat before
- Stable and spacious for groups, coolers, and gear
- Perfect for anchoring in shallow areas like Crab Island
It’s also common to spot dolphins while cruising the bay, especially in the mornings and late afternoons. Between the water clarity, calm conditions, and variety of places to explore, Destin offers a boating experience that’s hard to match anywhere else on the Gulf Coast.
Pontoon Boat Rentals for Every Group Size
When people say they want to rent boats in Destin, they usually mean pontoons. Smart choice. Pontoons are stable, roomy, and hard to mess up. Plus, you can literally step off onto the sandbar at Crab Island without doing some crazy jump.
Our pontoon boat rentals range from cozy 10-passenger boats (perfect for families with young kids) to massive double-deckers that fit 14 people. The double-deckers have slides, which sounds silly until you’re 35 years old going down a boat slide in the Gulf of Mexico realizing this is the most fun you’ve had in years.
We keep our pontoons simple but functional. No fancy electronics that break. Just reliable engines, good sound systems, and enough shade so you don’t look like a lobster by noon.
Real Talk About Pontoon Sizes
The 10-passenger boats are great for 6-8 people who actually want to move around comfortably. The 12-passenger pontoon works well for 8-10 adults or a bunch of kids who don’t care about personal space. The 14-passenger double-decker is for groups who want to spread out and aren’t all trying to sit in the same spot.
Choose based on comfort, not maximum capacity. Trust me on this one.
Where You’ll Go on Your Destin Pontoon Rental
When you rent a pontoon boat in Destin, you’re not just getting a boat, you’re getting access to one of the most unique waterways on the Emerald Coast.
Most of your time will be spent cruising the calm, protected waters of Choctawhatchee Bay, just north of the Destin Harbor and the iconic Marler Bridge (Destin Bridge). This area is ideal for pontoons because the water stays relatively shallow, smooth, and easy to navigate.
From there, it’s just a short ride to Crab Island, the most popular boating destination in Destin. Located between the Destin Bridge and East Pass, Crab Island is a submerged sandbar where boats anchor in waist-deep, crystal-clear water.
If you’re looking to explore beyond the crowds, you can also cruise west toward Okaloosa Island and Fort Walton Beach, or find quieter anchor spots near Norriego Point and Holiday Isle.
Whether you want a lively social scene or a laid-back day on the water, Destin gives you both, all within minutes of your launch point.
Easy Access from Anywhere
Our location makes getting on the water quick and simple, no long idle times or complicated navigation.
We’re just minutes from the Destin Harbor Boardwalk and HarborWalk Village, with direct access to the bay so you can be cruising or anchored at Crab Island in no time.
If you’re coming from nearby areas:
- Fort Walton Beach / Okaloosa Island: Just a quick drive over the Destin Bridge (about 10–15 minutes)
- Miramar Beach: Around 15–20 minutes heading west on Highway 98
- 30A / Santa Rosa Beach: Typically 25–35 minutes depending on traffic
We also offer convenient on-site parking, which is a huge advantage compared to many harbor locations where parking can be limited or difficult during peak season.
Party Boat Rentals When You Want to Celebrate
Sometimes you need more than a regular boat. Bachelorette parties, birthdays, company events – we get it.
Our party boat rentals include the double-decker pontoons with premium sound systems and extra cooler space.
The party boats work great for groups who want to anchor at Crab Island and make friends with other boaters. The upper deck gives you a perfect view of everything, and the slide becomes the neighborhood entertainment.
Fair warning: party boats get attention.
You’ll probably end up with random people swimming over to hang out. Most folks are cool, but just know you might become the unofficial Crab Island social committee for the day.
Daily Boat Rentals with Flexible Timing
Our daily boat rentals run from 8 AM to 6 PM during peak season, but we’re pretty flexible.
The daily rate includes gas, safety equipment, and our pre-departure briefing. No hidden fees, no surprise charges. What we quote is what you pay.
During summer, book at least a week ahead. During fall and spring, you can usually get something within a few days. Winter bookings are hit or miss depending on weather, but the rates are better and the crowds are gone.
Click here for current rates.Our Destin pontoon boat rentals are offered at different lengths to accommodate for your party size with varying engine sizes. All boats are equipped with a bimini top that can be opened for shade, an anchor, all USCG certified life jackets, room for coolers, and the cleanest seating! You can rent our Destin pontoon boat rentals for 4 hours, 8 hours, or for the sunset.
What a Day on the Water in Destin Looks Like
A typical day starts with a short cruise out of the harbor and into Choctawhatchee Bay. Within minutes, you’ll see the water shift to that signature emerald color as you head toward Crab Island.
Many groups anchor at Crab Island to swim, relax, and enjoy the floating food boats and vendors. The water here is shallow enough to stand in, making it one of the most unique boating destinations in Florida.
If you prefer something quieter, you can head toward the edges of the bay, explore around Norriego Point, or cruise toward Okaloosa Island for a more relaxed pace.
Some customers spend the entire day anchored, while others explore multiple spots.
That flexibility is exactly what makes pontoon rentals around Destin so popular.
If you and your family are staying in or around Destin, Florida, imagine spending your day relaxing or exploring the bay in search of dolphins!
You can do both!
Our pontoon boat rentals are offered with different size engines and lengths to accommodate for your party type; and are comfortable, clean, and make it easy to navigate the Destin waterways.
Want to go for a nice sunset cruise?
Be your own pontoon boat skipper as you watch our famous Destin sunset. The possibilities are endless!
Or call us at 850-428-3313 for pricing information.
We can’t wait to be a part of your Destin vacation! So, come see us!
Frequent Questions
Pontoon boats are the easiest and most comfortable boats for groups to enjoy a full day on the water.
They’re stable, spacious, and designed for relaxing, swimming, and cruising to spots like Crab Island. Families especially like them because everyone has room to sit comfortably.
Thousands of visitors choose pontoon rentals every season because they’re simple to operate and great for groups.
The result is a laid-back day on the water where everyone can relax instead of worrying about driving a complicated boat.