One of the most famous things to do in Destin is visit Crab Island. This submerged sandbar is a popular place for boaters to gather and enjoy some fun in the sun. While it’s not actually an island anymore, people enjoy anchoring here because of the shallow water. It’s usually only 1 – 4 feet deep depending on the tide and your location. Whether you’re looking for “party” vibes or a family-friendly experience, there’s plenty of space for everyone to enjoy this beautiful spot in Destin. You can walk around, float by your boat, try standup paddle boarding, or play some water sports. And make sure you keep an eye out for dolphins! Here are a few things to keep in mind when you’re planning an excursion to Crab Island.
Go at High Tide
To get the crystal clear, turquoise water you see in pictures, plan your visit around high tide. The water is best about 2 hours before and 2 hours after high tide. This is when the current brings clear Gulf water into the Choctawhatchee Bay, which is where Crab Island is located. The water can be more of a tannish brown color when the tide is falling and the water is going from the bay to the Gulf. High tide isn’t the same every day (and can sometimes be at night), so keep an eye on the tide charts as your vacation gets closer.
Visit From May – October
The peak time to visit Crab Island is during the summer (May through August). This is when the water is warmest and most vendors are out there. After Labor Day Weekend it starts to quiet down, but Crab Island can also be enjoyable through the early fall. It can still be in the 80s and beautiful even in October. Holiday weekends such as Memorial Day Weekend and 4th of July are particularly crowded.
Rent a Boat
You can only access Crab Island by boat. Pontoon boats are a common choice since they offer plenty of space to relax and hang out. Plus you’re typically just anchoring or cruising the harbor, so you don’t need anything fast for water sports or long distances. Other options include kayaks, paddle board or jet ski, but those aren’t ideal for being out there for hours on end. There are also various services/experiences such as Crab Island Shuttle Boat or Cruisin’ Tikis.
Pack a Beach Bag & Cooler
You’ll pretty much pack like it’s a normal beach day, so you can bring as much or as little as you’d like. Below are some of the things I like to have with me.
- Sunscreen and other sun protection, such as hats and sunglasses
- Towels
- Food and drinks (plus a couple trash bags to collect them and throw away after)
- Things to do: floaties, volleyball, football, water games, paddle boards, etc.
- Cash or card for vendors (boats cruise by selling ice cream, peanuts, coconuts, and more)
- Dry bag for your cell phone
Be safe!
While Crab Island is a fun, family-friendly spot, there are still some things to watch out for. Even though the water can be shallow, there are still strong currents, boat traffic, and deeper areas you might encounter. And keep in mind that there can be jellyfish in the water, too. Just like with any outdoor activity in the summer, it’s important to stay hydrated and prevent sunburns! Also, keep an eye on the weather. Storms can roll in quickly without much warning.
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