If you’ve been to Destin, it’s likely you’ve at least heard of Crab Island, you’ve seen it while traveling on one of the bridges over the East Pass of Destin, or may have even been there. If you like the idea of being on a boat, being able to hop into clear water waist-deep and play water volleyball or frisbee, Crab Island may need to be on your bucket list while visiting the area.
Before heading there though, here are some things to know:
Where is Crab Island?
Crab Island is a large sandbar located just to the bay side of the bridge connecting Destin to Okaloosa Island. (The bridge is called Marler Bridge.) Here’s a picture from the water:
What is there to do at Crab Island?
Crab Island used to be a favorite spot for some fishermen. Then, a few years back, it became well-known as a social spot where tourists and locals all congregate.
Water activities can vary a little based on the direction of the tide. When the tide is going out, the water will be darker and it often includes debris from the mainland. While it still can be somewhat clear, it’s not the crystal-clear swimming-pool-color that you’ll see in most pictures.
When the tide is coming in and it’s sunny and calm, the water can be so clear, you can see the bottom of the bay upwards of 12 feet in depth, sometimes more.
Since Crab Island is a sandbar, boats pull up from all directions and can anchor in very shallow water (depending on the draw of their boat.) During an incoming tide, snorkeling can be great since there’s a lot of marine life that can be seen on and around the sandbar.
Often, boaters will play music and have food and drinks while socializing. You’ll often see adults wandering through the boats to socialize with other boaters.
You’ll see people who’ve jumped on floats tethered to their own boat. Folks will often bring a volleyball nets to strike up a friendly game, or will have a game of bottle battle frisbee going, regular frisbee, football, or some other type of ball game.
Here are some of the toys that we’ve used and really like:
Floating volleyball net with weights
Aside from being in the water at Crab Island, BBQ-ing on deck is a favorite pastime.
Additionally, you won’t have to look far to see kayakers or paddle boarders negotiating a path through the boats and people.
How do you get to Crab Island?
Locals typically will bring their boats or jet skis. If they’re close by, they may paddle board or kayak.
One of the favorite ways that tourists visit Crab Island is by renting a pontoon boat. Other options include renting a fishing boat, jet ski or waverunner, or renting a kayak or paddle board. Just be very careful if this is your choice… currents can be extremely swift and can change quickly, just like the weather. Every year, hundreds of people get rescued by either fellow boaters, lifeguards, or the Coast Guard because of these currents. This includes swimmers, people in the midst of setting their anchor, folks who are floating and get caught in the current, kayakers and paddle boarders. (More on this in a bit.)
Another option to see Crab Island is to go on a Crab Island cruise. There are several Crab Island tours that will take passengers through/by the sandbar.
For those who are members of a boat club, there are a few close by. Securing a boat would be a matter of arranging this in advance.
Still another option, if you feel like splurging, is to spring for an independent charter, which is where you hire a captain to take your group on an excursion which is arranged ahead of time.
Costs associated with Crab Island?
Costs of Crab Island excursions vary based on how you plan on getting there and what you plan on doing and/or buying.
Transportation Costs
Locals typically know that this cost includes fuel and wear and tear on their boat and accessories.
For visitors who are renting here are some of the costs that can be expected. (Costs and delivery fees vary based on company, but here are the general costs that can be expected.)
Pontoon boat rentals:
The cost varies by company, by type of pontoon boat, and by the length of time it’s rented.
Standard pontoon boat: During peak season the cost will be roughly $300 and up for a half day and upwards of $400 for full day. Off-season may be discounted a bit from these prices.
Upgraded pontoon boat with more seating: Add $25-$50 and up to the standard fee in most cases.
Double-decker pontoons with slides are also popular. During high-season, expect to pay around $700 for the day.
Jet ski rentals:
Most companies rent these on an hourly basis, with some giving discounts for multiple hours. Expect to pay from close to $100 for an hour to $300 for 4 hours.
Kayak rentals:
For a week: Upwards of $200 / week for two-seater; ~ $150 for single-seater
For a day: Most daily kayak companies will rent for $15-$40 / day
Paddle board rentals:
These also vary based on location and if delivery is needed, but paddle boards rental rates per hour range from around $20 per hour or more. Daily rates are close to $80 and weekly are around $200 for a standard board. Fishing paddle boards will cost a little extra.
Incidental Purchases
There are several vendors that cruise around in small boats to provide various things to both locals and tourists. They sell Crab Island sun-protection shirts, ice-cream and popcicles, boiled peanuts (the cajun ones are YUMMMMY!), and often there’s a place to buy a variety of drinks. The shirts are around $30 and up, and plan on paying $5-10 for ice-cream and peanuts. They take cash and cards!
Is Crab Island Dangerous?
Crab Island can be a lot of fun and full of beauty and wonder. This section isn’t to dissuade visitors from going, but to provide some insight that might be helpful in enjoying the trip.
Because Crab Island is a sandbar with some places having depths measuring only a few feet, you might not think about possible dangers to a visit there. It CAN be dangerous! And there is nothing worse than anticipating a day of fun which turns into a nightmare because of something unexpected. Here are some things to be aware of, along with possible work-arounds.
Boat rentals:
If you’re planning on renting a boat, ensure you have an experienced driver. This doesn’t just mean someone who’s driven a boat before, but someone who is knowledgeable about boating rules, protocol, and adept at negotiating around other boats and people.
This areas of the bay and pass have some rules that, if not followed, can result in being stopped by officials, ticketed, or even worse, can result in an accident.
As mentioned already, currents in this area of the bay can be non-existent during tide change and then pick up very quickly. With these tide changes, water levels can change before those playing in the shallows even notice and then it can be difficult to get back to the boat and/or move out away from other boat and people without a problem. Because of the current depth changes, children should almost always have on a life jacket as a precautionary measure.
Also, someone on the boat should be knowledgeable about how to properly set and reset an anchor so that the renters maintain control of the boat as the tides change. (We have often seen anchors drag and boats move, crossing anchor lines, or a set anchor doesn’t keep the boat in place because the tide shifts and the boat direction shifts.)
One of the scariest things we’ve witnessed in renters who trim their engines too much and aren’t aware of their running propellers.
We’ve also seen people who, while they thought they could handle a jump into shallow water, misjudge the depth and/or current and get swept away.
Small craft rentals
Due to the shifts in currents, and because of the vast amount of water crafts at or around Crab Island during peak seasons, unless you are very skilled at kayaking or paddle boarding, it might be best to choose another way to getting to the sandbar. Even the best paddle boarders and kayakers can have problems with an uptick in wind and wave size and maneuvering other boats and people.
Marine life
Most of the marine life people will see at Crab Island is completely harmless; however, there can be some to be aware of.
While I’ve never seen a stingray or shark in many years of going to Crab Island, they are in the ocean and bay. If they’re in the bay, they can be in the waters around Crab Island. (Again, just something to be aware of.)
Jellyfish do come in and out of the bay with the tide. While some varieties that pass over the sandbar may touch you and you might not even notice, there are others that can leave a slight sting. On occasion, there may be a rare visit from one that could ruin your visit there. (For more on jellyfish you might see in this area of the Emerald Coast, visit our page on the Jellyfish You Might Find in Destin.)
Summary:
Crab Island has become a well-known boaters’ social spot over the years. It’s a bit of an odd thing being a sandbar right be the boating channel in the bay.
It’s a great spot to visit or at least observe cruising by, but remember the safety precautions and be observant. It’s difficult to predict what others will do. Being careful and aware will help insure the trip to Crab Island becomes a happy memory!
Have you got a great story at Crab Island to share? We’d love to hear!