Crab Island in Destin, Florida is a unique, can’t-miss experience for anyone traveling to Florida’s Gulf Coast. Just off the Destin bridge, Crab Island offers breathtaking views and warm, crystal clear water. The shallow, underwater sandbar means that swimmers, boaters, and outdoor enthusiasts of all ages can enjoy this one-of-a-kind adventure! For these reasons, Crab Island has become a hotspot for locals and tourists alike. However, many first-time visitors don’t know exactly what to expect. Here’s everything you need to know that the locals might not tell you!
Crab Island is Not actually an island
Despite it’s name, Crab Island is not an actual island.
That is, anymore. While it was once indeed a small island, Hurricane Eloise swept the land underwater. Over the years, continued erosion in the Gulf caused more sand to build up. This resulted in the shallow, underwater sandbar that we see today.
It is, however, a haven for several species of crabs, and thus, Crab Island was born.
Crab Island in Destin, Florida is family-friendly
This is probably the most common question asked by visitors, and understandably, for good reason.
While it used to have a well-known reputation as a party spot, Crab Island has evolved into a destination that can be enjoyed by all ages. This includes young kids, adolescents, and teens!
Certain areas do seem to attract visitors who are there for different reasons. For instance, if you’re looking for the party scene, it tends to occur closer to the stage. Likewise, if you’re coming to Crab Island with kids in tow, stick to the family-friendly activities, like the inflatable bounce zones, and you’ll find yourself surrounded by other children and families.
For the most part, the crowd as a whole is pretty relaxed and drama-free.
Tip: There is continued police patrol via boats to put your mind at ease, or to report any illegal or suspicious activities.
The first time our children went to Crab Island, they were two and five-years-old. We encountered several other families with young kids. Additionally, we didn’t witness anything that would prevent us from returning.
However, Spring Break and long weekend holidays may be the only exceptions, as these times tend to draw large crowds of college kids from around the country looking to let loose. If that’s not your scene, plan your trip accordingly!
How to Get to Crab Island
It never fails. Every summer, newcomers will see the shoreline from Destin and ask, “Can I swim to Crab Island?”
The short answer is no, you cannot, despite what you may have heard. It is dangerous due to the currents and boating zones, and many people underestimate how far it actually is from the shore.
Unfortunately, some have lost their lives attempting to swim from Destin to Crab Island. It’s not worth the risk, so just don’t do it.
However, there are several options that can get you there safely. Private boats are always welcome.
If you don’t own a boat but have your boater’s license, you can rent a boat from Destin or Navarre Beach, Florida.
Military servicemembers also have the choice of renting from either Hurlburt AFB or Eglin AFB through their Outdoor Rec centers.
Tip: Make an advanced recommendation as they can get booked up fast during busy periods!
This is the best recommendation if you’re able to do so. It allows you to stay for as long or as little as you want to, take breaks, move around freely, and have a place to store your things while you’re out in the water.
It’s also the most common, as the pontoon boat reigns as the number one choice to get to Crab Island.
Don’t have a boater’s license? The state of Florida requires a Boater’s Education Card. You can find out how to get yours here.
Tip: This course take several hours to complete so plan ahead and don’t put it off until the last minute!
For those who are not interested in renting a boat, there are still several options to choose from. This includes taking a kayak, paddleboard, or jet ski to get to Crab Island in Destin, Florida.
There are several businesses nearby that provide these rentals if you don’t have your own.
Just recently, a water taxi service was created to help visitors travel there safely and without having to rent a boat or other means. You can check out the Crab Island Water taxi service here.
Crab Island Activities
There are so many activities and things to do once you actually make it to Crab Island, that it’s easy to spend an entire day there.
Besides the obvious of swimming or floating around, there are plenty of exciting activities for everyone. Snorkeling remains one of the most popular things to do, as Crab Island in Destin, Florida is home to well, anything else you might find in the gulf waters. Most commonly seen, however, are the crabs, schools of fish, and jellyfish.
Sea turtles, sting rays, manatees, and dolphins are also frequently spotted in Destin near Crab Island. Recently, swimmers found themselves alongside a 20-foot whale shark just nearby Crab Island in Destin, Florida.
For the kids (or adventurous adults), there are two large, inflatable bounce courses set up at Crab Island. There are slides, trampolines, swing ropes, and obstacles to run through. Both are unique, and a smaller, separate floating bounce course is available for toddlers and younger children to enjoy as well.
Other activities include paddleboarding or kayaking, sliding down a pontoon boat slide, hunting for hermit crabs, playing water games, or visiting one of the several nearby floating restaurants or vendors.
High Tide is the best time to visit
A lot of times visitors to the area come to expect those crystal clear waters that the gulf is known for. However, what you might not know, and locals don’t always tell you, is that the prettiest time to visit Crab Island in Destin, Florida is at high tide.
This is when you’ll find the emerald waters at their most clear, as the tide has not had a chance to stir them up. When this happens, the water might not be as crystal clear due to some cloudiness from the sand.
May or June also offer the best times to visit at high tide. If you’re not able to make it then, that’s okay, too. Crab Island is beautiful no matter when you have the chance to visit.
If this is a must for your trip, be sure to check out the High Tide Forecast for Crab Island for the best times to visit.
There are Several Floating Vendors
First timers to Crab Island in Destin, Florida might be surprised at the number of floating businesses they find on arrival.
While I would suggest packing your own food, snacks, and supplies if you’re able to, have peace of mind that if there is something you forgot, you can probably find it there.
For example, Treasure Chest is stocked with towels, sunglasses, sunscreen, and more.
Tip: This is also where you can purchase tickets for the toddler and larger floating bounce courses.
If you’re hungry, there are several options on site. This includes both smaller floating food stands and larger restaurants that offer sit-down dining. You can find almost everything from a Mexican cantina to hotdogs, hamburgers, nachos, pizza, and boiled peanuts.
Related:
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There is also the infamous Sea Cow, which serves ice cream. Be sure to note that some items offered and opening times may vary depending on when you visit.
Tip: Be sure to bring some cash along as not every vendor is equipped to accept credit cards!
Don’t feel like swimming or paddling over to one of these establishments? No worries! Some vendors will deliver straight to your boat, or wherever you happen to be.
You can also flag down one of the many smaller boats that go around selling ice cream, boiled peanuts, t-shirts, and snowcones.
Of course, there are also establishments that provide alcohol for any adults who are inclined to drink.
Just keep in mind that glass, including glass bottles, are prohibited at Crab Island.
Still, if none of these appeal to you, there still more options. Several restaurants in Destin have boat docks so that you can take a short trip over, eat, and come on back to Crab Island in no time.
Crab Island is close to a top shelling beach
In fact, many locals may not tell you this, because they haven’t yet discovered it themselves. However, if you’re out to find some great seashells, or like to search for hermit crabs, this site can’t be missed.
Just a few minutes outside of Crab Island, but still within view, there is a small sand dune barricaded by long grass. Many boaters don’t stop here because the beach is actually covered in more grass than sand.
Those conditions allow for some amazing seashell finds. Due to the tall grasses nearby, the water here is not as clear as you’ll find at Crab Island. However, the shells are still pretty easy to spot.
Once you’ve anchored your boat safely out of the boating zone, look just below the surface, in about 2 – 3 feet of water. Here you’ll find some of the most beautiful and unique seashells you’ll find in the area.
To get there, head out of Crab Island in Destin, Florida and move towards Navarre Beach and Pensacola. Drive just a few minutes until you locate the sandbar on your left side.
Tip: If you have snorkeling gear, this is a great place to use it!
On a busy day, you may see a few boats stopped here. Some Destin tour excursions have also been known to stop here, so be on the lookout for those as well.
Tip: Be sure to check any shells for hermit crabs, as they are densely populated in this area and use the shells as their homes!
Once you’ve stopped and anchored, you can enjoy shelling in the warm, shallow waters!
Due to this being a haven for hermit crabs, all local and state laws regarding wildlife and shelling need to be obeyed. This means do not disrupt a hermit crab if you find one. Always check shells for signs of life and if found, do not force anything from its home.
Be sure to visit the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission’s full list of rules and regulations for recreational sea shell collecting first.
Another option if you happen to miss this one is to keep going until you come to Navarre Beach, Florida. Located just 30 – 40 minutes away, Navarre Beach is one of the best beaches in Florida for shells. It also offers miles of white sand with less crowds than you’ll find at Destin or Pensacola.
Now you’re in the know for things locals don’t tell you about Crab Island in Destin, Florida. So grab your sunscreen, and come on down and join the fun!
Have you ever been to Crab Island in Destin, Florida? What are some of your best tips? Let us know in the comments below!
TheSuperMomLife says
How have I lived in FL my entire life and I’ve never heard of Crab Island?! I need to take my family. It sounds awesome!
Christina Ropp says
I’m a little surprised as it seems like a lot of Floridians haven’t heard of it, but we are up here in the Panhandle or “Southern Alabama” so I can see how it could be missed!
Vicky says
I have visited Florida a lot but have never been to Destin before. It looks like some place I must visit with all of these family friendly activities.
Christina says
Definitely! If you have the chance to check it out, Destin is full of amazing family activities. There are dolphin tours, a pirate ship, an ocean-themed bowling alley, and tons of other fun things to do!
Mimi says
This place looks so cute and it sounds like a lot of fun
Christina says
It is awesome! If you have the chance to come and check it out, I highly recommend it!
Paula @ I'm Busy Being Awesome says
Loving the vibe of this place and I loved learning more about it
Christina says
It does have a really cool and unique vibe! I love how so many people, from all ages and walks of life, can get together and relax and have fun like a little community!
Julie A says
We’re thinking of heading back to FL this winter and this looks like such a fun addition to our itinerary! Can’t believe I never heard of Crab Island, even after living 5 years in FL, but we are soooo going now! Thanks for the great tips!
Christina says
Love to hear that and I’m sure you’ll all enjoy it! If you’re coming in the winter, be sure to check the season dates before planning to go. I’m pretty sure vendors and the inflatables close on Labor Day for the season and the water does get cold here in the winter!
Ocean Reef says
Fantastic job on this article. You really captured Crab Island with some great images!
Christina says
Thanks so much! We love Crab Island and feel so blessed to live here and have the opportunity to experience it!
Lauren Berger says
This looks like so much fun! I will have to take my family here one day since we live in South Florida. I am going to pin this for later 🙂
Christina says
Yes, that sounds awesome! Not sure where you’re located but Destin is about 8-9 hours from Miami, so it could be a fun road trip!
It's Megan says
I have never even heard of Crab Island! That water looks so amazing!!
Christina says
I’m beginning to think it’s a bit of a local’s secret in itself, and I can see why they’d want to keep it that way! 😀
healthyfitcouple.com says
I have lived in Florida my entire life and never visited Destin. Will be visiting soon, thanks to your amazing pictures.
Christina says
So happy to hear that! I hope you love it as much as we do!
Jennifer Maune (@jennifer_maune) says
The bounce courses look like a ton of fun! Definitely looks like a perfect family-friendly destination!
-Jennifer
https://maunelegacy.com
Christina says
They are so much fun, and definitely a lot harder than they look! It’s a great workout!
Cassie | White Sands and Cool Breezes says
Wow! I’ve never been, let alone never even heard of Crab Island. It looks totally awesome though 🙂 I am definitely putting this on my list of places to take my little one. Looks like so much fun. Thank you so much for sharing this!
Christina says
Thank you and that’s so awesome! There are lots of families there and I’m sure your little one will have a blast!
WorthyStyle says
We just got back from PCB and I am SO sorry I didn’t know about Crab Island before we left! What an amazing post. Thank you for sharing. I’m going to email it to my sister and her husband.
Christina says
Don’t worry, it will still be here next time you visit! PCB is pretty close and we still haven’t made it over there either!
Brittany says
Saving this for when we visit Florida next year!! So many great tips. I never would have thought you’d need to make reservations early or bring cash… I always take a credit card everywhere!!! And I love that it is so kid friendly!
Christina says
That’s awesome, I hope you get the chance to come and check it out! Some of the vendors do take cards, but some don’t, so it’s just better to be prepared either way!
Prime Beauty Blog (@PrimeBeauty50) says
I wish I had known about Crab Island when I was in Destin a couple of years ago. My niece and nephew would have loved it. Destin is a great place for a family getaway. You have the beach, the ocean, and some great resorts with pools to enjoy.
Christina says
Aww I’m sorry that you missed it, but hopefully you’ll have the chance to visit again! I completely agree with you about Destin. There are so many family-friendly activities and events, it’s hard to choose sometimes what to do with all of the options! We’ve been here over a year and a half now and have not come close to seeing and doing half of everything there is in the area!
Jalisa Harris says
This would literally be my sons dream. This place looks so nice.
Christina says
It is really nice, I hope your son gets the chance to come and check it out someday!
Sarah - Borders & Bucket Lists says
I’ve never heard of this place, but it seems so unique! I’d definitely rent out a kayak and paddle my way out there :).
Christina says
A lot of people do that! There was even a paddleboard race we passed by on the side on our way there the last time we went to Crab Island. I’m not sure I have the strength for it just yet, you have to get through the wake zone to get in! 🙂
Kristin Kohler says
This looks like sooo much fun! And the kiddos look so happy. Is it weird that I want to play on those bouncy castles and obstacle courses?!
Christina says
Haha not at all! Although I think it’s a lot harder than it looks! It’s hard to see in the pictures but one of those is actually ropes suspended from the top over open water. You’re supposed to swing one by one to get to the other side!
Jackie S. says
Wow! Crab Island looks like a wonderful weekend excursion for families and friends. I would love to play in the inflatable playground and go snorkeling at the seashell beach area. Thanks for sharing!
Christina says
You’re so welcome! I totally agree with you, and Destin is an amazing area for families in general so there is always something to do or see!
Kc says
I am a Destin local born and raised. Let me clear the water about Crab Island…. It most definitely is beautiful but the recent addition of glorified floating bounce houses is merely an attempt to float the term “kid friendly”. If parents take the bait they will find that the sandbar is a water hub for the the qualified and unqualified boaters to wet their lips and show off their assessts…(I will leave the rest up to your imagination). If you insist on going, here is what this local WILL tell you…
1. Go early, leave early. The matrix of 1,127 different radio stations being blasted by waterproof sub woofers will surround you by noon.
2. Drop anchor on the North side so when the high tide shifts, the chances of your little bobbers getting rescued by a random kyaker, after getting swept up and bounced off the boats like a pinball by the outgoing tide, greatly improve.
3. No minnows with you…drop anchor on the outskirts so you can leave without having to walk your boat through an obstacle course of pontoons. All which are filled to the capacity with late night Bourbon Street replicas, minus the beads.
4. There are NO beautiful seashells on nearby DUNES. There is a SHOREline along the privately owned property of the AFB closecto Crab Island that cannot support the kind of ecosystem that georgous seashells require to exist. It’s a fact, look it up. The geographical locations of these alleged beautiful shell saurated beaches do not promote beautiful shell life because it exists inside of the Bay. It’s a BAY!! Yes, there are hermit crab habitats, but probably not for long. A few more years of getting plucked out of the water and thrown into a .99 cent plastic aquarium from the Destin Super Cheap T-shirt plus free Salt Water Taffy Stores, the little crabs won’t exist anymore. But!!!…if you’re lucky you might find a quarter sized sandollar by dragging your toes through the sand at Crab Island.
4. MOST locals don’t take their kids to Crab Island.
It’s not the best choice for little ones. Responsible adults, yes.
Michelle says
Are there bathrooms on Crab Island?
Christina says
Hi Michelle, there are not bathrooms available there. You would have to take your boat and dock at one of the boater-friendly restaurants in Destin.
Helen says
Christina, do you know what the name of the grassy island is that you mentioned above? It’s going to be my first time in the panhandle area, and would love to go somewhere a little less crowded, and closer to nature 🙂 Thank you for your time
Christina says
Hi Helen, I am not sure. Another commenter stated that it was part of the Air Force base. There are generally quite a few excursion boats that dock there and it’s visible from Crab Island, so you probably wouldn’t miss it! If you’re looking for a beach that is less crowded, you might want to look into nearby Navarre Beach. I have a post on that as well!
Bri Ramirez says
Crab island is definitely on my bucket lis!! Do you know any hotels/condos near crab island?
Christina says
Great question! Keep in mind since we live here, we haven’t stayed in any personally. However, the first one I think that would be worth checking out is the Emerald Grande at Harbor Walk Village. Not only can you not get any closer to Crab Island, but the Emerald Grande is located right at Harbor Walk, which has lots of restaurants, shops, excursions, and most likely where you’d rent a boat to take over to Crab Island. I imagine it would get a little pricey there, so some other hotels close by include the Wyngate and Hampton Inn and Suites. Hope that helps!
Kelly Edenfield says
I’d like to find a place to stay with a boat slip or dock where I can tie up for the weekend, any suggestions?
Travel is my Desire says
So, looking at “KC’s” comment mentioned on March 17,2019 it seems that its best to go early but also leave early to avoid sexual orientation. However, my question is if you choose to travel without using a water taxi (that will probably be the best way for me and my fam to travel, if needed), I wonder if we could “float” over there with an inflatable kayak/canoe or an inflatable tube/lounger that seats up to 12 people cause I have one of those??? is that acceptable???…if you know…and do you know the prices for the bounce houses (for ages 11, 17, 19, 37 yrs)
In addition, do you know the best “spot” to snorkel when visiting Destin Beach and the Crab island..i know the best time is during high tide…but what about the best “spot”???
Thanks
Krissi says
Is there any place near Crab Island to wash off after being on the water? We plan to visit in June and have an hour drive back to our house. It would be nice to at least rinse off the salt water before making the trip back. Thanks!
Valarie says
We went to crab island October 2019. We absolutely loved it! However there were A TON of huge jellyfish. They were everywhere. We had rented a pontoon with a slide so we ventured out into deeper waters and it was better. Good thing about the water being so clear you could see all of the little gooey blobs of pain but no space to swim in the clear water of the “island” once they moved in. I think it was the time of year.
storiesofourboys says
We are headed to the Destin area in only four weeks. We got there every year, and we have been going since 2001. Yet, I have never heard of Crab Island! Sounds very fun. I like how you thoroughly explain exactly what to expect.
Christina says
Thanks so much and welcome back to the area! If you are driving over the bridge to enter Destin from Okaloosa Island, look to your left in the water as you’re on the bridge. The large gathering of boats and floating bounce houses and businesses is Crab Island! If you get the chance to visit, let us know how you liked it!
Allison says
This place looks amazing! So, if you visit here, how to do you approach the “island”. Let s say we drive there, we find parking and then you have to take a water taxi or your own boat and then you just get dropped off in the water? Where do you keep your “things” for the day, coolers, towels, bags etc!? We are coming to Florida in August, and the kids would love this, I’m just trying to get a feel for how the transportation goes! THANKS!
Julie Nossal says
Heading to Destin and do not have a boat. I absolutely love shelling and the place you described seems amazing. I have tried to locate this spot on Google earth, but cannot see where it is. Are you able to give more details, if I cross the bridge and head to Eglin Beach Park and walk to this spot? THANKS!