Welcome to Adventures on Crab Island!
If you have ever made a trip to Destin, or told someone that you planned to make a stop here, you have probably heard of Crab Island. An “island” where people rent a boat and anchor down for a day of relaxation and fun, right in the middle of the sands of the Gulf of Mexico. Crab Island has been featured on HGTV and Good Morning America, as it has grown to be rapidly popular over the years. Although, you may be wondering exactly what Crab Island is and what there possibly is to do in the middle of the Gulf? So we are here to enlighten you on some of your most frequently asked questions!
#1: What is Crab Island?
Crab Island is a raised sandbar that actually used to be an island years ago, but eroded overtime with the help of the occasional hurricane. The sandbar is around 1-4 ft all the way around, making it a fabulous place to rent a boat and park for a day of fun in the sun. This used to be a place where the locals would anchor for the day, however over the years this has become a hot spot in Destin for tourists to hang out with their families for the day.
#2: What is there to do at Crab Island?
Crab Island is home of many floating vendors and restaurants, which include lots of good food, snacks, and even t-shirts. However, vendors are no longer allowed to sell alcohol on the water, but you may still bring your own with you! People also love Crab Island for the environment. It is filled with so many people who love to throw the football, float on a floatie, play loud music, or even just take a good nap while basking in the sun. You are in the middle of the ocean, so what you choose to do is endless, just go and have fun!
Some of the vendors on Crab Island include: Crab Island Boiled Peanuts, Crab Island Grill, Frickin’ Ridiculous BBQ, Sea Cow Ice Cream and Smoothies, A Bite of Paradise, Jimmy’s Ice Cream & T-Shirts, the Crab Island General Store, Wild Coconuts & Pineapples, Gulf Coast Gelato.
#3: How do I get to Crab Island?
Crab Island is accessible by boat, jetski, kayak, or paddleboard. Swimming to Crab Island is highly discouraged, as the currents are too strong to swim to the island. Many people rent a pontoon from one of the amazing boat rentals companies within the Destin Harbor, which is a 5-10 minute boat ride to the island. There is also an option to shuttle to the island on an excursion that will stay with you the entire time, while you explore the island for 2-3 hours.
#4: Is it Family Friendly?
Crab Island is made for all kinds of people with families and without. There is something for all ages! The Baldock family personally enjoys taking their girls to Crab Island to swim in the beautiful blue-green waters and snorkel, followed by eating at Dewey Destin’s after they dock. We highly encourage this experience for all guests and their families. We would even love to hear about your experience at Crab Island, to be featured on our blog in years to come!
#5: What should I bring to Crab Island?
A few things that we would suggest to bring for your adventure to Crab Island include: your family, snacks, drinks, food money, floaties, water toys, beach towels and sunscreen. Most often people spend the entire day or half day at Crab Island; so make sure to bring everything you might need in the middle of the water. Also, if you want to let the waves rock you to sleep on your floatie, bring a rope to tie yourself to the back of the boat so that you don’t float out to sea!
#6: Where is Crab Island?
Crab Island is located on the North side of the Destin bridge. It is not accessible by car, only by boat, jetski, kayak, or paddleboard.