One of Destin Florida’s best treasures, the Crab Island Sandbar is only accessible by water. The famous Crab Island is located less than half a mile offshore, just north of the Marler Bridge that connects Destin to nearby Okaloosa Island. Very popular in the summer months, especially on holiday weekends, you will see hundreds of boats gathering to create a huge party on the water. The sandbar is a great spot for all ages, and even welcomes our four-legged friends. Transportation is by boat, wave runner, kayak, and paddleboard. And there is no shortage of companies that specialize in making sure you have the best experience on the water.

Transportation to Crab Island

There are plenty of ways to get to Crab Island. Here are the most popular:

  • The Crab Island Shuttle Boat, a captained tour boat that lets you safely check out the famous gathering spot. Bring your floaties, a cooler with your favorite beverages, and cash for the floating vendors and let the crew do the rest. You might meet new friends on the boat ride, and there is even a restroom on board for your convenience. $
  • Captained Charters. If you prefer a more private experience, but still want to partake in an alcoholic beverage or two …look for a captained charter. There are many options to rent a boat that includes a captain, from double decker pontoon boats to smaller center consoles. There are even captained tiki boats! Captained charters give you the convenience of a tour boat but with a more personalized experience. $$$
  • Crab Island Adventure Tour . For the more adventurous people, the Crab Island Adventure Tour offers a little bit of everything under the sun. This tour includes 2 stops and activities like snorkeling, paddleboarding, kayaking, banana boat rides, a dolphin tour AND a stop at Crab Island when you’re done. The perfect way to experience it all in one trip! $$
  • Boat/Waverunner Rentals. Have a designated driver? Rent a boat and drive yourself. Boat rentals are a very popular way to get to Crab Island and there are many rental companies in Destin and nearby Fort Walton Beach that can help you get out on the water to explore on your own time schedule. Anyone born after Jan 1, 1988 will need to pass a Boater’s Safety Course. $$
  • Kayak/Paddleboard. You can paddle out to the sandbar to save some money, but be prepared for a workout. The best time to do this is between tides (called “slack tide”) because the current won’t be as strong. Make sure to wear your life jacket as well. $

Food Vendors & Floating Restaurants

Crab Island is home to many locally-owned floating restaurants and mobile food vendors who travel around the sandbar by boat, selling their wares. It’s one of the things that makes the hotspot so unique. Try a juicy burger from Reef Burger, BBQ sandwich or nachos from Kluge’s Ruckin Fidiculous BBQ, ice cream or hot boiled peanuts, and more. You can even buy cut pineapples and coconuts (BYOB) from the cute Polynesian-style Wild Coconut boats. Although alcohol can’t be sold on the sandbar, you can bring your own, and the food choices are plentiful!

Crab Island Souvenirs

Commemorate your experience with a t-shirt, hat or koozie. Most tour boats offer t-shirt sales at check-in or on the boat and there are also mobile vendors who travel around selling souvenirs as well. Crab Island is truly a one-of-a-kind experience. You can also purchase souvenirs from the gift shop at The Edge Restaurant. Make sure to pick up a souvenir to take home!