The only safe and recommended way to reach Crab Island is by boat. Options include renting a boat, chartering one, or participating in excursions like the Crab Island Shuttle Boat or Crab Island Adventure Tour. While Crab Island may appear picturesque, the concealed tidal currents swirling around the popular underwater sandbar are powerful and pose a significant risk to those attempting to swim the seemingly short distance across the channel. It’s a risk not worth taking, considering the potential danger to one’s life.
The Best Ways to Get to Crab Island with Directions
The Best Ways to Get to Crab Island
The best ways to get to Crab Island are:
- Pontoon Boat Rental
- Crab Island Shuttle Boat
- Paddleboard or Kayak
- Captained Floating Tiki
- Yacht Charter
Pontoon boat rentals stand out as the most popular and abundant choice among visitors to the Destin, Florida area. This popularity is owed to their user-friendly nature and luxurious, comfortable seating. Imagine having your private floating living room—piloting one is as straightforward as driving a car. Moreover, pontoon boats are ideal for accommodating large groups, providing a cost-effective option when expenses are shared among friends. For instance, the cost for 12 individuals to rent a pontoon boat for a half-day excursion to Crab Island is very economical.
If you’re part of a smaller group, opting for the shuttle boat may be a more economical choice. Priced around $50 per person, it is cheaper than renting a boat for groups with fewer than 8 people. The added advantage is that you won’t have to worry about driving a boat, especially if you plan to enjoy a few cocktails while at Crab Island, as strict drinking and driving laws are enforced on the water.
For those who aren’t fans of pontoons, a myriad of alternatives is available for reaching Crab Island. Rentals, tours, and excursions abound, ranging from jet ski or double-decker pontoon boat rentals to private charters on a catamaran or even a luxury yacht. If you prefer a more active experience, paddleboarding or kayaking from shore is an option, but be prepared for a workout (and always wear your life jacket!).
Most boat rentals and excursions depart from the Destin Harbor or nearby Okaloosa Island, both conveniently located just minutes away from Crab Island
Directions to Crab Island
Once you’ve sorted out your transportation to Crab Island, you might be in search of directions to this renowned sandbar. Situated just north of the Destin Bridge, inside the inlet linking the Choctawhatchee Bay to the Gulf of Mexico, Crab Island is a prominent destination. The official GPS coordinates for Crab Island are noted as N 30°23.918, W 86°31.236, although it’s worth noting that the sandbar is extensive and doesn’t correspond to a single point on a map.
For those departing from the Destin Harbor, the journey involves heading west on your boat toward the Marler Bridge, also known simply as the Destin Bridge. Navigate beneath the Marler Bridge, and you’ll find Crab Island positioned just to the northwest.
If you’re approaching from Fort Walton Beach/Okaloosa Island, travel east/southeast along the Gulf Islands National Seashore. Crab Island will appear to your left, just before you reach the Marler Bridge.
Its unmistakable presence ensures you won’t miss it!
For more information visit the My Crab Island website.