Destin, Florida is an excellent vacation destination whether you're traveling with kids, your spouse, or friends for Spring Break. It's considered one of the top boating cities in the country, and it's easy to see why. The white sandy beaches and emerald water will ensure you never get bored on vacation in Destin.

The most popular boating spot in Destin is Crab Island, a sandbar created by deposits that were left in the 1960s after the construction of jetties around the Gulf of Mexico. You can get to Crab Island with a boat rental or even a kayak. When on vacation in Destin, you won't miss it - you'll see hundreds of boats anchored at this spot off the coast of Destin north of the Marler Bridge at the south entrance of the Choctawhatchee Bay. Crab Island is perfect for anchoring your boat rental and jumping out for a swim, socializing with other boaters or enjoying a picnic on the water.

Boating Guide to Crab Island in Destin, Florida

On a boat cruise out to Crab Island, you'll be able to keep kids entertained and parents happy, celebrate a special occasion like a birthday or bachelor party, or just relax and soak up the sun. Bring water toys or floats, ask the captain if they are included on your boat rental. Your kids will love swimming and splashing in the water for hours, and you can enjoy water sports like tubing or waterskiing nearby when exploring Crab Island.

There's always something going on, with a wide range of things to do to fit any group's interests and budget.

Crab Island 2.jpeg

Rent a Boat in Destin, Florida, and explore Crab Island

With dozens of boat rental options available in Destin on Getmyboat, you'll have a hard time choosing what type of boat to rent for exploring Crab Island. Some of the most popular include pontoon rentals, sailboat rentals, speedboats, and yacht charters. Rent a boat in Destin and take it to Crab Island in the morning or afternoon for half a day spent relaxing on the water, just make sure you don't forget to bring sunscreen and sunglasses!

Visiting Destin for a special event, like a bachelorette or bachelor party, or celebrating Spring Break with a group of friends? Book a party boat rental for an exciting cruise with a captain to explore and enjoy Crab Island. You can spend hours swimming, jamming out to a party playlist, and getting those perfect photos for Instagram while on Crab Island.

If you're traveling to Destin for a romantic getaway vacation, get out on a boat. If you're on your honeymoon, you'll definitely want to check out Crab Island and continue on boating to see the sunset. Book a sunset cruise or dinner cruise with your partner for a lovely evening on the water, watching the sun go down over the Gulf.

Crab Island 4.jpg

Rent a Floating Tiki Hut on Crab Island

A top thing to do in Destin on Crab Island is to rent a floating tiki hut, a unique experience that's guaranteed to be a fun time. Starting at $150/hour, you can book a tiki hut to explore Crab Island with a group of up to 18 people, floating and enjoying a barbecue and drinks in the Florida sunshine. It's a unique experience to have while in Destin, certain to be a memorable way to enjoy your vacation.

Crab Island Destin FL.jpg

Fishing from Crab Island in Destin, Florida

Fishing from Crab Island is also possible! While the busy parts of the sandbar aren't inviting, you aren't far from some great fishing spots. After you've had enough of the party scene, cruise from Crab Island to the Choctawhatchee Bay on a fishing charter or fishing boat rental, or cruise out for a deep-sea fishing charter while in Destin. Catch redfish, speckled trout, shark, or snapper while out fishing in Destin.

See dolphins swimming around Crab Island

Dolphins Crab Islad.jpg

Forget expensive entry fees and long lines that you encounter at theme parks like SeaWorld. Destin offers some incredible wildlife tours, including sunset dolphin cruises and dolphin snorkeling off nearby Crab Island. You can see these beautiful animals up-close, swimming happily in the wild around your boat. It’s an authentic experience and gives kids (and adults) an appreciation for observing animals in their natural habitats.

Dolphin Destin.jpg

On a dolphin tour in Destin, you can enjoy a meal and drinks, sunset sailing, and more, all while getting connected with nature in Destin. Another fun way to see marine life while relaxing on Crab Island in Destin is with a snorkeling tour. Jump on a boat for a relaxing cruise and then cool off from the heat of the sun by jumping in, exploring beneath the waves with a mask and snorkel.

Enjoy water sports on Crab Island

There are many options for watersports excursions and experiences in Destin, it's the perfect place to live out your boat life dreams. Sometimes, day drinking and partying on a sandbar isn't enough - you have to enjoy water sports while exploring Crab Island too.

Bring your camera with on your boat rental to snap photos and save the memories of your family trip and watersports adventures. It’s a great activity for families with kids, since boat captains will be prepared with inflatable rafts, snorkeling gear, wakeboarding, and waterskiing equipment, and other supplies to keep them entertained while you cruise the Emerald Coast.

Destin Watersports Tubing.jpg


If you’d prefer to zip around at high speeds, rent a jet ski in Destin and fly through the waves for a few hours, cruising past the crowds at Crab Island. Jet skiing the perfect relief for traveling with older kids or if you're in your 20's and need a good thrill while in Florida, without paying the entry fees at the amusement parks of Orlando. Some watersports that are popular in Destin, Florida include kiteboarding, kayak rentals (perfect for families on a budget!) stand-up paddleboard rentals, and parasailing! The water in Destin is so clear, that with a bird’s eye view on a parasailing trip you can often see dolphins and stingrays from above.

Paddleboard Destin.jpg


Enjoy Crab Island in Destin, without breaking the bank

No one wants to come back from vacation with an empty wallet and stress over the cost of relaxation. Destin is the perfect place for families on a budget, where you can find beachfront condos and hotel rooms for less than $100 a night. For a family, Destin is a great deal, especially when you consider most accommodation options have a pool or are right on the beach. Getting to Crab Island is an easy and cheap way to enjoy a few days of your vacation while visiting Destin.

You don’t need to book an expensive flight or pay the high prices of island paradise in the Caribbean to enjoy stunning, tropical nature and island vibes. Destin offers crystal clear waters, soft white sand, and plenty of palm trees to give you the all the vacation vibes you’ll need to refresh and recharge.

In addition to the value on price tags in Destin, the city is set up for visitors, with shuttles to and from the airport, and many restaurants and attractions are within walking distance or a short taxi ride. The public transportation isn't fantastic, but there are buses available if you don't want to rent a car. There are also RV parks and camping options, perfect for visiting on the cheap.


Want help booking water experiences on your vacation in Destin? Ready to explore Crab Island on a boat rental during your vacation? Make sure you’ve downloaded our mobile app and visited our website to search all options! It’s super easy to book a boat rental or other excursion with Getmyboat, simply select listings that interest you and click the blue “Request to Book” button to make an inquiry. There’s no obligation to book when making an inquiry.