A Fort Walton Beach getaway is always a fantastic experience to have on your calendar. Heading this way comes with plenty of options for fun and entertainment, and it puts travelers well within reach of exciting Crab Island cruises! When you’re looking to expand your itinerary with one-of-a-kind excursions, be sure a Crab Island tour is at the top of the list.
Crab Island Cruises
Crab Island is conveniently situated on the north side of the Destin Bridge near the entrance to Choctawatchee Bay. It’s a vibrant and popular place for visitors to gather and is home to stunning emerald-green waters. Crab Island was once an island of its own as the name indicates but over time, sands from the Gulf of Mexico eroded it away until all that was left was a raised sandbar. While there is enough sand to anchor a boat with ease, visitors to Crab Island will find that the average depth of water in this area ranges only from one foot to four feet total. This makes it an accessible place to spend a day on the water, floating in style, and soaking up the sun in abundance.
Accessing Crab Island
The location of Crab Island makes it inaccessible by vehicle. Instead, a tour of this sunny and fun destination requires either renting a boat or hopping on a guided tour. Some adventurers choose to head over to Crab Island and participate in the fun that awaits by jet ski or paddleboard as well. The majority of visitors boat here and attempting to swim in this direction is not advisable as the currents are notoriously strong. Kayaking to Crab Island is another option when you’re looking to tour the area and the Crab Island Shuttle happily takes visitors to and from the island daily. A great way to enjoy a customized experience is to book a charter tour of Crab Island with many companies departing directly from Destin Harbor.
Activities to Enjoy While You’re Here
Year after year, the popularity of Crab Island grows with good reason! While many visitors come to tour and relax on their boat rentals, others come to enjoy the music or simply cool off on a float. To that end, there are floating bars and eateries at Crab Island as well that are waiting to help curb cravings that come your way while visiting. Fishing is another popular Crab Island activity to enjoy either on your own or as part of a day tour. The environment here is nearly always vibrant and energetic, drawing crowds of all kinds. The center of this destination is where the vast majority of those looking to have a great time anchor and mix and mingle. There are always options to anchor further away when you’re looking for a more tranquil approach to a Crab Island adventure complete with swimming, fishing, or sunbathing.
Crab Island is open to the public 24 hours a day but the recommended time to visit or tour is the daytime hours during high tide. This is generally around 9:00 am or 10:00 am when the water is clearest. The island is a family-friendly destination where visitors of all ages can enjoy touring or a picnic on the water. Families often appreciate the fact that police boats patrol regularly to handle any issues or emergencies that might arise.
What to Bring on a Tour
Whether you’re touring the area on your own or with an organized group, there are some items that are highly recommended to have onboard in order to make it a fun and successful day from start to finish. Be sure to pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and towels as this is a destination designed for sunny fun and time in the water. It’s also advisable to have cash on hand if you’re planning to purchase food or beverages from the floating vendors as many are cash-only establishments. Having your own trash bags handy is also a good idea for cleaning up and keeping the area pristine for future adventurers. Many visitors also pack coolers, water accessories, and sound systems for an onboard music experience while anchored!
Tour Options
There are a variety of local tour companies that are happy to help guests experience the very best of Crab Island in guided style. Among the many to look into when you’re ready to book an experience are Emerald Coast Island Excursions, Crab Island Cruises, Destin Pontoon Charters, Sail Away Destin, Tailfins Island Adventure, and Cruisn’ Tikis Destin. If you’re looking to tour by booking your own boat, consider companies like Boatsetter for peace of mind that you’ll be cruising around in a quality vessel.
Book Your Getaway Today
The next time travel plans bring you to scenic Fort Walton Beach, be sure you’re settled into accommodations that infuse luxury, style, and comfort into your journey through The Breakers of Fort Walton Beach. Reach out today to learn more about our vacation rental options and to get started!