5 Best Pontoon Rental Destin Picks for Crab Island (2026)

Picking the right pontoon can make or break your Crab Island trip. A solid boat means shade, space, a built-in sound system, and enough room for your whole crew to spread out on the water. A bad one means overheating, overcrowding, and wishing you’d done more research. If you’re searching for the best pontoon rental Destin has to offer, you’re already thinking ahead, and that matters more than most people realize.

We run Original Crab Island, a Destin-based rental and tour company that sends groups out to the sandbar and surrounding waters every single day. We know which boats hold up, which companies take care of their fleet, and what actually matters when you’re floating at Crab Island for four to eight hours. That firsthand experience is exactly what shaped this list.

Below, you’ll find five pontoon rental companies worth booking in 2026, each one vetted for boat quality, pricing, and overall reliability. Whether you’re planning a family day or a group celebration, this guide will help you lock in the right rental without second-guessing it.

1. Original Crab Island

Original Crab Island ranks first on this best pontoon rental Destin list for a straightforward reason: we operate directly on the water and we’ve built our rental fleet around what groups actually need for a full day at the sandbar. Our crew works these waters daily, which means the advice and gear you get come from real experience.

Where you’ll launch and how fast you can reach Crab Island

You’ll launch from our Destin Harbor location, which puts you just minutes from the sandbar. Most groups reach Crab Island in under 10 minutes, so you spend less time navigating and more time anchored where you want to be.

Pontoon options, capacity, and comfort features

Our pontoons hold up to 12 passengers and come equipped with Bluetooth speakers, a bimini top for shade, and comfortable seating throughout. Every boat in our fleet is regularly maintained and cleaned between rentals, so you’re not boarding something that’s been neglected.

What’s included and what you should bring

Each rental includes life jackets, a cooler, and a basic safety kit. You should bring your own food, drinks, sunscreen, and any floats or inflatables you want to use at the sandbar. Anchoring gear is already on board, so you don’t need to source it separately.

Packing a waterproof phone case and more water than you think you need goes a long way on a full-day trip in the Florida sun.

Safety briefing, boating rules, and local navigation tips

Before you head out, our staff walks you through navigation basics, no-wake zones, and sandbar anchoring etiquette. Crab Island has specific anchoring rules that keep the area safe for everyone, and we make sure you understand them before leaving the dock.

Typical pricing, deposits, and add-on costs to expect

Rentals start at competitive half-day and full-day rates, with a refundable deposit required at booking. Add-ons like jet ski rentals and parasailing are available if you want to round out a fuller day on the water.

2. Luther’s Pontoon WaveRunner and Kayak Rentals

Luther’s is a recognized option for groups comparing the best pontoon rental Destin companies for a Crab Island day. They operate from a central Destin location and offer multiple watercraft types beyond just pontoons, which makes them appealing for mixed groups.

Where you’ll launch and how fast you can reach Crab Island

Luther’s launches from Destin Harbor, putting you close to the sandbar without a long transit. Most groups reach Crab Island in 10 to 15 minutes depending on conditions and water traffic that day.

Pontoon options, capacity, and comfort features

Their pontoons seat up to 12 passengers and come with a bimini top for shade coverage. Boats are kept reasonably clean between uses, though booking early is smart during peak summer weekends when demand climbs fast.

What’s included and what you should bring

Rentals cover life jackets and standard safety gear. You should bring your own food, drinks, and sunscreen since no cooler or provisions come included by default.

Confirming exactly what’s on board before you arrive prevents scrambling at the dock.

Safety briefing, boating rules, and local navigation tips

Staff walks you through no-wake zones and basic navigation rules before departure. The briefing is straightforward and practical, covering enough to keep your group safe around the sandbar.

Typical pricing, deposits, and add-on costs to expect

Rates are competitive across half-day and full-day options, with a deposit collected at the time of booking. WaveRunner and kayak add-ons are available for groups who want more variety on the water.

3. Boogie’s Watersports

Boogie’s Watersports earns a spot on this best pontoon rental Destin list for its consistent availability and reliable fleet that works well for groups of all sizes heading to the sandbar.

Where you’ll launch and how fast you can reach Crab Island

Boogie’s launches from Destin Harbor, placing you close to the sandbar from the start. Most groups make it to Crab Island in 10 to 15 minutes under normal conditions.

Pontoon options, capacity, and comfort features

Their pontoons hold up to 12 passengers and include a bimini top for shade coverage. Boats are kept in clean, functional condition, which matters when you’re spending a full day anchored in the sun.

What’s included and what you should bring

Each rental covers life jackets and basic safety gear. You should pack your own food, drinks, and sunscreen since a cooler and provisions are not included in the standard rate.

• Water and drinks
• Sunscreen and towels
• Floats or inflatables for the sandbar

Getting your bag packed the night before means less stress on departure morning.

Safety briefing, boating rules, and local navigation tips

Staff walks you through no-wake zones and sandbar anchoring rules before you leave the dock. The briefing covers enough ground to keep your group safe around Crab Island’s busy anchor field.

Typical pricing, deposits, and add-on costs to expect

Boogie’s offers competitive half-day and full-day pricing, with a deposit collected at booking. Additional watersport options may be available depending on the season and current inventory.

4. Happy’s Watersports

Happy’s Watersports is a solid pick for groups comparing the best pontoon rental Destin options, with a fleet that handles full-day sandbar trips reliably across the summer season.

Where you’ll launch and how fast you can reach Crab Island

Happy’s operates from a Destin Harbor location, giving you quick access to the open water. Most groups reach Crab Island within 10 to 15 minutes of departure, depending on conditions and traffic near the inlet.

Pontoon options, capacity, and comfort features

Their pontoons seat up to 12 passengers and include a bimini top for shade coverage throughout the day. Boats are well-maintained and cleaned between rentals, which keeps things comfortable when you’re anchored out for hours.

What’s included and what you should bring

Rentals include life jackets and standard safety equipment. You should pack your own food, drinks, and sunscreen since no cooler or provisions come with the base rate.

Bringing more water than you think you need is always the right call during a full day on the Florida water.

• Water and drinks
• Sunscreen and towels
• Snacks and a packed lunch

Safety briefing, boating rules, and local navigation tips

Staff covers no-wake zones and sandbar anchoring rules before you leave the dock, giving your group enough knowledge to handle Crab Island’s busy anchor field safely.

Typical pricing, deposits, and add-on costs to expect

Happy’s offers half-day and full-day pricing at competitive rates, with a deposit required at booking. Additional watersport rentals may be available depending on the season and current inventory.

5. Gilligan’s Watersports Destin

Gilligan’s Watersports Destin rounds out this best pontoon rental Destin list as a dependable option for groups planning a full day at Crab Island who want a simple, straightforward booking experience.

Where you’ll launch and how fast you can reach Crab Island

You’ll launch from a Destin Harbor location, giving your group quick access to the open water. Most crews reach Crab Island in 10 to 15 minutes from departure, leaving more time anchored at the sandbar.

Pontoon options, capacity, and comfort features

Their pontoons seat up to 12 passengers and include a bimini top for shade throughout the day. Boats are cleaned and maintained between rentals, keeping the experience comfortable for your group from morning to afternoon.

What’s included and what you should bring

Each rental includes life jackets and standard safety gear. Pack your own food, drinks, and sunscreen since no cooler or provisions come with the base rental rate.

Loading your bag the night before cuts down on last-minute stress at the dock.

Safety briefing, boating rules, and local navigation tips

Staff covers no-wake zones and sandbar anchoring rules before you leave the dock, giving your group enough knowledge to navigate Crab Island’s busy anchor field safely.

Typical pricing, deposits, and add-on costs to expect

Gilligan’s offers half-day and full-day pricing at competitive rates, with a deposit required at booking. Additional watersport options may be available depending on the current season and fleet availability.

Next Steps

Every company on this best pontoon rental Destin list offers a solid experience, but the right pick depends on what your group needs most. If you want the shortest route to Crab Island combined with staff who know the local waters and can help you plan the full day, Original Crab Island is the clear choice.

Booking early is the single most important step you can take, especially if your trip falls between Memorial Day and Labor Day when availability fills up fast. Most companies on this list collect a deposit at reservation, so having your group headcount and preferred date locked in before you reach out saves you time.

When you’re ready to get on the water, book your Destin pontoon rental with Original Crab Island and secure your spot at the sandbar before someone else takes it.