We offer two pontoon boat options departing from Destin Harbor on Harbor Boulevard. Both are clean, well-maintained, and built for a full day of fun on the water.

12-Passenger Single Deck Pontoon — Starting at $225

Our standard 12-passenger single deck Crab Island pontoon rentals are the most popular Crab Island rental for families, couples and small groups. It is comfortable, easy to drive, and perfect for a relaxed day at the sandbar. Features include:

• Seating for up to 12 passengers (including infants and children)
• Bimini top for shade
• Bluetooth-compatible audio system
• Coast Guard-approved life jackets for all passengers
• Full safety equipment package
• Easy-to-use helm controls with pre-departure orientation from our team

This is the go-to Crab Island pontoon rentals option if you want a comfortable, stress-free Crab Island pontoon rentals at the best price on Destin Harbor.

12-Passenger Double Decker Pontoon — Starting at $225

Our double decker Crab Island pontoon rentals take the Crab Island experience to a completely different level. With two full decks and elevated views of the Emerald Coast, the double decker is the boat groups come back for every year. It is the top choice for:

• Bachelorette and bachelor parties
• Birthday celebrations
• Family reunions
• Corporate and group outings
• Anyone who wants the full Crab Island experience

The double decker Crab Island pontoon rentals features the same safety equipment, bimini shade and Bluetooth audio as our standard pontoon, with the added drama of a second level and the views that come with it.

What to Expect on Your Crab Island Pontoon Rental

Here is exactly what a day on the water looks like when you rent a pontoon from Original Crab Island.

Check In at Destin Harbor

Arrive at our location on Harbor Boulevard at least 20 minutes before your scheduled departure. Bring your confirmation number and a valid government-issued photo ID. If you were born on or after January 1, 1988, Florida law requires a NASBLA-approved Boater Safety Certificate before you can operate the vessel. You can complete this online in advance, we recommend finishing it before you arrive so you do not lose time on the water.

Pre-Departure Orientation

Our Crab Island pontoon rentals team walks every renter through the boat before you leave the dock. We cover controls, navigation rules, local waterway guidelines, weather awareness and anchoring procedures. First-time boaters are welcome, we make sure everyone feels confident before they leave.

Cruise to Crab Island

From Destin Harbor on Harbor Boulevard, Crab Island is a short, easy cruise. You follow the marked channel north toward the Destin Bridge, and the sandbar opens up in front of you. Our Crab Island pontoon rentals team gives you a map and waypoints before departure so the navigation is simple even if you have never boated in Destin before.

Anchor Up and Enjoy

Once you arrive at Crab Island, drop anchor in the shallow water, lower your swim ladder, and start your day. Floating food and beverage vendors will come directly to your boat. You can swim, float on inflatables, snorkel, and watch dolphins from the bow. Groups spread out on both decks of the double decker Crab Island pontoon rentals for the best views on the water.

Return at Your Leisure

When your group is ready, pull anchor and cruise back to Destin Harbor. Our team will be there to help you tie up and unload.

What Is Included With Your Crab Island Pontoon Rental

Every Crab Island pontoon rental from Original Crab Island includes:

• 12-passenger pontoon boat (single or double decker based on your booking)
• Coast Guard-approved life jackets for all passengers
• Full safety equipment package (flares, fire extinguisher, throwable device)
• Pre-departure safety orientation from our dock team
• Navigation map with Crab Island coordinates and local waterway guidance
• Bluetooth audio system
• Bimini top for shade

What to bring from home: sunscreen, towels, hats, sunglasses, a cooler with food and drinks, and a waterproof bag or case for your phone. Crab Island pontoon rentals allow outside food and beverages on your boat, you are not required to buy from the floating vendors, though most guests do because it adds to the experience.

Crab Island Pontoon Rental Pricing

Crab Island pontoon rentals at Original Crab Island start at $225. Pricing varies based on boat type, rental duration, and season. We offer half-day and full-day rental options to fit your schedule and budget.

PRICING TABLE (build this as a 2-column table in your CMS):

Boat Type | Starting Price 12-Passenger Single Deck Pontoon | Starting at $225 12-Passenger Double Decker Pontoon | Pricing at booking

Pricing includes all standard equipment listed above. Sales tax and any applicable fees are disclosed at checkout, no hidden charges. We recommend booking in advance during peak season (Memorial Day through Labor Day), as our boats sell out on weekends and holidays.

Do I Need a Boating License to Rent a Pontoon in Destin?

Florida does not require a traditional boating license to operate a rental boat. However, anyone born on or after January 1, 1988 must complete a NASBLA-approved Boater Safety Course and carry proof of completion before operating a motorized vessel with 10 or more horsepower. Florida offers a temporary 90-day boating certificate you can complete online in about an hour. We strongly recommend completing this before you arrive so your group can depart on time.

Anyone born before January 1, 1988 only needs a valid driver’s license to rent and operate one of our pontoon boats.

More Ways to Enjoy Crab Island With Original Crab Island

One of the biggest advantages of booking with Original Crab Island is that we are the only booking source in Destin where you can reserve every major water activity in one place. Most rental companies offer one or two services. We offer Nine, all in one booking experience with no juggling multiple websites, multiple confirmation numbers, or multiple companies on your vacation.

In addition to Crab Island pontoon rentals, we offer:

Jet Ski Rentals — Ride to Crab Island fast, explore the Emerald Coast, and spot dolphins along the way.

Deep Sea Fishing Charters — Full and half-day offshore charters with experienced local captains targeting snapper, grouper, mahi-mahi, and amberjack.

Parasailing — Soar 400–500 feet above Crab Island for the most spectacular view of the Emerald Coast.

Boat and Yacht Rentals — Upgrade to a premium vessel for larger groups or special occasions.

Bike and E-Bike Rentals — Explore the Destin Harbor boardwalk and 30A corridor after your day on the water.

No other water sports company in Destin gives you this combination at prices built for vacation budgets.

What Our Guests Say About Crab Island Pontoon Rentals

“We drove down from Nashville for our anniversary and renting a pontoon in Destin was the best part of our trip. The boat was spotless, the staff was incredibly helpful, and Crab Island was everything we hoped for. We will absolutely be back.” — Jennifer M., Tennessee

“Our whole family — grandparents, kids, everyone — piled onto the double decker and it was the highlight of the entire vacation. The kids still talk about it. Book this boat.” — Marcus T., Georgia

“Easy booking, quick check-in, and the boat was exactly as described. We spent five hours at Crab Island and did not want to leave. Best $225 we spent on the whole trip.” — Ashley R., Alabama

Crab Island Pontoon Rental Tips From the Locals

Go early or go late. Crab Island gets crowded between 11am and 3pm on summer weekends. If you want the best anchoring spots and a more relaxed atmosphere, depart by 8:30 or 9am. Alternatively, a late afternoon departure gives you beautiful light for photos and a less crowded sandbar.

Bring an anchor buddy. When you arrive at Crab Island, having a second person in the bow ready to drop anchor makes the process much smoother. Our Crab Island pontoon rentals team shows you exactly how to do this before you leave the dock.

Pack a dry bag. Your phone, ID, and any electronics should go in a waterproof case or dry bag. Crab Island is waist-deep water and people swim, which means phones get wet.

Drink responsibly. Florida law prohibits boating under the influence just like driving under the influence. If your group plans to drink at Crab Island, designate a sober operator before you leave the dock. If that is a challenge, ask us about our captained charter options where a licensed captain drives the boat.

Check the tides. Crab Island is a sandbar, which means water depth changes with tide. Our team gives you a tide chart at check-in. High tide gives you more floating room. Low tide exposes more of the sandbar for walking around.

Frequently Asked Questions About Crab Island Pontoon Rentals

Q: How far is Crab Island from your dock on Harbor Boulevard? A: Crab Island is a short, easy cruise from our location on Destin Harbor. Most groups arrive at the sandbar within 10 to 15 minutes of leaving the dock depending on speed and traffic on the waterway.

Q: How many people can fit on your pontoon boats? A: Our pontoon boats hold up to 12 passengers including infants and children. Every person on the boat — regardless of age or size — counts toward the maximum capacity. No exceptions are made to the 12-person limit for safety and Coast Guard compliance reasons.

Q: Is fuel included in the pontoon rental price? A: Fuel details are provided at booking and disclosed fully at checkout. We do not charge hidden fuel surcharges — all fuel terms are explained before you confirm your reservation.

Q: Can we bring food and drinks on the pontoon? A: Yes. Guests are welcome to bring a cooler with food and beverages. Crab Island also has floating food and drink vendors who come directly to your boat, which most guests take advantage of during their time at the sandbar.

Q: What happens if the weather is bad on our rental day? A: Guest safety is our top priority. If weather conditions make boating unsafe, we will work with you to reschedule your rental or provide a full refund. We monitor conditions closely and communicate with guests in advance of departure when weather is a concern. Once a rental has departed, we cannot issue refunds for weather that develops during your time on the water.

Q: Can we take the pontoon boat into the Gulf of Mexico? A: No. For safety reasons, our pontoon boats are restricted to approved Intracoastal and bay waterways. They are not permitted in the Gulf of Mexico. The good news is that Crab Island, Destin Harbor, and Choctawhatchee Bay give you more than enough water to explore for a full day.

Q: Is parking available at Destin Harbor? A: Yes. Parking is available at 214 Harbor Blvd. Free overflow parking is available across the street at 310 Mountain Drive. Paid parking is also available nearby for $15 per vehicle. We recommend arriving early during peak season as parking fills quickly on summer weekends.

Q: Do you offer captained pontoon rentals? A: Yes. If your group would prefer a licensed captain to drive the boat — especially if you plan to have drinks at Crab Island — contact us directly to ask about our captained charter options. A captained rental removes the boating responsibility from your group entirely and lets everyone relax from the moment you leave the dock.

Q: What is your cancellation policy? A: Full refunds are available when you cancel at least 24 hours before your scheduled rental time. Cancellations within 24 hours are not eligible for a refund. Holiday weekends may require 48-hour advance notice — full policy details are provided at booking.

Q: Can pets come on the pontoon? A: Yes. Well-behaved pets are welcome on our pontoon rentals. Let us know at the time of booking so we can note it on your reservation. We recommend bringing fresh water for your pet and a properly-fitted pet life jacket for time in the water.

Q: Do you offer group discounts? A: Yes. Groups renting multiple boats or combining a pontoon rental with other services like jet skis or fishing charters may qualify for a group discount. Contact us directly before booking to ask about current group pricing.

Q: How far in advance should I book my Crab Island pontoon rental? A: During peak season from Memorial Day through Labor Day, we recommend booking at least two to three weeks in advance, especially for weekend dates. Double decker boats sell out faster than standard pontoons. Off-season bookings can often be made with less lead time, but earlier is always better.

Book Your Crab Island Pontoon Rental Today

Crab Island pontoon rentals at Original Crab Island start at $225 and depart from Destin Harbor on Harbor Boulevard. We offer single deck and double decker 12-passenger pontoon boats with flexible half-day and full-day options. Our team is at the dock and ready to make your day on the water the highlight of your Destin vacation.

Use the booking widget above to check availability, choose your boat, and reserve your spot online in minutes. If you have questions before you book, call us or use the contact form — we know this area, we know these boats, and we are happy to help you plan the perfect day at Crab Island.

Original Crab Island — Destin’s one-stop shop for everything on the water.

Why Rent a Pontoon at Crab Island vs. Taking a Tour

A lot of visitors wonder whether to book a guided Crab Island boat tour or rent a pontoon and go on their own. Here is the honest answer: if you want the freedom to stay as long as you want, anchor wherever you choose, swim whenever you feel like it, and make the day entirely your own — a Crab Island pontoon rental wins every time.

With a guided tour, someone else sets the schedule. You arrive when they say and leave when they say. With a pontoon rental from Original Crab Island, you are the captain. You leave when you are ready. You stay at Crab Island until you decide it is time to go. You can cruise Destin Harbor on your way back, stop at a sandbar, or just drift in the bay and watch the sun go down. That freedom is what most of our guests say they love most about renting vs. booking a tour.

So if you are in the Destin, Miramar Beach, Santa Rosa Beach, Grayton Beach, 30A, Inlet Beach o Fort Walton Beach areas and are thinking about renting a pontoon, then we are your Best choice.

The sun will set, the boats will dock, and the lights along the bridge will flicker on. But the memory, It stays, shimmering like the water long after you’ve left the bay behind. So next time you see those pontoons gliding toward the horizon, remember, somewhere out there, someone’s laughing, music’s playing, and Crab Island is doing what it does best, turning ordinary days into unforgettable stories.