Crab Island isn’t actually an island, it’s a shallow sandbar in the Choctawhatchee Bay near Destin, Florida, and the only way to get there is by boat. Every spring and summer, thousands of people anchor up in waist-deep turquoise water to swim, float, and hang out. If you want to rent a boat to go to Crab Island, you’ve got more options than you probably realize, from bare-bones pontoon rentals to fully captained party boats.
At Original Crab Island, we help visitors get out on the water every single day. We offer pontoon rentals, jet skis, fishing charters, parasailing, and guided cruises, all launching from Destin. So we know the routes, the rental landscape, and what actually matters when you’re picking a boat for a Crab Island trip.
Below, we break down five solid ways to get to Crab Island by boat this year, including what each option costs, who it’s best for, and what to watch out for. Whether you’re planning a chill family afternoon or a full-blown bachelorette blowout, one of these options will fit.
1. Original Crab Island Pontoon Boat Rentals
Renting a pontoon from Original Crab Island is the most popular way to rent a boat to go to Crab Island on your own terms. You set the schedule, pick your crew, and stay as long as you want.
What You Get on a Typical Pontoon Rental
A standard pontoon rental gives you a stable, flat-deck boat with seating, a sun canopy, and a swim ladder. You get enough space to bring coolers, towels, and gear without feeling cramped. Most boats come pre-rigged and fueled at the start of your rental.
How the Rental Process Works from Check-In to Return
You arrive at the dock, sign your rental agreement and damage waiver, go through a brief orientation, and then you’re off. At return, staff inspect the boat and verify fuel levels. The whole check-in process usually takes about 20 minutes.
Who This Option Fits Best
This option works best for families, couples, and small friend groups who want full control over their day. If you’re comfortable reading water markers and following basic instructions, a self-guided pontoon is a natural fit.
Capacity, Comfort, and Add-Ons to Look For
Most pontoons seat 8 to 12 people, so confirm the exact capacity before booking. Ask about coolers, Bluetooth speakers, and life jackets when you reserve, since availability varies by vessel.
Pricing, Deposits, Fuel, and Damage Waivers Explained
Expect to pay a security deposit at check-in, which is held and released after inspection. Fuel is typically your responsibility, so return the tank at the same level you received it or pay a refueling fee.
Boater Safety Certificate Rules for Florida Renters
Florida law requires anyone born on or after January 1, 1988 to carry a valid boater safety ID card. You can complete the approved course online through the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at myfwc.com.
If you were born after 1988 and show up without your card, you will not be allowed to operate the boat.
Navigation Basics and the Easiest Route to Crab Island
The sandbar sits just north of the Destin Bridge in the Choctawhatchee Bay. Staff walk you through the route during orientation, and the channel markers make it a straightforward 10-minute cruise from most Destin marinas.
2. Captained Boat Rental to Crab Island
A captained rental lets you rent a boat to go to Crab Island without touching the wheel once. Someone else handles every navigation decision so your group can relax from the moment you step onboard.
How a Captained Trip Works and What the Captain Handles
Your captain manages all navigation, anchoring, and docking at the sandbar. You board, point toward Crab Island, and let them handle the rest of the logistics while you enjoy the ride.
Who This Option Fits Best
This works well for first-time visitors and groups who want a smooth, low-stress outing. It also suits anyone who finds boat operation intimidating or who simply prefers to focus on the experience rather than the mechanics.
Typical Trip Lengths and What You Can Do at Crab Island
Most captained trips run two to four hours. At the sandbar, your group can swim, float with inflatables, and grab snacks from the floating food vendors that anchor nearby.
Floating vendors sell food, drinks, and snacks directly at the sandbar, so you do not need to haul a heavy cooler onboard.
Pricing Structure and What Is Usually Included
Expect flat-rate group pricing rather than a per-seat charge. Fuel and the captain’s time are typically bundled into one quoted rate, which makes budgeting straightforward.
Alcohol, Music, and On-Water Conduct Expectations
You can usually bring alcohol and a portable speaker, but your captain sets the specific rules for behavior onboard. Ask those questions directly before you finalize the booking.
What to Ask Before You Book a Captain
Confirm capacity limits, trip length, and the cancellation policy before you pay anything. Also ask whether life jackets and safety gear are provided or if you need to bring your own.
3. Crab Island Shuttle Boat Tickets
Shuttle boats give you a direct way to rent a boat to go to Crab Island without handling any navigation yourself. You buy a per-seat ticket, board at a set time, and a crew handles the rest.
How Shuttle Boats Work and What the Experience Feels Like
A shuttle runs on a fixed schedule between a Destin dock and the sandbar. You ride with other passengers, anchor at the sandbar, and hop in the water when you arrive.
Who This Option Fits Best
Shuttles work best for solo travelers and couples without a full group to split a rental with. This also suits anyone who wants no logistics beyond buying a ticket.
Typical Per-Seat Pricing and What Affects the Cost
Per-seat rates typically run $20 to $40 depending on the operator and trip length. Peak season and weekend departures tend to cost more than weekday runs.
Book your seat early in summer, since popular departure times sell out before the day of.
What You Can Bring Onboard and What Gets Restricted
Most shuttles allow small bags and personal items but restrict large coolers. Confirm the specific carry-on rules with your operator before you show up at the dock.
Timing, Meet-Up Location, and What Happens at the Sandbar
Shuttles generally leave from Destin Harbor on a rotating schedule throughout the day. At the sandbar, you swim, float, and buy snacks from floating food vendors anchored nearby.
Pros and Cons Versus Renting Your Own Boat
Shuttles cost less upfront and require zero boating experience, but you lose control of your schedule. A private rental lets you stay as long as you want and leave on your own timeline.
4. Jet Ski Rental or Guided Jet Ski Tour
A jet ski is a fast, direct option if you want to rent a boat to go to Crab Island with something smaller and more agile than a pontoon. You cover the same water route but with more speed and a very different feel on the water.
Choosing Between a Free-Ride Rental and a Guided Tour
A free-ride rental hands you a key and lets you explore on your own schedule. A guided tour pairs you with an instructor who leads the group along a set route, including a stop at the sandbar.
Who This Option Fits Best
Jet skis work best for thrill-seekers and smaller groups who want speed over seating capacity. Guided tours fit first-time riders who want instruction and structure built into the experience.
Typical Pricing and What Is Included
Rentals typically run $75 to $150 per hour per ski, while guided tours bundle the guide’s time and a set route into one flat rate. Fuel is usually included in both formats.
Always confirm whether the quoted price covers fuel before you hand over a deposit.
Age Rules, Licensing, and Rider Requirements
Riders must be at least 18 years old to operate a jet ski in Florida without supervision. Valid government-issued ID is required at check-in, so bring yours to the dock.
Safety Tips for the Pass, Wakes, and Changing Conditions
Keep a safe following distance from other boats near the pass and slow down in congested areas. Bay conditions can shift quickly, so check posted flag warnings before you head out.
What to Bring and How to Keep Valuables Dry
Wear water shoes and a properly fitted life jacket throughout your ride. A waterproof dry bag or phone case protects your cash, cards, and phone from splash and submersion.
5. Specialty Boats for Groups and Parties
If you’re planning a celebration or a large group outing, specialty boats give you more space and more features than a standard pontoon. These are the go-to choice when you want to rent a boat to go to Crab Island with a crew of 10 or more.
Popular Options Like Double-Decker Pontoons and Tiki Boats
Double-decker pontoons add an upper deck for jumping and sunbathing, while tiki boats bring themed seating and shade structures that make the whole trip feel like an event before you even anchor.
Who This Option Fits Best
Specialty boats work best for bachelorette parties, bachelor parties, and corporate groups that want exclusive use of the vessel. Your group gets the whole boat for the full rental window with no strangers onboard.
Capacity Limits, Comfort Features, and Must-Have Gear
Most specialty boats hold 12 to 20 passengers depending on the model. When comparing options, look for:
- Built-in coolers and storage
- Bluetooth sound systems
- Shade canopies and seating for every passenger
Typical Pricing and What Drives the Total Cost
Base rates run higher than standard pontoons, with the final number shaped by boat size, rental length, and add-ons. Captain fees, fuel, and cleaning deposits can all push the total up.
Get a fully itemized quote in writing before you hand over any deposit.
Rules to Know for Party Vibes Without Getting Fined
Open container laws and noise rules apply on the water just like they do on land. Your operator reviews the conduct rules at check-in, so pay attention during that briefing.
Booking Tips for Peak Season and Large Groups
Reserve four to six weeks out during summer since specialty boats sell out fast. Confirm your exact headcount and any special requests in writing when you lock in your date.
Quick Recap and Next Steps
You now have five clear ways to rent a boat to go to Crab Island, each built for a different kind of trip. Pontoon rentals give you full control over your schedule and your crew, while captained trips and shuttle boats handle all navigation so your group can relax from the first minute. Jet skis work for thrill-seekers who want speed and agility on the water, and specialty boats cover large groups, bachelorette parties, and corporate events with the extra space and comfort they need.
Your best pick comes down to your group size, your budget, and how much responsibility you want on the water. If you’re ready to lock in a date before summer fills up, Original Crab Island offers pontoon rentals, jet skis, parasailing, and guided cruises all launching from Destin. Book directly and get your crew on the water without the guesswork.
