Destin: Crab Island Cruise with Paddle Boards & Floating Mats

Summary

Emerald water lounging crab island cruise destin with paddle boards and floating mats

You’ll glide over emerald waters from Destin to Crab Island with a local captain guiding your group, then spend hours swimming or lounging on paddle boards and floating mats. There’s space to relax or splash around—and with a stocked cooler plus water included, all you need is your own snacks or drinks. Expect sun-warmed skin and easy laughter that lingers after you dock again.

What’s the experience like?

Cooler lid thuds shut and Captain Mike gives us this grin like he’s seen every kind of group pile onto his boat. I’m still fumbling with my bag (should’ve packed lighter), but he just waves us on—“No rush, y’all.” The air smells like sunscreen and salt. We push off from Destin’s docks, the engine humming under our feet. It’s only a short ride out to Crab Island, but the water changes color so fast—one minute it’s that murky marina green, then suddenly you’re gliding over this clear emerald patchwork. Someone cranks up the Bluetooth speaker (country music, not my pick but it fits), and everyone loosens up.

I’d heard about Crab Island before—mostly stories about wild parties or sandbar crowds—but today it’s families in floaties and college kids tossing frisbees. Our captain points out where the “island” actually sank ages ago; now it’s just shallow water stretching out forever. I step off into the sand—it feels weirdly soft underfoot—and immediately wish I’d brought a hat. There’s no shade except what you make for yourself, so we drag the big lilypad float off the boat and sprawl across it like sea lions. Water laps at my ankles. My friend tries one of the paddle boards (wobbly at first), while I stick to floating chairs with cold water from the cooler pressed against my neck. No alcohol for sale here, so if you want something stronger you have to bring your own—kind of funny watching people float by clutching their coolers like treasure chests.

At some point I just lay back and listen: distant laughter, splashes, a gull overhead that sounds almost sarcastic. Time slips by quick out there. The sun gets higher and everything looks washed-out bright—I can still feel that light on my eyelids if I think about it now. When Captain Mike calls us in, nobody really wants to leave yet. But he helps haul us back aboard without making a big deal about it (I nearly trip getting up the ladder; he pretends not to notice). The ride back is quieter—everyone sunkissed and wrung out in a good way.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Three hour Crab Island excursion

• Board charter boat at dock
• Travel to Crab Island
• Swim and walk in clear water
• Use provided paddle boards and floats
• Relax on BOTE chairs
• Enjoy food and drinks from cooler
• Return to dock after excursion

Top questions

How long does the Crab Island cruise last?

The tour lasts approximately three hours from pickup to return at the dock.

Is alcohol available for purchase at Crab Island?

No alcoholic beverages are sold at Crab Island; guests may bring their own if over 21.

What equipment is included on this Crab Island tour?

The tour includes two 11' paddle boards, a floating lilypad mat, four floating chairs, Bluetooth stereo, cups, bottled water, ice, and a cooler.

Is there shade available at Crab Island?

No natural shade is available; guests should bring hats or sun protection.

Are service animals allowed on board?

Yes, service animals are permitted on this tour.

Is lunch provided during the excursion?

No meals are included; guests can bring their own food and drinks.

Is this tour suitable for pregnant travelers?

This tour is not recommended for pregnant travelers due to safety reasons.

Where does the tour start and end?

The cruise departs from Destin's dock and returns there after three hours at Crab Island.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from Destin’s dock by a licensed local captain, use of two paddle boards, four floating chairs, a large lilypad mat for lounging in shallow water, plus bottled water with cups and ice in a cooler for anything extra you bring along before heading back after three hours of sun-soaked fun.