Snorkeling in Destin at Crab Island with Paddle Boards

Wade a sandbar, snorkel for crabs, paddle between lily pads

Snorkel Crab Island, a submerged sandbar in Destin Bay, on a 3-hour boat tour with snorkel equipment, three shared paddle boards and two lily pads included. The boat departs Destin harbor, where you'll watch for wild dolphins on the way out, then spend roughly two hours at the sandbar wading through shallow emerald water to hunt seashells and crabs, relax on the floating lounges, or paddle to the boat vendors anchored there.

Step-by-step itinerary

Destin harbor and Crab Island tour

• Tour Destin harbor for dolphins
• Stop at Crab Island for snorkeling
• Explore vendors and relax on lily pads
• Use shared paddle boards at Crab Island

The experience

Crab Island sits in the bay as a shallow sandbar that floods at high tide, turning the water emerald and clear enough to see what lives on the bottom. The boat leaves Destin harbor and heads out past the dolphins that often cruise there, then anchors at the sandbar so you can wade in. The water stays shallow (you're walking, not swimming), which is what makes it possible to spot crabs and shells without fighting a current. Snorkel equipment is on board and ready. The lily pads float nearby if you want to climb out and dry off between dives.

Three paddle boards rotate among the group, so you're not guaranteed one the whole time, but they're there if you want to paddle out toward the vendors or explore a different part of the sandbar. The vendors (ice cream, BBQ, burgers) are anchored around the island, so you can buy lunch without leaving the water. Bottled water is included on the boat. The whole stop lasts roughly two hours, which gives you time to snorkel, float, paddle and eat without feeling rushed.

What’s included

• Snorkel equipment.
• three shared paddle boards.
• two shared lily pad lounges.
• bottled water.
• live English-language guide.
• boat tour of Destin harbor with dolphin watching on the route out.

Before you book

Days and timesThursday to SaturdayDepartures at 10:30 and 14:00Last departure this season: 31 Oct

Book up to3h before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (3 to 11 years) · Infant (under 3)

GroupUp to 22

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Paid on siteUS$ 28

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Destin Pontoon Charters

Is this one for you?The live guide speaks English, so you'll hear the commentary and any safety instructions clearly. This works well for anyone comfortable wading in shallow water and climbing on and off a boat, since there's no deep swimming and the sandbar keeps you in waist-deep water or less.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 11 years); Infant (under 3).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the water like at Crab Island when we arrive?

Crab Island is a submerged sandbar that floods at high tide, creating shallow, clear emerald water where you can wade and see crabs and shells on the bottom. The water depth stays low enough to walk through, not swim.

Do I need my own snorkel gear or is it provided?

Snorkel equipment is included on the boat and ready to use. You don't need to bring your own.

Can I use the paddle boards the whole time we're at Crab Island?

Three paddle boards are shared among the group, so they rotate. They're available to use during the roughly two-hour stop, but you won't have exclusive access to one for the full time.

Are there places to eat or buy drinks at Crab Island?

Boat vendors anchor around the sandbar selling ice cream, BBQ and burgers. You can buy food and drinks while you're in the water, and bottled water is included on the tour boat.

How long is the boat ride from Destin to Crab Island?

The tour is three hours total. The boat departs Destin harbor and passes through the area where wild dolphins often appear on the way to Crab Island, where you spend roughly two hours.

Is there a restroom on the boat?

There is no restroom on board, so plan accordingly before departure.