Destin & Crab Island: Pontoon Boat Rental with Dolphin Sightings

Summary

Crab Island days: pontoon rides, dolphins and salt on skin

You’ll start your day picking up your own pontoon at Fort Walton Beach—free fuel and cooler included—then cruise out to Crab Island for swimming or just drifting in the sun. Watch for dolphin pods along the way, drop anchor wherever looks good, and enjoy private beaches or hidden corners only locals seem to know about.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was how the air at Fort Walton Beach felt — a little sticky but not heavy, with that low hum of engines and gulls overhead. The Destiny Water Adventures crew handed us the keys to our pontoon (I had a brief “wait, we’re really driving this?” moment) and gave us a quick rundown. They were patient even when I fumbled the Bluetooth speaker setup. We tossed our bags in the free cooler (already sweating), grabbed the map, and pushed off. You can see Crab Island from here — that patch of turquoise just out there — but it’s not until you’re gliding over it that you get what all the fuss is about.

I kept squinting at the water because someone said dolphins show up sometimes. And then they did — two fins breaking the surface, barely a splash. My friend yelled something about “bottle-nose” like he was an expert. The boat felt steady, almost lazy, as we drifted toward Crab Island itself. There’s no actual island (which I didn’t know), just this shallow sandbar where everyone drops anchor and wades around. The water’s clear enough you can see your toes, even if you kick up sand. We set up under the retractable shade for a bit — sunburn sneaks up fast out here.

We tried one of those floating mats someone brought (not included but fun), then wandered over to a quieter stretch near some spoil islands. It smelled faintly briny and sweet at once — sunscreen, seaweed, maybe grilled shrimp from another boat nearby? Kids were laughing somewhere behind us; one guy waved as he steered his own rental past ours like he’d done this every weekend forever. I don’t know why but that stuck with me.

Driving back under the Destin Bridge was easier than I expected (the staff’s directions helped). We pulled in sun-tired but kind of giddy, still salty-skinned and talking about whether we’d seen three or four dolphins after all. If you’re looking for a day trip to Crab Island from Destin or Fort Walton Beach without any hassle — just your group, your music, maybe some snacks — this is it. I still think about how quiet it got out there for a minute when we cut the engine; just water slapping hull and nothing else.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Pontoon rental and Crab Island visit

• Arrive 30 minutes early for check-in
• Board custom pontoon at private dock
• Depart from Fort Walton Beach
• Captain your own pontoon boat
• Watch for bottle-nose dolphins
• Arrive at Crab Island
• Anchor and enjoy the beach
• Explore Spoil Islands and Destin Harbor

Top questions

How do I get to Crab Island from Destin?

You rent a pontoon boat from Fort Walton Beach with Destiny Water Adventures; it's just minutes by water to Crab Island.

Do I need a boating license to rent a pontoon?

If you were born on or after January 1, 1988, you'll need a boater safety certificate (online test available).

Is there a captain or guide provided?

No captain or crew is provided; someone in your group will drive the pontoon after instructions.

Are dolphin sightings guaranteed during the trip?

No guarantees, but dolphin sightings are frequent while cruising between Destin Harbor and Crab Island.

What is included with my pontoon rental?

Your rental includes free parking, fuel, cooler, life vests for adults/children, area map/directions, retractable shade, Bluetooth stereo.

Can children join the Crab Island pontoon trip?

Yes; children must be accompanied by an adult and count toward maximum capacity.

Is wheelchair access available on these boats?

Pontoon boats are wheelchair accessible; if extra assistance is needed, bring your own caregiver.

How many people fit on each pontoon boat?

The max capacity is 10-12 passengers per boat including children and infants—choose size when booking.

Where do I check in for my booking?

You check in at Destiny Water Adventures’ private dock in Fort Walton Beach 30 minutes before departure time.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup of your custom-built luxury pontoon at Fort Walton Beach with full instructions from local staff; free parking so you don’t stress about meters; all fuel covered so you can cruise as far as you want; life vests for everyone onboard; Bluetooth stereo for music; an ice-ready cooler; area map with directions to Crab Island plus tips on where locals go—and plenty of time to swim or spot dolphins before returning whenever you're ready.