Destin: Crab Island Tiki Boat Cruise with Captain & BYOB

Summary

Chill out on a captained tiki boat to Crab Island with music and floats

You’ll board a captained Tiki boat in Destin Harbor for a laid-back cruise to Crab Island’s famous sandbar. Float in emerald waters with included noodles, enjoy your own snacks and drinks, use the onboard bathroom when needed, and laugh along with locals and visitors alike. It’s all about relaxing together—and maybe spotting dolphins if you’re lucky.

What’s the experience like?

We climbed onto the Tiki boat at Destin Harbor, shoes off, sunscreen half-rubbed in. Our captain—Mike, with this easy grin—waved us aboard and pointed out dolphins before we’d even left the dock. The air was thick with salt and sunscreen, and someone’s Bluetooth speaker was already playing Jimmy Buffett (not my pick, but it fit). We drifted out past fishing boats and suddenly the water went that weirdly bright emerald color people always talk about in Destin. I still can’t get over how clear it looked under my feet.

Crab Island isn’t really an island—more like a giant sandbar where everyone ties up their boats and just… floats. I didn’t expect it to feel so communal. We jumped in with our pool noodles (they’re included) and floated around, bumping into other groups who offered us watermelon slices or asked if we wanted to join their game of catch. It’s noisy but not wild—families, bachelorette groups, some older couples just bobbing quietly with cold drinks. I tried saying “cheers” to a group from Alabama; they laughed at my accent.

There’s an onboard bathroom—which honestly saved me after two cans of seltzer—and you can bring whatever drinks or snacks you want. Mike kept an eye on us but mostly let us do our thing, except when he handed out extra floats or told us which boats had the best music. At one point he pointed out a ray gliding by under the water; I almost missed it because I was distracted by some kid’s inflatable flamingo drifting away (his mom dove after it). Time slipped by fast—I think we were there about three hours? Hard to say when you’re just floating in the sun like that.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Boat trip to Crab Island

• Board Tailfins Tiki boat
• Enjoy music and water fun
• Travel to Crab Island
• Swim and float at Crab Island
• Bring and enjoy your beverages
• Use onboard bathroom as needed
• Return to Destin Harbor

Top questions

How long is the Crab Island Tiki Boat tour?

In season, tours are 3 hours; evening trips at 5:00 or 6:00 pm are 2 hours; off-season tours are 1.5 hours from November 1st through December 31st.

Is there a bathroom on the Tiki boat?

Yes, every Tailfins Tiki boat has an onboard restroom for guests’ use.

Can I bring my own drinks on the Crab Island cruise?

Yes, you can bring your own beverages and snacks on board.

Are children allowed on this Crab Island boat tour?

Yes—all passengers need a ticket including toddlers, infants, and children.

What’s included with the Crab Island Tiki Boat trip?

The trip includes pool floats for water fun, an onboard restroom, USCG-certified life jackets, music, and a licensed captain.

How many people fit on each Tiki boat?

The private booking holds up to 18 passengers; non-private bookings take up to 7 per group.

What’s included

Your day includes a captained Tiki boat ride from Destin Harbor to Crab Island sandbar with music playing along the way. You’ll have access to pool floats for swimming or lounging in the water, an onboard restroom for comfort (trust me—you’ll be glad), plus certified life jackets for everyone’s safety. Just bring your favorite drinks and snacks before heading back ashore feeling sun-warmed and happy.