Destin: Crab Island Tiki Boat Tour & Sandbar Swim

Summary

Destin harbor to crab island by tiki boat with sandbar swim and bring your own drinks

You’ll float from Destin Harbor out to Crab Island on a tiki boat with a local captain—bring your own drinks and snacks for three hours of swimming, laughter, and sun-warmed sandbar time. Includes cooler, ice, cups, floats, and bottled water so you can relax without worrying about supplies. The slow ride back is its own kind of magic.

What’s the experience like?

There’s this moment when you’re gliding out of Destin Harbor on a round tiki boat—music playing somewhere behind you, salt in the air, pelicans skimming the water—that just feels like summer even if it’s February. Our captain, Mike (who grew up here), pointed out the old fishing boats docked along the pier and told us how Crab Island isn’t really an island anymore. I didn’t know that. The water was this weird blue-green that looks fake in photos but isn’t. We waved at people on jet skis who definitely had louder playlists than ours.

I’d brought my own snacks (Mike said glass bottles were fine as long as we took them back), and there was already ice in the cooler when we got on. There’s something about drinking cold water out of a plastic cup while your feet dangle off a floating bar that makes everything taste better. When we anchored at Crab Island, Mike dropped the swim ladder and handed out floats—one of those big flamingo ones made everyone laugh. It’s shallow enough to stand but soft underfoot, like packed sand mixed with sea grass. I could hear kids squealing from another boat nearby and someone playing Jimmy Buffett on repeat.

The sun kept shifting behind clouds so it wasn’t too hot, just warm enough for lazy swimming or sitting on the edge talking about nothing much. A couple next to us tried to teach me how to spot stingrays in the shallows—I’m still not sure if I saw one or just driftwood. There’s no bar service here (Mike explained it’s not allowed), so everyone brings their own drinks and food, which somehow makes it feel more relaxed. No one rushing you to order anything or move along.

On the way back through Destin Harbor, I caught myself thinking about how easy everything felt—no schedule except for when Mike said we had to head in before the tide changed. The air smelled like sunscreen and salt and maybe a little bit of engine oil from another boat downwind. It’s not fancy but it sticks with you—I still think about that view across the water as we floated home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Cruise to Crab Island and relax

• Board the Original Tiki Bar Boat
• Cruise through Destin Harbor
• Enjoy smiles and waves from locals
• Anchor at Crab Island
• Lower swim ladder for swimming
• Use provided cooler and supplies
• Swim and relax with floats
• Bring and enjoy your own snacks and drinks

Top questions

How long is the Crab Island Tiki Boat tour?

The tour lasts about 3 hours from Destin Harbor to Crab Island and back.

Can I bring my own alcohol on the tiki boat?

Yes, you can bring your own beverages including alcohol; glass bottles are allowed.

Is lunch or food provided during the tour?

No food is included; you should bring your own snacks or lunch for the trip.

Are children allowed on the Crab Island Tiki Boat tour?

Yes, children are welcome; infants can ride in a pram or stroller but must sit on an adult’s lap.

What is included with the Crab Island Sandbar Adventure?

Your trip includes a cooler with ice, cups/shot glasses, bottle openers, bottled water, floats, and pumps for inflatables.

Is hotel pickup available for this tour?

No hotel pickup is offered; you meet at Destin Harbor for boarding.

Are service animals permitted on board?

Only trained service dogs are allowed; emotional support animals are not permitted per ADA guidelines.

Can I buy alcohol at Crab Island?

No alcohol is sold or served at Crab Island; bringing your own is required as sales are illegal there.

What’s included

Your day includes a three-hour cruise from Destin Harbor to Crab Island with a local captain at the helm. Onboard you'll have use of a cooler stocked with ice and bottled water, cups and bottle openers ready for whatever drinks you bring along yourself (glass bottles are fine). Floats are provided for relaxing at the sandbar—and if you've got your own inflatables there's even an onboard pump so you can blow them up easily before jumping in for a swim.