Destin Private Pontoon Boat Charter: Crab Island & Dolphin Tours

The boat has a slide built in, which changes what you can do at Crab Island.

A private pontoon boat charter in Destin accommodates up to 6 guests and includes a captain, paddle boards, snorkel equipment and a water slide. You choose the itinerary—Crab Island, dolphin watching, snorkeling, or a harbor tour—and the captain takes you there. The boat comes equipped with lily pads and floats for water play, and bottled water is provided throughout.

Step-by-step itinerary

Private boat charter and water activities

• Meet your private captain
• Explore Destin Harbor
• Use paddle boards and lily pad
• Enjoy the boat's slide at Crab Island
• Choose activities: snorkeling or dolphin watching

The Experience

You pick the captain up at Destin Harbor and tell them where you want to go. The boat holds a maximum of 6 people regardless of age, so the group stays small and the captain can actually listen to what you want to do that day. Most people split time between Crab Island—where the slide gets heavy use—and either snorkeling, dolphin watching, or a slower harbor tour. The paddle boards and lily pad come along, so if someone wants to float while others snorkel, that works. Bottled water is on board.

The 2-hour option runs a dolphin and harbor tour, which is the tighter schedule. The 3-hour and 4-hour Crab Island tours give you time to actually swim, use the slide, and sit on the water without rushing. Snorkel gear is included if you want to use it, but you're not locked into any single activity—the captain adapts to what the group feels like doing once you're out there. The boat itself is a slide pontoon, which is why Crab Island works so well; most charter boats don't have that feature.

What’s included

• Paddle boards.
• snorkel equipment.
• lily pad and floats.
• bottled water.
• private captain for the duration of your charter.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPets welcome

Operated by Destin Pontoon Charters

Is this one for you?Book this if your group is six people or fewer and wants a private boat where you choose between wildlife watching, water sports at Crab Island, or a mix—the captain customizes the route rather than following a set itinerary.

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Top questions

What's the difference between the 2-hour dolphin tour and the longer Crab Island options?

The 2-hour Dolphin and Harbor Tour focuses on watching dolphins and exploring Destin Harbor at a faster pace. The 3-hour and 4-hour Crab Island Tours give you time to anchor, swim, use the water slide, and play on the lily pad without the clock pushing you along.

Can I snorkel on this charter, or is it only for Crab Island?

Snorkel equipment is included and you can snorkel on any of the tour options—the captain will take you to snorkeling spots in Destin Harbor or near Crab Island depending on which tour you book and what the group wants to do.

What happens if my group is larger than 6 people?

The boat holds a maximum of 6 guests regardless of age. If your group is larger, you'll need to book one of the company's larger boats instead.

Is the water slide only for kids, or can adults use it too?

The slide is part of the boat and available to anyone in your group who wants to use it—there's no age restriction mentioned, so it's for whoever feels like sliding.

What's included in the charter, and what do I need to bring?

The charter includes the captain, paddle boards, snorkel equipment, lily pads, floats, and bottled water. You don't need to bring gear, but you'll want to bring sunscreen, towels, and a change of clothes or swimwear underneath what you're wearing.

Where do I meet the captain, and how early should I arrive?

You meet the captain at Destin Harbor. Parking is not included, so plan for that separately and arrive with enough time to find a spot and get to the boat without rushing.