Pontoon Boat Rental Destin: Captain to Crab Island

Captain your own 24-foot pontoon and anchor at Crab Island in turquoise shallows

A 24-foot pontoon boat rental in Destin Harbor where you captain the boat yourself through Choctawhatchee Bay and Santa Rosa Sound, with the option to cruise to Crab Island's famous sandbar just 5 minutes away. Fuel, life vests, a waterway map, and free parking at the dock are included. You choose a rental window from 4 to 10 hours. The boat holds up to 12 passengers and requires the operator to be at least 21 with a valid driver's license. Anyone born after January 1, 1988 must hold a Florida Boater's License to operate.

The experience

You pick up at Destin Harbor with free parking steps from the dock, load your group of up to 12 passengers, and take the helm yourself. The 24-foot pontoon has a Yamaha 90 HP engine, Bluetooth and AM/FM radio, an easy-access ladder, and a Bimini top that shades most of the deck. A full tank of fuel is included in your rental, so you don't meter your time on the water: cruise as far as the bay and sound allow, or stay close and explore the shallows.

Crab Island, a sandbar 5 minutes from the harbor, is where most renters head. The water there is shallow and turquoise, and the sandbar fills with anchored boats on warm days. You decide whether to join the crowd or find a quieter stretch of the bay. A waterway map comes with the boat so you can navigate on your own. If weather turns unfavorable, the rental is rescheduled or refunded in full. Late returns shorten your paid time, so plan to arrive back on schedule.

The boat is USCG certified and equipped with life vests for all sizes, including children and infants. Bring towels, a cooler with food and drinks, sunscreen, and water toys. Pets are welcome on board. You're responsible for operating the boat safely and must be proficient in English to follow instructions and communicate with law enforcement if needed. Ice is available for purchase at the dock.

What’s included

• Fuel up to one full tank.
• USCG-certified life vests in all sizes.
• waterway map.
• Bimini top shade.
• Bluetooth and AM/FM radio.
• easy-access ladder.
• free parking at the dock.
• friendly instruction on boat operation and safety.
• anchor.

Options for this experience

5 options

4-Hour Rental of a 24 Ft Pontoon10 departure times: the first at 09:00, the last at 13:30Lasts 4 hours

5-Hour Rental of a 24 Ft Pontoon8 departure times: the first at 09:00, the last at 12:30Lasts 5 hours

6-Hour Rental of a 24 Ft Pontoon6 departure times: the first at 09:00, the last at 11:30Lasts 6 hours

See 2 more options

7-Hour Rental of a 24 Ft Pontoon09:00, 09:30, 10:00 and 10:30Lasts 7 hours

8-Hour Rental of a 24 Ft Pontoon09:00 and 09:30Lasts 8 hours

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day10 departure times: the first at 09:00, the last at 13:30Last departure this season: 30 Dec

Book up toStart time

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. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Luther's Pontoon, Waverunner, & Kayak Rentals

Is this one for you?Pick a 4-hour rental if you want a quick afternoon on the water. Choose 7 to 10 hours if you plan to spend most of the day anchored at Crab Island or exploring multiple stretches of the bay. You captain the boat yourself, so you'll need boating experience or confidence learning on the water. This is not a guided tour with a professional skipper.

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Top questions

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.

How far is Crab Island from the Destin Harbor dock?

Crab Island is 5 minutes away by boat, making it an easy destination for a morning or afternoon anchor stop during your rental.

What's included in the pontoon rental price?

Fuel up to one full tank, life vests for all passengers, a waterway map, free parking at the dock, and a Bimini top for shade are included. Ice is available for purchase.

Do I need a boater's license to operate the pontoon?

If you were born on or after January 1, 1988, you must hold a Florida Boater's License to captain the boat. If you were born before that date, no license is required. The operator must be at least 21 with a valid driver's license and credit card.

How many people can the 24-foot pontoon hold?

The boat seats up to 12 passengers with a combined weight limit of 1,631 pounds. The operator recommends no more than 10 adults on board for comfort.

What happens if the weather is bad on my rental day?

If weather is unfavorable for boating, the rental is rescheduled for another day or time. If your demands cannot be met, a full refund is issued. If you're forced to return early due to weather or dangerous water conditions, the price is prorated.

Where do I park, and is there a cost?

Free parking is available onsite at 200 Harbor Blvd and behind Dewey Destin's Harborside restaurant at 202 Harbor Blvd, right next to the dock for easy loading. Space is limited on busy days, so carpooling is recommended.