Destin Florida is a popular tourist destination among water babies and beach lovers. Located in the Gulf of Mexico, it is thronged with tourists all year around due to the abundance of fun activities it offers for all age groups. Fondly called as the ‘World’s Luckiest Fishing Village’, Destin Florida is the home to a wide range of marine species.
Crab Island:
Crab Island Destin Florida promises a fun-filled day amidst the waters. It is one of the top picks among tourists visiting Destin. Contrary to its name, Crab Island is not an island anymore. Years back it was a tiny crab-shaped island but then a hurricane washed away the island and what we have now is a stunning hollow sandbar that accommodates hundreds of boats.
Crab Island is undoubtedly a favorite among both locals and tourists. Locals have been sailing to Crab Island for years to spend time with other locals over music and food. It has been an ideal gathering spot for them. Gradually tourists took a liking to it and there was a spike in the number of tourists visiting Crab Islands.
Locals started using this to their advantage and began selling products and services to create a more fulfilling experience for tourists. This made the touristy scene bigger and now Crab Island has grown into a happening family-friendly beach destination with comfortable and easily-accessible amenities.
Getting there:
Crab Island is located very close to the Destin Harbor. In fact you can view it with your naked eye from Destin Bridge. In spite of the short distance, swimming to Crab Island is highly discouraged due to stubborn underwater current and heavy boat traffic. The recommended ways to reach Crab Island when vacationing in Destin Florida include:
- Pontoons
- Waverunners
- Paddleboats
- Kayaks
- Jetski
There are several affordable boat rental options available to choose from. Make use of the rentals to wade through the secluded beach in and around Crab Island. Your choice of mode of transport depends on your travel group size.
Fun activities available at Crab Island:
Get a glimpse of the entire island by flying high with parasailing. Enjoy breathtaking views at a height of 500 ft. Proceed to an underwater tour with snorkeling and check out the vast array of marine life including fishes, dolphins and turtles.
Travelling as a small group:
If you are travelling with a just a couple of your friends, it is a budget-friendly option to take paddleboats, waverunners, kayaks and jet-ski. Alternatively one can opt for guided waverunner tours to explore the sandbar. With guided tours you get to view all the hottest sights in the vicinity.
Travelling as a large group:
For larger groups pontoons fit the bill perfectly. Pontoons accommodate anywhere between 10 to 20 members. Tourists can choose between:
- Single and double deck pontoons: A fun alternative to traditional single deck pontoon is double deck pontoon which carries up to 20 members. It comes with two waterslides for kids to have ample fun. If you want to bask in the sunlight you can hop on to the upper deck while if you want a break from the sunlight, you can move to the lower deck.
- New or used pontoon: New pontoons cost higher than Junkers but are in excellent condition. If you want to save money, opt for a pontoon which is not too old so that you don’t have to ruin your day dealing with mechanical failures. If the rental price is too good to believe, chances are the boat to be too old.
- Rental duration: Renters can book pontoons for half-day or full-day. Most often half-day rental wouldn’t suffice. It is recommended to opt for a full-day rental since you’d still have to leave at least an hour early than the intended time to avoid getting caught up in the boat traffic.
Checklist of things to carry to Crab Island:
- Towels
- Cover up
- Change of clothes
- Waterproof bag to hold valuables like cash, ID card
- Cash to pay for food and beverages
- Sunscreen
- Floats along with a 20’ rope tied to it to keep your kids close
- Lifevest for kids
Tips for smooth travelling experience:
- Since it is just a day-long trip, pack light so that you can take part in island activities on the go. Due to the surge in the number of tourists, you don’t have to carry a lot of stuff like food and beverages. There are several food outlets available on the island.
- The island is spectacular during high tide which lasts for about an hour. During low tides, the island feels like a river. There are apps available that lets you see the time of high and low tide using which you can plan your trip accordingly.
- When your boat is approaching shallow level of water, turn off the motor and walk it rest of the way in order to avoid accidently running over an anchor line.
- Make sure your boat is at a safe distance from other boats when switching directions
- Anchor your boat on the side of weaker currents near the Coast Guard Station.
- Though you may be tempted to spend the maximum use of rental time, leave a bit early than the intended time
- Pay extra attention to your kids when there are strong currents.
Vacation rentals:
There are several vacation rentals available in all price ranges. Avoid paying extra by resorting to travel agencies. Instead cut down middle men rates and pay less. Check out DestinFlorida.com for the best deals on vacation rentals. Be it beach homes, condo rentals or luxury vacation rentals, this website is your one-stop destination of best vacation rentals in Destin Florida.
Input your check-in and checkout date along with the number of travelers and the website will immediately list out all the vacation rentals available on those dates. Browse through the listing and book well ahead in advance to grab great offers and to enjoy a hassle-free Destin Florida vacation.
