What is Crab Island?
Crab Island is a place. It's an event. It's a DESTINation! Destin has become well known for this little "spot." Some people visit Destin with Crab Island as the anchor for the trip.
So what is it? It's actually a sandbar, located at the intersection of the Destin Harbor, the "East Pass" (which connects the Gulf or "ocean" as many would say, but some locals will quickly correct you that it's not an ocean), and the Choctawhatchee Bay.
When you pass over Marler Bridge by the Emerald Grand, and look out and see HUNDREDS of boats at what looks like a constant boat party....you have found Crab Island!
Several decades ago, the sandbar was actually higher than sea level, meaning it really WAS an island. Over time, the island has sunk, creating a sandbar that's just perfect to anchor the boat
and wade among the waters with your family and friends. Crab Island is really whatever you want it to be. It's about hanging out with those you love while experiencing some of the most beautiful Destin views and wildlife.
Here are some things you can enjoy at Crab Island: floating, swimming, innertubing, drinking with friends, football, snorkeling, crabbing, laying out on your boat, having a picnic, paddle boarding, playing frisbee, kayaking, dancing to your music on your boat, taking a nap. It's just a fun day, no matter what you like!
How do you get to Crab Island?
You need a boat to get here. There are many ways to do that. There are some charter boats that leave from the Destin Harbor and do short runs. You can also rent a boat and take yourself. If you are lucky enough to have a boat of your own, you can bring it and do your
own thing! And if you're lucky enough to have a FRIEND with a boat...then you have scored in the game of life. While we are on the subject, let's discuss how you do NOT get to Crab Island: Do not try to swim here! Above I mentioned the location of Crab Island being at
the mouth of the Gulf. That means the Gulf's current swiftly passes through as it changes twice a day from high to low tides. The water at Crab Island looks so beautiful but the current here can be DEADLY, particularly when you step off the sandbar. Each year, innocent swimmers
die in this area, and even more are rescued by boaters. Please please please let's do Crab Island safely!!
This is a (very) good way to get to Crab Island.
Is Crab Island family friendly?
Despite what some people think, Crab Island IS family friendly. Like most of us, it does have a wild past. (haha) A decade ago it was a much heavier local party scene. However, more recently, boating companies, both charters and rentals, have given more family vacationers access to get here. Meanwhile, alcohol sales were stopped on the island, and in the future, even ice cream and boiled peanut sales will be stopped (no more vendors). So, the scene has changed quite a bit over time. Is there drinking with the occasional crew that's had a little too much? Yes, of course, just like anywhere on vacation. However, it's MOSTLY families, and if you get near a boat that is a little too wild for your taste, just move your boat. :-)
When is the best time to go to Crab Island?
High Tide is when the beautiful Gulf waters flow over Crab Island. So your best chances for that gorgeous, crystal clear emerald water is about 2 hours before high tide and maybe an hour or so after. During low tide, the darker waters from the bay area flow towards the Gulf, and that water is darker in color and often not as clear. But, it's still fun and beautiful. With all that said, there are other factors that can affect the water color. Storms that churn up the Gulf can make the water murky. The Destin beaches aren't ALWAYS emerald green. Whatever color the Gulf water is at high tide is the color you will find at Crab Island. Wind can also affect the waters as it can stir up the ocean. Wind blowing out of the south makes the Gulf rough but makes the bay calm. Likewise, wind blowing from the north makes the bay very choppy but makes the Gulf calm. That's kinda cool....because that means a bad beach day is a GREAT boat day!
Does Crab Island have a lot of crabs?
I wouldn't say it has a "lot" of crabs but if you hunt you will definitely find some!! Mostly you will find hermit crabs, but full size crabs are out there too! You're a little luckier if you can catch one of those. Another thing you are likely to see are dolphins. The dolphins can be found in the East Pass,
in the Destin Harbor, around Marler Bridge, and throughout the bay. In other words, they are everywhere. They love to feed on the fish that get swept in at high tide, around the bridge. You are not guaranteed to see dolphins, but I would say chances are at least 50%, higher if you are looking hard. On two occassions I have seen
sea turtles. I would say that is really rare (and really exciting!).
Does Crab Island still have inflatables?
No. These were removed a few years ago. I'm sure it was done in the name of "safety." Likewise, starting in 2022, all vendors will be banned at Crab Island. I personally enjoyed buying an ice cream cone and boiled peanuts, but for whatever reason, this will no longer be allowed. So make sure you bring your own drinks and snacks. There will be nothing to buy. Not even t-shirts anymore.
How do you use the restroom at Crab Island?
Ok, look, everybody pees in the water. I told you about the current. It gets swept away quickly. The water is VERY SALTY...I'm sure everything dies quickly. LOL! If you have more serious business...well, this is why you need your own boat. There are restrooms at the Marina in the Destin Harbor, and at Marler park on Okaloosa Island.
