Things You Need to Know About Crab Island in Destin, FL
It’s springtime in Destin, FL, and you know what that means, right? It’s time to start planning your Destin vacation, and adding a trip to Crab Island should be at the top of your itinerary! But, the rules have changed in 202, so your trip to Crab Island is a whole different ball game. That’s why we have dedicated this entire post to updating you with the things you need to know about renting a boat and heading out to crab island in the world’s luckiest fishing village, Destin Florida.
What is Crab Island?
Crab Island is an underwater sand bar located in Destin, FL on the north side of the Destin bridge, and the south side of Choctawhatchee Bay. The water is between 1-4 feet deep and people drive their boats, anchor out, and have a good time!
Is Crab Island kid-friendly?
Absolutely! You may have heard stories about crazy things happening at Crab Island, but it is a very kid-friendly place. The water level is perfect for floating around, and playing water activities and if you want to avoid the crowds you can just anchor out on the other side of them.
Why is there misinformation about Crab Island?
Rumors have been circulating for quite some time, but there is not one direct source of information so people have been passing along hearsay by a non-reliable source. So as Destin locals, we want to give you the most accurate and up-to-date information possible.
The Crab Island obstacle course is gone!?
Yep, you heard that right, the new rule is that no obstacles can be anchored at crab island overnight. This rule was enacted in 2020 and is still in effect/being enforced as of the day of this post. Hopefully, in the future businesses will be able to build a barge or some sort of structure that will be able to facilitate the daily removal of your favorite carb island toys, but for right now you can rent your own crab island trip with waterpark essentials by going here.
Alcohol is not banned from Crab Island
There has been a lot of rumors going around here lately that crab island has banned alcohol. That’s not really the case. They don’t allow the sale of alcoholic beverages on crab island (that has been a rule since 2018) but, that doesn’t mean you can’t pack a cooler full of some cold brews, you just need to pack accordingly, and of course, drink responsibly!
No more Crab Island drop-offs
Gone are the days where you could catch a water taxi or Crab Island shuttle and ride out to Crab Island for the day. Now, it is required by law that the captain stays with its passengers when bringing guests to and from Crab Island. We suggest getting a boat with a captain or cruising on over to this little slice of paradise on your own personal tiki bar with Cruisin Tikis Destin. When you have a captain driving you around, not only is it safer, but it allows everyone in your group to let loose and have a good time.
Restaurants are still there
Restaurants and floating boat vendors will still be around to give you your cran island fixes. Like food, tshirts, hot boiled peanuts, and ice cream! The rule is just that these vendors can’t stay overnight so if you plan on staying out late, make sure you have all of your drink and food necessities with you.
Renting a boat in Destin
Whether you want to hire a captain for your crab island excursion or rent your own boat for the day. We have dedicated an entire post to be able to rent a boat in Destin. The different types of boats, hours, jet ski rentals and more can be found there.
As you can see, crab island is still the fun place to be, the new rules in effect are there to keep everyone safe, and to make it a better environment for marine life. You can still have a lot of fun on the water, just make sure to have everything you need on the boat with you. To learn more information about crab island and other fun activities in the Destin area, please visit our Destin Blog.
Published by Tiffany Rowbatham
Friday, March 26, 2021