Crab Island Boat Charters in Destin, Florida

Private, captained pontoon and tiki boat charters to Crab Island for families, groups, and special occasions

Looking to visit Crab Island in Destin? A private Crab Island boat charter is the safest and most flexible way to enjoy this iconic sandbar. Emerald Island Charters offers professionally captained pontoon and tiki boat charters designed for families, larger groups, and guests who want a stress-free experience on the water.

From calm shallow waters to floating food vendors and crystal-clear views, Crab Island is only accessible by boat — and our local captains handle everything so you can relax and enjoy the day.

Book a Crab Island Charter

WHAT IS CRAB ISLAND?

Crab Island is a shallow-water sandbar located just north of Destin Harbor, where the Choctawhatchee Bay meets the Gulf of Mexico. Known for its clear emerald-green water, floating food vendors, and social atmosphere, Crab Island has become one of Destin’s most popular on-the-water destinations.

The sandbar sits in waist-deep water during low tide and is only accessible by boat, making private Crab Island boat charters the most convenient and enjoyable way to visit. Conditions at Crab Island can change with tides, boat traffic, and weather, which is why many visitors choose a captained charter with local knowledge.

Whether you’re planning a relaxed family day or a group outing, understanding how Crab Island works helps ensure a safe and memorable experience.

For a detailed breakdown of how Crab Island works, read our complete guide here:
What Is Crab Island?

WHY CHOOSE A PRIVATE CRAB ISLAND CHARTER?

Visiting Crab Island by private charter offers a level of comfort, safety, and flexibility that shared or self-operated rentals can’t match. With a captained Crab Island boat charter, you can focus on enjoying the experience while a local professional handles navigation, tides, and busy boat traffic.

✔Stress-Free, Captained Experience

Our experienced captains know Crab Island conditions, local boating rules, and the best times to visit. You won’t need to worry about anchoring, weather changes, or navigating crowded areas.

✔ Ideal for Families and Groups

Private Crab Island charters are perfect for families, bachelorette parties, and larger groups who want to stay together on one boat with plenty of space to relax.

✔ Flexible Schedules and Routes

Unlike shared trips, a private charter allows you to set the pace. Spend more time swimming, relaxing, or cruising Destin Harbor before or after your visit to Crab Island.

✔ Safer Than Self-Drive Rentals

Busy weekends and changing tides can make Crab Island challenging for inexperienced boaters. A captained charter reduces risk and ensures a smoother, safer day on the water.

View our pontoon and tiki boat options for Crab Island, including boats for families and larger groups.

BOAT OPTIONS FOR CRAB ISLAND

Choosing the right boat is an important part of your Crab Island experience. Emerald Island Charters offers a variety of captained pontoon and tiki boat options designed to accommodate different group sizes, comfort levels, and activities. Whether you’re planning a relaxed family outing or a lively group celebration, our boats provide a safe and enjoyable way to visit Crab Island.

18 Passenger Pontoon Charter (Large Groups)

Designed for larger groups, our 18-passenger pontoon charters provide plenty of space for socializing, swimming, and relaxing at Crab Island. With added room and onboard features, these boats are a popular choice for group trips, celebrations, and all-day outings.

View 18 passenger Crab Island pontoon charters

18-Passenger Tiki Pontoon Charter for Crab Island

For a more unique and social experience, our tiki pontoon charters combine comfort with a fun, island-style atmosphere. Tiki boats are perfect for birthdays, bachelor and bachelorette parties, and groups looking for a memorable way to enjoy Crab Island.

Explore Crab Island tiki boat charter experiences

10-12 Passenger Pontoon Charters

Ideal for families and smaller groups, our pontoon boats offer comfortable seating, easy water access, and a smooth ride to Crab Island. These boats are perfect for guests who want a relaxed, uncrowded experience with a professional captain handling navigation and anchoring.

View 10–12 passenger pontoon charter options

6-Passenger Crab Island Boat Charters

Our 6-Passenger Crab Island boat charter options offer a unique way to see the Destin Waters. Please contact for more information.

Whats included/what to expect

When you book a private Crab Island charter with Emerald Island Charters, everything is designed to make your day on the water easy and enjoyable. Our captained charters allow you to relax while a local professional handles navigation, anchoring, and busy boat traffic around Crab Island.

Each charter includes comfortable seating, safety equipment, floats, and plenty of space for swimming, relaxing, and socializing at the sandbar. Our captains are familiar with Crab Island conditions, tides, and seasonal changes, helping you choose the best time and location for your group.

Guests are welcome to bring their own food and drinks, and many visitors enjoy floating food vendors available at Crab Island. Whether you’re visiting for a few hours or planning a longer outing, our goal is to provide a smooth, safe, and memorable experience from start to finish.

Ready to plan your trip? View available Crab Island charter options below.

Crab Island Charter Faq

Q: Do you need a boat to go to Crab Island?

A: Yes. Crab Island is only accessible by water, and there is no public access by land. Most visitors choose a private Crab Island boat charter to reach the sandbar safely and comfortably.

Q: Are Crab Island charters captained?

A: Yes. All of our Crab Island charters include an experienced captain who handles navigation, anchoring, and boat traffic so guests can relax and enjoy the day.

Q: Is Crab Island safe for families and kids?

A: Crab Island is a family-friendly place, especially when conditions are right. A captained charter helps manage changing tides and busy boating conditions, making it a safer option for families with children.

Q: How long do Crab Island charters last?

A: Charter lengths vary depending on the boat and group preference. Many guests choose half-day or longer trips to fully enjoy swimming, relaxing, and exploring the area.

Q: When is the best time to visit Crab Island?

A: The best time to visit Crab Island depends on tides, weather, and crowd levels. Our captains help plan the timing to provide the best possible experience for your group.

Have more questions? Visit our full FAQ page for additional details about Destin boat charters.

Local Destin Experts for Crab Island Charters - Book Today

Emerald Island Charters is a locally operated Destin charter company with firsthand experience navigating Crab Island and the surrounding waters. Our captains understand local boating conditions, seasonal changes, and tide patterns that can affect your time at the sandbar.

As a Destin-based business, we focus on providing safe, well-organized Crab Island charters tailored to each group’s needs. From first-time visitors to returning guests, our goal is to offer reliable service, local insight, and a smooth on-the-water experience you can feel confident booking.

Ready to experience Crab Island the right way? Book a private, captained Crab Island charter with Emerald Island Charters and enjoy a safe, relaxing day on the water. Whether you’re planning a family outing or a group celebration, we’ll help you choose the perfect boat for your trip.