June 22nd 2020 58 year-old man from New York drowned after jumping off the boat and being swept away in strong current. If high tide is at 11:00am, the water could start turning color at noon or even sooner, so still only pick that day if you are a morning person. Crab Island used to be an actual island that was created by sand dredging in the East Pass, but over time storms and currents eroded it into what remains today, which is all underwater. You would need to travel to Destin, Florida to get to Crab Island. So much has changed in the last few years, making it a completely different place from years past. Click to open it as a printable PDF. I cant relate to that statement. So now there is a larger variety of options than the few food vendors at Crab Island. Socialize and relax with the locals and other tourists while wading around the sandbar. We are going to be coming July one weekend. You dont have to spend the whole time at Crab Island. Sun protection Bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and a lightweight shirt.You can rent a boat with canopy for much-needed shade. This could mean less clear water or a smaller window of it. Looking at your charts it looks like 7:30 AM is the high tide Dolphin Cruise. You can get a boaters license online at boat-ed.com/floridarental . Go on the 22nd or the 23rd if you can, on an early excursion (10am ish if possible) and you should have beautiful water (as long as theres no crazy storms or anything). The flag system does not apply to Crab Island. I will tell you about the ones I know of from firsthand experience and then list a few others that I know to be reputable. Companies operating here include Blue Crab Watersports and Aloha Pontoon Rentalsboth on the little beach area between Marina Cafe and Boshamps restaurants. Most areas are around waist-deepthe perfect depth for walking around and shallow swimming. Crab Island is a shallow, submerged sandbar in the Choctawhatchee Bay just north of the Destin Bridge. One of the main reasons Crab Island is the best place to take the family, is because of its calm and shallow waters. Also theres not usually vendors or much out there by mid-October although some boats still go. 3 hour & 4 hour excursions to choose from. High tide is 1:15 so I would expect 11:15-3:15 to be the most beautiful water. Have fun! Most times, these visitors could have changed their Crab Island day by even a day or two to get the clear water if they had only known that its mostly predictable with a bit of information and planning. I am including the list of Crab Island drownings so you can see some of the most common causes. No, you cannot drive your car to Crab Island. I would rather answer questions here in this post so its helpful to everyone. The 5th in particular with the 12:20 high tide should be ideal for a 10-2 boat rental. We are planning to rent a pontoon boat from the green star place. Crab Island is located on the north side of the Destin Bridge. But if you have extra time, its certainly an option to pass Crab Island and add a cruise around the harbor to your day. Will the food vendors and floating waterpark be there yet, or is it too early? Definitely plan on letting someone else do the driving if you plan to drink beyond the legal limit. Click here to find out how to get to Crab Island! There has never been a shark attack at Crab Island, so I wouldnt put this at the top of your list of concerns. Just me, my husband and 12 year old son. But if you are just trying to have a fun day of boating without a bunch of math and research and the perfecting of every detail, then its fine to go with the 2 hours before and after high tide rule. The water is rather shallow toward the center and can be a great place for kids to have a good time in waist deep water. TODAY (Sept 20, 2021) high tide is at 10am. Sometimes you get lucky and it holds longer if the bay water isnt murky. Legally you must be at least 18 years old to rent a boat in Florida, but similar to hotels, that doesnt mean you would find a company to rent to you at 18 years old. Where is Crab Island and How To Get There. The general store at Crab Island is usually happy to fill your inflatables for free if you brought floaty chairs but dont have an air pump. Sometimes people on social media try to scare visitors off Crab Island acting like drownings happen constantly at Crab Island when they are actually pretty rare overall. Even if you have been to Crab Island before, this guide should make the next visit even better. If you are going to Crab Island in 2024 or later, be sure to bookmark it and check back for changes and updates as your visit approaches. In the summer, when most people go, it seems to be around 70% or so of days when the water is a color you would proudly post on Instagram. Hi Marta, you can call us at the number at the top of our website or book online here: https://www.destinvacationboatrentals.com/boat-rentals/ . Perfect for families, round-trip tickets can be purchased for $49 ($33 for children under 5) for a full 2 hours anchored at Crab Island to float, explore, and enjoy the sunshine. Yes, you can go to Crab Island any time of year. We recommend to get their early to claim a good spot that is away from the currents. How is crab island after the hurricane came close to that area? If you plan on getting some shut-eye on the floats, bring a rope to tie yourself to the back of your boat so you dont float away! My husband and I got married in Destin back in 2014 and have visited several times since then. Theres a Crab Island shuttle that will take people to and from the Island. Unfortunately, there are no restrooms anywhere on Crab Island. Hi can I go with my jet ski or I need to paid. Pass underneath theMarlerBridge and Crab Island is the sandbar located just to the northwest. Luckily, the water in the Gulf of Mexico is usually pretty clear, but not always. Pelican Adventures is another company I highly recommend. They also rent paddle boards and other items. Yes, there is a boat access available at the Destin Marina (7 Calhoun Ave) and also at Joe's Bayou (800 Beach Dr.). This is why the official Destin Water Taxi does not go to Crab Island, although its one of the most common questions they get asked. Many of the larger boats also have restrooms on board. Terms Floaties, footballs, and frisbees are also common to see for some fun out on the water. There is a shuttle to Crab Island! The cost is $60 per adult and $50 per child aged 4-12. Hello. Good luck and have fun! You can unsubscribe at any time. Can you tell me what the best/clearest day to visit? All very great information thanks for sharing! July 18th 2019 43 year-old man from Austin, Texas drowned after jumping off the boat to anchor in what he thought was shallow water but he could not swim. After November 1st, 2019, make sure youre aware of the new restrictions and you follow all requirements necessary for consuming alcohol. Many of the vendors do typically stay open through September and even October, but some do shut down after the season is over. Do not deal with companies who insist that you pay with cash or cash app. Weather and currents are unpredictable in Destin, so sometimes excursions get cancelled. There is no longer a water park at Crab Island. Yes, most people think Crab Island is appropriate for children. Don't fret about how to get to Crab Island, Captains are available for hire! Cuisines: Italian, Pizza. The closest place to Crab Island for boat rentals are the companies on Choctawhatchee Bay. If it's a small group, it may be best to rent a kayak or paddleboard for the day. Destin Marina has the closest boat ramp to Crab Island. Do you guys have some sort of shuttle that will take you to Crab Island and back?? Check out my fireworks guide here for more info: Best Places to Watch the Destin Harbor fireworks and the 2023 schedule of shows. Folks get here by boat, jet ski, pontoon boat, water taxi, charter boat and paddle board. One of the biggest changes at Crab Island in recent years has been the laws surrounding alcohol sales and consumption. Can you tell me if that is a good day to go to crab island? Late summer and early fall are also when you see more of them at the beach in the Gulf of Mexico. Were planning to visit 7/29-7/31. The water at Crab Island in March is a bit chilly for swimming but some people will still be out there enjoying it. As mentioned above, Crab Island is only accessible by boat (or other watercraft) due to the distance from shore and the strong tidal currents and boat traffic that surround it. [], We are coming Memorial Day and bringing our Jet skis can we bring them to Crab Island. Enjoy a seat at the bar as you journey the sparkling Gulf waters on your way to Crab Island. What is the crowd like in the middle of September? The most common time for the high tide is 9 to 10 AM. Theres nothing like the crystal clear water! In fact, you can see Crab Island from the pool deck. So, come see us if you are staying in or around Destin, Fort Walton Beach, 30A, Santa Rosa Beach, Miramar Beach, Grayton Beach, & Navarre Beach, Florida. Thanks. Expect July 4th to be one of the busiest days of the year here. The shuttle does 2.5 and 3 hour excursions. No glass bottles please. Many of the incidents are alcohol related. Today, Crab Island is nothingfort walton more than a raised sandbar. Some will allow it if an adult accompanies them and some will not. There have been a lot of changes in the last few years at Crab Island, making most of the information and photos I see online alarmingly inaccurate. Unfortunately the other days will probably not be pretty waterespecially by the time an excursion boat gets out there. Parking and use of the park is free. Do they come and go nightly? The Crab Island Shuttle Boat, Destin's most popular Crab Island excursion, offers the cheapest way to get to the famous Crab Island sandbar for some fun in the sun. There are also Crab Island excursions that take you to Crab Island for the day for around $30/person. Unfortunately the water will probably be getting a little tea colored by late morning. It can also take some time to find parking, even when you pay for it, so be sure to account for that too. I see the high tide is at 8:46am and low tide is at 8:30 pm. Is there a shuttle that can take you to the island? There was also a restroom on the boat. When the tide goes out, Crab Island gets the bay water with grass which causes the green tint to the water. There are many activities, such as relaxing on your boat, jamming out to music, cooling off on a float, renting a paddleboard from a local vendor, or even fishing! Do not deal with a company who does not refund if THEY cancel the trip, since a future credit might not be of any value to you depending on your travel plans. The best way to get to Crab Island is by renting a boat. Have fun! Details about both are below. We do have first timers every day and pontoons are very easy to drive, so its not necessary to add a captain if youd rather not. There is no way to guarantee the water color, but using these charts with my tips will give you the best chance of success. Deputies and other officers patrol the area on boats to keep everyone safe. Im assuming the Memorial Day show will be larger than the one that follows on Thurs 06/01. Such as sunscreen, towels, cash, water, and food/snacks. I am so glad I found your page, so much awesome helpful info. There are a few necessities for Crab Island. Crab Island is located just north of the Destin Bridge, inside the inlet that connects the Choctawhatchee Bay to the Gulf of Mexico. I will never spam you or use your email for any other reason. If you go, plan a morning trip but I would expect the water color to start to turn by 11. So we were planning a trip to Destin Oct 2nd-5th with plans to visit Crab Island at the top of our list.now I am not 100% sure I am reading the charts right, but if I am we have picked what looks like 3 terrible days for the clear water (main reason for wanting to go) The water is still nice and warm in September and October, so sometimes people think it must be a good time to go. I go this way most often because I live on Destin Harbor, so I can go this route without having to drive my kayak or paddle board anywhere, but it is definitely more difficult than going from the park. Overall, the location differences are negligible and all have their pros and cons. Just like sharks, there are jellyfish in every open body of water. Enjoying this content? The pontoon rental and Crab Island will still be fun on another day but I think the water color just wont be the best. For many people, a Destin vacation is not complete without a day of swimming and hanging out at Crab Island on a hot sunny day. Other Crab Island injuries include lacerations from hitting anchors and boat propellers when jumping in or near-drownings from strong currents. Family of 4 (3 & 5 y/o boys). Hope to hear from you soon! Are Crab Island attractions included in the ticket price? Your boat rental company will normally have a short course and quiz you can take onsite that will get you a temporary card to use while on vacation. Crab Island is one of the most popular attractions in Destin, Florida. If you have a large group, everyone can split the cost of a boat rental. The sandbar is a beautiful spot, and is very popular with boaters. Yes that should be an amazing day at Crab Island. Or sometimes the outgoing water from the bay is clearer than other days, making the window last longer. Some people say yes and some say no, but really it just depends on your abilities as a paddler and also on the weather and currents the day you go. I have analyzed the surf and tide reports and talked to tour operators for tips and advice on various aspects of the Crab Island experience. Besides banning alcohol sales at Crab Island, the other biggest change to affect vendors at Crab Island is the overnight anchoring restriction that went into effect in 2020. It will still be fun though Im sure. However, only during the day is it worth going to since most people leave after dark. The vendors that remained were smaller restaurants and structures and mobile vendors who cruised around the Island offering merchandise and treats. Either of those days would probably be really nice though (unless other factors are at play like storms). Crab Island is one of the most popular places to play in Destin. Rental companies do not allow you to cross the east pass into the Gulf of Mexico and its dangerous to do this in a jet ski. You can lay out on the provided floating mat or float on a raft to soak up some sun. The new laws allowed them to stay at Crab Island for the day but required they move to a dock or other legal location every night. 1,881 Reviews. Unless you like brown water and no vendors. As discussed above in the boating section, do not take the risk! Theres also t-shirts, hats, swim toys, and other items available for purchase. There are still more changes ahead as the National Park Service has plans to completely eliminate vendors from Crab Island, citing it as not being necessary or appropriate use of the park.. Can you make the Saturday work? Studying the tide charts, the surf report, and the weather forecast will help you decide what days to go to the beach, what days to go to Crab Island, and what days to plan other activities. July 16th would be better with a 9:40am high tide vs 8:45. You will still have fun and sometimes the bay water that fills in is clearer then other days so I dont want to say for sure the color, but I would not expect the pristine swimming pool like water that day. Love the info! People usually arrive by boat for this event since its at night, but there are a few who arrive by kayak and paddle board. The way these tours work is they depart from Destin Harbor, cruise to Crab Island, and anchor up there for a period of timeusually around 3-4 hours. In this section, Ive provided tide charts for March through October 2023 that you can download and print to assist with planning your visit. Sometimes I look around at the crystal clear blue sparkling water and think, Is this real?. My husband and I have never driven a boat. The reason the water wont always be clear at high tide is because there are a lot of other factors that affect the water color at Crab Island. Indeed, we gethundreds of phone calls and emails from Destin visitors who are trying to figure out howto get to Crab Island, with or without a boat. You can take a Crab Island excursion on the Crab Island Shuttle Boat: https://www.destinvacationboatrentals.com/crab-island-shuttle-boat/. On an outgoing tide that's the most dangerous place in that area. Visit our Crab Island activities and rentals page for some options. Some love it and some not so much. Destin Marina also has 8 boat slips available for daily rentals on a first-come first-served basis. It is probably best to rent your kayak or paddle board from a place on Choctawhatchee Bay (as opposed to Destin Harbor) if Crab Island is your only destination. Hope that helps. Theres something magical and surreal about the entire experience, especially if you go when the conditions are at their peak. How to get to Crab Island in Destin, FL There are not many places in the world where you can hang out in waist-deep, pristine emerald green waters while enjoying the natural beauty of Destin, FL. What is your cancellation policy? We are planning either July 15 or 16 what day would be better? Hop aboard this private charter from the Baytowne Marina in Miramar Beach and enjoy a quick ride to Crab Island with your group. A boat rental might not be cost-effective if you are a couple or a smaller group. This was their first visit to Crab Island and you can tell by the outfits that they thought we were going to an actual island. The sun is very strong there; its encouraged to protect yourself. To Crab Island? There are a lot of boat rental places to choose from in this area with a variety of boat types, so you might even find one here without having to make a reservation in advance (although I always recommend making reservations in advance just in case). As far as what time range to go around high tide, most people say 2 hours before and 2 hours after high tide are the clearest. Boats are the most common way of getting to Crab Island. Another thing is to make sure you understand the cancellation policy. Should we have a captin drive us out how much is the cost, can you please send me any information that can help me on renting a boat please. Hi. Below is the Crab Island/East Pass Tide Chart for March 2023, courtesy of the US Harbors website. You have no recourse in these cases if there are any issues with getting refunded over a cancelled or non-existent tour. The 22nd and the 23rd should be nice days with those noon high tides. Im sorry I didnt see this in time for your trip. I cannot wait to get back next year! I always still bring an anchor to Crab Island if Im on a kayak or paddle board. Wow so much good/detailed information on your site. The water will not always be clear and blue at high tide, but it will be the clearest its going to get that day. This section will explain when the water is clearest at Crab Island and why, what the exceptions are, other factors that affect the water clarity, and what time ranges around high tide to plan your visit. It could easily be a good day. Yes! However, there are not as many clear water days because the high tide times start shifting more towards being in the evening or middle of the night. I will also show you how to use the tide charts, surf report and weather forecast to plan your visit for the most pristine and crystal-clear water conditions possible. Pontoons are only limited to 6 people when you are getting one with a Captain because they cant legally take more unless its a Coast Guard inspected vessel. Be aware that most Jet Skis rentals do not have anchor capability, so if you go there on one, you will just have to take a watery tour instead of hanging out in one spot for a while. The other days have super early high tides so very little chance of that crystal clear blue water. You can eitherrent a boat, charter a boat, or do an excursion, like theCrab Island Shuttle Boator Crab Island Adventure Tour. I appreciate your guidance! Please note that you are not subscribed until you check your email and confirm your subscription. Also plan to go in the morning rather than the afternoon when there will be more people drinking and partying. Stay to the calmer and more shallow areas on the east side of the bridge closest to Harborwalk Village. old). Thank you so much for this valuable information! Operating hours? Hi Jake, yes unfortunately those days dont look the best for water clarity unless you can go on that Saturday the 5th in the early afternoon. Crab Island is located right next to Destin FL and near Fort Walton Beach FL. This route will take you under the Destin Bridge, which can be unpredictable as far as currents and boat traffic. I usually hug the shore of Norriego Point until I need to cut across to go under the bridge. Most companies will impose a minimum age of 21 or even 25 at their discretion. Especially for us first-timers going soon. Crab Island is one of the most popular attractions in all of Destin. It has definitely helped so I dont have to sift through so many websites trying to find correct info! Have fun! There wont be any noticeable difference in those days. Visitors and locals have different opinions about church service at Crab Island. Looking to go to Crab Island any day between August 7-10. Age restrictions are even more heavily enforced in March and April when colleges are on spring break. Those old massive party days are gone now, and its a completely different place. I did not include calendars for November through February because most people would not go to Crab Island during that time. We are planning to visit on July 15 2023 and rent a pontoon boat at Tailfins for 8hrs. You can join us at 9:45 am for a 3 hour Crab Island Cruise or at 1:30 pm for a four hour Crab Island excursion from either the Destin Harbor location or from Okaloosa Island. and Its for the same reason of the water not coming in high enough before turning back to the gulf. We can help guide you in choosing the right . So, for example, water clarity will be better for a 1pm high tide on a sunny day than a 10am high tide. With that, snacks and drinks. Hi! Sell beer & frozen alcoholic drinks? There is a $20 fee to launch your boat for the day from here, which includes parking and restroom use. Shoreline started church service at Crab Island in 2020 when Covid hit and people could not attend church in person. Parasailing. Crab Island water taxis and boat tours are another way to get to Crab Island. Hope that helps! The critics usually site that its an inappropriate venue for church service. There are hardly any ideal water days at Crab Island in October. These anchors attached to a floaty make it so much more enjoyable since you can relax without being worried about being carried away from your spot by the current. Injuries at Crab Island, on the other hand, are a much more common occurrence. It plays best in horizontal orientation if you are watching on a phone. They were also required to pay fees and a percentage of sales. Crab Island is open 24 hours, but the best time to go is during the day. Thanks!!! There are not a lot of pictures circulating around of the brown water at Crab Island because no one likes to post or advertise those. Some often paddleboard or ride jetskis! There is no safe way of getting to Crab Island by foot as the currents are much too strong to swim over. Just like everything else at Crab Island, if you dont like what you are seeing around you, just move to a different spot. These months also have more clear water days compared to the rest of the year because of the high tide times falling more often during the day. And sure, of course, you will still have fun if the water is murky. I would rather be at the beach any day than wading around in tea colored bay water at Crab Island. The Crab Island Water Park was one of the most popular attractions at Crab Island in years past, but they are no longer there. Multi-passenger Catamaran Excursion to Crab Island on the Sunventure departing from the Destin Harbor. If the currents are strong and the wind is blowing, it can be almost impossible to nestle the boat in the middle of the island without having issues. If a trip to crab island isnt in the cards I believe we will opt for a fireworks cruise. Theres another one on the kayak next to it. SunVenture Cruises is not responsible for other vendors not being present at Crab Island on any . I dont know about you, but its pretty hard to find something fun that you can do for four hours for $30-especially in Destin! You cannot drive to Crab Island and attempting to swim there is extremely dangerous. Sure, it may look close to land, but the deep channels, strong currents, and boat traffic that surround Crab Island prevent even the strongest swimmers from making the trek across. High tide is 11:37am on the 19th so if you choose that day, just try and go even a bit earlier. Depending on where your boat rental company is located, it could take anywhere from 10-20 minutes from the Harbor to get to Crab Island. Pontoon boats are roomy and comfortable, easy to operate, and most hold up to 12 passengers, so they are ideal for families. Make sure to reserve well in advance as it is one of the busiest weekends of the year. I would expect the water color to be beautiful until at least 1:15 or so when it might start to turn. Hello, if i was to rent a boat through you all to get to crab island will I need a truck to unload the boat or how does that work ? **This area is represented with a yellow star on my map above**. This goes for jet ski, kayak and paddle board rentals too. SunVenture Cruises is the easiest and most affordable way to experience Destin, Florida on the water. Very much appreciated! Can i join any other group who I dont know to share the rental fee ?
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