Does Crab Island Have Inflatables? A Detailed Look at What Activities You Can Enjoy at This Popular Florida Destination

Crab Island in Destin Florida has long been a beloved destination for locals and visitors alike looking to enjoy the beautiful emerald green waters of Choctawhatchee Bay. With its shallow sandbars party atmosphere, and array of water activities, it’s easy to see why Crab Island draws huge crowds during peak season. One of the most frequently asked questions is “Does Crab Island have inflatables?” Let’s take a detailed look at what types of activities you can enjoy at Crab Island.

A Brief History of Inflatables at Crab Island

Up until a few years ago, Crab Island was filled with all kinds of inflatable slides, obstacle courses, trampolines and more that visitors could enjoy. This really added to the party vibe and made Crab Island a top destination for families looking for water fun. Companies would bring out large inflatable parks and basically turn Crab Island into a floating water park for the day.

However, due to safety concerns and overcrowding, the National Park Service banned inflatables within the boundaries of the Gulf Islands National Seashore in 2019. This meant no more slides and bounce houses at Crab Island. While this was disappointing for many locals and tourists who loved the inflatable fun there were valid concerns about the number of injuries occurring and damage being done to the sensitive ecosystem.

So What Activities Can You Enjoy Today at Crab Island?

While the inflatable party may be over, there are still plenty of amazing ways to experience Crab Island. Here’s an overview:

Boat Tours

One of the best ways to enjoy Crab Island is by booking a boat tour. Companies like Crab Island Shuttle Boat offer regularly scheduled shuttle rides as well as dolphin tours, shelling excursions, sunset cruises and more. Riding out to Crab Island on a power catamaran is a breeze and lets you relax while taking in the beautiful sights.

Paddleboarding

Paddleboarding has exploded in popularity at Crab Island in recent years. Rent a stand-up paddleboard for a few hours and explore the shallow sandbars and shoreline. It’s a peaceful way to experience the natural beauty. Many tour companies now offer paddleboards as part of their excursions.

Kayaking

Similarly, kayaking is a popular pastime at Crab Island. It’s easy to kayak in the calm, shallow waters and fun to peek into the underwater world below. Several access points around Destin Harbor make launching kayaks a breeze. Or you can book a tour that includes kayaks as part of the experience.

Snorkeling

Snorkeling gear lets you fully immerse in the blue waters and take in the incredible marine life that calls Choctawhatchee Bay home. It’s common to spot starfish, crabs, stingrays and schools of fish as you snorkel around Crab Island. Many shoals are only about 5 feet deep, making it perfect for first-timers.

Swimming

Of course, the most classic way to enjoy Crab Island is to just swim! The water is shallow enough to stand in most places, so you can relax and float around to your heart’s content. The white sandbars are ideal for laying out and working on your tan.

Food Vendors

Dozens of boats anchor around Crab Island daily, with vendors selling food, drinks, ice cream and more. You can swim up for a cold beverage or snack, adding to the festive atmosphere. Cash is king when it comes to purchasing items from the Crab Island vendors.

Music & People Watching

Lively music is pumped out from boats floating around the sandbars. And you’ll always find fascinating people to watch at Crab Island, where bachelorette parties, birthday celebrations and family reunions unfold throughout the day. The vibe is relaxed yet lively.

Sunsets

There may be no better place to watch the sunset than from Crab Island, as the glowing orange sky reflects off the calm bay. End your day on the water taking in the spectacular sunset views before heading back to port.

Fun Alternatives to Experience if Inflatables are a Must

Now you may be wondering if there are any options for enjoying inflatables on the water if you are deadset on bouncing the day away. Here are a few spots near Destin where inflatables are still permitted:

• Adventure Park at Gulf Islands National Seashore – Located across from Crab Island, this floating park offers inflatable slides, obstacle courses and more in addition to paddleboards and snorkeling.

• Emerald Coast Watersports – Rent a pontoon or party barge and you can tow inflatables all around Choctawhatchee Bay to your heart’s delight.

• Fat Tuesday’s – The popular beach bar has a large inflatable water park setup offshore that is available for daily use.

• Inflatable Parks in Fort Walton & Pensacola – Several floating water parks are setup offshore from other Panhandle beaches if you’re willing to drive a bit.

So while the days of floating down inflatable slides at Crab Island may be over, there are still plenty of awesome ways to enjoy a day on the water at this iconic Florida destination. With gorgeous scenery, a relaxed vibe and a wide variety of activities, Crab Island remains a must-visit spot in Destin for water lovers.

Tips for Visiting Crab Island

If you’re planning a trip to Crab Island, keep these tips in mind to make the most of your experience:

• Arrive early – The sandbars get crowded during peak season. Getting there first thing means you can stake out a good spot.

• Bring cash – You’ll need cash if you want to purchase food, drinks or activities from vendors.

• Wear reef-safe sunscreen – Help protect the ecosystem by choosing reef-safe lotions and sprays.

• Pack light – There are no amenities on the sandbars so pack just a small bag for essentials.

• Watch the tides – Pay attention to incoming and outgoing tides which change the depth.

• Respect the environment – Dispose of trash properly and avoid breaking/removing live coral or marine life.

• Book a tour – If you don’t have your own boat, book a tour so you can relax while someone else captains.

• Follow the rules – Pay attention to any posted regulations and listen to law enforcement to avoid citations.

• Have fun! – Crab Island is all about kicking back, relaxing, and enjoying good company.

Crab Island Offers Endless Possibilities for Fun on the Water

While the inflatable glory days may be over, Crab Island still provides the perfect playground for an amazing day on the water. Whether you’re looking for activities like paddleboarding and snorkeling or just want to relax and take in the sights, there are endless options for enjoying a visit. Just be sure to arrive early, pack accordingly, follow the rules, and get ready for some real Florida fun in the sun!