What is Crab Island? Is it an island? Is it a sandbar? Is it one of the most famous things to do in Destin? You have to see it for yourself to really understand. And seeing it for yourself is unforgettable.
Accessible only by boat, Crab Island is truly unlike any other place in the world. This popular sand bar used to be a small island south of Choctawhatchee Bay. It has since grown into one of the best places to visit in Destin during the summer. Every day, hundreds of boaters will anchor in these shallow waters and spend the day wading and playing. There are water volleyball courts, floating restaurants, food vendors, and dozens of water-based games and activities.
Here are some tips to get the most out of your trip to Crab Island, whether you’re with family, friends, or even a bachelor orette party.
The Journey to Crab Island: Navigating the Route from Panama City
Floating bars, sandy beaches, and crystal blue waters await visitors to the famous Crab Island. This beloved sandbar provides a picturesque destination for revelers looking to soak up the sun and enjoy the party atmosphere. But Crab Island’s location off the coast means getting there requires a bit more effort, especially for visitors staying in Panama City. Just how far is the journey to Crab Island from Panama City? Let’s map out this tropical trek.
The distance between Panama City and Crab Island spans approximately 50 miles as the crow flies. Now that may not seem too far, but the journey gets more complicated since you can’t simply drive 50 miles and arrive at a sandbar in the Gulf of Mexico! Reaching Crab Island requires traversing the Intracoastal Waterway by boat.
From Panama City, boats head east along the Intracoastal to the Choctawhatchee Bay. This portion of the trip is about 45 miles. The bay provides relatively calm waters with occasional dolphin sightings to delight passengers. Captains must take care navigating through the Destin Pass where the bay meets the Gulf of Mexico.
Once through the pass, Crab Island appears a mere 3.5 miles away. But beware! The currents at the mouth of the pass can be quite strong. Only experienced captains should attempt navigating through the pass into the open Gulf.
The total voyage time from Panama City to Crab Island is around 2 hours by pontoon boat moving at 25 mph Speedier vessels can shave some time off the journey But pontoon boats offer space to bring plentiful passengers and supplies for a day of fun at Crab Island,
Along the way, you’ll pass scenic sights like Shell Island and the coastal mansions of St. Andrews. Dolphins frequently swim alongside boats heading to Crab Island, providing an extra sprinkle of magic.
Since Crab Island lies within Okaloosa County, visitors coming from Panama City will technically cross county lines to get there. The journey traverses two magnificent bodies of water – St. Andrews Bay and Choctawhatchee Bay. This coastal odyssey provides an excellent opportunity to enjoy the diverse ecosystems of the region.
While traversing open water, be sure to watch carefully for other boats. The Intracoastal Waterway sees heavy boat traffic, especially during the summer season. And never pilot a boat while impaired – leave the sailing to a designated captain.
Once boats reach the sandbar, passengers can disembark and wade through shallow waters to join the festivities onshore. Anchoring near the center of Crab Island offers easy access to floating restaurants, bars, and water equipment rentals. Visitors wanting more solitude can anchor farther from the crowds.
At the end of the day, revellers pile back on board for the return voyage to Panama City. Be sure to accurately anticipate the amount of time needed to get back well before sunset. Boating in open water at night is not advisable for novice sailors.
The long journey adds to the mystique of visiting Crab Island. Since no bridges connect it to mainland Florida, you must earn your time there on the water. The island also lacks docking facilities, enhancing its carefree and natural ambiance. Visitors willing to put in the nautical miles are rewarded with a true paradise worth the trip.
Some key tips for smoothest sailing to Crab Island from Panama City:
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Rent or charter a boat capable of safely handling open Gulf waters. Faster boats like deck boats can shave precious time off the journey.
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Pack plenty of supplies – food, water, sunscreen, hats, flotation devices, towels, etc. There are no convenience stores on a sandbar!
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Check tide schedules to aim for high tide when waters are calmest.
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Watch the weather and avoid Crab Island during storms or high seas.
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Always boat sober and wear life jackets when required.
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Share the workload between multiple captains if able. The return trip can be tiring.
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Get an early start to allow maximum time for the 6+ hour round trip voyage.
While reaching Crab Island requires effort, most visitors feel it’s worth the trek. The festive environment and natural beauty provide an ideal tropical escape right in our own backyard. With proper preparation and a spirit of adventure, the journey from Panama City to Crab Island makes for an epic and memorable sailing experience. Just be sure your sea legs are up for it!
What is Crab Island?
Crab Island is a popular and scenic sandbar located near Destin, Florida, in the Choctawhatchee Bay. Contrary to its name, it’s not an actual island in the traditional sense. Or, at least, not anymore. In the 1960s, it was. Back then, the Army Corps of Engineers dredged the Destin Pass to make the entrance to the Gulf of Mexico safer. After the dredging was done, the sand was dumped into Choctawhatchee Bay. This created a small “spoil island,” which people came to love calling “Crab Island.” ”.
Today, Crab Island is a submerged sandbar with waist-deep waters. Over time, natural processes like erosion, tidal actions, and shifting currents led to the island being eroded away. The shallow waters make it a perfect spot for boats to anchor and people to wade and play. The water is usually between 1 and 4 feet deep, which means you can do a lot of different things, from floating on inflatables to just relaxing in the water.
Because of its unique location, the sandbar has clear Gulf of Mexico water, especially at high tide, which adds to its beauty and appeal. Over the years, it has grown into a popular place for locals and tourists to visit in the Destin area.
How do You Get to Crab Island?
Destin’s Crab Island is located in the Florida panhandle between Fort Walton Beach and Panama City. Nestled just north of the Destin Bridge, Crab Island is only accessible by boat. Even though Crab Island looks like it’s close to shore, you can’t swim there because the currents are strong and there are a lot of boats going by.
Getting to Crab Island in Destin requires a watercraft. In terms of what kind of watercraft—you’ve got options!
- Personal Boat: If you have your own boat, you can launch it from any of Destin’s public boat ramps and find your way to Crab Island.
- Boat Rentals: If you don’t have your own boat, you can rent pontoon boats, jet skis, and other watercraft from a number of places in Destin. A pontoon boat rental is a popular choice because it lets groups anchor at Crab Island and have a place to relax.
- Guided tours: Some companies offer boat tours or cruises with stops at Crab Island that are led by professionals. This is a great option for people who don’t know the area well or who would rather have a more planned trip. Booze cruise on a captained tiki bar, anyone?.
- Water Taxi: Some companies run water taxis that can take you to and from Crab Island. If you don’t want to drive the boat yourself, this can be a simple and useful option.
- Kayak or Stand-up Paddleboard: If you want to be more daring, you can use a kayak or stand-up paddleboard to get to Crab Island. However, you should always be aware of the currents and the weather, and you should never paddle without a PFD.
Regardless of how you choose to get there, always prioritize safety. Make sure to have life jackets, be mindful of currents, and pay attention to changing weather conditions. If you have never been on a boat before, it might be best to go on a guided tour or rent one so that someone can show you how to do it safely.