Crab Island is one of the top destinations for visitors in Destin, Florida This submerged sandbar sits right at the entrance to Choctawhatchee Bay and provides shallow emerald waters perfect for anchoring boats and endless family fun. Pensacola is about 1 hour and 15 minutes east of Destin along the Northwest Florida coast The drive makes Crab Island an easy day trip for those staying in the Pensacola area.
What is Crab Island?
Crab Island was once a true island years ago, but erosion from storms and tidal currents have since turned it into a sandbar covered by 1 to 4 feet of water. It got its name long ago and the moniker stuck. You can only access Crab Island by boat – it is located too far from land to swim and has strong currents surrounding it.
This destination has exploded in popularity in recent years thanks to features on national TV and its one-of-a-kind tropical environment right off the coast. Thousands flock to Crab Island on weekends and summer holidays to anchor their boats,relax in the emerald waters, and enjoy activities like stand-up paddleboarding, live music, watersports, and floating restaurants.
Where is Crab Island Located?
Crab Island is situated just north of the Destin Bridge on the east side of Destin’s East Pass. This places it at the mouth of Choctawhatchee Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, where clear green waters from the Gulf flow over its shallow sandbar.
Destin East Pass is the waterway between Destin and the barrier island of Holiday Isle/Inn on the Gulf. The GPS coordinates for Crab Island are 30.3945, -86.4944. Crab Island can be found on most maps of the Destin area.
How Far is Crab Island from Pensacola?
The driving distance between Pensacola and Crab Island is approximately 70 miles, or about 1 hour and 15 minutes by car. This makes Crab Island an easy and popular day trip destination for visitors staying in Pensacola and Pensacola Beach.
To drive to Crab Island from Pensacola, take Highway 98 west along the coast. You’ll go through Fort Walton Beach and then enter Destin. Take the Mid-Bay Bridge (toll bridge) across Choctawhatchee Bay and proceed to Harbor Boulevard. This is the main harbor and marina district in Destin. From here, you can find public parking and secure a boat rental to reach Crab Island.
How to Get to Crab Island from Pensacola
While you can see Crab Island from shore, there is no bridge or land access to it. To reach the sandbar, you must take a boat, charter, or watercraft rental from one of Destin’s marinas and launch points. Here are the most popular options:
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Rent a Pontoon Boat – Rent a pontoon boat for a full day from one of Destin’s marina and get a group split the cost. This is the best way to have your own private boat and freedom.
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Book a Crab Island Shuttle – Hop aboard a Crab Island shuttle boat that takes passengers back and forth continuously for a small fee.
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Join a Sightseeing Cruise – Book a Destin harbor cruise or sailing catamaran that includes a stop for swimming and fun at Crab Island.
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Take a Jet Ski – Rent jet skis by the hour and cruise to Crab Island for some fun on a speedier craft, Wear your swimsuit!
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Kayak or Paddleboard – For a slower self-powered option, rent a kayak or stand up paddleboard and paddle yourself to Crab Island.
No matter which option you choose, be sure to secure your rental and launch your boat from the Destin Harbor, Marina, or nearby boat ramps. You must have a boat to enjoy Crab Island. Swimming from shore is extremely dangerous due to currents, boat traffic, and distance.
What to Do at Crab Island
Crab Island offers endless fun for families and groups visiting by boat. Popular activities include:
- Relaxing on your boat, floats, and in the water
- Playing games like cornhole on sandbars
- Exploring on paddleboards and kayaks
- Swimming, wading, and floating in inner tubes
- Meeting the floating food vendors that paddle up to boats
- Anchoring near music and activities going on around the island
- Snorkeling to see shallow marine life and fish
- Building sandcastles on paddleboards at low tide
The amenities are provided by your own boat and the floating vendors that serve the area. There are no permanent structures, facilities, or land at Crab Island. Boats anchor closely together in the main areas. Feel free to drop anchor further out for more solitude.
Alcohol is allowed but cannot be purchased on Crab Island. Bring plenty of water, sun protection, and cash for vendors. Crab Island provides a full day of family memories unique to the Destin area.
When to Visit Crab Island
Crab Island can be visited year-round but is most popular in spring and summer. The best conditions and largest crowds happen in May, June, July, and August when kids are out of school.
The quality and clarity of the water depends greatly on the tides:
- Visit on mid to high tide for clear emerald water and full depth over sandbar
- Avoid low tide when grassy bay waters cause murkiness
Check tide charts for Destin’s East Pass when scheduling your visit. Crab Island is best from mid morning to mid afternoon when the tide reaches its peak.
While Crab Island is open 24 hours, daytime is recommended as vendors will be out and other boaters will be anchored. Bring lights if staying past sunset since there are no electrical or facilities.
Crab Island Guidelines and Rules
To keep Crab Island safe and family-friendly for all, be sure to follow these rules during your visit:
- No littering – bring trash bags and remove all waste
- Watch your wake when boating around the area
- Anchor in designated areas, not the main channels
- No swimming outside marked swimming areas
- Pack out all alcohol, do not drink to excess
- Supervise children closely, require lifejackets
- Give law enforcement and wildlife officers space
By following the guidelines, we can continue enjoying this unique destination for years to come!
Visiting Crab Island on a Budget
A day enjoying Crab Island does not have to break the bank. Here are some tips for saving money:
- Pack food, snacks, and drinks instead of buying from vendors
- Share pontoon rental cost with as many people as possible
- Choose a weekday for lower rental rates
- Take the least expensive route like Crab Island shuttles
- Only rent your boat for half a day instead of full day
- Bring your own floating toys and gear instead of renting
The memories made at Crab Island are priceless. Use these budget tips to maximize fun while minimizing costs.
Crab Island offers a one-of-a-kind boating experience right off the Destin coast. Visitors from all over flock to this submerged sandbar island for family fun bathed in emerald waters and sunshine. The drive from Pensacola only takes about 1 hour 15 minutes making this a must-visit destination for the area.
Frequency of Entities:
Crab Island: 23
Pensacola: 16
Destin: 15
Boat: 12
Water: 7
Sandbar: 5
Tide: 4
Anchor: 3
Harbor: 3
Drive: 2
Marina: 2
Bridge: 2
Day: 2
Family: 2
Fun: 2
Shuttle: 2
Float: 2
Rental: 2
Vendors: 2
Swim: 1
Currents: 1
Choctawhatchee Bay: 1
Gulf of Mexico: 1
Holiday Isle: 1
Inn on the Gulf: 1
Mile: 1
Highway 98: 1
Mid Bay Bridge: 1
Toll: 1
Kayak: 1
Paddleboard: 1
Jet Ski: 1
Cruise: 1
Sailing: 1
Catamaran: 1
Cornhole: 1
Solitude: 1
Litter: 1
Wake: 1
Channels: 1
Lifejackets: 1
Officers: 1
Weekday: 1
Toys: 1
Gear: 1
Pensacola to Destin route information
Pensacola Bay: You’ll leave Pensacola and sail through Pensacola Bay, which has beautiful views of the city’s waterfront and the historic Pensacola Naval Air Station. As you set sail, take in the views of the boats, marinas, and water beauty of the bay.
Fort Pickens is a historic military fort on the western tip of Santa Rosa Island that was an important part of U.S. history. S. history. As you sail, you can see the impressive brick fortification and learn about its rich past.
Santa Rosa Island: Santa Rosa Island is on the Gulf Coast and has beautiful beaches, sand dunes, and natural scenery. Feel free to anchor and explore the island. You can also go for a swim or just relax on the beach.
Navarre Beach: Navarre Beach is a barrier island with beautiful white sand beaches and clear blue water. Enjoy a swim, sunbathe, or take a leisurely stroll along the shoreline.
Gulf Islands National Seashore: If you keep going east, you’ll come across the Gulf Islands National Seashore, a protected area that includes Santa Rosa Island and other barrier islands. Enjoy the unspoiled beaches, wildlife, and potential for birdwatching as you sail along this beautiful coastline.
Okaloosa Island: Okaloosa Island is a popular tourist spot known for its lovely beaches, lively atmosphere, and fun things to do with the whole family. Take a break from sailing and explore the islands entertainment options, including restaurants, shops, and water sports activities.
As you get closer to Destin, you’ll enter Destin Harbor, which is a busy place for fishing, boating, and other water activities. The harbor is lined with marinas, restaurants, and shops. Enjoy the lively atmosphere and consider docking your boat to explore the area on foot.
Crab Island: Crab Island is a sandbar and popular gathering spot known for its shallow, turquoise waters. Boaters often anchor here to swim, socialize, and enjoy the festive atmosphere. Its a great place to relax and soak up the sun.
As you sail from Pensacola to Destin, you’ll be able to enjoy the Gulf Coast’s natural beauty, visit beautiful beaches, and learn about the area’s rich history and culture. Take in the sights, have fun in the water, and enjoy the easygoing vibe of this beautiful stretch of coastline.
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Leave Pensacola: Start your trip from a good Pensacola marina or boat ramp, like the Pensacola Shipyard or the Bayou Texar Boat Ramp. Ensure that your boat is properly fueled, equipped, and in good working condition.
Leave Pensacola and head east along the coast. Depending on your preference and the weather, you can follow the Intracoastal Waterway or the open waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Youll be traveling parallel to the coast as you make your way towards Destin.
Pass through Santa Rosa Sound: As you head east, you’ll come across Santa Rosa Sound, a waterway that can be used for navigation between the mainland and the barrier islands. Stay within the marked channels and be mindful of any navigational aids.
Reach Choctawhatchee Bay: Once you pass through Santa Rosa Sound, youll enter Choctawhatchee Bay. This large bay separates the mainland from the barrier islands where Destin is located. Navigate the bay while following the marked channels.
Arrive in Destin: As you continue eastward through Choctawhatchee Bay, youll reach Destin. Look for the various marinas, boat ramps, and anchorages available for boaters. Destin is known for its white sandy beaches, emerald waters, and vibrant boating community.
Destin offers opportunities for fishing, water sports, and exploring the beautiful coastline. The city also provides a variety of dining options and attractions to enjoy.