Destin, Florida. The most popular place to visit on Florida’s Emerald Coast is this Panhandle town, which is known for its white sand beaches, clear water, and great fishing. 6 million visitors each year.
Crab Island is one of the best things about Destin. It is a submerged sandbar in Choctawhatchee Bay, just five minutes by boat from Destin Harbor. It’s like a four-acre swimming pool with only 1 to 4 feet of water that is bright turquoise at high tide and clear emerald green the rest of the time. People can wade, snorkel, play, and relax.
Heather Thomas, co-owner of Destin Vacation Boat Rentals, has been doing business in the area for 14 years. “Nearly everyone who rents a boat in Destin stops at Crab Island,” she says. “It’s a fun and beautiful place. ”.
There used to be a lot of floating shops on the island that sold everything from food and drinks to T-shirts and floaties. New regulations, however, have changed what’s available to visitors.
“It’s caused a lot of confusion,” said Thomas. “People are expecting to visit the same vendors they have in the past, but they’re not there anymore. ”.
For example, the floating music stage, larger restaurants, and the giant Inflatable obstacle course are gone.
Thomas said that more changes are coming because the National Park Service is thinking about making it illegal for anyone to do business on Crab Island in 2022.
“This could be the last year to get the “full experience” at Crab Island if you’ve never been or want to go again.” Book your boat rentals early, because news is spreading fast!”.
What can you expect when you go? Here’s how to plan a trip to Crab Island this season and in the future.
Crab Island is one of the most popular attractions for visitors to the Destin area, but many wonder exactly how far it is from where they are staying. Miramar Beach is a common vacation destination on the Scenic Highway 30A corridor along the Emerald Coast. If you are staying in Miramar Beach and want to take a day trip over to Crab Island, this guide will provide all the information you need on the distance and travel time.
An Overview of Miramar Beach and Crab Island
Miramar Beach is a coastal community located in Walton County, between Destin and Panama City Beach It stretches for around 15 miles along Scenic Highway 30A, from the eastern part of Seaside to Sandestin.
The center of Miramar Beach is approximately 18-20 miles east of Destin Harbor and Crab Island. Crab Island is a shallow sandbar located north of the Destin Bridge in Choctawhatchee Bay. It can only be accessed by boat, kayak, standup paddleboard or other watercraft.
Crab Island provides a unique opportunity to anchor your boat in crystal clear, shallow water. Visitors enjoy swimming, floating on rafts, playing games, and relaxing in the tropical atmosphere.
Driving Distance and Time from Miramar Beach to Crab Island
The driving distance from Miramar Beach to the boat launches and rental locations closest to Crab Island ranges from 18-22 miles depending on your exact starting point This drive takes approximately 25-35 minutes in normal traffic conditions
Here are some key data points on the road trip:
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From the main public beach access in Miramar Beach to Destin Harbor/Crab Island boat launches: 18 miles, 25 minutes
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From Seascape Resort in Miramar Beach to Destin Harbor/Crab Island boat launches: 20 miles, 30 minutes
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From Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort to Destin Harbor/Crab Island boat launches: 22 miles, 35 minutes
You can take Highway 98 West directly from any point along Miramar Beach into Destin. This route involves traveling over the Mid-Bay Bridge across Choctawhatchee Bay. There is a $4 toll each way on the Mid-Bay Bridge, so be sure to have cash ready.
Once you reach Destin, take the Destin exit and turn right on Highway 98 to reach the different boat rental locations and launches.
Finding Boat Rentals and Launches Near Crab Island
The closest boat rental locations and launches to Crab Island are found at Destin Harbor and HarborWalk Village. This lively waterfront district is home to numerous pontoon and fishing boat rental companies.
Some of the most popular rental providers here include Tailfins Pontoon Rentals, Boogies Watersports, Happy’s Watersports, and Luthers Destin.
Public boat launches in Destin Harbor include East Pass Marina and Destin Shrimp Boat.
Once you launch, Crab Island is just a 5-10 minute boat ride north. You will pass under the Destin Bridge and can’t miss the crowds of boats anchored in the shallow waters.
Alternate Locations to Rent Boats for Crab Island
In addition to Destin Harbor, you can also rent boats and launch to reach Crab Island from:
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Fort Walton Beach – 20 miles west of Miramar Beach with multiple rental and launch options. It’s about a 30 minute boat ride to Crab Island from here.
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Okaloosa Island – Located right across the bridge from Destin. Home to Xtreme Watersports rentals and Okaloosa Island Pier & Boat Launch among others. 10-15 minute boat trip to Crab Island.
No matter which rental location you choose, be sure to arrive early, as boats can book up quickly on peak days. Weekday rentals are generally easier to find than weekends.
Travel Times By Boat from Different Starting Points
Once you are on a boat, it takes approximately:
- 5-10 minutes from Destin Harbor area
- 10-15 minutes from Okaloosa Island
- 15-20 minutes from Fort Walton Beach
- 30-45 minutes from Panama City Beach
Crab Island is located right near the East Pass, so it is quickest to reach from the closest points. But you can still get there in a reasonable time from farther locations if needed.
alternate Ways to Reach Crab Island Without Renting a Boat
If you don’t want to rent and captain your own boat, there are a few alternate ways to reach Crab Island:
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Take the Crab Island Shuttle tour boat from Destin Harbor – Adult tickets start around $49
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Book a seat on the Crab Island Adventure Tour, a guided excursion – Tickets start at $64 for adults
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Charter a private boat with a captain – Prices vary widely based on boat size
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Take a water taxi or ferry from Destin Harbor – Approximately $20 per person round trip
These options eliminate the need to rent and operate your own boat. You simply show up and let the tour provider take care of transportation to Crab Island on their vessel.
Travel Tips for Visiting Crab Island from Miramar Beach
If you plan a day trip to Crab Island from Miramar Beach, keep these tips in mind:
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Leave early to avoid traffic delays – Especially on weekends
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Bring cash for bridge tolls and parking fees
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Load up on sunscreen, hats, sunglasses and other protection against sun
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Pack or rent floats, rafts, water toys for the sandbar
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Bring food and drinks – including water/hydration drinks
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No glass containers allowed on boats
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Prepare for a full day – Crab Island is lots of fun!
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Review all Crab Island rules and guidelines
The Bottom Line on the Miramar Beach to Crab Island Distance
Crab Island is approximately 18-22 miles and a 25-35 minute drive from Miramar Beach, depending on your exact starting point. Once you arrive in Destin, there are numerous rental and launch options to reach the popular sandbar in 5-15 minutes by boat.
Alternatively, you can take a shuttle, guided tour, or water taxi and leave the boating to someone else. Whichever method you choose, be sure to come prepared for a fun day in the sun at one of the Destin area’s most iconic attractions. Enjoy your trip to Crab Island from Miramar Beach!
Find Your Favorite Beach
By Kellilynn Hann
Destin, Florida. The most popular place to visit on Florida’s Emerald Coast is this Panhandle town, which is known for its white sand beaches, clear water, and great fishing. 6 million visitors each year.
Crab Island is one of the best things about Destin. It is a submerged sandbar in Choctawhatchee Bay, just five minutes by boat from Destin Harbor. It’s like a four-acre swimming pool with only 1 to 4 feet of water that is bright turquoise at high tide and clear emerald green the rest of the time. People can wade, snorkel, play, and relax.
Heather Thomas, co-owner of Destin Vacation Boat Rentals, has been doing business in the area for 14 years. “Nearly everyone who rents a boat in Destin stops at Crab Island,” she says. “It’s a fun and beautiful place.”
There used to be a lot of floating shops on the island that sold everything from food and drinks to T-shirts and floaties. New regulations, however, have changed what’s available to visitors.
“It’s caused a lot of confusion,” said Thomas. “People are expecting to visit the same vendors they have in the past, but they’re not there anymore. ”.
For example, the floating music stage, larger restaurants, and the giant Inflatable obstacle course are gone.
Thomas said that more changes are coming because the National Park Service is thinking about making it illegal for anyone to do business on Crab Island in 2022.
“This could be the last year to get the “full experience” at Crab Island if you’ve never been or want to go again.” Book your boat rentals early, because news is spreading fast!”.
What can you expect when you go? Here’s how to plan a trip to Crab Island this season and in the future.
Getting to Crab Island
First and foremost, you cannot swim to Crab Island. It’s farther from shore than it looks and there are strong currents. Luckily, there are many safe ways to get there by water that don’t require a boater’s license.
The most popular rentals are pontoon boats because they’re stable, easy to drive, and comfortably carry 10-12 people. Some are even double-decker with slides. You can rent speed boats and jet skis if you just want to explore the water around the sandbar and don’t want to stay at Crab Island for long.
If you’re the type who prefers to let the experts handle the details, consider one of these tours:
Destin Vacation Boat Rentals offers a Crab Island Adventure Tour that covers everything from parking to play. Enjoy unlimited use of clear-bottom kayaks, paddleboards, snorkeling gear and their exclusive inflatable playground in the Gulf Islands National Seashore before heading over to experience Crab Island. They also have a transportation-only shuttle to and from Crab Island.
Crab Island Pontoons offers tours for up to six people on a double decker pontoon boat with slide. Rental includes a licensed captain, a cooler of ice, paddleboards, water toys, snorkel masks, inflatables and more.
Crab Island Cruises is a charter service for up to six people that lets you customize your trip. Take a tour of Destin Harbor, look for dolphins, go snorkeling, or spend the whole day on Crab Island— you decide! They provide a certified captain, cooler of ice, bottled water, floating mats and volleyball nets, beer pong, and more.
Cyndi Cramblett, a TV host and travel blog author, relaxes on a boat off of Crab Island.
– Cyndi Cramblett – Postcards to Me
When you arrive at Crab Island, you can do a number of things, depending on the day you choose.
A TV host and the author of the travel blog Postcards to Me, Cyndi Cramblett, went to Crab Island with three friends.
“It was a very lively, fun day,” Cramblett said. “We hired a pontoon boat, brought our own alcohol, and got there at high tide, when the water was lovely.” It looked like the Caribbean! We enjoyed watching everyone play. ”.
Cramblett and her friends stayed on the sandbar all day, wading, floating, and taking it easy on the boat. “I’ve traveled all over the world and Crab Island is definitely a unique experience,” she said. “If you’re looking to chill in paradise, I highly recommend it. ”.
Crab Island’s clear, shallow water is also perfect for kids.
Christina Ropp, author of Littles, Life & Laughter blog, visited Crab Island with her young children.
“My daughter was five at the time and my son was two,” Ropp explained. “We rented a pontoon boat with a canopy and docked on the outer edge where it was quieter. There were tons of families where we were. ”.
“My daughter could stand up in the water and we brought our own floaties. We crossed the water to get to the ice cream stand and bought snacks from some of the people on the little boats. ”.
The boat was also moored on a thin strip of sand a few feet off the west side of Crab Island, where tours often stop to snorkel. “We walked around a bit and found some great shells,” she said. “People always ask me where I got those shells — that’s the secret place!”.
“I definitely recommend Crab Island to families,” she said. “We had a great time. The kids are always asking to go back. ”.
Destins Crab Island is fun for everyone.
Crab Island What YOU Need To Know. Destin Florida
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