A day spent enjoying Destin Crab Island tours & activities is sure to be one for the books. There is something fun for everyone to do here, whether you want to spend time with your family or just see what this amazing place has to offer. Enjoy obstacle courses and floating bars, or take the plunge and go snorkeling. You will be mesmerized by the emerald waters as you watch the variety of sea life that lives there.
A day spent enjoying Destin Crab Island tours & activities is sure to be one for the books. There is something fun for everyone to do here, whether you want to spend time with your family or just see what this amazing place has to offer. Enjoy obstacle courses and floating bars, or take the plunge and go snorkeling. You will be mesmerized by the emerald waters as you watch the variety of sea life that lives there.
Crab Island is a sandbar that is located just South of the Marler Bridge in Destin, FL. Boaters began to visit Crab Island more often, stopping to anchor their boats, soak up some sun, and walk on the sandbar. Now, Crab Island has become a popular place for locals and tourists to hang out and have fun in the sun. Crab Island is just minutes from the Destin Harbor. Discover dining, tours, attractions, and events in the Destin Harbor online at Destin Boardwalk.
A day spent enjoying Destin Crab Island tours & activities is sure to be one for the books. There is something fun for everyone to do here, whether you want to spend time with your family or just see what this amazing place has to offer. Enjoy obstacle courses and floating bars, or take the plunge and go snorkeling. You will be mesmerized by the emerald waters as you watch the variety of sea life that lives there.
Crab Island in Destin Florida is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the area, drawing thousands of visitors each year. But why is this famous sandbar actually called Crab Island?
As a longtime resident of Destin, I’ve spent many summer days lounging on Crab Island’s sandy shores. The emerald green waters and laidback party atmosphere make it a quintessential Florida experience. Over the years, I’ve also fielded many questions from curious tourists about the unique name.
In this article, I’ll share the fascinating history behind Crab Island and explain exactly why it’s called that Whether you’re a regular visitor or considering a trip, understanding the backstory of this iconic landmark will make your time there even more enjoyable
A Shallow Sandbar Shaped Like a Crab
The original Crab Island was a small sandy island located just south of the Marler Bridge in the Choctawhatchee Bay. According to local legend, early settlers named it Crab Island because of its distinctive crab-like shape.
Before development began in the Destin area, Crab Island was essentially a shallow sandbar rising just above the bay’s surface. When viewed from above, the outline resembled a large crab with claws stretching out on either side.
Throughout the first half of the 20th century, Crab Island remained a remote destination visited primarily by local fishermen. But its crab-like silhouette against the water remained a defining characteristic. Even on maps and nautical charts from the 1930s and 40s, the label “Crab Island” is plain to see.
So the unique crab shape of the original island seems to be the most definitive explanation for its name. Early Destin settlers saw the sandbar’s crab-like form and the name stuck.
Thousands of Crabs Once Called it Home
While the shape played a key role, Crab Island was also named for the thousands of blue crabs that once inhabited the area. Before rising water levels covered the island, it was well known for its abundant crab population.
Blue crab love to take shelter in shallow, sandy areas like Crab Island. All around the sandbar, they could find their favorite habitats – sea grass beds, marshes, and muddy bottoms. For sustenance, the bay provided plenty of clams, shrimp, fish, and other prey.
During low tide, thousands of bright blue crabs would emerge to scavenge the island. Locals could easily catch buckets full of the feisty crustaceans. Even when the island was underwater, blue crabs continued to thrive in the grassy shallows surrounding it.
So while the island itself is gone, Crab Island lives on as the name for the expansive sandbar area. And thousands of blue crab still call it home each year. The high numbers of crabs spotted around the sandbar give meaning to the name.
What Crab Island is Like Today
Nowadays, Crab Island is a much different scene than the remote sandbar of the past. It’s one of the most popular tourist draws in all of Destin. On busy summer weekends, hundreds of boats anchor offshore for a day of partying and fun in the sun.
The original island has disappeared below the surface, thanks to development and rising sea levels. But Crab Island still conjures up images of the beloved local landmark. The sandbar may be underwater, but visitors can still enjoy the emerald green waters and freewheeling culture that define the area.
While you may not spot as many blue crabs today, Crab Island remains a rewarding place to enjoy quintessential Florida fun. For a glimpse at old-school Destin, be sure to ask the locals about their memories of the original Crab Island. There are plenty of fascinating stories to go around!
Other Theories Behind the Name
While the crab shape and huge population are the most agreed upon origin stories, there are a few other theories about the Crab Island name. Here are some of the other explanations I’ve heard over the years:
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An abundance of hermit crabs – While less notable than blue crabs, hermit crabs also lived on Crab Island in large numbers. Spotting their colorful shells was common.
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As a warning – Some say “crabby” meant dangerous, so the name warned boaters of shallow water and hidden oyster beds that could scrape their hulls.
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For the seafood – Since crab was a popular local delicacy, the name may have been used to denote good crabbing grounds.
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Inadvertent spelling – A somewhat dubious theory is that early mapmakers misspelled “Crab” when they meant to label it “Cab” Island.
While these theories are less documented, they speak to the enduring intrigue surrounding the Crab Island name. Its origins have become part of Destin lore.
When to See it for Yourself
Part of what makes Crab Island so special is experiencing its one-of-a-kind vibe firsthand. The best time to visit is from April to September when crowds are largest and the weather is ideal. Summer weekends usually draw the biggest party scenes.
Stop by the sandbar on a busy day, and you’ll see why so many boats anchor there. The festive atmosphere and beautiful waters are addictive. For a glimpse into old-school Crab Island, chat with locals about their memories and days spent on the original sandbar.
No matter when you visit, hearing the stories behind its name will leave you intrigued. Whether shaped like a crab or crawling with them, Crab Island certainly lives up to its designation in spirit. Understanding the history only enhances time spent at this iconic Destin destination.
Frequently Asked Questions About Crab Island:
Here are answers to some other common questions about Crab Island:
Is Crab Island still there?
The original island is now underwater, but the expansive sandbar area is still a popular anchoring spot for boats. You can enjoy the emerald green waters by renting boats, paddleboards, etc.
What is there to do at Crab Island?
Popular activities include relaxing on boats, swimming, floating on rafts, trying water sports, and enjoying food/drinks from vendors. It’s a lively social scene with a laidback vibe.
Is Crab Island family friendly?
Parts can be family friendly, especially earlier in the day. But the scene becomes more lively/adult-oriented as the afternoon goes on. Weekdays tend to be more lowkey than weekends.
Can you walk/swim to Crab Island?
No, the only way to access it is by boat, kayak, stand-up paddleboard or related watercraft. The currents surrounding it are too dangerous for swimming.
When’s the best time to visit Crab Island?
Peak season is April through September. Holiday weekends are popular party times. For a more relaxed vibe, opt for weekdays or early/late season.
Crab Island Catamaran Excursion from Destin Harbor
Cruise to the Crab Island aboard a comfortable catamaran. Chill out and play in the pristine, sparkling water while the crew takes care of everything. Bring your favorite beverages and water toys to enhance the experience. Meet and greet with fellow boaters and explore all the exciting things to do. This trip is a great alternative to renting a boat for people who have never driven a pontoon boat before. Book your catamaran excursion today!.
Captained Double-Decker Pontoon with Slide
Enjoy an epic day of carefree cruising around Destin, Florida aboard your very own captained pontoon boat charter. Feel the excitement of Destin Harbor while sitting in one of the many comfortable seats on board. Enjoy two decks, expert navigation, and so much more! Take a dip on the onboard slide or relax on the lily pad. The sky’s the limit with this Captained Double-Decker Pontoon with Slide Charter for 6 Guests MAX. Book yours today!.
It’s not as hard as it looks to get to Crab Island during your vacation. Renting a boat is the best way to get there. The currents are too strong for people to safely walk across to get to Crab Island. You can get to Crab Island by kayak, paddleboard, jet ski, or waverunner. Most of the rental boats leave from Destin Harbor. There are also other watersport locations from Calhoun Avenue that run parallel to the island. Lots of things depend on how many people are in your group and how long you want to stay. For those looking to stay for the entire day, pontoon boat rentals (AKA party barge) are recommended. A Waverunner or kayak are great ways to just hang out with a friend and cruise around the island.
- Who is Crab Island? Why is it called Crab Island? Anyone who has been to Crab Island has seen the huge variety of sea life there. Animals like dolphins and seabirds that are friendly are often seen at Crab Island Destin FL. Why is it called Crab Island? Because before a hurricane covered the tiny island in green water, Crab Island was a small piece of land shaped like… you guessed it… a CRAB! There are thousands of tiny crabs on the floor of the sandbar, which is another reason why it’s called Crab Island. WHY IS CRAB ISLAND SO POPULAR? Locals have been going to Crab Island for years. They would bring their boats and skiffs and gather with other people from the area to enjoy music, food, and drinks. Over the years, tourists have come along to make the scene bigger. A lot of boats are often at Crab Island in the summer, sometimes as many as a thousand. As more and more people come to enjoy Crab Island, vendors have taken advantage of the situation to sell goods and services. The island is lined with food stands that sell burgers, fries, and sandwiches. There are also small shops that sell everything from sunscreen to Doritos. At Crab Island, some vendors sell inflatables like big water trampolines and slides for people who want a cheap thrill. To add to the list of things you can rent, you can also get kayaks, paddleboards, and jet skis. WHAT TIME IS CRAB ISLAND OPEN? Since Crab Island isn’t a business or state park, it’s open all the time. But it’s only worth going during the day because most people leave when it gets dark. IS IT HARD TO FIND A SPOT FOR YOUR BOAT? If you come late in the day during the summer, it might be hard to find a spot. We suggest getting there early (8–9am). If you have never been on a boat before, you should anchor it on the edge of the island to avoid accidents. When the wind and currents are strong, it can be hard to get the boat to stay in the middle of the island. HOW FAR IS IT FROM THE HARBOR? Getting to Crab Island from the Harbor could take anywhere from 10 to 20 minutes, depending on where your boat rental company is located. HOW DO I GET TO Crab Island? Don’t worry about how to get there—you can hire a captain! Check out our page on Crab Island activities and rentals for some ideas. CAN I GET TO THE WATER NEARBY? Yes, you can get to the water nearby at both the Destin Marina (7 Calhoun Ave) and Joe’s Bayou (800 Beach Dr). ). Both access points have a small fee for launching. IS IT EASY TO ANCHOR YOUR BOAT? At times, it can be hard to anchor a boat at Crab Island. You should get there early to get a good spot away from the currents. If you haven’t done this before, jump out of the boat when it’s in shallow water and push it into a good spot. How much does it cost to get to Crab Island? The cost of getting there depends on how many people are in your group. If you rent a boat with a lot of people, you can all split the cost. Renting a kayak or paddleboard for the day might be best for a small group.
Crab Island is a sandbar that is located just South of the Marler Bridge in Destin, FL. Boaters began to visit Crab Island more often, stopping to anchor their boats, soak up some sun, and walk on the sandbar. Now, Crab Island has become a popular place for locals and tourists to hang out and have fun in the sun. Crab Island is just minutes from the Destin Harbor. Discover dining, tours, attractions, and events in the Destin Harbor online at Destin Boardwalk.
A day spent enjoying Destin Crab Island tours & activities is sure to be one for the books. There is something fun for everyone to do here, whether you want to spend time with your family or just see what this amazing place has to offer. Enjoy obstacle courses and floating bars, or take the plunge and go snorkeling. You will be mesmerized by the emerald waters as you watch the variety of sea life that lives there.