Crab Island is one of Destin's most iconic hangout spots. We get a ton of questions about it, so we've compiled a list of FAQs you can check out if you're thinking of visiting soon!
1. What is Crab Island?
Crab Island is surprisingly not an actual island. A lot of people ask about places to stay there, but it's actually a submerged sandbar in the Gulf of Mexico that used to be an island long ago. It's a popular hangout spot for locals and visitors alike. It's the perfect place to drop your anchor and have some fun in the sun. The water ranges from 1-4 feet deep, so it's not too deep to swim.
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2. How do I get to Crab Island?
While Crab Island appears to be pretty close to the shore, it's only accessible by boat. The sandbar is surrounded by deep channels, strong currents, and a ton of boat traffic, so the only way to get there is by boat. However, if you're visiting Destin and don't have your own boat, don't worry-- you can still go to Crab Island by taking a boat taxi or renting a pontoon boat.
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3. When's the best day to go to Crab Island?
Honestly, it's a blast every day of the week! It's busiest on the weekends when the locals are off work and able to join in on the fun, but it's fun on the weekends though. If you're planning a trip to Crab Island, you should schedule your trip around the weather and tide instead of the day of the week. The water will be clearest when it's high tide and you can view a tide forecast here.
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4. Is Crab Island kid-friendly?
While it's known as a party spot, there are still a lot of activities for kids. Crab Island is what you make of it, so if you're looking for a family-friendly atmosphere, stick by the inflatables where you'll find other families. Kids will love playing on the inflatable obstacle course, snorkeling, or swimming around.
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5. Are there places to eat there?
Yes! Bring cash because there are tons of floating restaurants and mobile food boats. However, they don't sell any alcohol there, so if you want to drink at while you're there, you better pack your own.
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