Double Decker Pontoon to Crab Island: Slide, Sun & Small-Group Charters in Fort Walton Beach

At Red White and Salty in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, a day aboard the Double Decker with Slide is the kind of low-effort, high-fun outing that turns groups into crews. Boarding at 32 Miracle Strip Pkwy SW, you’ll clip into an eight-hour or four-hour charter that puts Crab Island’s shallow sandbar and the larger Choctawhatchee Bay within easy reach. The boat itself is a two-level pontoon with an upper sun deck, lounge seating, and a built-in slide that sends riders into waist-to-chest-deep water—perfect for splashy races and kid-friendly thrills. What makes this trip special is the combination of social space and local scenery: clear, green-tinted water, wide sand flats at Crab Island, and a coastline lined with live oaks and maritime scrub. Captains provided by Red White and Salty handle navigation and docking, so the day is about food, music, and dips rather than piloting. The layout is ideal for bachelorette parties, family reunions, and small groups up to 11 people; there’s room to spread out on the upper deck or claim shaded seating below. Expect to anchor over sandbar flats where the boat becomes a floating basecamp. Natural highlights include shallow seagrass beds that attract small reef fish and the frequent sight of bottlenose dolphins cruising the bay. The geology here is simple—wide, shallow subtidal flats and quartz sand beaches that give the water its bright, clear look. Historically, Crab Island grew into a regional gathering spot during the late 20th century as boating became central to Gulf Coast leisure, and today it’s one of Okaloosa County’s most visited aquatic hangouts. Practical details: pick the four- or eight-hour option; capacity is 11 passengers. Bring a cooler and biodegradable sunscreen, because the captain focuses on safe anchoring and passenger comfort rather than provisioning. The operator meets guests at Red White and Salty (32 Miracle Strip Pkwy SW, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548, USA) and provides life jackets and docking assistance. Why book it? It’s an accessible introduction to the Emerald Coast’s on-water culture—no seafaring skill required, a guaranteed slide into warm Gulf water, and enough space to celebrate without overwriting the environment. Whether you want a relaxed day sliding and sunning or a small-group party afloat, this double-decker pontoon makes Crab Island feel like your private shore for the afternoon. Plan departures early: Crab Island fills with boats midday on weekends from spring through early fall, so an early start means quieter anchoring and clearer water. Bring music and a reef-safe sunscreen, and use sturdy coolers—glass is not permitted on deck. The captain will brief guests on safety and local rules at check-in at Red White and Salty. Two time options and seasonal pricing keep this trip flexible for groups.