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Float, paddle, and slide at Crab Island aboard a captained luxury pontoon for groups up to six. Book this small-group Destin tour for dolphin sightings, snorkeling, and included water toys.
Float, paddle, and slide at Crab Island aboard a captained luxury pontoon for groups up to six. Book this small-group Destin tour for dolphin sightings, snorkeling, and included water toys.
Book with Destin Pontoon Charters
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Destin Pontoon Charters · Destin, Florida
On the sugar-white fringe of Destin, Florida, the Small Group Crab Island Tour Non-Private With Slide from Destin Pontoon Charters delivers a compact, high-energy day on the water. Launching from Destin Harbor, this captained pontoon crosses Choctawhatchee Bay in roughly 10–15 minutes to reach the shallow sandbar everyone calls Crab Island. The shallow, clear emerald water and low profile of the sandbar make it ideal for floating, snorkeling, and watching dolphins that often ride the bow wake.
You’ll board a luxury dual-deck pontoon set up for play: two stand-up paddleboards, snorkeling gear, in-water loungers, an inflatable lilly pad, and a built-in slide for sprinting off the deck into cooler water. The charter is limited to six passengers, which keeps the vibe social but uncrowded, and a licensed captain handles navigation and safety so the group can focus on swimming, sunning, and music from the rear-facing Bluetooth speaker. Life vests, bottled water, and a small cooler with ice are provided; towels, sunscreen, and food are not included.
Typical flow: a short cruise with dolphin-watching en route, two hours anchored at Crab Island to float and snorkel, a 30-minute stop at a nearby shallow beach where sliding is allowed, then a relaxed return to the docks. The operator asks guests to arrive 30 minutes early for check-in at 314 US 98 E, Destin FL; parking is paid at Heron Harbor. Trips run 3–4 hours depending on season and are available March through October with peak availability May–September.
Crab Island’s sandbar isn’t a coral reef but a broad, shallow shoal framed by seagrass beds and coastal birds—an ideal setting for families and small groups who want a lively, low-effort water day. The area also offers frequent dolphin sightings and easy snorkeling over sandy bottom near small rockier outcrops. This charter stands out for combining a guided, captained launch with toys and a slide—everything you’d bring packed into a single boat, without hauling gear or coordinating rentals.
Practical notes: bring cash or card for dock vendors, a towel, reef-safe sunscreen, and a dry bag. The company allows children ages 3–99 and asks guests to respect local regulations and other anchored groups. Expect no restroom on board; check in at the blue booth labeled "DESTIN PONTOON CHARTERS" to fill waivers and receive wristbands. Boats leave promptly; the operator’s refund policy allows cancellations up to 48 hours before departure. With an emphasis on safety and convenience, this trip is an efficient way to experience Crab Island’s shallow flats without coordinating multiple rentals, hassle-free travel. Book early for summer weekends; space fills fast and the six-person cap keeps groups intimate; bring ID, towels, a light lunch, reef-safe sunscreen, cash for vendors, and expect peak-season crowds and patience.
Check in 30 minutes before departure at the booth located at 314 US 98 E, Destin FL; look for the blue booth labeled "DESTIN PONTOON CHARTERS."
No, there is no restroom on board; plan accordingly and use facilities before boarding.
You can cancel up to 48 hours before the charter start time for a full refund; there are no refunds for missing the boat.
Life vests for adults and children, bottled water, a cooler with ice, in-water loungers, two stand-up paddleboards, snorkeling gear, an inflatable lilly pad, and a rear-facing Bluetooth speaker.
Travel time from the docks to Crab Island is typically 10–15 minutes depending on conditions.
This experience is not wheelchair accessible; boarding requires stepping onto a pontoon and moving around the deck.
Destin Pontoon Charters provides captained pontoon boat experiences operating out of Destin, Florida. The company offers a selection of private and non-private excursions across Destin Harbor, Crab Island, and Choctawhatchee Bay. Trips include short 1.5-hour sunrise and sunset cruises, multi-hour Crab Island and eco tours, and customizable day charters designed for families and groups. Boat amenities vary by trip and include paddleboards, snorkeling gear, water toys, and onboard features such as a dual-deck layout and a slide on specific vessels. The Premium Non-Private 3-Hour Crab Island and Eco Tour includes floating sofas and opportunities for paddleboarding and snorkeling. Private Sunset and Sunrise Cruises are available in two capacities: up to 6 passengers and up to 16 passengers, accommodating both intimate outings and larger groups. All charters are captained, with a licensed captain operating each excursion. Safety and enjoyment are emphasized through captained operation and provided water-activity gear. Destin Pontoon Charters lists multiple named vessels and trip options—examples include Waterloo, Nemo, Dancing Queen, Chillin' The Most, Happy Hour, Island Time, and Island Time variants—each offering customizable experiences on the water. Guests are encouraged to book early to secure preferred dates and specific boat options.
Book with Destin Pontoon Charters