4.5 Hour Sandestin to Crab Island Excursion Aboard Sol y Luna

If you’re heading down to Destin and are craving a laid-back water adventure, the Crab Island excursion aboard Sol y Luna might just be what you’re looking for. While I haven’t personally been on this boat myself, reviews and descriptions paint a pretty appealing picture of a fun, hassle-free day on the water — perfect for those who want to experience the vibrant Crab Island scene without the stress of planning every detail.

Two things I really like about this tour are its all-in-one approach—it handles transportation, safety, and entertainment—and the friendly, professional crew that ensures everyone has what they need for a smooth day. That said, a potential consideration is that it’s a BYOB experience, meaning you’ll need to plan accordingly if you want to enjoy drinks on the water, since alcohol isn’t sold there and glass isn’t allowed onboard.

This tour is ideal for anyone looking to relax, explore, and have some fun in the sun without the hassles of renting a boat or navigating busy waters themselves. Whether you’re with friends, family, or a group of travelers, it offers a straightforward way to get to Crab Island and enjoy its famous lively atmosphere.

• Comfortable, guided transportation to Crab Island with a Coast Guard licensed captain
• Includes access to restroom, shade, and music for a relaxed experience
• Water toys and paddleboards available to enhance your fun in the water
• All fees and taxes covered in the ticket price, making it straightforward
• BYOB policy — bring your own drinks, but no glass or outside food
• A booking window of about 29 days in advance shows it’s popular but still accessible

Let’s walk through what this tour offers, from start to finish, and what you’ll likely encounter along the way. The whole journey lasts about 4.5 hours, making it a manageable chunk of time for a day of waterside fun without feeling rushed.

Departure from Baytowne Marina

Your day begins at the Baytowne Marina in Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort. Make sure to arrive about 30 minutes early — this is key to check-in and settle in comfortably. You’ll board the Sol y Luna — a vessel described as luxurious and well-equipped, which sets the tone for a comfortable ride out to Crab Island.

The Ride Out: Smooth Sailing with a Licensed Captain

The boat is run by Coast Guard licensed captains, which is a big plus for safety and professionalism. During the trip out, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenery, as well as music that keeps the vibe lively. The scenery on the way is part of the fun — Florida’s coastal waters have their own kind of charm, even when you’re just heading out to the main event.

Anchoring at Crab Island

Once you arrive, the crew will drop anchor right in the middle of the action, giving you access to what many consider one of the most lively spots in Destin. The crew stays with you the entire time — they’re there to help, answer questions, and make sure everyone’s comfortable.

You’ll have full access to a restroom onboard, which is a thoughtful touch when you’re out on the water for hours. Shade is provided, so you won’t be glued to the sun the entire time, which is a relief if you’re not into sunburns.

Jumping In & Water Fun

The boat drops a ladder, making it easy to get in and out of the waist-deep water. Once in, you’ll find a vibrant scene: floating food vendors, kayakers, paddleboarders, snorkelers, and sunbathers all sharing the space. The environment is relaxed, social, and lively — perfect for groups wanting to soak up the quintessential Crab Island atmosphere.

Water toys are provided, including assorted floats, which are perfect for lounging and socializing. Paddleboards are available on a first come, first serve basis, so if you’re eager to try, arrive early or be flexible. Many guests enjoy just floating around or chilling on a float while listening to the music and watching the activity.

Food, Drinks & Atmosphere

It’s important to note that food and beverages aren’t included — you’ll need to bring your own if you want snacks or drinks. Crab Island is BYOB, so plan accordingly if you want to enjoy some cold drinks or a cocktail in the sun. Just remember, no glass is allowed onboard or at the island, and floats must be deflated when brought on the boat.

You’ll find various floating food vendors and people enjoying their own snacks, creating a fun, festival-like vibe. The reviews mention delicious food and tapas as part of the experience, though these are from third-party vendors, not the tour operator.

Return Trip & End of the Day

After a couple of hours soaking up the scene, you’ll head back to the boat. The crew remains attentive, ensuring everyone’s safe and comfortable during the return trip. The whole experience wraps up back at the starting point, with plenty of time left in the day for other activities or relaxation.

At $79.50 per person, this tour offers a solid value considering the inclusive features — transportation, access to restrooms, shade, music, floats, and a guided experience. The reviews speak to its popularity, with many describing it as the perfect day and praising the crew’s attentiveness and the boat’s comfort.

Compared to renting a boat and trying to navigate alone, this guided trip requires less planning and worry, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the area or prefer a more relaxed day. It’s also perfect for travelers who want to focus on floating, socializing, and soaking in the lively Crab Island scene without the hassle of logistics.

This tour is ideal for families, groups of friends, or even solo travelers who want a fun, social day on the water. It’s suitable for those who are comfortable bringing their own drinks and enjoy a lively, casual atmosphere. If you’re someone who appreciates a well-organized outing with safety and comfort covered, you’ll find this experience quite satisfying.

It’s less suited for travelers seeking a quiet, secluded experience or dedicated snorkel or diving adventures, as the focus here is on chilling at Crab Island and enjoying the water toys.

The 4.5-hour excursion aboard Sol y Luna offers a straightforward, enjoyable way to experience Crab Island with minimal fuss. The safety and comfort features, like the licensed captain, restroom access, and shade, make it a good choice for those who want a stress-free day on the water.

The fact that it’s praised for having amazing crew members and a luxurious boat makes it stand out for those who value a friendly, professional atmosphere. Plus, with the availability of water toys and the lively crab island scene, there’s plenty for everyone to enjoy.

While it’s not a cheap day out, the inclusive nature—covering transportation, fees, and entertainment—makes it feel like a worthwhile spend for a memorable day in Destin.

Do I need to bring my own food and drinks?
Yes, the tour doesn’t include food or beverages, and Crab Island is BYOB. Remember to bring drinks in non-glass containers and pack some snacks if you like. You’ll need to store coolers under your seat.

Can I bring my own float or water toy?
You can bring your own floats, but they must be deflated when onboard. The tour provides assorted floats and water toys, which are available for use during the trip.

Is there a restroom on the boat?
Yes, the boat has a restroom, which is a welcome feature given the length of the trip and the busy scene at Crab Island.

Are paddleboards included?
No, paddleboards are rented separately on a first come, first serve basis. The tour does include other water toys for guests to enjoy.

How early should I arrive?
Check-in is required 30 minutes prior to departure, so plan to arrive a little earlier to avoid rushing and to settle in comfortably.

What’s the group size?
The tour can host up to 80 travelers, making it a lively group but still manageable and intimate enough to feel personal.

Is it suitable for children?
While the description doesn’t specify age restrictions, the relaxed, floating atmosphere can be fun for families, but always consider your children’s swimming ability and comfort with being on a boat or in the water.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather. If canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. Always check the forecast before booking.

If you’re after a fun, easy way to experience Crab Island with friendly crew and all the essentials covered, this tour hits the mark. It’s a simple but effective choice for soaking up the sun, floating around, and enjoying the lively scene that makes Crab Island such a popular destination.