Crab Island Fun W/ Lily Pad & More

Exploring Crab Island with a Fun-filled Boat Tour

If you’re looking to spend a few hours on the water in Destin, a trip to Crab Island with a boat equipped with paddleboards, inflatables, and party features might be just what you need. While I haven’t personally taken this exact tour, I’ve looked into what makes it appealing—and honest about where it might fall short for some travelers.

Two things stand out about this experience: first, the variety of extras like lily pads, inflatables, and a Bluetooth speaker make it feel lively and customizable—perfect for groups wanting to celebrate or just chill. Second, the flexibility of having a captain or going bareboat offers options for different comfort levels and styles of fun.

One thing to keep in mind is the cost, which averages around $325 per group for up to 12 people. That’s a reasonable price considering the size of your group and the number of extras included, but remember there’s also an optional captain fee of $180, paid directly at the dock. If you’re a boating veteran or comfortable with boats, you might prefer to skip the captain, but for those who want a more relaxed day, hiring one could make a big difference.

This tour is ideal for groups of friends, families, or celebrations like birthdays or bachelorette parties. It’s not necessarily a quiet, romantic trip, but if you’re after a lively day on the water with plenty of space to bring your own snacks and drinks, it’s a solid choice.

Key Points

• Group Friendly: Fits up to 12 passengers, making it good for big gatherings.
• Extras & Entertainment: Paddleboards, lily pads, inflatables, Bluetooth speaker for fun on the water.
• Flexible Options: Choose to hire a captain or go solo if you’re comfortable boating.
• All-inclusive feel: Bring your drinks (no glass), snacks, and enjoy a custom day.
• Reasonable Price: Around $325 for four hours, including some extras, with optional captain fee.
• Great for Celebrations: Perfect for birthdays, bachelorette parties, or family outings.

The Experience: What to Expect on the Water

This tour centers around a 4-hour adventure that lets you enjoy the stunning Emerald Coast beaches or cruise directly to Crab Island—a popular, shallow-water spot packed with floating inflatables, party vibes, and plenty of space to relax. The boat itself is a 24-foot Bentley Cruiser with a 115hp Mercury engine, which is powerful enough to handle the waters comfortably, and it can seat up to 12 guests plus your captain if you opt to hire one.

The vessel is designed as a versatile party platform. There’s a Bluetooth JBL PartyBox speaker to crank your playlist, a lily pad for lounging, and a cooler (though note, no ice is provided) to keep your drinks cold. The boat also comes with inflatables and a beer pong mat, making it clear that this isn’t just a sightseeing trip but a social event.

You’ll love the way the boat accommodates groups looking for both laid-back fun and lively celebration. Multiple reviews point out how helpful and friendly the crew is—one review highlights how “Emily was our captain and she was also so sweet and fun,” and others mention that the owners and staff are accommodating, making everyone feel comfortable and well cared for.

The itinerary and what makes each part special

Starting point: The tour kicks off at 36 Miracle Strip Pkwy SW, Fort Walton Beach. From there, you can cruise toward Crab Island or enjoy the nearby beaches. Many guests love the flexibility—whether they want to spend more time anchored at Crab Island or explore the coastline.

Crab Island stop: This is the highlight for many. It’s a shallow, sandy area that’s perfect for socializing, relaxing, and floating around on inflatables. The reviews rave about how much fun people had here, with some booking additional hours because they didn’t want to leave. One guest said, “We ended up booking an additional 4 hours,” which speaks to how well the experience can be extended if you’re having a good time.

Extras onboard: The paddleboard and lily pad are fantastic for those who want to get a little exercise or just lounge on the water. The inflatables add an element of playful chaos, especially with a group of friends. The cooler, although empty, is useful for keeping your own drinks chilled.

The captain’s role and flexibility

You have the option to rent with a captain or go without. According to reviews, having a captain is a positive—”Our captain was kind and was taking pictures for us and being super helpful,” one reviewer shared. The captain fee is $180, paid at the dock, and can make the day more relaxed if you prefer not to handle the boat yourself.

However, some reviews (notably one from Eric G) indicate that the process might be confusing if you’re not expecting a captain and don’t have a boating license. The listing states that a captain is optional, but it’s worth clarifying your preference when booking to avoid surprises.

What’s included and what’s not

The tour provides paddleboards, inflatables, a lily pad, a speaker, and a cooler—stuff that adds to the fun and relaxation. You’ll need to bring your drinks and snacks, but keep in mind—no glass containers are allowed onboard or at Crab Island.

Gratuities and captain fees are paid separately, with the recommended tip for the captain being $180, payable at the dock. This is a typical arrangement for boat tours, but making sure you’re prepared for that extra expense is worth noting.

Analyzing the Value

For $325, you’re paying for a private, four-hour vessel that comfortably holds your entire group, along with a good selection of amenities. Considering that some tours include just a quick trip or don’t offer the extras like inflatables and paddleboards, this seems like a fair deal. Plus, the ability to customize the experience—bringing your own drinks, choosing to hire a captain—gives you control over the day’s vibe.

The reviews consistently highlight how much fun guests had, with comments like “The boat was perfect,” and “My friends and I had the BEST day.” The fact that multiple groups rebooked or extended their trips suggests they see real value here.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This tour is ideal if you’re in a group, whether friends or family, looking for a lively yet relaxed day on the water. It’s perfect for celebrations or just a casual escape from land-based routines. If you’re comfortable with boats or don’t mind paying for a captain, it offers a hassle-free way to enjoy Crab Island and nearby beaches.

However, if you’re not keen on handling boats or are traveling solo and want a guided experience, this might not be the best fit. Also, keep in mind the cost of tipping and optional captain fees—budget accordingly.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a fun, customizable day on the water with plenty of room for friends, the Crab Island tour offers a lively atmosphere with extras that elevate the experience. The combination of powerful boat, lively amenities, and the opportunity to relax or party makes it a top contender for group outings in Destin.

The reviews confirm that most guests leave with great memories, especially appreciating the helpful crew and the variety of things to do onboard. While the price might seem high for some, the overall value, especially when splitting costs among friends, is fair considering what’s included and the flexibility offered.

This tour is best suited for those seeking a social, fun-filled day with plenty of room to spread out, relax, or play. If you’re ready to enjoy Crab Island in style, it’s a solid choice that won’t disappoint.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for small groups?
It’s designed for groups of up to 12, so it’s ideal for larger parties wanting a private experience. Solo travelers or couples might find it less suited unless they make up part of a larger group.

Can I bring my own drinks and snacks?
Yes, you’re encouraged to bring your own drinks and snacks, but no glass containers are allowed.

What is the cost of the captain?
The captain fee is $180, payable at the dock, and is optional if you’re comfortable navigating the boat yourself.

What extras are included?
The tour provides paddleboards, inflatables, a lily pad, a Bluetooth speaker, and a cooler (without ice). You can use these to enhance your fun on the water.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 4 hours, giving you plenty of time to enjoy Crab Island and the surrounding beaches.

Is there a minimum advance booking time?
Most bookings are made about 20 days in advance, indicating good availability but also suggesting you should plan ahead.

What should I know about tipping?
Tipping the captain is customary; $180 is recommended, paid directly at the dock.

Are service animals allowed?
Yes, service animals are permitted onboard.

What is the meeting point?
The tour starts at 36 Miracle Strip Pkwy SW, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548.

What if the weather is bad?
The experience requires good weather. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or full refund.

Can I extend my trip?
Yes, some guests have booked additional hours if they’re having a good time and want more time at Crab Island.

In the end, this tour seems like a fantastic way to relax and enjoy the water with friends. If you’re after a flexible, fun-filled boat day with plenty of amenities, it’s worth looking into for your Destin trip.