If you’re considering a day on the water in Destin, a private pontoon rental like this one from Destin Pontoon Charters might just be your best bet. It’s a flexible, family-friendly way to enjoy the Gulf of Mexico, with plenty of room for up to 15 guests and a variety of water activities. While we haven’t personally taken this exact tour, the reviews and details paint a pretty appealing picture for anyone wanting a laid-back, customizable day on the water.
Two things we really appreciate about this experience: First, the fully private nature of the tour. It’s just your group, which means no worries about strangers or tight schedules. Second, the wide range of water toys and equipment, like paddle boards, snorkeling gear, and lily pads, making it easy for everyone to have fun regardless of age or skill level. A potential downside? The cost of $499 might seem steep for some, especially if you’re not planning to take full advantage of the amenities or stay for the entire suggested duration. That said, the value really depends on how much fun you want to pack into your day.
This tour feels especially suited for groups wanting flexibility and a personalized experience—families, friends, or small groups of adventurers who love being on the water. If your crew enjoys swimming, lounging, or exploring at your own pace, this could be a perfect fit. Keep in mind, it’s a private activity, so you won’t be joining a large group or sharing the boat with strangers, which can be a big plus for some.
Key Points
- Customizable itinerary allows you to choose between Crab Island, snorkeling, dolphin watching, or a harbor tour.
- Private tour means only your group will be on the boat, offering privacy and flexibility.
- Water activities like paddle boarding, snorkeling, and lily pads are included, making for a fun and engaging day.
- Comfort and convenience are prioritized with a restroom on board and free bottled water.
- Booking well in advance (about 23 days on average) helps secure your preferred date.
- Cost per group is $499, making it a good value for up to 15 people sharing the experience.
What’s Included and What’s Not?
When considering this tour, it’s helpful to look at what’s covered and what isn’t. For $499, your group gets use of snorkeling equipment, paddle boards, lily pads, and floats, which is fantastic for a day packed with water fun. Plus, free bottled water is provided—an underrated perk in the Florida heat. The boat also features a blow-up slide for kids, adding an extra layer of family-friendly appeal.
However, you’ll need to handle your own parking or transportation to the meeting point at 314 Harbor Blvd. This isn’t included in the price, so it’s worth factoring into your plans. It’s also essential to note that the trip is weather-dependent; if weather conditions aren’t favorable, the activity might be canceled, but you’ll be offered a full refund or rescheduling.
Planning more time in Destin? We've covered other experiences worth considering.
The Day Itself: An In-Depth Look at the Itinerary
The tour begins at Destin Harbor, the bustling hub of water activities in the area. Once aboard, your captain will help you navigate where you want to go. The beauty of this experience is its fully customizable nature—you can ask to visit the iconic Crab Island, go dolphin watching, snorkel in clear waters, or simply enjoy a relaxing harbor cruise.
Crab Island is a highlight for many, and it’s easy to see why. It’s a spot locals love for soaking up the sun and floating around in the water. Multiple reviews mention how friendly and helpful the crew is, especially when setting up water toys or finding the perfect anchoring spot. As one reviewer shared, “Our captain knew just the right spot on Crab Island to drop the anchor so the kids could enjoy,” which shows how attentive and experienced the crew can be.
Snorkeling equipment adds an adventurous touch, allowing you to explore under the surface if the conditions are right. Paddle boards and lily pads further extend the fun, giving everyone the chance to lounge, paddle, or play in the water at their own pace. The boat also features a blow-up slide, making it ideal for families or groups with kids, who will likely appreciate the extra entertainment.
The duration can vary from 2 to 8 hours, giving you flexibility depending on your schedule and how much you want to explore or relax. Many reviews hint that if you’re having a good time, it’s tempting to extend the trip—some wished they’d booked a full day!
What Travelers Are Saying: Authentic Perspectives
Reviewers give this tour a solid 5-star rating based on their experiences, emphasizing how friendly and accommodating the crew is. One reviewer, Trent, described the crew as “friendly and helpful,” highlighting how well they set up the toys and equipment. Jason praised Captain Amber and Rhett for making the trip feel like a day with friends. The family of 13 noted how their kids had a blast with the floats and toys, and the crew’s attentiveness kept everyone laughing and engaged.
Another reviewer, Lindsay, appreciated the crew’s welcoming and personable attitude, especially how they knew the best spots on Crab Island. Angel called the experience “the best trip ever,” praising the courteous staff from reservation to the final splash. Jeanne wished she’d booked a full-day trip, indicating how enjoyable and relaxing the experience was.
From these reviews, it’s clear that the crew’s hospitality and expertise are a significant part of what makes this tour stand out. The ability to tailor the experience and have attentive guides adds a lot of value, especially for those unfamiliar with the area or new to boating.
Practical Details: Making the Most of Your Booking
Pricing at $499 per group makes this a reasonable choice for groups of up to 15, especially considering the included water toys and equipment. For couples or small groups, splitting the cost can make it very affordable for a full day on the water. Booking about 3 weeks in advance is recommended since the tour is popular and fills up quickly.
The meeting point at 314 Harbor Blvd** is central, but you’ll need to plan your transportation. The activity is most suitable for anyone comfortable with being on a boat—from families with kids (the slide and floats are perfect) to groups of friends looking for fun in the sun.
Weather considerations are important. If poor weather cancels the trip, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund, which provides some peace of mind.
Who Should Consider This Tour?
If you’re after a private, flexible water day in Destin, this pontoon tour offers a lot of bang for your buck. It’s perfect for groups who want to customize their experience, whether that’s relaxing at Crab Island, snorkeling, or just cruising around and soaking up the scenery. The inclusion of water toys and a restroom makes it comfortable and family-friendly, especially if you’re traveling with kids.
This experience works best for those who value personalized service and don’t mind paying a bit more for the chance to control their day in the water. It may not be ideal if you’re looking for a structured, narrated tour or if budget constraints are tight, but overall, it’s a versatile and enjoyable way to enjoy Destin’s waters.
Final Thoughts
A private pontoon tour like this offers a relaxed, custom way to enjoy Destin’s scenic waters. With the ability to choose your route and enjoy a range of water toys, it’s a flexible option that can be tailored to your group’s interests. The crew’s friendly attitude and the included amenities make for a mostly hassle-free day, especially if you like the idea of floating around Crab Island or snorkeling without a large tour group.
While the price might seem high for some, the privacy, flexibility, and variety of activities could justify the cost for those wanting a personalized experience. It’s especially suited for groups who love spending time on the water, exploring at their own pace, and making memories in a laid-back setting.
If you’re in Destin and craving a fun, customizable day on the water with friends or family, this pontoon boat could very well become the highlight of your trip.
Private Chartered Pontoon Boat-Up to 16 Guests with Restroom
“We had a great time on Island Time II. The crew were friendly and helpful with all the toys set up and ready. They also offer a shuttle bus to the…”
FAQ
Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the boat features a blow-up slide and floats, making it family-friendly. The water toys and calm cruise environment are great for kids.
What is included in the price?
For $499, you get use of snorkeling equipment, paddle boards, lily pads, floats, and bottled water. The boat also has a slide for kids.
Can I customize my itinerary?
Absolutely. You can choose to visit Crab Island, go snorkeling, dolphin watching, or take a harbor tour. The trip is designed to be flexible.
How long can I book the tour for?
The duration ranges from about 2 to 8 hours, depending on your preference and availability.
What should I bring?
Bring sunscreen, towels, snacks, and any personal water gear you want for snorkeling or paddling. The boat provides water and equipment.
Is parking included?
No, parking fees are not included. You’ll need to plan for that separately.
What happens if the weather is poor?
The experience is weather-dependent. If canceled due to bad weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
How far in advance should I book?
Most bookings are made around 23 days in advance, so planning ahead helps secure your preferred date.
Is this a shared or private tour?
It’s a private tour, meaning only your group will be on the boat, which allows for a more relaxed, personalized experience.
If you’re after a personalized, water-based day in Destin that balances fun, comfort, and flexibility, this private pontoon tour ticks all the right boxes. Think of it as your own floating playground—perfect for making the most of your time on the Gulf of Mexico.
