Crab Island is Destin’s most popular destination for fun in the sunshine and shallow water. Locals and tourists alike head to the sandbar for water activities, sunbathing, lounging around and a generally good time in pleasant weather. This is one place that families, couples and singles all enjoy visiting.
Don’t look for an actual island when you head out to Crab Island, for the island washed away years ago. There once was a man-made island, formed from dredging of the nearby passage between Destin Harbor and the Gulf of Mexico. Since waves, winds and hurricanes have slowly eroded the built-up sand, however, all that remains is a below-water sandbar. Instead of looking for land, watch for where the crowd of boats is because lots of people come here regularly for fun in the sandbar’s shallow water.
The depth of the sandbar varies with the tides, of course, but it generally ranges from 1 to a few feet at high tide. This makes the place perfect for wading, swimming, snorkeling and otherwise having fun in the water. While children certainly must be supervised, there’s plenty of room for even the smaller members of your party to explore. It also doesn’t hurt that the shallow water warms up nicely under the afternoon sun.
In addition to traditional water activities, you’ll find a variety of games, rides, food boats and restaurants around the sandbar. Whether you want to relax with a drink in hand or splash into the water from a slide, there’s something for every version of leisure here.
Since the sandbar is a public place, it’s technically open all the time and free to visit. You’ll want to arrive early, however, to make sure you secure a prime spot for the day. Heading home when the sun starts to go down is a good idea for general safety. Also, bring some money with you for the refreshments, rentals and activities that you’ll find.
There are many activities in Destin that are worth exploring, but Crab Island should be at the top of your list. Bring the whole group, and everyone is sure to have fun in the sand, water and sun.
A few of our favorite activities at Crab Island include:
Crab Island Waterpark
An inflatable waterpark at the sandbar, resembles an obstacle course as much as a water park. Climb, slide and jump over the inflatable beams, inclines and platforms, and know that you’re perfectly safe if you fall off into the water.
WaterWorld
A full day in the water and sun will leave you hungry. When the stomach starts to growl, head to WaterWorld for a burger and a cold one (or whatever you might want to eat). One of the best-known restaurants at the sandbar, the food is good and you can dine on dry seating.
Water Volleyball
Play like a pro when you join the ongoing water volleyball game. Serve, spike and slam into the water as you dive for the ball. If you don’t return the volley, at least you’ll make a big splash.
Concert
Head to the stage on the weekends, for there’s no better place to hear a concert than in beautiful, waste-deep water. Go right when the music starts playing if you want a more family-friendly atmosphere, for the place can become more of a party scene later in the day.
Paddleboard Rental
If you’ve never been on a paddleboard (or if you have), this is a great place to rent one. They’re available right at the sandbar or you can paddle one out. With a board, you’ll have an efficient way to get around the bar and exploring the surrounding water.
Insider Tips:
– As a public place in the middle of the water, Crab Island doesn’t have a public restroom. Many boats that offer trips to the sandbar have restrooms onboard for their passengers. If you rent a boat or come out on a paddleboard, however, plan to stay for only part of the day. No one wants to squat in the middle of a crowd.