3 hour Crab Island Tour with swimming *bathrooom on board*

Taking a boat trip in Destin to visit Crab Island is often at the top of travelers’ bucket lists, and for good reason. This 3-hour tour aboard a spacious catamaran combines the thrill of swimming, floating, and relaxing with fantastic vistas of Destin Harbor. With a friendly crew, plenty of amenities, and the chance to spot dolphins, this experience offers a well-rounded taste of what makes Destin so special.

What we particularly love about this tour is its inclusive setup—a comfortable, 49-passenger vessel that’s 3/4 shaded and equipped with a bathroom. It’s clear that comfort and convenience are priorities here, making it appropriate for families, friends, or solo adventurers looking to enjoy the water without fuss. Still, a small consideration might be the cost—$65 per person—which is reasonable but adds up with larger groups.

This tour suits those craving a relaxed yet lively day on the water. Whether you’re into splashing around, soaking up views, or simply cruising with some good tunes and drinks, this trip hits the mark. Now, let’s dive into what makes this experience stand out, and what you should expect when booking a trip with BIKKINI BOTTOM BOAT CHARTERS.

Key Points

• Comfortable vessel: A spacious 49-passenger catamaran with ample shade and onboard bathroom.
• Variety of activities: Swimming, floating on floats, paddleboarding, and water games like volleyball and beer pong.
• Scenic route: Guided tour of Destin Harbor with potential dolphin sightings.
• Flexible food and drink: Bring your own or use provided coolers; alcohol is allowed for those 21+ with restrictions.
• Value for money: At $65, it offers a mix of fun, relaxation, and scenic beauty.
• Authentic experience: Friendly crew and well-stocked flotation options enhance the day.

The Itinerary in Detail

The tour begins at the meeting point on 530 Harbor Blvd, Destin—a convenient location near public transportation that makes arrival straightforward. Once aboard, the crew sets the tone with a friendly welcome and a brief overview of the plan.

Destin Harbor Tour

The first part of the trip is a guided cruise around Destin Harbor. This segment offers stunning views of the waterfront, boats, and the chance to see dolphins, which frequent the area. As one reviewer mentioned, “we sometimes even see dolphins looking for their lunch,” adding an element of excitement and wildlife viewing to the adventure.

This harbor cruise isn’t just eye candy; it’s a chance for guests to get comfortable on the boat, enjoy some music (which is notably praised), and prepare for the main event—Crab Island.

Crab Island – The Main Attraction

After cruising, the boat pulls up near the famous Crab Island, a sandbar known for its shallow, calm waters perfect for swimming and floating. Here, the focus shifts to water-based fun. You’re encouraged to jump in, whether to swim, paddleboard, or lounge on a lily pad or float.

The tour provides various floats, paddleboards, and even a BOTE Hangout, which is a huge plus for families or groups who love water toys. The water activities are complemented by volleyball, football, and water beer pong, making this a lively spot for groups looking to socialise and play.

Flexibility and Amenities

You can bring your own food and drinks, with two coolers onboard and ice available for purchase. While alcohol isn’t provided, guests 21 and over are welcome to bring their own beverages—just no glass or red wine, ensuring safety on the water.

The vessel’s bathroom onboard is a welcomed convenience, especially for longer hot days, and the boat’s shade coverage helps keep everyone cool while still enjoying the sunshine.

What Sets This Tour Apart?

The crew’s friendliness and professionalism really stand out. According to reviews, Captain Daniel and the first mate took excellent care of guests, meeting every need with a relaxed yet attentive attitude. “Captain and 1st mate took awesome care of us,” one reviewer shared, emphasizing the personal touch that makes this trip memorable.

The music selection also gets positive nods, setting a fun, laid-back vibe that complements the scenery and activities perfectly. The boat is well-stocked with flotation devices and water toys, making it easy for everyone to join in the fun without bringing their own equipment.

Dolphin sightings add a touch of magic that many guests appreciate. While not guaranteed, the possibility of encountering these playful creatures enhances the sense of adventure.

Value-wise, at $65 per person, the experience offers a lot: a scenic harbor cruise, plenty of water activities, and the chance to relax on one of Florida’s most famous sandbars—all in just three hours.

The Experience from a Guest’s Perspective

One guest, Cheryl_M, summed up her experience as “the highlight of our Destin vacation.” She appreciated the well-stocked flotation options, the music, and the attentive crew. Her comment about feeling very relaxed highlights how well this trip balances fun and comfort.

The group size, capped at 49 travelers, ensures that everyone gets attention, yet the boat isn’t overcrowded, maintaining a fun and social atmosphere. The tour’s timing—starting midday and lasting around three hours—fits well into a day of exploring Destin, leaving space for other activities afterward.

Practical Tips for Future Guests

• Book in advance, as this tour is popular, often booked 18 days ahead.
• Bring your own snacks and drinks if you want variety; coolers are provided, but bringing your favorites can enhance the experience.
• No glass or red wine—stick to cans, bottles, or plastic cups for safety.
• Arrive early to get a good spot and settle in before departure.
• Consider your swimming ability, as you’ll be in shallow waters at Crab Island, but some may prefer to stay on the boat or on floats.
• Bring sun protection—hat, sunscreen, sunglasses—especially since part of the boat is shaded, but you’ll still be exposed during water activities.

Who Is This Tour Best Suited For?

This trip is ideal for families with kids, groups of friends, or solo travelers wanting a laid-back day filled with water fun and scenic views. If you love being on the water, enjoy casual socialising, and appreciate flexible arrangements for food and drink, this experience offers excellent value.

Those looking for a more adrenaline-filled or adventure-heavy tour might find this too relaxed, but for anyone wanting a taste of Destin’s signature Crab Island, it’s a perfect choice. It’s also suited for people with moderate mobility, thanks to the shallow waters and onboard amenities.

The Sum Up

The 3-hour Crab Island tour with swimming and water activities from BIKKINI BOTTOM BOAT CHARTERS delivers a well-rounded, fun-filled experience worth considering for your Destin trip. With friendly guides, plenty of water toys, scenic cruising, and the freedom to bring your own food and drinks, it strikes a great balance between relaxation and activity.

The trip is especially suited to those who like a relaxed pace, scenic views, and social experiences on the water. While the price might be a little more than some casual day trips, the amenities, friendly crew, and overall vibe make it a worthwhile investment for a memorable day.

If you’re seeking an authentic, fun, and flexible way to enjoy Crab Island and Destin Harbor, this tour ticks all the boxes.

FAQ

Is there a bathroom onboard?
Yes, the boat is equipped with a bathroom, adding convenience especially during longer trips or for families with young children.

Can I bring my own food and drinks?
Absolutely. You’re encouraged to bring your own food and beverages, with coolers provided onboard. Ice is available for purchase.

Are alcoholic beverages allowed?
Guests 21+ can bring their own alcohol, but glass containers and red wine are not permitted to ensure safety.

What activities are available?
Water floats, paddleboards, lily pads, volleyball, football, and water beer pong are provided for guests to enjoy at Crab Island.

How long is the tour?
The total experience lasts about three hours, including cruising and water time.

Is this suitable for children?
Yes, the boat is family-friendly, and children can enjoy swimming, floats, and water games.

What should I wear?
Swimwear, casual summer clothes, sun protection gear, and waterproof footwear or sandals are recommended.

How do I book this experience?
It’s advisable to book at least 18 days in advance, especially during peak season, via the provided booking platform or directly through BIKKINI BOTTOM BOAT CHARTERS.

Embark on this fun, scenic, and flexible trip to Crab Island—you’re sure to leave with great memories of your Destin vacation.