Crab Island Party!! Lily Pad, Paddleboard, Speaker & Cooler

If you’re considering a day on the water in Destin, the Crab Island Party! tour offers a lively and flexible way to enjoy the Emerald Coast. This experience centers around renting a luxury Godfrey pontoon, with options to drive yourself or hire a captain, allowing for a customized adventure suited to your group’s needs.

What makes this tour appealing? First, the ability to bring your own drinks and snacks (no glass, please) makes it a relaxed, party-ready outing. Second, the numerous extras—paddleboard, lily pad, Bluetooth speaker, and cooler—promise a fun, laid-back day in the sun, perfect for celebrating birthdays, bachelorette parties, or just a memorable family day out.

However, a potential consideration is the additional cost of a captain if you’re not licensed to operate the boat yourself. This extra fee of $180, payable directly at the dock, can surprise some travelers not expecting an additional expense. The tour is best suited for groups who value flexibility and casual fun on the water and are happy to manage their own snacks, drinks, or party gear.

In essence, this experience suits those wanting an informal, customizable day on the water, with plenty of options to include or exclude certain amenities based on your budget and preferences.

Key Points

• Flexible options for self-driving or hiring a captain
• Includes fun extras like paddleboard, lily pad, speaker, and cooler
• Ideal for celebrations such as birthdays or bachelorette parties
• Additional captain fee payable on-site, which can catch some off guard
• Booking well in advance (average 22 days) suggests popularity
• Price point offers value for a group of up to 12 people

This tour is designed around the luxury Godfrey Sweetwater Tritoon, powered by a Yamaha 150hp engine, providing a smooth ride to your water adventures. With a capacity of up to 12 passengers if you’re driving and 11 passengers plus a paid captain, it’s a flexible option for groups wanting to craft their own day on the water.

The Journey and Itinerary

The tour begins with a convenient pickup at 36 Miracle Strip Pkwy SW, Fort Walton Beach, a location centrally situated for quick access to Destin’s famous waters. Once aboard, you’ll be free to cruise along the Emerald Coast, with the option to drive the boat yourself if you’re licensed or hire a captain for a more relaxed experience.

While the tour doesn’t specify a strict itinerary, the emphasis is on exploring Crab Island and nearby beaches. You’ll love the views of the sparkling waters and sandy shoals, which are often praised for their clarity and marine life activity. From the reviews, it’s clear that marine life sightings add a layer of interest, though some might find the water’s clarity varies from expectations.

Features and Amenities

This tour’s strength is in its extras. The Bluetooth JBL PartyBox speaker ensures your playlist sets the mood, whether you’re celebrating a birthday or just enjoying the vibe. The paddleboard and lily pad provide opportunities for some light-hearted water play, while the cooler (without ice) keeps your drinks cold—though you’ll need to bring your own ice or purchase it separately.

The beer pong floating mat is a fun addition, though it’s clearly aimed at casual, party-style outings. The no-glass rule for drinks helps keep the environment safe and family-friendly.

The Pricing and Value

At $325 per group, this experience offers good value for a group of up to 12 people. The cost covers the rental of the boat, extras, and the flexibility of self-driving or hiring a captain. When you factor in the possibility of sharing costs among a larger group, it becomes quite cost-effective compared to booking separate boat trips or organized cruises.

However, the extra $180 captain fee, payable at the dock, is important to consider. Some guests have expressed surprise that this wasn’t included upfront, so budgeting for this additional expense is wise.

What the Reviews Say

The reviews offer a balanced view. One traveler appreciated the clear water and marine life, saying, “100% recommend a trip here,” though they noted it wasn’t as stunning as some might expect. Another highlighted the overall great experience and praised the provided amenities and the “great captain.”

A stark contrast comes from a reviewer who felt misled, mentioning that “the price is a gimmick” because of the extra license or captain fee they weren’t warned about. This highlights the importance of understanding the full cost beforehand.

The viewing experience and the fun extras seem to be the highlights, especially for those seeking a relaxed, party-friendly atmosphere.

• Duration: Approximately 4 hours, enough for a leisurely cruise, some swimming, and water play.
• Group Size: Max 12 if self-driving, 11 with a captain.
• Booking: Book well in advance—most reservations are made around 22 days prior.
• Additional Costs: Captain fee of $180, payable on-site, plus gratuities.
• Snacks & Drinks: Bring your own, but remember no glass bottles.
• Weather: This experience requires good weather; cancellations due to poor conditions are fully refundable if notified 24 hours in advance.

This tour is perfect for groups that want a customizable day on the water—whether lounging, celebrating, or simply exploring. It suits families, bachelorette parties, or birthday groups looking for casual fun with extras like paddleboarding and floating games.

It’s less ideal for travelers expecting a guided tour with a set itinerary or those wary of extra charges popping up unexpectedly. The emphasis on self-guided fun and party gear makes it a good fit for groups seeking a relaxed, social outing with the flexibility to set their own pace.

The Sum Up

In the end, the Crab Island Party! tour offers a practical, enjoyable way to experience the Emerald Coast with friends or family. The luxury pontoon provides comfort and flexibility, making it easy to customize your adventure.

The extras like paddleboards, lily pad, and Bluetooth speaker add a playful touch that elevates the experience beyond just a boat ride. The price point for a group is reasonable, especially when shared, but travelers should budget for the additional captain fee if they don’t have a license.

This tour is best for those who appreciate casual fun, like parties or family gatherings, and are comfortable managing their own snacks and drinks. If you’re after a laid-back, customizable day on the water with chances to enjoy marine life and stunning views, this experience could be just right.

Can I drive the boat myself?
Yes, if you have a boating license, you can drive the pontoon yourself. Otherwise, you’ll need to hire a captain.

Is a captain included in the price?
No, the base price is for the boat rental only. The captain fee of $180 is payable at the docks if you opt for a captain.

What’s included in the rental?
You get the pontoon, paddleboard, lily pad, Bluetooth speaker, cooler (no ice), and beer pong floating mat.

How many people can fit on the boat?
Up to 12 when self-driving, or 11 with a captain.

Do I need to bring my own snacks?
Yes, you’re encouraged to bring your own drinks and snacks, but no glass bottles.

Is gratuity included?
No, gratuities are extra and should be paid directly to the captain or crew if you have one.

What if the weather is bad?
The experience requires good weather; if canceled, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund if notified 24 hours in advance.

Where do we meet?
At 36 Miracle Strip Pkwy SW, in Fort Walton Beach.

How far in advance should I book?
Most people book about 22 days ahead, so planning early is recommended.

Can service animals participate?
Yes, service animals are permitted.

This review aims to give a well-rounded picture of what to expect from the Crab Island Party! tour, helping you decide if it fits your group’s style of fun on the water in Destin.