Picture this: The perfect Okaloosa Island Vacation Condo for the perfect Fort Walton Beach Vacation. Seafood Restaurants, White Sand Beaches, Dolphin Adventure Parks, Sunset Cruises, Water Parks, Local Museums, Golf Courses, Mini Golf Courses, Pontoon Boat Rentals, Jet Ski Rentals, Parasailing, and so much more.
Visit the lovely Downtown Fort Walton Beach area, with several awesome restaurants – Magnolia Grill, Ali’s Bistro, Burrito Del Sol, Fokker’s Bar and Grill, SudsNCinema historic dinner theater serving Food, Beer and Wine, to name a few.
Visit Crab Island
Exploring the Hidden Gem: Crab Island in Destin, Florida
Nestled along the stunning Emerald Coast of Florida lies a hidden gem that captures the essence of relaxation, adventure, and pure bliss: Crab Island in Destin. Far from your typical island retreat, Crab Island isn’t a traditional landmass but rather a submerged sandbar located just north of the Destin Bridge. Let’s dive into the enchanting world of Crab Island and discover why it’s a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the Gulf Coast.
A Natural Wonderland
What makes Crab Island truly unique is its ever-changing landscape. Depending on the tides, the sandbar may be submerged in crystal-clear waters or reveal itself as a pristine beach oasis. This dynamic environment provides an unparalleled setting for aquatic activities, from swimming and snorkeling to paddleboarding and kayaking. As you wade through the shallow waters, you’ll be surrounded by breathtaking views of the Choctawhatchee Bay and the distant skyline of Destin.
Aquatic Playground
Crab Island isn’t just a place to soak up the sun; it’s an aquatic playground teeming with vibrant energy. During the summer months, it transforms into a bustling hub of activity, with boats of all shapes and sizes anchoring around its perimeter. Locals and visitors alike gather here to socialize, play games, and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere. From floating bars and live music to inflatable water slides and paddleboard rentals, there’s no shortage of entertainment options to keep you entertained for hours on end.
Culinary Delights
One of the highlights of any visit to Crab Island is indulging in the mouthwatering culinary offerings available right on the water. Throughout the day, a fleet of food boats and floating vendors ply the area, serving up a delectable array of seafood specialties, including freshly caught shrimp, crab legs, oysters, and fish tacos. Whether you’re craving a savory snack or a refreshing drink, you’ll find plenty of options to satisfy your taste buds as you bask in the sunshine and soak up the laid-back vibe of this unique destination.
Tips for Visiting Crab Island
If you’re planning a trip to Crab Island, here are a few tips to help you make the most of your experience:
- Arrive Early: Crab Island can get crowded, especially during peak season. Arriving early in the morning ensures you’ll secure a prime spot and have plenty of time to enjoy the festivities before the crowds arrive.
- Pack Essentials: Be sure to bring sunscreen, towels, and plenty of water to stay hydrated throughout the day. Don’t forget your snorkeling gear if you want to explore the underwater world teeming with marine life.
- Plan Your Transportation: While some visitors opt to paddle out to Crab Island on kayaks or paddleboards, most people arrive by boat. Consider renting a pontoon boat or joining a guided tour to make getting to and from the sandbar a breeze.
- Respect the Environment: As with any natural attraction, it’s essential to respect the delicate ecosystem of Crab Island. Dispose of your trash properly, avoid disturbing marine life, and follow any posted guidelines to help preserve this pristine paradise for future generations to enjoy.
In Conclusion
Crab Island in Okaloosa, Florida, offers a one-of-a-kind experience that combines the beauty of nature with the excitement of aquatic adventure. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, entertainment, or culinary delights, this hidden gem has something for everyone. So, grab your sunscreen, gather your friends and family, and embark on an unforgettable journey to Crab Island—a place where memories are made and magic happens on the shimmering waters of the Gulf Coast.
For easy Fort Walton Beach activities and things to do, start with Crab Island. If you’re still a little crabby from that jet lag on your flight here, then this island ought to cheer you right up! It’s notably “one of the most gleeful spots” in all of Fort Walton Beach. Indeed, the amount of relaxation you can do here is surreal. Sunbathing on the boat is a top choice, as is sipping a cool beverage while drifting in a floatie.
People also like to gentle paddle by kayak. Nice and slow: That’s the rhythm and vibe here. Forget your worries and drop in any day between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. If you get hungry, pick up some inexpensive, quality-boiled peanuts from the onsite boat vendors; they’ve got multiple ice cream selections, too!
Book a Jet-Ski Tour
Destin Water Fun is your destination for all things jet-skis, starting at $80 a rental. If you’re a school teacher, military member, EMT, firefighter, or police officer, you’ll get a 10% discount upon showing your credentials. Keep in mind that all prices include the fuel and life jacket(s), along with a 6% sales tax. The cost is a deal in itself, as these jet-skis and wave-runners often upgrade for safety and quality. They’re some of the newest models around, some no older than from 2018.
On these tours, you can see pods of dolphins and more sea life. The driver takes you right in front of the action while keeping a safe distance. These jet-skis go at least 50 mph, or at most, 75.
They’re open daily (9 a.m. to 6 p.m.). If you need online service or have any follow-up inquiries, their online servicing is available 24/7; message them anytime. It’s your destiny to have fun at Destin Water Fun!
Rent a Boat
Gilligan’s Watersports is the top place to be when you want to rent out a quality pontoon boat. They’re open Saturdays/Sundays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. They offer a boating safety course taught by certified pros; you must complete it before renting a boat from them. The same general rule typically applies, whether you’re within the greater Fort Walton Beach area or elsewhere. It’s the standard procedure, with your safety always first in mind, so please remember that.
Up to 12 people can mount. It starts at $275 per boat. 50 HP boats are offered. Each boat tour runs for 4-8 hours.
Parasail
At Gilligan’s, you can also parasail to get the best high-up view of the area; you can spot sea turtles, fish, dolphins, and more. Gilligan’s will take you 500 feet high and safely monitor you at every step. They take pictures of you as you’re ascending and descending. Once your activity’s done, run to the sales booth and request to digitally see/buy your photos. To get them all in a packaged deal, loaded onto an SD card of your choice, it’ll only cost $25.
Parasailing starts at $45 a person and lasts 1.5 hours. A Gilligan’s parasail can hold up to 450 lbs. For stability while in the air, the minimum weight required is 90 lbs. Keep this in mind if going solo.
Take Surf Lessons
Surf’s up at Crab Island Watersports, open daily (8 to 6). Offering private family lessons on and off throughout the year, sometimes on a seasonal basis, Crab Island Watersports is one of the cheapest venues around (starting at $18/hour per lesson). Their instructors are proven pros with years of dedication and experience.
You should also check out the folks on Viator if you want something a little lengthier and more in-depth. Lessons are at least 2 hours long, enveloping the best quality.
Ready to Rent Out? End your visit with a pleasant stay in one of our fantastic rentals. There are over 50 to pick from, so you’re sure to find a perfect fit. Contact our rental team, and we’ll help you find an ideal rental option!
