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Sandbar · Destin, Florida
Crab Island
A submerged sandbar by the Destin bridge, at the entrance to Choctawhatchee Bay, where boats and pontoons anchor in shallow green water and people stand waist‑deep.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Crab Island
Crab Island is not an island: it is a sandbar at the mouth of Choctawhatchee Bay to the Gulf, just north of the bridge that links Destin to Okaloosa Island. Until the mid‑20th century there was a small island there that erosion and storms gradually submerged.
The water is shallow, generally waist‑ or chest‑deep, clear and green over white sand. On warm days, hundreds of boats and pontoons anchor side by side, and people spend hours standing in the water. Snack boats sell food and drinks, and there are floating inflatable toys.
Access is by boat only. There are excursions that take visitors roundtrip, and many harbor companies rent pontoons and kayaks. Depth changes with the tide and with the channel’s current, which can be strong.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
Two to four hours.
Best time
At high tide, which usually makes the water clearer, and on weekdays when there are fewer boats. July and August are the busiest months.
How to get there
By boat only, from Destin harbor or Okaloosa Island, a few minutes away. Pontoons and kayaks are available for rent and organized tours run regularly.
Tip
Stay away from the navigation channel, where currents are strong, and bring water and sunscreen: there is no shade.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Crab Island
How do you get to Crab Island?
By boat only: on an organized excursion, by renting a pontoon or by kayak from Destin harbor or Okaloosa Island.
Is Crab Island an island?
No. It is a submerged sandbar with shallow water where boats anchor and people stand in the water.
What time of day is best for Crab Island?
At high tide, when the water tends to be clearer, and on weekdays when there are fewer boats.