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

Introducing Our Review of the Crab Island Party Boat Experience

If you’re dreaming of a laid-back day on the water with friends or family, the Crab Island Party! Lily Pad, Paddleboard, Speaker & Cooler tour might catch your eye. It’s a flexible option that combines the excitement of cruising with the chance to relax at one of Destin’s most popular spots.

What we appreciate about this experience is how it offers premium amenities—like a Bluetooth speaker, paddleboards, and a floating lily pad—so you can really make the most of your time on the water. Plus, the option to drive the boat yourself or hire a captain adds a nice level of control and convenience.

However, a potential consideration is the additional fee for the captain, which isn’t included in the base price and has to be paid at the docks—something that can surprise travelers if they’re not aware beforehand.

This tour suits groups looking for a fun, social outing that combines water sports, music, and scenic views without the hefty price tag of private charters. It’s especially good for those comfortable with boating or willing to pay the extra for a captain.

Key Points

• Flexible Group Size: Up to 12 people can join, either driving the boat or hiring a captain.
• All the Fun Extras: Paddleboards, lily pad, cooler, Bluetooth speaker, and floating beer pong mats enhance the day.
• Pricing and Extras: The base cost is $325 for the group, with an additional fee ($180) for a captain—paid directly at the docks.
• Four-Hour Duration: Ample time to explore Crab Island, enjoy water activities, and soak up the scenery.
• Booking in Advance: Most travelers book about three weeks ahead, indicating its popularity.
• Mixed Reviews: While many praise the fun amenities and beautiful marine life, some express concerns about additional costs and clarity during booking.

What to Expect on this Crab Island Adventure

This tour offers a four-hour cruise aboard a Luxury Godfrey Sweetwater Tritoon, powered by a robust Yamaha 150hp engine. Whether you choose to pilot the boat yourself or opt for a paid captain, you’ll enjoy the freedom to explore Destin’s waters at your own pace.

The Boat and Its Features

The vessel comfortably accommodates up to 12 passengers if you’re driving, or 11 plus a captain if you prefer to sit back. The boat itself is designed with a focus on family fun and social gatherings—think birthdays, bachelor/bachelorette parties, or just a group wanting to party on the water.

It comes equipped with several extras: a Bluetooth JBL PartyBox speaker to blast tunes, paddleboards for those wanting to get a different view of the water, a lily pad for lounging or games, and floatable beer pong mats. Plus, there’s a cooler (without ice) for your drinks—so don’t forget to bring your own (no glass, please).

The Route and Destinations

The boat cruise takes you to Crab Island, a shallow, sandbar-turned-party spot famous for its lively atmosphere and crystal-clear water. The trip also includes a cruise along the Emerald Coast Beaches and the Harbor, giving you a chance to appreciate the area’s natural beauty from the water.

While the actual itinerary depends on your choices, the main highlight is definitely Crab Island. Here, you’ll find plenty of space to relax, socialize, and enjoy water sports. As one reviewer noted, the water was “clear but wasn’t as pretty as I had heard it was,” yet marine life was abundant—super cool for those interested in local aquatic creatures.

The Fun and Practical Aspects

Bringing your drinks and snacks is straightforward, but remember—no glass containers. The provided amenities encourage a lively, casual vibe, with music and floating activities making for a memorable day.

One reviewer summed it up as “a great experience and they had everything we needed,” highlighting how well-equipped the tour is for group fun. On the other hand, some travelers were confused about the extra costs for a captain—something you’ll need to plan for if you want someone to drive the boat for you. Payment can be made directly to the captain at the docks, with the fee set at $180.

The Cost and What You’re Getting

For $325 per group, you get an all-in-one experience that includes the boat rental, paddleboards, lily pad, speaker, and floating mats. It’s a budget-friendly way to enjoy a day on the water with a crew of friends or family.

However, the additional fee for a captain is an important detail. While driving yourself gives you maximum flexibility and a sense of adventure, hiring the captain means additional cost and planning. The fee is payable at the docks, and payment options include cash, Venmo, Zelle, or CashApp.

This setup means you’re essentially paying for the boat, amenities, and the experience, but want to be clear about your budget for the captain. It’s worth noting that this could be a turnoff for some who might have expected all costs to be included upfront.

The Reviews: What Travelers Say

Reviewers give this experience a moderate score of 3.5 out of 5—a reflection of some mixed feelings about the costs and the quality of the water. One guest, Rebecca_K, mentioned that the marine life was super cool, suggesting that even if the water wasn’t as stunning as some hoped, the wildlife made up for it.

Andrea_P rated it 5 out of 5, praising the “great experience” and the well-equipped nature of the tour. She emphasized how much fun they had, especially with the provided amenities and the lively atmosphere.

However, Paula_T’s experience highlights an important point about cost clarity. She felt blindsided by the additional $200 fee for a captain—something she says was never clear in the booking process. This underscores the importance of understanding all costs beforehand to avoid surprises.

Practical Tips for Booking and Enjoying Your Tour

• Book early: Many travelers schedule their trip about three weeks ahead, so plan ahead during peak season.
• Determine your captain preference: If you aren’t comfortable driving a boat or don’t have the necessary license, budget for the extra fee.
• Bring your supplies: Drinks, snacks, and swimsuits are a given—just avoid glass containers to keep the environment safe.
• Prepare for the weather: The tour is weather-dependent. If canceled, you’re eligible for a full refund or a rescheduled date.
• Tip your captain**: If you hire one, gratuities are appreciated and typically expected.
• Arrive on time: The meeting point is at 36 Miracle Strip Pkwy SW, Fort Walton Beach, which is near public transportation options.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour works well for groups wanting a fun, customizable water experience—especially those who enjoy water sports and music. It’s ideal for families, birthday celebrations, or bachelorette parties looking to balance active time with relaxation.

If you’re comfortable with boating and don’t mind paying the extra for a captain, you’ll find this offers great value for the money, especially considering all the included amenities. However, if cost transparency and a fully guided experience are your priorities, you might want to explore other options or clarify costs before booking.

The Sum Up

The Crab Island Party! Lily Pad, Paddleboard, Speaker & Cooler tour offers a lively, flexible way to enjoy Destin’s famous waters. It’s especially suited for groups who appreciate a blend of adventure, socializing, and scenic beauty—all at a reasonable price point. The amenities provided ensure a fun-filled day, whether you’re paddling around, relaxing on a lily pad, or dancing to your favorite tunes.

While the extra costs for a captain could be a sticking point for some, the option to drive the boat yourself adds a layer of independence that many will enjoy. The tour’s highlight remains the chance to spend quality time at Crab Island, soaking up the sun and wildlife in crystal-clear waters.

This experience delivers good value for a group outing, especially if you’re prepared for the possible extra fees and eager to make the most of your time on the water. It’s a solid choice for anyone wanting a mix of adventure, relaxation, and beautiful views with friends or family.

FAQ

Is pickup offered for this tour?
Yes, pickup is available, making it more convenient to start your day.

What is the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 4 hours, providing plenty of time for activities and relaxation.

Can I drive the boat myself?
Yes, the boat is designed for self-driving if you have a boating license. Alternatively, you can hire a captain for an extra fee.

How many people can fit on the boat?
Up to 12 passengers can be on the boat if you’re driving, or 11 if you hire a captain.

Are drinks and snacks allowed?
Yes, you can bring your own drinks and snacks, but no glass containers are permitted.

What extras are included with the tour?
You get a paddleboard, lily pad, floating beer pong mats, cooler, and Bluetooth speaker.

What about tipping the captain?
Tipping is customary if you hire a captain; the fee is paid at the docks, and gratuities are appreciated.

Is this experience suitable for children or service animals?
Most travelers can participate, and service animals are allowed.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour is weather-dependent. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

How far in advance should I book?
Most bookings are made about three weeks ahead, so plan early for peak seasons.

This tour offers a fun, flexible way to enjoy the water, with enough amenities and scenic moments to keep everyone happy. Just be sure to clarify costs upfront and prepare for a lively day on the Emerald Coast.