Floating Tailgate Tour at Crab Island and Watch Football on Water

If you’ve ever dreamed of combining your love of football with a day on the water, the Floating Tailgate Tour at Crab Island promises to deliver just that. This 3.5-hour adventure, offered by Sandy Bottom Boat Tours in Destin, turns a typical game day into a floating party with stunning coastal views, good company, and the thrill of watching your favorite team on a big screen—right from the deck of a spacious pontoon boat.

What we love about this experience is its simple setup: it’s relaxed and social, perfect for groups of friends or families who want to enjoy a game in a lively, outdoor setting. The fact that you can BYOB means you’re free to bring your favorite drinks and snacks, making it feel like a tailgate party on the water. Plus, the chance to see dolphins while cruising and the chance to soak up sunshine are big pluses.

However, it’s worth noting that this experience is weather-dependent. Poor weather can lead to cancellations or rescheduling, which might be inconvenient if you’re counting on a specific day. And at $60 per person, it’s a decent value considering the combination of entertainment and scenic cruising, but it’s worth weighing whether a game day on water is the right vibe for your group.

This tour is best suited for sports fans who are looking for a fun, social way to watch football and love being on the water. It’s also great for those seeking a more casual, entertainment-filled day rather than a traditional sightseeing cruise.

Key Points

• Unique experience: Combining game day with a boat cruise at Crab Island
• BYOB friendly: Bring your own drinks for a lively tailgate atmosphere
• Comfortable amenities: Shaded seating, onboard restroom, WiFi
• Scenic cruising: Spot dolphins and enjoy coastal views
• Weather dependent: Cancellations possible in poor weather
• Group size: Up to 49 travelers, good for larger groups

An In-Depth Look at the Floating Tailgate Tour

What is the Floating Tailgate Tour?

This tour offers a lively, social way to catch a football game while enjoying the natural beauty of Destin’s waters. For about three and a half hours, you’ll be cruising on a pontoon boat with other fans, anchored at Crab Island—an iconic local spot famous for its crystal-clear waters and lively vibe. The tour is designed for fans who want to combine their passion for football with some fun on the water.

The experience is straightforward: board at the starting point in Fort Walton Beach, set sail towards Destin, and anchor at Crab Island to relax, watch football, and enjoy the scenery. For night games, you’ll explore the intercoastal waters, possibly catching dolphins along the way—adding an extra splash of delight to your day.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Two particular features stand out. First, the live football on a big screen on the boat, which means you don’t miss any plays, even while enjoying the open water. Second, the lively, social atmosphere created by bringing your own drinks and mingling with fellow fans. It’s less formal than a stadium and more about having a good time with friends under the sun.

What’s Included and What’s Not?

Included is the restroom on board—a surprisingly nice touch for comfort—and WiFi, so you can share your experience or keep up with sports scores elsewhere. The tour costs $60 per person, which includes the admission ticket and the basic amenities.

You’ll need to bring your own alcoholic beverages if you want a drink, as BYOB is permitted but no meals are provided. This setup encourages a casual, party-like vibe but means you should plan snacks or meals ahead of time if needed.

How the Tour Is Structured

The itinerary is simple: after departing from Fort Walton Beach, the boat heads toward Destin, where it anchors at Crab Island. The anchoring spot is chosen for its scenic beauty and suitability for relaxing and watching football. The tour duration of about 3.5 hours allows ample time for game watching and socializing without feeling rushed.

In case of night games, the boat explores the intercoastal waters, which adds a different perspective—more tranquil, with the chance to spot dolphins and enjoy the sunset.

What to Expect on the Boat

The boat is spacious, with shaded seating that keeps you cool during sunny days, and an onboard restroom for convenience. The atmosphere is lively but not chaotic, perfect for groups wanting a fun, relaxed outing. The WiFi on board is handy for sharing photos or checking scores, though don’t forget the main event—watching the game on the big screen.

Views and Dolphin Encounters

One of the highlights is the stunning views of Destin’s coastline. The water is often calm, offering picture-perfect scenes of sparkling waves and fun boats passing by. Some reviews mention dolphins swimming nearby, which adds an unexpected wildlife encounter to your day.

The Social Scene

This tour attracts a diverse crowd—groups of friends, families, sports fans—looking for a casual tailgate experience. The shared drinks and communal vibe make for a fun, interactive day, especially if you’re traveling with a group that enjoys social activities.

Pricing and Value

At $60 per person, the tour is competitively priced considering all it offers: scenic cruising, game day entertainment, onboard amenities, and the chance to relax at Crab Island. While it doesn’t include meals, the BYOB policy allows you to customize your snacks and drinks, which can be a cost saver and a personal touch.

Compared to stadium tickets or large events, this is an affordable way to watch a game with a scenic backdrop. Plus, the opportunity to see dolphins and enjoy Destin’s waters adds value beyond just the game.

Considerations about Weather and Cancellation

Weather is a key factor—if rain or thunderstorms roll in, the tour might be canceled or rescheduled. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance, which provides some peace of mind. Remember, the experience is weather-dependent, so check the forecast before booking.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Book This Tour?

This experience is ideal for sports fans who love being outdoors, want a different way to watch football, and enjoy a social, party-like atmosphere. It’s perfect for groups of friends, bachelor parties, or families seeking a fun day on the water. If you’re someone who appreciates scenic views, dolphins, and a relaxed vibe, this tour hits the right notes.

However, if you prefer a more structured or formal experience, or if weather is a concern, you might want to consider other options. Also, those expecting a quiet cruise might find the lively environment a bit too boisterous.

In essence, this tour offers a memorable way to combine your love of football with the natural beauty of Destin, making it a worthwhile pick for those looking to add a splash of fun to their trip.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for families?
Yes, most travelers can participate, and the relaxed environment makes it family-friendly, especially if your kids enjoy watching sports and being on the water.

Can I bring my own drinks?
Absolutely, BYOB is permitted, so bring your favorite drinks to enjoy during the game.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes, including cruising time and game watching.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at 36 Miracle Strip Pkwy SW in Fort Walton Beach and returns there at the end of the trip.

Is there WiFi onboard?
Yes, WiFi is available, making it easy to share photos or check scores.

Can I cancel if the weather is bad?
Yes, cancellations due to weather are allowed, and you can get a full refund if canceled more than 24 hours in advance.

What amenities are included?
A restroom onboard and shaded seating are included for comfort.

Is there a limit on the group size?
The tour accommodates up to 49 travelers, suitable for larger groups.

Do I need to bring anything besides drinks?
Bring snacks or meals if desired, as none are provided; also, sunglasses and sunscreen are recommended.

How much does it cost?
It’s $60 per person, which includes the boat ride, amenities, and the game viewing experience.

To sum it up, the Floating Tailgate Tour at Crab Island offers a lively, scenic way to enjoy football with friends and family. Its combination of water adventure, social ambiance, and the thrill of live game viewing makes it a standout for those wanting a memorable, fun-filled day in Destin. Just keep an eye on the weather, plan your BYOB supplies, and get ready for a different kind of game day—one that’s on water and packed with good vibes.