Planning a day at Crab Island? Then this private, four-hour cruise aboard a luxury double-decker slide pontoon might just be your ticket to a memorable outing. We’ve looked into what this experience offers for travelers seeking a mix of comfort, adventure, and local expertise, and what you can expect when booking a trip with Destin Crab Island Charters.
What draws us to this tour? First, the brand-new boat with its stylish design and upgraded sound system promises both comfort and fun. Second, the local guides are praised for their knowledge, making every trip more than just a boat ride — it becomes an insider’s peek into Crab Island’s hidden gems.
One consideration is the price—at $600 for up to 10 people, it’s an investment, but if you’re in a group, it’s a surprisingly good value given the amenities and personalized service. This experience suits families, friends, or anyone looking to relax, explore, and enjoy water fun with the bonus of expert guiding.
Key Points

- Private Group Experience: Only your party on the boat, with a captain dedicated to your needs.
- Luxury Features: Double-decker design, slide, cushioned lounge, and upgraded sound system enhance comfort and fun.
- Water Play Options: Paddleboards, lily pad, snorkel gear, and a splash pad encourage active water adventures.
- Expert Guides: Knowledgeable captains who make the trip informative and engaging.
- Flexible Itinerary: Your captain will tailor stops around your preferences for a truly personalized day.
- Good Value: When divided among a group, this trip offers a lot of amenities for a competitive price.
A Closer Look at the Experience

The core appeal of this tour is the private nature—your own boat and captain, making it a flexible and intimate outing. Starting at the conveniently located meeting point in Fort Walton Beach, you’ll cruise out in style aboard a brand-new, double-decker pontoon boat. The boat features an upgraded sound system, perfect for setting a lively mood, and a cushioned lounge on the top deck where you can sunbathe or simply relax while cruising the waters.
The itinerary is loosely structured around your desires, but the highlight is undoubtedly Crab Island itself—a shallow, sandy paradise where families and friends gather for fun. The captain acts as your guide, sharing local insights along the way. Several reviews mention how knowledgeable and personable the guides are, with one reviewer noting that Captain Easton made the trip “fun, safe, and seamless,” and another mentioning that Captain Sebastian went out of his way to spot dolphins en route.
You can also read our reviews of more private tours in Destin
The Water Toys and Amenities
Once anchored at Crab Island, the fun begins with plenty of water-based toys. You’ll have access to two inflatable paddleboards, an 18-foot lily pad, snorkel masks, and a cooler for your drinks. These add an active element to the day, whether you want to paddle around, lounge on the lily pad, or search for marine life with the snorkels.
The slide is a standout feature, providing a fun entrance into the water that’s especially popular with kids and the young at heart. Several reviews praise how much their children loved the slide, with one saying, “the kids loved the slide,” and another mentioning how the boat looked just like the pictures.
The Itinerary Breakdown
- Departure from Fort Walton Beach: About a 3-minute cruise to Crab Island.
- Cruising & Dolphin Spotting: Several reviews highlight dolphin sightings, with guides making efforts to ensure you see local marine life.
- Crab Island Stop: Enjoy the shallow waters, float on the lily pad, splash around, or snorkel while your captain handles the navigation.
- Return cruise: Relax on the boat, enjoy the scenery, and listen to music as you head back.
Authentic Experiences Highlighted by Travelers
Many reviews emphasize how the guides’ local expertise made the experience special. One reviewer shared how their captain “went out of his way to make sure we saw dolphins,” which adds a layer of authenticity to this outing. The boat’s cleanliness and comfortable setup have also earned praise, with one traveler noting that it “looked just like the pics,” indicating good value.
The Cost and What You’re Getting
At $600 for up to 10 people, this private cruise offers excellent value—especially considering the amenities, water toys, and dedicated guide service. Gratuities and the captain’s fee are paid directly to the captain, so budget accordingly. The trip lasts around 4 hours, giving ample time to relax, play, and explore without feeling rushed.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Destin
Booking and Practicalities
Booking is typically made about 24 days in advance, so planning ahead is wise, especially in peak season. The activity is suitable for most travelers, including service animals, and departs from a convenient location near public transportation. Weather considerations are important: if canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or full refund.
Who Will Love This Tour?

This trip is perfect for families with kids, thanks to the water toys and shallow waters, making it safe and fun. Groups of friends seeking a private, customizable day out will also find it ideal. If you’re interested in dolphin sightings, water activities, and guided local insights, this cruise ticks all those boxes.
Travelers looking for a lively, social experience might prefer larger group tours, but if you value privacy, comfort, and personalized service, this is hard to beat. The expert guides truly enhance the trip, turning it into more than just a boat ride but an educational and entertaining outing.
Final Thoughts: Is This the Right Choice?

This private Crab Island cruise offers a well-rounded balance of comfort, adventure, and local flavor. The luxury boat ensures a smooth, stylish ride, and the water toys keep everyone entertained. The knowledgeable guides can turn your trip into a mini educational tour, with dolphin sightings and hidden gems along the way.
For families, friends, or anyone wanting a flexible, personalized day on the water, this cruise delivers on multiple fronts. The value for money becomes evident when sharing the cost among your group, especially considering the amenities and the exclusive experience.
If your goal is to relax, explore, and create lasting memories in Crab Island’s shallow, sandy waters, then this private pontoon is likely to meet or exceed your expectations. Just remember to book ahead, plan to tip your captain, and bring your favorite snacks and drinks for the full experience.
FAQ

How many people can fit on this boat?
Up to 10 people, making it ideal for families, friends, or small groups wanting a private experience.
What’s included in the price?
The rental includes a double-decker pontoon with slide, two paddleboards, an 18-foot lily pad, snorkel masks, a cooler (bring your own ice), and a Bluetooth speaker.
Are there any additional costs I should be aware of?
Yes, gratuities and the captain’s fee are paid directly to the captain during the trip. Also, consider bringing your own food and drinks to enjoy during the cruise.
How far in advance should I book?
Most trips are booked about 24 days in advance, so planning ahead is recommended, especially during peak season.
What happens if the weather is bad?
If canceled due to bad weather, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund. The activity requires good weather for safety and enjoyment.
Can I bring my pet?
Service animals are allowed, but other pets are not explicitly mentioned, so it’s best to check with the provider beforehand.
Is this activity suitable for children?
Yes, many reviews highlight how kids love the slide, lily pad, and water toys, making it a family-friendly choice.
To sum it up, this Private Crab Island Luxury Slide Pontoon Charter provides a wonderful blend of comfort, fun, and local expertise. It’s ideal for small groups looking for a tailored, private day on the water, with plenty of opportunities to relax or get active. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want to enjoy a memorable day with loved ones, this cruise offers a practical, enjoyable way to experience Crab Island’s waters.
More VIP Experiences in Destin
More Private Tours in Destin
- Destin Private Boat Tours Dolphin Crab Island Snorkel Sunset
- Private Catamaran Sunset Cruise with Dolphin watching
- Private Crab Island Boat Charter up to 15 People
- Premium Non-Private 3 Hour Crab Island and Eco Tour With Bathroom
- Private Catamaran: Snorkel, Swim and Dolphin Watching
- 4-Hour Private Crab Island Tour Review
More Tour Reviews in Destin
- ECO adventure to Cypress Springs by Paddle Board or Kayak
- Floating Tailgate Tour at Crab Island and Watch Football on Water
- Self-Guided E-Bike or Cruiser Bike Tour of St. Andrews State Park
- Destin Harbor Sunset Cruise: Scenic 2-Hour Experience
- Okaloosa Island: Pontoon Boat Rental
- Destin Private Boat Tours Dolphin Crab Island Snorkel Sunset
Not for you? Here's more nearby things to do in Destin we have reviewed
- ECO adventure to Cypress Springs by Paddle Board or Kayak
- Floating Tailgate Tour at Crab Island and Watch Football on Water
- Self-Guided E-Bike or Cruiser Bike Tour of St. Andrews State Park
- Destin Harbor Sunset Cruise: Scenic 2-Hour Experience
- Okaloosa Island: Pontoon Boat Rental
- Destin Private Boat Tours Dolphin Crab Island Snorkel Sunset
- Destin: Tailfins Tiki Crab Island Swim:Float:Chill (3 Hours)
- 3 Hour Crab Island Sandbar Cruise
- Private Catamaran Sunset Cruise with Dolphin watching
- Destin: Snorkeling, Dolphins, and Crab Island
- Destin Harbor Kayak Rental
- Destin: Reef Snorkeling Adventure
