Floating Tailgate Tour at Crab Island and Watch Football on Water
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ReviewCount: 0
Location: Destin, USA
Price: $60.00 per person
Supplier Name: Sandy Bottom Boat Tours
Supplier Phone: +18557263938
Supplier Email: [email protected]
A Perfect Mix of Sports, Sun, and Water
If you’re heading to Destin and want to combine your love of football with some fun on the water, the Floating Tailgate Tour at Crab Island offers a truly unique experience. For about three and a half hours, a spacious pontoon boat takes you on a lively cruise where you can cheer for your favorite team on a big screen TV while soaking up the sun. The tour costs around $60 per person, which is quite reasonable considering the combination of entertainment, scenic waters, and social vibe.
What we particularly liked are the comfortable shaded seating — which lets you enjoy the sunshine without overdoing it — and the onboard restroom that keeps things hassle-free on a day that’s all about fun and relaxation. Plus, the opportunity to BYOB makes it an easy choice for groups wanting to enjoy drinks without extra fees, adding to the laid-back tailgate feel.
One potential consideration is that the tour is weather-dependent; poor weather can lead to cancellations or rescheduling. Also, since it’s a social, lively environment, it might be less suited for those seeking a quiet, serene cruise. But for sports fans, friends wanting a party on the water, or anyone looking for a memorable way to watch a game, this tour hits the mark.
This experience is best suited for groups of friends, couples, or families who enjoy a fun, energetic atmosphere and want to combine their love of football with the scenic beauty of Destin’s waters.
Key Points
- Unique experience: Watch live football on a big screen while floating on the water.
- Comfort and convenience: Shaded seating and onboard restroom for a hassle-free day.
- BYOB welcome: Bring your drinks to keep the party lively and personal.
- Location & scenery: Anchored at Crab Island, with chances to see dolphins and enjoy scenic views.
- Flexible and accessible: Near public transportation and suitable for most travelers.
- Weather-dependent: Tours may be canceled in poor weather, so check the forecast.
An In-Depth Look at the Floating Tailgate Tour in Destin

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What is the Floating Tailgate Tour?
Imagine combining your favorite football game with a fun day on the water — that’s exactly what this tour offers. Starting at 36 Miracle Strip Pkwy SW in Fort Walton Beach, the tour begins with a cruise towards Destin, culminating at Crab Island, a popular water spot known for its lively scene. Over approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes, you’ll enjoy the thrill of watching a live game on a large TV while floating in a spacious pontoon boat.
The experience is designed to be casual and social, with plenty of space to relax, chat with friends, and share snacks and drinks. The boat itself provides comfortable shaded seating—a real plus in Florida’s sun—and an onboard restroom, so you won’t have to worry about port stops or discomfort during the game.
The Itinerary: From Destin Harbor to Crab Island and Beyond
Once the tour departs from the marina, the boat heads toward Destin, leaving the harbor behind. The first stop is Crab Island, a floating paradise where boats gather for fun, music, and socializing. Here, you can relax, enjoy the water, and get ready to watch some football.
For night games, the boat explores the intercoastal waterway, offering scenic views of Destin’s coastline — perfect for snapping photos or just soaking in the sunset. During this cruise, dolphin sightings are common, adding a magical touch to the water adventure.
What Makes This Tour Stand Out?
Watching football on water is the headline feature — a novel way to cheer on your team, especially if you’re a sports enthusiast. The large TV onboard ensures everyone in your group gets a good view, and the lively atmosphere makes it feel like a tailgate party on the sea.
The social vibe is amplified by the BYOB policy, turning the tour into a floating party where you can enjoy your favorite drinks without extra fuss. The shaded seats make it easy to relax without worry about the sun, while the restroom onboard adds convenience, especially for longer games or group outings.
Authentic Feedback from Travelers
While no official reviews are posted yet, the tour’s popularity — with over five bookings last month — hints at its appeal. The fact that it’s a fun outing for both college and NFL games suggests broad appeal. The inclusion of WiFi on board helps keep everyone connected, whether for sharing live updates or just browsing during commercials.
What to Expect from the Experience
Expect a lively, social environment with a chance to see dolphins and enjoy scenic views, all while catching your favorite team’s game. The boat’s size — accommodating up to 49 travelers — ensures a lively but manageable crowd.
The cost of $60 per person is quite reasonable considering the entertainment value, scenic beauty, and convenience of a ready-made tailgate on the water. It’s also a great way to save on the hassle of land-based tailgate setups or stadium parking.
Practical Details and Tips
- Meeting point: 36 Miracle Strip Pkwy SW, Fort Walton Beach
- Duration: About 3 hours 30 minutes
- Inclusions: Restroom, WiFi, and admission to Crab Island
- What to bring: Drinks (BYOB permitted), snacks, sun protection, and possibly a towel or swimsuit for water fun
- Weather: Check forecast — poor weather might cancel or reschedule
- Booking: Confirmations are immediate, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance
Who Will Appreciate This Tour?

This tour is ideal for sports fans who love a fun, social experience and want to enjoy their game with friends in a laid-back setting. It’s also perfect for groups celebrating a special occasion, like a birthday or bachelor party, who want to combine drinks, sun, and sports in one lively outing.
Travelers seeking a scenic water cruise with a twist will appreciate the chance to see dolphins and enjoy Destin’s beautiful coastline while catching a game. It’s less suited for those looking for a quiet, romantic cruise or those wary of a lively, party atmosphere.
Final Thoughts
The Floating Tailgate Tour at Crab Island offers a uniquely enjoyable way to combine sports, scenic waters, and socializing. Its value lies in the relaxed, inclusive environment, where you’re free to bring your drinks, enjoy the sun, and cheer your team on a large screen. With comfortable amenities, scenic views, and a lively crowd, this tour makes a memorable outing for anyone looking to add a splash of fun to game day.
For families with kids, it’s a casual, engaging experience, though the lively atmosphere might be better suited for older children or groups of friends. Sports fans, in particular, will find this tour delivers a fun, memorable twist on their traditional tailgate.
If you’re in Destin and want to watch a game in a setting that’s both scenic and social, the Floating Tailgate Tour offers excellent value — especially when combined with the chance to see dolphins and enjoy the sunshine. Just remember to book in advance, check the weather, and bring your favorite drinks for a day of water-based fun.
FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
The tour is open to most travelers, but since it’s a lively, social environment with BYOB and a party atmosphere, it might be more enjoyable for teens and adults.
Can I bring my own drinks?
Yes, BYOB is permitted, so you can bring your favorite beverages to enjoy during the game and cruise.
What should I wear on the tour?
Comfortable casual clothes, sun protection like hats and sunscreen, and swimwear if you plan to enjoy the water are recommended.
Will I see dolphins?
Dolphin sightings are possible during the cruise, especially as you explore the intercoastal waters around Destin.
How long is the tour?
The tour lasts about 3 hours and 30 minutes, providing plenty of time for game viewing, relaxing, and sightseeing.
What if the weather is bad?
Tours are weather-dependent; if canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Is there WiFi onboard?
Yes, WiFi is available, so you can stay connected or share your experience in real time.
This floating tailgate offers a refreshing twist on game day, blending scenic water views with the excitement of live football. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want a fun way to watch your team, this tour provides a lively, scenic, and practical experience on the water.
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