Private Crab Island Double Slides Pontoon Charter

If you’re dreaming of a laid-back day on the water with friends or family, a private Crab Island pontoon charter might just be the perfect choice. For around $550 per group (up to 10 people), you’ll get approximately 4 hours of fun, sun, and splashes in the Gulf of Mexico, all aboard a double-decker slide pontoon. What makes this experience stand out? It’s the flexibility—creating your own itinerary—and the lineup of water toys, including a floating lily pad and inflatable paddleboard.

Two things we really appreciate: First, the attentive guides, like Captain Aedan or Easton, who are praised for their friendliness and local knowledge. Second, the aesthetic of Crab Island itself—a soft sandbar teeming with water activity, perfect for swimming, relaxing, or just soaking up the scenery.

A potential consideration? This tour is booked about 38 days in advance on average, so planning ahead is wise if you want to lock in your preferred date. Also, since it’s a private experience, it’s best suited for those wanting personalized attention rather than a large, noisy group. Suitable for families, friends, or anyone looking for a relaxed yet fun Gulf Coast outing.

Key Points

• Flexible, customizable itinerary tailored to your group’s wishes
• Includes water toys like a floating lily pad, paddleboard, and slide for endless fun
• Private boat, with captain guiding you around Crab Island and nearby waters
• Good value considering the duration, water toys, and personalized service
• Ideal for families and small groups looking for a relaxed, fun day on the water
• Booking early is recommended to secure your preferred date

Starting Point and Logistics

Your adventure begins at 38 Miracle Strip Pkwy SW in Fort Walton Beach, where the crew from Emerald Island Charters greets you. Since it’s a private tour, you’ll be the only group onboard, which means no unwanted strangers sharing your space. The process is straightforward: meet your captain, pack a cooler with your favorite drinks and snacks, and hop aboard. Remember, you’re responsible for your own food and drinks—the tour does not include food service, but vendors often visit Crab Island, and some reviewers bring plenty of snacks to keep everyone happy during the trip.

The Journey Out to Crab Island

Once aboard, expect a relaxing boat ride through the calm waters of Destin Harbor. You’ll appreciate the cleanliness and spaciousness of the boat, designed to comfortably fit up to 10 passengers. The captain—many reviewers mention Aedan or Easton—sets a friendly tone, sharing tidbits about the area and wildlife along the way. We loved that they often spot dolphins or jellyfish, turning the trip itself into a mini wildlife adventure.

The Highlight: Crab Island

Reaching Crab Island is like stepping into a paradise for water lovers. The boat anchors in shallow, protected waters, perfect for swimming or relaxing on floats. The sandbar, visible from the boat, is a lively gathering spot with vendors, restaurants, and plenty of water activity options. If you’re a first-timer, you’ll find the soft sand and shallow water ideal for kids and nervous swimmers.

Water Toys and Fun Features

The double-slide pontoon is what we love about this tour. Kids and adults alike rave about the slide, often calling it their favorite part. As one reviewer notes, “our pontoon had a slide the kids loved, along with a lily pad and water toys,” which means plenty of ways to enjoy the water without feeling crowded.

The floating lily pad offers a hilarious challenge to keep balance, while the inflatable paddleboard lets you glide around at your own pace. The Bluetooth speaker lets you blast your favorite tunes, adding to the festive vibe.

Personalization and Flexibility

Since this is a private tour, you’re encouraged to customize your day. Want to spend more time swimming? Perfect. Prefer to relax in the sun? No problem. The captain can suggest the best spots based on current conditions and wildlife sightings, which many reviews praise as friendly and knowledgeable.

Returning and Reflection

As the four hours wind down, your captain will head back to Destin Harbor. Reviewers mention how smooth and friendly the process is, with many expressing a desire to do it again. The proximity to shore makes it easy and convenient—no long boat rides back, just a quick cruise to wrap up a memorable day.

This experience truly suits families with kids, groups of friends, or couples who want a relaxed, personalized day on the water. The inclusion of water toys, the chance to spot marine life, and the freedom to craft your own itinerary make it especially appealing for those wanting a hands-on, fun-filled outing.

If you’re looking for a more structured or luxurious cruise, this might not be your fit. But if your priority is local flavor, water-based fun, and a friendly captain, this tour hits the mark.

At $550 for up to 10 people, the price is quite reasonable considering the four-hour duration, water toys, and private service. In fact, many reviews highlight how worth every dollar it was—especially with captains praised for their friendliness and expertise. The inclusion of water toys and a Bluetooth speaker adds extra value, turning a simple boat ride into a full-blown water park adventure.

You’ll also appreciate the early booking recommendation—since this popular tour fills up quickly, planning ahead ensures you don’t miss out during peak season.

Important Details for Planning

• Book at least 38 days in advance on average
• Bring your own cooler with ice and drinks
• Expect to pay the captain directly for the crew’s tip (not included in the price)
• Confirm your booking and check the weather forecast—this tour is weather-dependent, and cancellations due to bad weather are fully refundable
• The tour is suitable for most travelers, including service animals and those with a moderate level of mobility

If you’re after a relaxed day on the water with a personal touch, this private Crab Island cruise offers excellent value. The friendly guides, abundance of water toys, and beautiful scenery make it a fun, versatile option for families, friends, or couples wanting to escape the crowds. The flexibility to customize your time means you can tailor the experience to your preferences—whether that’s swimming, relaxing, or playing with water toys.

While the price might seem steep compared to some group tours, the private nature and inclusion of water toys truly enhance the experience. Plus, the reviews consistently highlight the great communication and helpfulness of the captains, making it a stress-free way to enjoy Destin’s waters.

This is an ideal choice if you want a fun, laid-back day with plenty of water activities and personalized service. It’s particularly suited for those seeking a memorable family outing or a cheerful gathering with friends—and don’t forget to book early!

How many people can fit on the boat?
Up to 10 passengers are allowed, making it suitable for small groups or families looking for a private experience.

What should I bring?
Bring a cooler with ice and drinks, sunscreen, and any personal water toys you prefer. The tour includes a floating lily pad, paddleboard, and slide, but extra gear is welcome.

Is this tour suitable for young children?
Yes, the shallow waters and gentle boat ride make it a good choice for kids, especially with the water toys and floats available.

How long does the trip last?
Approximately four hours, giving you plenty of time for swimming, relaxing, and exploring Crab Island.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, booking about 38 days ahead on average is recommended to secure your preferred date, as it tends to fill quickly.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour is weather-dependent. If canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll receive a full refund or an option to reschedule.

In sum, this private Crab Island pontoon experience mixes comfort, fun, and flexibility—making it an excellent way to enjoy Destin’s famous waters with those you care about most.