Crab Island Pontoon Charters with Emerald Island Charters in Fort Walton Beach - Destin

Crab Island Pontoon Charters with Emerald Island Charters in Fort Walton Beach

Destineasy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

3–6 hours

Fitness Level

No special fitness required; suitable for all ages and ability levels.

Overview

Experience Fort Walton Beach’s Crab Island with Emerald Island Charters’ luxury pontoon boats. Enjoy private, spacious vessels with restrooms and slides for a fun, hassle-free day on the water.

Details

Fort Walton Beach, Florida, sits along the emerald waters of the Gulf Coast, offering a gateway to one of the region’s most vibrant aquatic playgrounds: Crab Island. This informal sandbar and reef area is a magnet for boaters and water lovers who gather for sun-soaked days in crystal-clear waters. Emerald Island Charters stands out here with its private pontoon charters, providing a premium way to experience Crab Island’s unique scene from the water.

Emerald Island Charters specializes in luxury 18-seater pontoons, all equipped with onboard restrooms and options featuring dual water slides — adding an extra splash of excitement for groups. These vessels carve through the calm blue waters, allowing guests to anchor alongside the island’s natural sandbars, swim, snorkel, or simply relax under the Florida sun. The privacy of a charter means you control your pace and space among the bustling hulls and hammock-filled boats at Crab Island.

Beyond the island itself, the area’s sandy shoals provide a shallow, safe haven for families and friends to gather. The warm, shallow waters reveal occasional rays and small fish flickering beneath the surface, while the gentle Gulf breeze keeps the heat comfortable on the docked pontoons. Emerald Island Charters crafts an experience that balances fun, comfort, and convenience, ensuring your day can stretch as long as you like without lines or crowds.

This operation offers a distinct take on Florida’s beach-day culture, merging casual water-based recreation with the ease of a luxury vessel. For anyone keen to leave behind crowded public boats or typical rentals, Emerald Island Charters provides a tailored day on the water that highlights what makes Fort Walton Beach a standout destination for Gulf Coast adventures and water leisure.

Whether it’s a group outing, family day, or celebration, these pontoons are designed for laid-back enjoyment amid one of Florida’s most lively aquatic scenes.

Adventure Tips

Book in Advance

Crab Island charters fill up quickly, especially on weekends and holidays, so reserve your pontoon early for guaranteed availability.

Bring Sun Protection

Florida’s sun is strong; pack sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses to stay comfortable during your pontoon day trip.

Mind the Weather

Check local marine weather forecasts before heading out, as sea breezes and storms can impact conditions on Crab Island.

Pack Snacks and Drinks

While some charters offer coolers, bringing your preferred food and beverages ensures you stay fueled and hydrated on the water.

Local Insights

Hidden Gems

  • Nearby secluded sandbars accessible at low tide for private beach moments
  • Small reefs just off Crab Island offering excellent snorkeling away from crowds

Wildlife

  • Southern stingrays often glide through the shallow waters
  • Bottlenose dolphins occasionally spotted near the deeper Gulf channels

History

Crab Island began as an oyster shell mound and has become an unofficial sandbar gathering spot favored since the 1980s.

Conservation

Visitors are urged to respect marine life and avoid littering; Emerald Island Charters promotes sustainable boating practices to protect the delicate Gulf ecosystem.

Frequently Asked Questions

Photography Tips

Best Times

Golden hour
Midday for vibrant water color
Sunrise for quiet scenes

Best Viewpoints

  • Aboard the pontoon itself for candid interaction shots
  • Looking back from Crab Island to capture the Fort Walton Beach coastline
  • The dual water slides add dynamic action shots

What to Photograph

Turquoise waters and sandbars
Water slides in motion
Wildlife such as rays and dolphins

Recommended Gear

Waterproof Sunscreen

Essential

Protects your skin during extended sun exposure on the open boat and island.

summer specific

Swimsuit and Towel

Essential

Essential for swimming and enjoying the water slides off the pontoon.

summer specific

Waterproof Phone Case

Safeguards your phone against splashes while capturing island moments.

summer specific

Light Jacket or Windbreaker

Keeps you warm and comfortable during cooler breezy mornings or evenings.

fall|winter|spring specific