Board a captained pontoon from Heron Harbor for a 2–3 hour shared escape to Crab Island — a shallow sandbar famous for floating fun, paddleboarding, and potential dolphin sightings. This all-inclusive small-group cruise supplies snorkel gear, paddleboards and loungers for a relaxed, family-friendly day on the water.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
The engine trims up and the harbor opens: sunlight chisels the bay into silver and the pontoon glides past pilings toward Crab Island, a shallow sandbar that turns the Choctawhatchee Bay into a social lagoon. Onboard, families arrange inflatables and paddleboards while the captain scans for dolphins that often arc along the channel.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
Moderate — be able to get on/off inflatables, climb aboard the pontoon ladder, and swim briefly
Wildlife
History
Choctawhatchee Bay and its sandbars have long been fishing and oyster-harvesting grounds for Indigenous peoples and early settlers; Crab Island evolved into a recreational sandbar as powerboats became common in the 20th century.
Conservation
Anchoring in seagrass beds damages habitat; use marked channels, avoid stepping on seagrass, pack out all trash, and prefer reef-safe products to minimize impact.
Reserve your spot on the Shared Small Group Slide Pontoon Crab Island Experience today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Check in early at Heron Harbor
Arrive 30 minutes before departure at the Destin Pontoon Charters booth to load coolers, sign waivers, and secure parking; boats leave on schedule.
Use reef-safe sunscreen
Apply biodegradable sunscreen before boarding to protect seagrass and marine life; reapply after swimming to avoid sunburn.
Wear water shoes
Sandbars can have shell beds and occasional rocky patches — water shoes protect feet when entering and exiting floats.
Manage float etiquette
This is a shared charter; keep personal inflatables compact and follow the captain’s guidance for anchoring and retrieving floats.
Reef-safe sunscreen
Protects skin and the local marine environment during prolonged sun exposure.
summer
Water shoes
Protects feet from shell beds and slippery boat decks while entering shallow water.
summer
Dry bag or waterproof phone case
Keeps electronics, keys, and wallets dry while on floats and in waves.
Lightweight cover-up and hat
Provides sun protection and a wind layer during cooler mornings or late afternoons.
spring