Tailfins Tiki Boats Crab Island Sandbar (3hrs)

Discover the Unique Tiki Boat Cruise to Crab Island Sandbar in Destin

The Tailfins Tiki Boats Crab Island Sandbar tour offers a lively, small-group experience that typically lasts around 3 hours for $55 per person. Departing from 172 Harbor Blvd, Destin, this tour takes visitors on a fun, captained Tiki boat to a famous underwater sandbar known as Crab Island. The small-group limit of no more than 12 to 16 guests ensures a personalized experience, with plenty of space to relax, float, and enjoy the water.

What makes this cruise stand out is the chance to bring your own drinks, enjoy music, and spot dolphins along the way. Several reviews highlight the friendly captains, especially Captain Al, Captain Murray, and others, who are praised for their informative guidance and fun personalities. With onboard restrooms and safety equipment, this tour combines comfort, adventure, and flexibility—perfect for bachelor(ette) parties, birthdays, family reunions, or just a relaxing day on the water.

Key Points

• Small-group experience with no more than 12-16 people, ensuring a more intimate vibe
• 3-hour trip (seasonally adjusted to 2 hours for some trips and 1.5 hours during off-season)
• Price of $55 per person, including all fees and taxes
• Bring your own drinks, with no glass allowed, and enjoy music and floating fun onboard
• Dolphin sightings are common, adding to the excitement of the ride
• Onboard restroom provides added convenience during the cruise

Tailfins Tiki Boats Offer a Distinctive Small-Group Experience

This cruise departs from Destin’s harbor with a captain-led Tiki boat designed to mimic a tiki hut. The small group size creates a relaxed, friendly environment, perfect for families, couples, and friends. The boats are USCG certified, and the captains are known for being informative and fun, often helping guests spot dolphins along the way.

The onboard music enhances the lively atmosphere, and the ability to bring your own drinks adds a flexible, personalized touch. The trip duration varies with the season: most in-season excursions are 3 hours, with 2-hour trips available at 5:00 and 6:00 pm, and off-season tours lasting 1.5 hours from November 1 to December 31.

Navigating to Crab Island’s Underwater Sandbar

The tour starts at the Harbor Boulevard meeting point in Destin and heads towards Crab Island, a well-known sandbar that becomes visible at low tide. Due to the underwater nature of the sandbar, guests are encouraged to bring sunscreen, wear swimsuits, and use floats—which are provided or can be brought along.

Once anchored at Crab Island, guests can float, relax, or dip into the water. The anchoring provides stability for easy on-and-off access, although reviewers note that getting on and off can be tricky while the boat is floating. The cruise offers a chance for dolphin watching, with many witnessing dolphins swimming nearby.

What Makes the Crab Island Sandbar Special

Crab Island is actually an underwater sandbar, often described as a crystal-clear water spot where visitors can float on floats or enjoy beverages. Several reviews mention the absence of crabs, emphasizing the relaxing nature of the location rather than wildlife sightings.

The water conditions are generally ideal for swimming and floating, especially in season. The sandbar is lively but not overcrowded, with vendors sometimes offering food and drinks, though guests are welcome to bring their own supplies. The view of the water from the boat and sandbar is consistently described as beautiful and peaceful.

Fun Onboard: Music, Floaties, and More

Music plays during the cruise, setting a festive tone for the trip. Guests can play their own playlists or enjoy the provided lively tunes. The boats are equipped with floats to enjoy the water, and snacks or additional drinks can be brought along in small coolers.

The onboard restrooms are a valued feature, allowing guests to refresh without needing to leave the boat during the trip. Captains like Captain Al, Captain Murray, and Captain Mike are highlighted in reviews for their friendly guidance and engagement with guests, often helping with dolphin sightings or water safety.

Practical Tips for a Smooth Trip

Guests are advised to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, swimsuits, and ID for the trip. A small cooler with beverages and snacks is recommended, and cash may be needed for vendor purchases and gratuity. Since alcohol is permitted, but no glass bottles, bringing your favorite drinks in plastic containers is best.

The meeting point is easy to find near public transportation options in Destin. It’s advisable to arrive early to secure a good spot and prepare for the seasonal schedule. Most travelers find the seasonal timing ideal from spring through fall, with shorter tours available during off-season months.

Captains and Crew: Known for Friendly Service and Dolphin Sightings

Throughout reviews, the captains receive high praise for their knowledge, friendly attitude, and ability to spot dolphins. Captains like Al, Murray, and Mike are repeatedly mentioned for making the trip fun and safe.

Many express appreciation for the personalized service, music selection, and help with water activities. The crew’s attentiveness often enhances the overall experience, leaving guests with warm memories and recommendations to return.

Booking and Cancellation Policies

Booking typically occurs 17 days in advance, reflecting high demand for this popular Destin experience. The tour is fully cancellable up to 24 hours beforehand for a full refund, which is a helpful option in case of bad weather or change of plans.

Since good weather is necessary, cancellations due to poor weather conditions are handled with rescheduling options or full refunds. This flexibility ensures peace of mind when planning a fun day on the water.

The Sum Up: A Fun, Relaxing Day at Crab Island

The Tailfins Tiki Boats Crab Island Sandbar tour offers a friendly, intimate way to enjoy Destin’s famous water spots. With small-group sizes, a seasonal schedule, and the ability to BYOB, this cruise appeals to those seeking relaxed water fun with many opportunities to see dolphins.

While the sandbar is underwater, the crystal-clear water and beautiful views make this trip worthwhile. The friendly captains, onboard music, and restrooms add comfort to the water-based adventure. This tour is especially suitable for families, couples, and groups celebrating special occasions.

If you appreciate personalized service, water activities, and dolphin sightings, this small-group cruise to Crab Island in Destin could be the highlight of your trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is alcohol allowed on the tour?
Yes, guests can bring their own alcohol, but no glass bottles are permitted.

How long is the tour during peak season?
Most in-season trips last about 3 hours. Some evening trips are 2 hours.

What should I bring on the cruise?
Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, swimsuit, ID, cash for vendor purchases or tips, and a small cooler with beverages and snacks.

Are there restrooms onboard?
Yes, onboard restrooms are available for guest convenience.

What is the maximum group size?
The tour hosts no more than 16 travelers, ensuring a personalized experience.

Can I cancel if the weather is bad?
Yes, cancellations are free up to 24 hours in advance, and poor weather may result in rescheduling or full refunds.

What makes this tour stand out?
The small group size, dolphin sightings, BYOB policy, and friendly captains make this cruise a fun and relaxed way to enjoy Crab Island.

Is this suitable for families?
Yes, families, couples, and friends all find this tour appropriate, especially given the safe environment and water fun.

How do I book this tour?
Booking can be done several days in advance, with a confirmation received immediately. The tour is popular, so early booking is recommended.