Are you looking for a nice warm place in the sun for your next vacation? Have you ever considered heading to Florida? Check out Florida’s famous Crab Island!

Crab Island is now one of the most popular vacation destinations in Destin, Florida, USA. Anyone who has ever traveled to the Emerald Coast has no doubt heard of this particular spot. As it turns out, online sources note that Crab Island is reported to be one of the region’s “top summertime destinations.”

Crab Island is garnering a reputation on Instagram, too. Indeed, this Floridian hotspot has been photographed and featured by such programs and national networks as “Good Morning America,” and HGTV. It has also appeared in various magazines, including international publications. In fact, some travel pundits believe that Crab Island is the reason why Boating Magazine recently deemed Destin one of the “Top 10 Places to Live and Boat” in the USA.

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Wait! What is Crab Island?

But before we go any further, here is a bit of background for those not yet familiar with this favored Florida location. Crab Island is not really an island at all. It was once an island but today is something else.

Over many years, drifting sands from the neighboring Gulf of Mexico eroded the original isle metamorphosing it into what it is now. Today it is more of an “underwater sandbar” and yet it has become an increasingly favored place to drop anchor (be it personal or rented) and partake of some hot fun in the summer sun.

At present, there is no longer any actual land at near-famous Crab Island. Nevertheless, the water here is quite shallow. It is between one and four feet deep almost everywhere. At high tide, the water is impressively clear too.

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Where exactly is Crab Island?

Crab Island is ensconced on the north side of the Marler Bridge (or Destin Bridge). Specifically, it is located at the Choctawhatchee Bay’s entrance just inside in Okaloosa County’s East Pass. It is here that both the inflowing and outflowing crystal waters from the Gulf of Mexico meet.

It is protected from the waves and the surf. Because of the powerful tidal currents, boat traffic, and the distance from shore, it can only be reached via boat. If, however, you are athletic and looking for some exercise, you can also access Crab Island by kayak or even stand-up paddleboard.

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How does one get to Crab Island?

As previously noted, you can only get there by boat or some other type of watercraft. You can sign up for one of the Crab Island excursions. You can travel with a group to explore the place for a few hours.

Care to stay there for a longer time or simply prefer a private experience? You can also rent a boat from any one of the various boat rental businesses on Okaloosa Island or in Destin. From Okaloosa Island, the boat ride to Crab Island is roughly 10 to 15 minutes. It’s only a five-minute boat ride out of Destin Harbor.

Party barges (a.k.a. pontoon boats) are reported to be at the top of the preferred list of rental boats. They carry up to a dozen people, are not difficult to pilot, and a good rental company can teach you what you need to know in 15 minutes or less.

Don’t want to be the captain of the Love Boat? No problem. Hire a captain to pilot your pontoon boat for you.

If you’re not into pontoon boats, fret not. There are several different kinds of boats available for rent. If you don’t want to stop and hang out, you can even tour the area on jet skis.

Remember though that rental jet skis do not come with anchors. You will not be able to actually stop there and walk around Crab Island. If you want to explore the area and enjoy wading in the water you really have to rent a boat.

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What can you do on Crab Island?

There’s actually quite a lot for everyone to see and do on Crab Island. The more popular choices include snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding or just kicking back and getting some sun on the deck of your boat. Bring a frisbee or football and toss it around in the water.

Do you enjoy music and clubbing? You can rock and roll all night and party every day, just check out some of the local bands performing on the floating stages there.

Are you a foodie? Feeling peckish? Visit the floating restaurants or mobile food vendors and sample their sandwiches, ice cream or boiled peanuts.

Are you on a family vacation? Take your kids to one of the different inflatable obstacle course there like the Crab Island Waterpark.

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Is Crab Island family-friendly?

As noted above, there’s certainly something for everyone here. Yes, it is certainly true that if you Google “Crab island” you may very well come across a number of pictures of a scantily-clad group of drunk partiers. Sometimes certain parts of Crab Island are like that.

Grown-ups like to have a good time. Nevertheless, rocking out to various live acts and dancing the night away isn’t for everyone. If you are concerned about avoiding the live music scene, have no fear.

Visit Crab Island on a weekday. Avoid visiting on major holidays or (to play it extra safe) during Spring Break. Seriously though, Crab island is very family-friendly.

Simply drop anchor in another area away from the hip party crowd. If you need clarification on where the partiers perch, simply steer clear of the large floating stage that is erected there on the weekends. Most importantly, keep your kids close.

Again, there is a lot for families to do. Go snorkeling, play touch football, frisbee, float around on a raft, or just splash around in the water. Don’t forget the fun, inflatable obstacle courses either.

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When is the optimal time to see Crab Island?

While there are specific ways to avoid the party scene, Crab Island is definitely what expert travelers call “a seasonal destination.” While the sandbar is accessible all year, the various floating vendors generally only do business from March through October. Having said all that, the best time to visit Crab island really depends on what you specifically wish to do when you arrive there.

If you want to get in on the party, those in the know say you should be sure to set sail for the sandbar on any “weekend between Memorial Day and Labor Day.” If you would rather kick back and relax, drop anchor on any nice weekday regardless of the month. Frequent visitors often favor visiting during high tide.

High tide is said to be a great time to experience the clear, aqua green-tinged water. So check out an area tide chart or a weather app (such as Magic Seaweed), or simply check with one of the local guides or rental companies so you can plan to take advantage of the high tide.

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What do you pack for a trip to Crab Island?

Plan a picnic. Pack a cooler with your favorite foods and beverages. Alcohol is permitted because there are not any open container laws on the water there. Play it safe though and make your captain your designated driver.

If you want to sample the local fare, just pack your wallet. Be sure your visiting when the Crab Island vendors are open for business. Bring your rafts, and floaties and other water toys too. Pack as if you’re heading for the beach.

They say that nothing beats “word of mouth” advertising. If that’s true, perhaps you should consider some words of praise from someone in the know. Here is what Jack S. Chesney, former Penn State penman, and ghostwriter had to say about his visit to Crab Island.

Chesney said: “It’s a nice spot to party. If you’re going to bring the family that’s OK too. For the most part, the college crowd is more set on other places in Florida so while it’s no longer the best-kept secret in the state it’s still great!”

Are you ready to spend the day at Crab island? Call and reserve a boat ahead of time. Whether or not you’re looking for a fishing boat, a pontoon boat or even a powerboat, the boat rental businesses there have it waiting for you.

Check out this Crab Island video!

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If you’re going to be in England and enjoy live music then you need to visit London.  In London, you’ll be able to hear everything from popular local performers, and obscure indie bands to some of the most famous acts in the industry.  Here are London’s best live music venues.

Half Moon in Putney

Located on Lower Richmond Road, this pub opened its doors in the early 1960s.  It focused on folk music and featured such performers as John Martyn and Ralph McTell.  It’s grown to include acts from other genres including the blues, rock, soul and indie music.

The Rolling Stones used to play here and U2 played its first sold-out show here.  Kate Bush debuted at this place and Steve Marriott and Elvis Costello once had residences here.  Every night you’ll see acts ranging from unsigned artists to soul man Geno Washington.

The Dublin Castle in Camden

Madness played here at 94 Parkway in the 1970s.  It became the home of the local rockabilly scene in the 1980s.  Ever since the 1990s, this has been what some would call both a haven for indie acts and a “toilet” venue for bands working their way onto the charts.

Hit the place during the yearly Camden Crawl, April 18th, and 19th, and catch a well-known performer.  Amy Winehouse performed there.  Any night you can make it though you will see a minimum of three sets for under eight dollars.

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