Staff Answer
Jun 18, 2026 - 11:51 AM
The cheapest way to get to crab island depends on the size of your group. The main options are booking a pontoon boat or buying ticket on a public tour boat. If you only have a few people in your partner, the cheapest way is to book one of the many public tours. Prices start around $50 per person for a half day trip. You'll be on a boat with around 25-50 people depending on the trip you select. You won't be able to choose when you go and come like you can with the rental. If you have a larger group, the cheapest way is booking a pontoon boat. Half day rentals (4hr) start around $200 and hold up to 12 passengers. You have more flexibility on the schedule time and when you want to come back. The downside is going to be navigating the waterways and crab island yourself. If you are inexperienced, it be worth booking a captained charter where someone can drive the boat for you, which these rentals typically start around $450 for a half day rental. One things to keep in mind is where you depart from. Even though it might be cheaper to depart from Fort Walton Beach, you lose about 45 minutes due to the additional drive time to get to Crab Island. Crab island is only 5 minutes from most Destin rental locations.
