The former Crab Island Water Park
***The Crab Island Water Park is permanently closed due to restrictions on overnight anchoring from the County. Check out the new Crab Island Adventure Tour, which includes inflatables as part of the excursion. This tour is available, WITH inflatables, for the 2022 season!***
Crab Island is a great place to visit with your family when you’re in Destin. In the past, the underwater playground had developed a bit of a reputation as a “party place” and families sometimes are thrown off by photos posted online by the “party crowd”, which portrays Crab Island as a great place for adults to go get drunk. This has always been a great source of frustration for me, because, having grown up here in Destin, I know that those pictures don’t accurately represent one of my family’s favorite places to hang out. Well, times are a’ changin’, and a few years ago, Crab Island started to overcome its reputation with a few new family-friendly additions, such as the Crab Island Water Park.
The Former Crab Island Water Park
The Crab Island Water Park grew in popularity over the past few years to the point that it became a huge multi-acre attraction all by itself. Parents would rent boats to go to Crab Island and kids of ALL ages would spend hours at Crab Island bouncing and swinging and jumping and sliding on the inflatables. Then, a second water park set up at Crab Island as well. And that’s when things started to get out of control…The County decided that too many people created a potential liability, and some cantankerous old locals complained that Crab island was starting to be a bit of an eyesore and said the inflatables looked too much like a theme park and were detracting from the natural beauty of Destin. The County decided to start charging businesses to be out at Crab Island. To top it off, they also decided to restrict businesses from anchoring overnight.
The overnight anchoring restriction ultimately closed the Crab Island Water Park down just before the 2020 season. Because it took days to set up the huge water park, it wasn’t feasible to set the entire thing up at Crab Island each day and then have to take it down each night and pay the County large fees for doing so.
Fortunately, there is a new option for those who still want to enjoy inflatables on the water and miss the fun they had at the Crab Island Water Park.
The New Inflatables: Book Now for 2023!
The Crab Island Adventure Tour offers an inflatable water park (that is set up and taken down daily), kayaks, paddleboards, and snorkeling at the Gulf Islands National Seashore (5 minutes from Crab Island by boat), followed by a stop at the Crab Island sandbar, where you can relax and enjoy the scenery. The inflatables are ONLY open to guests on the excursion and are not open to the public (as that is no longer allowed), so you will have to purchase tickets on one of the tour boats to access the inflatables and take part in the experience. Click here to view the schedule for 2023 and purchase your tickets. Check out the video of the tour below, taken in July 2020 (note: the inflatable waterpark is bigger now).
How Much Does It Cost?
Now for the pricing (you will need an armband to play): Pricing for the 2-stop tour featuring all of the activities and a stop at Crab Island starts at $85 for adults and $49 for children 5 & under. This includes your boat ride, captain to drive the boat, crew to assist with the equipment and to help keep you safe, and all the activities (slides, trampolines, gladiator catwalk, kayaks, paddleboards, floating lounge areas, and snorkel gear plus a separate visit to check out the festivities at Crab Island.) It’s reasonably priced since all of those activities done separately would cost over $170 per person.
The boat is also equipped with restrooms for your convenience. You’ll want to book ahead as seats fill up quickly, particularly during the peak summer season. Click here to book your seats!
What are the hours/seasons of operation for the water park? If you know. Thanks.
The Water Park is usually open Memorial Day through Labor Day from 9 or 10 in the morning until about 5 or 6 in the afternoon. Hope that helps!
Is there anything good going on around there in October
Destin Fishing Rodeo the whole month of October! Great fun!
Hi, so how much for the boat to bring us to the water park?
https://www.destinvacationboatrentals.com/crab-island-shuttle-boat/
Will crab water park be open sept
The Crab Island Water Park is no longer open due to overnight restrictions on overnight anchoring from the county. Check out the Crab Island Adventure Tour for a tour that includes a stop at our inflatable water park and a stop at Crab Island. https://www.destinvacationboatrentals.com/crab-island-adventure-tour/
Hi I’m coming down next week end will it be anything for my 5 yr old to do on crab Island
We are coming from 5/7 through 5/14 of this year. Does that mean it won’t be open while we are down there? :(
Hi Angie, it may or may not be set up by then. Their business is separate from ours so it is hard for us to say exactly which date they will set up for the season. Last year they set up just in time for Memorial Day weekend.
Heather,
Is there a website I could check to see when they may open? Since it’s a different company? Just wondering. Thanks so much for your help!
Sorry Angie, they don’t have a website.
Is there an inflatable water park currently open? We will be there Friday 9/11
This is currently the only Water Park option for the Crab Island area: https://www.destinvacationboatrentals.com/crab-island-adventure-tour/ . The Water Park that set up during previous years is no longer due to restrictions on overnight anchoring from the County. More about that here: https://www.destinvacationboatrentals.com/blog-post/crab-island-2020/ and here: https://www.destinvacationboatrentals.com/blog-post/crab-island-water-park-family-fun-crab-island/ . Hope that helps!
The water where the inflatables are setup, is it shallow enough for the kids to stand on, in case they fall off the inflatable into the water?
The area is comparable to the shallow end of a swimming pool in most areas. We do provide children’s life vests with your boat rental that your kids can use as well.
So the kids can wear the life vest on the inflatables?
Yes, they can!
Hi I was wondering is it just for kids or can adults go on it to
Adults can go too!
What are the prices for adults? Looking and only see prices for the kiddos?
Armbands are the same for all ages.
Is the obstacle course open on Fridays? Or just Saturday & Sunday?
It is open 7 days a week!
Are there restrooms out on the island or do you ferry back to shore for that? Got kids ya know…… :)
There are nearby restrooms that you can get to by boat. When you rent a boat we will go over where those places are. There are not currently restrooms at Crab Island. Hope that helps!
We’r interested in renting the boat to sit 12 but we actually have 14 2 of those age 9 and 1. Would we be able to rent ther one for 12 people r not
No, 14 people (regardless of age or size) are not legally allowed on a 12 passenger boat. You will be fined by the Coast Guard or Marine Patrol.
What is the price difference for adults vs children?
There is no price difference.
Are they going to be open July 4th?
Open Memorial Day through Labor Day!
Hi Heather,
Is this water park still open? I couldn’t find a phone number or website. Pictures look like a blast!
Interested in pricing for for 7/11/16 and 7/12/16. And some update pictures of the new inflatables. Little man here is uber curious!
Thank you very much for your help,
Danny
HI Danny, there isn’t a phone number or a website. They are still open and prices are current in the post. Hope that helps!
Hi Heather,
Just want to clarify… the water park (inflatables) is open? We’re coming in a few weeks and are planning to rent a boat for a few days to visit crab island. We have 6 kids so just wanted to make sure the water park is actually open now.
Thank you!
Jenn
The Crab Island Water Park is not open due to new county laws preventing overnight anchoring at Crab Island. Check out the Crab Island Adventure Tour, which includes inflatables as part of the excursion. https://www.destinvacationboatrentals.com/crab-island-adventure-tour/ Hope that helps!
Is there a weight limit for the trampoline park?
I am not sure…
Are life jackets required to wear when participating on the obstacle courses
There is no weight limit on the inflatables, everyone is welcome! The price is $15 for one hour, $20 for two hours or $35 for all day. Anybody can play on it. Adults are free if they are in the water helping little ones and not actively playing. The hours are 9-6, everyday of the week, weather permitting. It will remain open till about the end of September. Parties and work retreats are always welcome. Now come on out and have some fun with the whole family!!
HI Eli, thanks for weighing in! Are you affiliated with the water park?
Yes, I work out there and wanted to clear up any questions people had. Thanks for all your help as well, very much appreciated!
Hi! We will be in town the week of sept 18th. Will the water park be open? Thanks.
HI Karla, the Water Park is closed, but there are other vendors open. Hope that helps!
Is Crab Island Adventure tour will be open April 3 through April 10? Will the water be too cold for the waterpark?
Yes, we start running trips in March. The water temperature that time of year averages between 68 and 70 degrees. Hope that helps!
Do they take cards or do we need cash for this?
They do take cards.
Hi Heather,
Just curious if the water park at Crab Island would be fun for a three year old, or should we wait a couple years? Thanks in advance! :)
I think it would be fine if you went with him, but I think he would be too young to go by himself.
Will the Water Park for kids on Crab Island still be in place and open from 9/10 to 9/17? We’re taking the kids to Destin.
HI Alan, It’s hard to say when they will take it down for sure. A previous poster who may be affiliated with the water park says it will be open until late September.
As of now if no big storms or hurricanes come in we will be open till September 20th. Hope to see you out there!
Hi heather,
Do you know if the course is open if they are calling for rain. Our boat rental got cxled yesterday due to storms and we don’t want to go out this morning if it won’t be open for the kid .
Thank you
I would imagine if rental companies are open that the water park would be open, but again, the Crab Island Water Park is a separate business. We just rent boats to get there!
I have a group coming to destin sept 21-26. Do they know when they are closing the water park for sure???
Hi Heather! The Water Park has been taken down for the season, but there are other vendors still open. Thanks for commenting!
Does anyone know if this is open now? Sept 14
HI Chelsea, they took the water park down early when Hermine was projected to come through. I believe it will be closed for the season.
how is crab island during mid october?
Mid October is fall break so it can be busy, though not as busy as summer. The water park normally stays open through Fall Break, weather depending.
Hi there,
We will be in town April 1-April 8. Will the water park be open for us Spring Breakers? Thank you!
Hi Laura, typically the water park opens Memorial Day through Labor Day, and is not set up in time for Spring Break. Hope that helps!
Will Crab Island be open April 21, 2017? I understand the waterpark will likely not be open, but wanted to see if it was available for a large group to go to.
Hi Kenya, Yes! Crab Island is always open! :)
We will be there for our Spring Break, April 16-22. Is there anything going on at Crab Island during this time? Is it worth renting a pontoon boat to go out to Crab Island during this time?
I think it is ALWAYS worth it to go to Crab Island. It is one of the most beautiful places to hang out while you are on vacation. Couple that with low off-season rates, and it’s a no brainer!
We are coming March 15, 2017. It is my understanding that the water park is closed this time of year?
Yes, the water park generally opens around Memorial Day weekend.
I was wondering if the water park is open any days at all during the first week of October.
The Water Park is still open at this time.
Is the water shallow enough for a 7 year old to stand tall at crab island?
Crab Island is generally similar to the shallow end of a swimming pool, so your 7 year old should be able to stand in most areas.
Hi! We are coming for vacation with a small child. Can you tell me the best age to bring children for enjoyment? Also can an adult stand up in the water near the waterpark?
Adults can usually stand up in most areas around the water park. Children of all ages can have fun! :)
Hi I was wondering if the waterpark is setup? I have drove over the bridge and didn’t see it?! Curious! Thanks!
HI Michelle, The water park usually sets up around Memorial Day. Hope that helps!
Can you get to Crab Island with a waverunner??
Yes, you can. Keep in mind that rental jet skis do not have anchors.
I was just wondering if you could tell me about how deep the water is at the water park due to having smaller children. Thanks
The depth at Crab Island varies. 3-ish feet in most places though it can be deeper around the edges.
Hi Heather! I’m traveling out that way May 8-12th. Do you know if there will be many vendors out? I’m more interested in the food/drink vendors than the water park.
Thanks!
Yes! Nearly everyone is set up already for the season-including the Water Park!
We are traveling to Destin June 1-10- are weekends typically busier for the inflatables? Do they only allow a certain # of people on the inflatables at a time? I wouldn’t want to rent a boat only to get there and not be able to get tickets for the kids. Are you able to pre-purchase tickets?
Hi Darla, I have never seen them turn people away once they get out there. You cannot pre-purchase tickets at this time.
Will be traveling around 6/13/2020, Does anyone know if the water park is open?
The Crab Island Water Park has not opened yet this year, and it is unclear if they will be able to do so due to the County’s new overnight anchoring restriction. We do offer an Adventure Tour that includes inflatables if you want both inflatables and the Crab Island experience. https://www.destinvacationboatrentals.com/crab-island-adventure-tour/ Hope that helps!
Hi Heather,
I have just spent some time on Crab Island, I saw 2 Water Parks, the one you talk about and one called Crab Island Treasure Chest. So now there are 2 big Water Parks, plenty of play space for everyone! The prices are $15.00 for 1 hour, $20.00 for 2 hours, $35.00 all day, and $10 for 30 minutes for those who just “Want to try it!” That was me! The people running it were very nice, it was a pleasure! (and a work out!)
Do you know if the water park will be open June 19th thru the 23rd. I can’t find any information on it except for on this blog!
Thank you!
Yes, it is open all summer.
Hi! Hope this isn’t a dumb question, but if you don’t have a boat, couldn’t you just enter at Noriega Point on the other side of the bridge and then just float/swim/kayak over to Crab Island?
Is the current too strong for that? Thanks for any info!
You could kayak or paddleboard your way over to Crab Island. The current is strong and there is a lot of boat traffic but it can be done…Swimming is not recommended as people do drown each year swimming in the deep water and strong currents that surround the sandbar.
Will the slides be out there 7/29 thru 8/5?
Thanks
I have read the dates of the water park’s opening but any chance they would consider to be open for Spring Break, especially with the large request and visitors during the first week of April for 2018? Or is there a specific reason why they wait till Memorial Day
You would have to ask them, sorry.
Is there a boat that takes people back and forth for people who cannot drive one or who does not hold boat licenses?
Yes, check out the Crab Island Shuttle Boat: https://www.destinvacationboatrentals.com/crab-island-shuttle-boat/
Does the shuttle boat fee include the armband to get into crab Island? I wasnt sure
The Water Park is a separate business and is not included in the shuttle boat ticket price. We do have coupons onboard for our customers to use at various Crab Island vendors, though, as well as an excursion that includes inflatables as part of the tour. https://www.destinvacationboatrentals.com/crab-island-adventure-tour/
I have a family vacation planned September 6, 2017-the 10th. Have children 3&up. Will the water park be open?
It should be open based on our experience over the last several years.
Headed down to Destin this week. Is the water park still open?
The water park was taken down for Hurricane Irma. The floating restaurants are still there.
Do you know if the water park is this weekend or week
Sept. 23 to 29?
The water park was taken down before Irma. It is unlikely that they will reopen before next season. The floating restaurants are still open. Hope that helps!
Do you have to rent a boat to go to this waterpark?
You need a boat to get to the Water Park. You can rent one or take the Crab Island Shuttle Boat.
Hello,
We will be there for the whole week from 2nd week in June 2018.
My kids just want to the water park. Do we have an option to go to the water park without renting a boat? Thanks! Larry Doan
Yes, take the Crab Island Shuttle Boat. https://www.destinvacationboatrentals.com/crab-island-shuttle-boat/
Good afternoon,
My family (16 of us) will be in Destin the week of May 19-26. We are hoping to celebrate my daughter’s birthday at Crab Island, while spending time at the waterpark. Do you know if the Waterpark will be open the week of May 19th 2018? I am trying to begin my reservation making with snorkel, boats, etc.
Thanks!
Typically the water park is open by that time, yes.
[…] Crab Island Water Park – Come try out the inflatable obstacle course, bounce on the water trampoline, swing or check out the balance beam. With so much water amusement to be had, all you need to bring is the towels and sunscreen. This is a place for the kids, sorry parents – you only get to watch and take pics! […]
Is there a public shuttle to crab island? My son & I would love to go but I don’t really feel comfortable driving a boat.
There is! Check out the Crab Island Shuttle Boat: https://www.destinvacationboatrentals.com/crab-island-shuttle-boat/
We would like to come vacation in Destin for Mother’s Day weekend May 12th and 13th 2018. Any word around town if the water park on Crab Island will be open during Mother’s Day Weekend?
Family of 5 (3 kids PLUS Mom & Dad are very anxious to play)
How would we get out to the Crab island water park if we don’t have a boat
You can rent one or take the Crab Island Shuttle Boat: https://www.destinvacationboatrentals.com/crab-island-shuttle-boat/
[…] balance beam, swing and a giant inflatable “flipper”! Check out more info here: Destin Vacation Boat […]
Where is crab island not comming up on GPS
Crab Island is a sandbar in the middle of the Choctawhatchee Bay, just on the north side of the Marler Bridge.
[…] we visited Beasley Park Beach (which had showers, vending machines, and free parking) and passed Crab Island Water Park, which looked like fun. We visited Harbor Walk Village and Marina, which was very colorful but we […]
[…] the water as well as offering specialty drinks. As we voyaged out to our snorkeling spot, we passed Crab Island Water Park, a big inflatable obstacle course along with floating bars and food vendors. The water is waist […]
Hi Heather! Do I have to rent a boat to get to the water park?
You need a boat to get there. You can rent one or take the Crab Island Shuttle Boat. https://www.destinvacationboatrentals.com/crab-island-shuttle-boat/
I want to speak with someone about renting the inflatables for a large party. Do you have the managers name and number so I can speak with them?
I’ve seen that Crab Island Waterpark is typically open memorial to Labor Day. We will be traveling to Destin Oct 18-28th. Is there any attractions open for children during this time? What other activities are available to do with children during this season at crab island?
Hi I was wondering if my 3 1/2 year old daughter can go on the boat is there certain age they have to be?
There is no minimum age to ride on a boat.
Hi! Quick question…. do you need to rent a boat to get to this water park?
You don’t have to rent one, but you do need a boat to get there. If you don’t have your own boat, you can rent one or ride the Crab Island Shuttle Boat: https://crabislandshuttleboat.com/
Could a 41″ 4 year old stand up in some areas?
Hi. Planning on visiting crab island on May 19, 2019. Do you know if the park will be open on this day?
Yes, they are open every day (weather permitting) until they close in the fall. Hope that helps!
Do you know if the family water park on crab island will be open this upcoming week? may 20th thru may 24th 2019.
Is Crab Island open in December.
Crab Island is a sand bar and is always open. That being said, there will not be any vendors set up on Crab Island in December.
How is for Christmas week?
No vendors will be set up during Christmas week. Weather may be cool to very cold.
I would like brochures on crab Island
HELLO, WE WILL BE VISITING AT THE END OF AUGUST, COULD YOU TELL ME WITH IT BEING LABOR DAY WEEKEND, WILL THEY HAVE ANY LIVE MUSIC AT CRAB ISLAND, LIKE ON THE SATURDAY EVENING.
Is Crab Island water park open the week of September 15-19 2019?
Is there anything to do on Crab Island in October? We are coming down for Fall Break and wanted to visit.
Most of the vendors try to stay open though fall break, as that’s a pretty busy time for us. We know for sure that WaterWorld (floating restaurant) will be open every day except Mondays. And the inflatable Water Park is still open as of this comment.
Is the inflatable water park still open? We will arrive next week and would like to bring our kids.
Yes, the Water Park is still open!
Looking to come down 3/12-3/15 for a bachelorette party! Will anything be open at that time?
Will Grab Island Water Park be open the week of 03/16-03/20?
We will are scheduled for our vacation in June, wondering if you know if things or if. Oat rentals for crab Island will be up and running fully by then? Thanks!’
Anyone know if crab iskk ok and water park will be open in July 3rd-8th? Thanks!!!
Crab Island is open, and doing fine! The Crab Island Water Park has not opened yet this year, and it is unclear if they will be able to do so due to the County’s new overnight anchoring restriction. We do offer an Adventure Tour that includes inflatables if you want both inflatables and the Crab Island experience. https://www.destinvacationboatrentals.com/crab-island-adventure-tour/ Hope that helps!
Since the inflatables are not yet open in Crab Island, is there anything for kids to do? Or is it just different food vendors set up?
Hi! Just wanted to clarify, so crab island water park is closed at this time. But you offer a tour that does include inflatables that are open at this time?
Yes, that is correct!
Due to a new county ordinance in 2020 the water slides and all inflatables, tiki huts, pull up restaurants, etc. are no longer allowed on Crab Island. There’s no where that kids can play. It’s sad really. Hopefully they will change the law by next Summer.
Hi Karlie, We wrote a post about the new regulations here: https://www.destinvacationboatrentals.com/blog-post/crab-island-2020/ . It’s not that none of those businesses are allowed, they are just not allowed to stay anchored overnight. Due to the size of some of those set-ups, many chose not to operate this year. There are still mobile food vendors and smaller restaurants at Crab Island this year. There is also a new Crab Island Adventure Tour that includes inflatables that are set up and taken down daily as required by the County that you might want to check out: https://www.destinvacationboatrentals.com/crab-island-adventure-tour/ . Hope that helps!
[…] 1. Crab Island Water Park […]
is this open yet
No. Due to County restrictions on overnight anchoring, the Crab Island Water Park is no longer in business. If you want to do inflatables and Crab Island, check out the Crab Island Adventure Tour: https://www.destinvacationboatrentals.com/crab-island-adventure-tour/
Just trying to get some clarification. Are we allowed to rent a boat & buy tickets to the inflatables or are the inflatables only allowed if you go on The Adventure Tour?? Trying to plan for a family with 2 adults & 4 teenagers! Thanks.
There are no longer any inflatables open to the public. You can join the Crab Island Adventure Tour and use the inflatables included as part of the excursion, but you can no longer rent a boat and access any inflatables on your own. Hope that helps!
Are the inflatables open for summer 2021??
The Crab Island Water Park closed in 2019. There is an Adventure Tour that includes inflatables as part of the trip, as mentioned above, that is open in 2021. Hope that helps!
Will you be open in June?
The Crab Island Adventure Tour will be open in June, yes. The Crab Island Water Park that was open to the public is permanently closed.
Are inflatables such as rafts and tubes to float on at crab island included in the tour or do you need to bring your own?
There is a large roll out floating mat (lily pad) that is included. You are also welcome to bring your own personal floaties if you like.
Hey Heather!
I was browsing your blog after finding it on Google. I love what you’re posting about Inflatables & Crab Island. I’ve been reading your blog for a while, and wanted to say that your posts are great.