When people think of Destin, Florida, they typically picture sunny beach days full of crashing blue waves and warm, white sand. But, when autumn arrives, many don’t know that the Emerald Coast turns into one of the most festive places to celebrate the spooky season.
If you’re looking for family activities in Destin, FL this October, trick-or-treating around the neighborhood isn’t your only option. Head over to the beach instead!
A floating costume party combines everything locals and visitors love about autumn in Florida: cool, salty air, low crowds, warm weather, and stunning views. The water is where things get interesting. Here is your ultimate guide to planning a floating “Boos & Boats” costume party and celebrating Halloween in Destin—coastal style.
Pick the Right Pontoon for Your Crew
Every great party starts with the right venue. When you’re celebrating on the water, space and comfort are your top priorities.
When searching for Crab Island boat rentals, a spacious pontoon is always the top choice for group gatherings. Our pontoons have wide-open deck layouts, with plenty of comfortable bench seating and Bimini tops for shade.
If you want to take your party to the next level, a double-decker pontoon rental gives kids (and young-at-heart adults) an extra splash of fun into the warm fall waters.
Renting your own boat gives you and your family and friends total control over the party itinerary and soundtrack for the day.
Choose Boat-Safe Halloween Costumes
Dressing up is arguably the best part of any Halloween party—but, boating requires a bit more practical planning when it comes to costumes. When selecting costumes that are appropriate for a Destin pontoon boat rental, safety and comfort always come first.
Here are a few quick rules for boat-friendly attire:
- Embrace Nautical Themes: Pirates, mermaids, sailors, ghosts, and sea creatures are all perfect choices for the beachy environment and look amazing in family photos.
- Avoid Long Fabrics and Masks: It’s best to skip floor-length capes and gowns that drag on the floor and could possibly catch on cleats and railings. Make sure to also steer clear of bulky masks that obstruct vision.
- Prioritize Swimwear Base Layers: Encourage everyone to wear swimsuits under their costumes so they can easily jump in for a swim.
- Incorporate Life Jackets: This is especially important for younger kids. In order to stay safe while having fun, make their life jackets part of the costume! An orange life vest can easily blend into a pumpkin costume. Add stick-on patches to turn a standard vest into a pirate’s coat.
Pack a Festive “Feast”
No party is complete without a spread of delicious food. A pontoon boat rental serves as the perfect floating picnic table. Since you’ll be out on the water, pack easy-to-eat handheld foods that won’t make a big mess onboard.
Try these spooky and boat-friendly snack ideas:
- Spooky Sausage Mummies(opens in a new tab): Wrap hotdogs in thin strips of ready-rolled puff pastry to create an eerie mummy wrap. Bake until golden brown and dot on eyes using cream cheese and olive bits.
- Monster Marshmallow Rice Krispy Treats(opens in a new tab): These rice krispy treats are easy to make before heading out on the water. Cut them into handheld squares, dip the tops into melted white chocolate tinted with monster green or orange, and finish with candy eyes and icing faces.
- Peanut Butter Spider Cookies(opens in a new tab): Take typical peanut butter blossom cookies and add a spooky Halloween twist. Press a peanut butter cup into the center of each warm cookie to create the spider’s body. Pipe on chocolate legs and add candy eyes.
- Mud Pie Graveyard Cups(opens in a new tab): Prep individual, clear plastic cups layered with chocolate brownie bites, chocolate mousse, and a layer of crushed chocolate cookies “dirt”. Top each one with a mini shortbread cookie decorated like a tombstone and a gummy worm.
- Warm & Cold Beverages: Pack a cooler with spooky punch or apple cider, along with a thermos of hot chocolate or hot pumpkin spice drinks for the cooler afternoon breeze.
Head to Crab Island for Autumn Fun
Once your crew is loaded up and dressed in their spooky best, point your pontoon boat toward Choctawhatchee Bay!
Visiting the sandbar in late October is one of the best things to do with kids in Destin. During fall high tides, the water at Crab Island remains clear and warm. The heavy summer boat traffic has also cleared out, so you’ll have plenty of space to drop anchor and set up a floating mat or play water games.
It’s a relaxed and unique way to celebrate the holiday—and one that your children will remember for years to come.
Add Games & Spooky Music
Keep the energy high on board with a dedicated Halloween playlist and simple boat games. Connect your phone to the pontoon’s Bluetooth speakers and blast some classic Halloween hits.
For onboard entertainment, try these kid-friendly activities:
- Sea Scavenger Hunt: Give the kids a checklist to spot local wildlife like dolphins, pelicans, stingrays, etc.
- Costume Contest: Hold a fun awards ceremony for “Best Nautical Costume”, “Most Creative”, “Spookiest”, etc. Bring fun prizes for the winners!
- Ghost Story Hour: As the sun begins to set, gather everyone on deck to tell lighthearted, kid-friendly spooky stories.
Plan Your Floating Halloween Celebration Today
Hosting a “Boos & Boats” party is a creative way to experience the magic of the Emerald Coast during spooky season.
If walking the neighborhood streets sounds a bit too ordinary for your family, you can always switch the walking and door-to-door knocking with a trip to the beach! Booking a pontoon boat rental with Crab Island Watersports(opens in a new tab) gives your group a clean, spacious, and reliable vessel for an autumn adventure on the water.
Trade your trick-or-treat bucket for a captain’s hat this Halloween—the bay is ready for you and your crew!