Summer break is exciting for young kids. After months of school, they finally get to rest and have fun. The sun is starting to come out and the weather is nice. For parents, it may be a little more stressful than fun. Being with the kids all day at home can become exhausting. If you run out of things to do, it can become boring. Going on a family vacation is the perfect way to get the kids out of the house and enjoy a view other than the four walls of your house.
At Crab Island Watersports, we provide everything you need to create lasting memories as a family. Located near Destin, Florida, our pontoon and jet ski rentals allow you to relax on the water while also being able to add a touch of excitement and thrills. We’re here to tell you how you can fill your vacation with adventure, laughter, and family-friendly activities that everyone can enjoy.
Why Crab Island is a Family Summer Destination
Crab Island isn’t actually an island anymore. It’s a submerged sandbar located just north of the Destin Bridge in the crystal-clear waters of the Choctawhatchee Bay. It has become a popular gathering spot on the Emerald Coast, especially in the summer. The shallow water makes it perfect for families to anchor their boats and swim, float, or relax. With floating food vendors, music, and amazing views, Crab Island offers unique laid-back beach vibes.
This beautiful area is a great place to spend time with your family. The waters are calm and safe. There is ample space for kids to play and for adults to relax. There is also easy access to food and other activities, keeping your family fed and entertained all day long! Rent a pontoon boat for an easy way to explore the waters with the whole family. Add on a floating pad or paddle boards for some extra fun! You’ll quickly realize that Crab Island has an exciting, upbeat atmosphere with a friendly community of people who are all there to relax and have a good time.
Exciting Watersports for All Ages
At Crab Island Watersports, we provide a variety of equipment so that you can enjoy exciting activities out on the water. Here are a few of the rentals we offer:
Pontoon Rentals
We offer two different types of pontoons: a 12-person pontoon(opens in a new tab) and a 14-person pontoon(opens in a new tab). Both of these rentals have exciting add-ons, such as paddleboards and lily pads. Our 12-person pontoon includes a Bimini top for shade, bluetooth stereo, wrap-around seating, and 90-115 horsepower motors. Our 14-person pontoon includes the same features, along with two sun decks for relaxing in the sun and two water slides for added fun. Our pontoons come equipped with all of the safety equipment you might need to have peace of mind and enjoy a stress-free trip out on the water.
Jet Skis
Our jet skis(opens in a new tab) are great for those who are wanting to experience a more high-speed thrill. Our rentals have speeds up to 50 mph. With great stability and maximum comfort, even first time riders can quickly learn how to maneuver the jet ski and feel comfortable while doing so. We include fuel and life jackets, so you will have everything you need to speed across the water.
As a company, we are devoted to providing top-quality, well-maintained equipment. We want your trip to Crab Island to be as easy as possible. Our simple booking process makes it easy to plan your vacation. Our friendly staff are here to help, answering any questions or concerns that you may have along the way. Safety is our number one priority, and for this reason, we give you a safety briefing before you hit the water so that we can keep you and others safe (as well as the sea creatures who find home in our Floridian waters).
Making Memories Beyond the Water
Along with our rentals, there are so many other fun activities to indulge in on the water. If you’re into fishing(opens in a new tab), bring along your fishing gear and see what kinds of fish you can catch. Bring your own snorkeling(opens in a new tab) gear to get a closer look at the native plants(opens in a new tab) and sea life beneath the surface of the ocean. Bring your pool tubes and floatings to sunbathe and relax on the tranquil waters. If you rent a pontoon, bring along a picnic and enjoy lunch out among the gentle waves. There’s no shortage of things to do on the Emerald Coast.
Summer break is the time to create new traditions with your family that you will cherish forever. We recommend going out on the water during sunset to experience the stunning views of the sun dipping under the water. As you relax on your pontoon boat, take the time to tell stories to each other and spend quality time together. Those are the types of moments that will make your trip special and memorable.
Why Summer Break at Crab Island is Different from Other Vacation Spots
Imagine going to a crowded water park, filled with screaming kids and dirty waters. Or maybe a theme park with overpriced food and lots of walking. These locations can be fun, but they can also be stressful and expensive. Crab Island is known for its laid-back, peaceful vibe. It combines adventure with relaxation, making it perfect for parents who want to relax and kids who want to have fun.
With our pontoon boats and jet ski rentals, you can explore various different parts of the Emerald Coast. Crab Island is a great place to anchor your boat and enjoy the shallow waters. If you glide along the Choctawhatchee Bay(opens in a new tab), you’ll find many different bird species(opens in a new tab) and can even park the boat and search the shore for pottery, arrowheads, and grinding stones. The bay also offers amazing inshore fishing. Head over to Norriego Point(opens in a new tab) to walk along the white sand beach or enjoy snorkeling in the tidal pools. Gulf Islands National Seashore(opens in a new tab) is a great destination to visit for those who want to see local wildlife and go swimming in calm waters.
Tips for Planning Your Family Trip to Crab Island Watersports
We know that planning a vacation with the whole family can be complicated, so we’ve compiled some tips for you to take the stress out of your trip planning.
Best Times to Visit
The best time to head out is late morning to early afternoon, typically between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM. This gives you plenty of time in the sun before the afternoon winds pick up. If you want to catch the clearest water, go around high tide when the bay fills with vibrant Gulf water.
Consider coming on a weekday if you want a less crowded vibe. Weekends can be lively and fun, but they’re also busier. June and July are the busiest months, so if you would like to book during these times, it’s a good idea to book your jet ski or pontoon rental well in advance, especially if you have specific days in mind.
What to Bring
Essentials:
- Sunscreen (reef-safe(opens in a new tab))
- Hats & sunglasses
- Swimwear & rash guards
- Towels
Food & Drinks:
- Water shoes
- Drinking water
- Snacks or a picnic lunch
- A small cooler
Entertainment:
- Floats, noodles, or tubes
- Waterproof phone case
- GoPro or waterproof camera
Start Planning Your Summer Break at Crab Island!
Summer break is the perfect time to slow down, soak up the sunshine, and create memories with your family. Crab Island offers the kind of experiences that bring families closer together. At Crab Island Watersports, we make it easy to turn a regular summer day into an unforgettable adventure. With safe, reliable rentals, a friendly team, and the beautiful Destin waters, all you need to do is show up and enjoy the fun.
Ready to start planning your perfect day on the water? Book your jet ski or pontoon boat today(opens in a new tab) at Crab Island Watersports and let your family’s summer story begin!