What’s better than a beach picnic? A floating one!
Picture yourself anchored in waist-deep emerald water, paddleboard and lily pad in hand, with a cooler packed with your favorite snacks and drinks. If you’re looking for one of the best things to do at Crab Island and want to elevate your Crab Island day trip, we’ve got you covered. Here’s how to plan the ultimate floating picnic.
Start With The Best Pontoon Rentals in Destin
Before we get into snacks and sunhats, let’s talk logistics. Crab Island isn’t a traditional island; it’s a shallow sandbar accessible only by boat. If you’ve been wondering how to get to Crab Island, the answer is simple: book a pontoon. Our 24-foot pontoons are easy to drive, shaded, spacious, and among the best pontoon rentals in Destin. They are perfect for hauling your crew, gear, and the all-important picnic basket.
For those who don’t want to captain the boat themselves, Crab Island Watersports also offers captained charters, so you can kick back and enjoy the trip without thinking twice.
Our pontoons can be rented for half-day or full-day adventures, and launch just minutes from Crab Island itself!
Add-On Essentials: Paddleboards, Lily Pads, and More
One of the best parts about booking with Crab Island Watersports is the ability to customize your rental. Want to lounge in style? Get yourself a lily pad! These massive floating foam mats are kid-friendly and perfect for sunbathing, splashing, or just relaxing with your feet in the water. Plus, they are extremely sturdy and stable, making your floating picnic station even easier to enjoy.
Feeling adventurous? Include a paddleboard as an add-on! You can explore the calm waters around the sandbar, look for seagrass, glide with the Florida stingrays, or even use it as an extra table for food and drinks!
Pack Smart: What to Bring to Your Floating Feast
Now for the fun part: food. The key to a successful and stress-free floating picnic is portability and mess-free eating. Here are some tips from our picnic pros:
- Pack a soft cooler with ice packs instead of loose ice. It’s lighter and less messy.
- Finger foods rule: Think sandwiches, wraps, veggie sticks, cheese cubes, and cut fruit.
- Avoid anything that melts easily and opt for reusable containers to keep things neat.
- Bring a cutting board if you’re slicing things on the spot, and a roll of paper towels will go a long way.
- Hydration is key: Take lots of water along with your canned drinks and cocktails.
If you’re looking to minimize plastic and waste, consider using eco-friendly plates, bamboo utensils, and silicone storage bags. Here at Crab Island Watersports, we believe in minimizing environmental impact and promoting sustainability, so please consider these tips when embarking on your next floating picnic.
Setting the Scene: Shade, Tunes, and Comfort
A floating picnic isn’t just about food, it’s about the whole vibe. Here are a few extras to elevate your picnic from good to great:
- Bring your tunes: Every pontoon comes equipped with a Bluetooth stereo, so you can easily plug in your device and play your favorite tunes during your Crab Island adventure.
- Shade options: All pontoons come with a canopy, but bring extra sun protection like hats, reef-safe sunscreen, or a clip-on umbrella.
- Foldable beach chairs: Great to use on the lily pad or in shallow water, if you feel like sitting in style.
- Waterproof tote or dry bag: Keep your valuables safe and dry.
Respect the Water, and Each Other
Crab Island is a relaxed social spot, but it’s important to remember you’re floating in a shared and public space. Anchoring safely, giving other boaters room to maneuver, and keeping your music at a respectful volume are all important when visiting Crab Island.
Be sure to collect all trash and recyclables, especially if you’re using single-use items. Leaving no trace ensures the next picnic-goers enjoy the same paradise you did, and helps us maintain a safe and clean environment for everyone, including our sealife.
Even on the water, don’t drink and drive. If you plan to enjoy alcoholic beverages, either designate a sober captain or book a captained charter for a worry-free day.
Book Early and Float Freely
Summer and holiday weekends can book out fast, so make sure to reserve your pontoon rental in advance at Crab Island Watersports. From the moment you launch to your first bite on the water, everything you need for an unforgettable floating picnic is just a few clicks away.
Relax and Bring Your Picnic To The Sea
If you’re celebrating a birthday, surprising a loved one, or just making the most of a day off, a floating picnic is one of the best things to do at Crab Island, not to mention one of the most delicious. Add a lily pad, claim your spot on the water, and soak up Florida’s coastal charm with a picnic.
