By September, everyone is already back in school and back to the routine of sitting in class and, you guessed it, the dreaded homework assignments. Backpacks are packed and weekdays are officially busy again. But, here’s the good news for families in the Destin area: summer doesn’t end just because the school year has started.
Fall doesn’t officially start until September 22nd, so make the most of the end of summer! The weather is still warm and the water is beckoning. Weekends give your family the perfect opportunity to step away from the usual routine. Instead of spending another Saturday at home, why not trade homework for sunshine and head out onto the water?
A family day on a pontoon boat is a great way to make the most of the beautiful early fall weather in Destin. Crab Island Watersports has pontoon and jet ski rentals in Destin to help your family make the most of your beach weekend.
Take a Break From the Back-to-School Routine
Once school starts, everyone becomes busier.
Children come home with assignments. Parents start juggling work and back-to-school routines. After school activities begin again.
It can feel like your family goes straight from one responsibility to the next. All of a sudden, your morning alarm is going off when you could swear your head just hit your pillow.
While the rush of the back-to-school season can be exciting at first, it does get tiring after a while. Making time to relax as a family is important. A weekend on the water gives everyone a chance to put the schedules aside for a few hours.
No need to hurry to the next activity or solve another math equation—which, let’s be honest, often takes effort from the student and the parent. For at least one day, you can leave that behind and enjoy nothing but sunshine, ocean waves, and quality time together.
And the best part? You don’t even have to travel far to make it happen.
For families living in Destin, Fort Walton, Niceville, and surrounding communities, the Emerald Coast is just a short drive away. Crab Island Watersports launches from Brooks Bridge Marina on Okaloosa Island(opens in a new tab), giving you access to nearby waterways such as Santa Rosa Sound, Destin Harbor, and Choctawhatchee Bay.
So when the kids say they’re bored on Saturday morning, you already know what to do.
Rent a Pontoon Boat in Destin for the Weekend
Exploring the ocean on a pontoon boat rental in Destin is our favorite way to spend a day on the water. Instead of simply sitting on the beach, your family can spend the day cruising across the ocean. And once you find a great spot to anchor, you can swim, relax, and enjoy the view.
Crab Island Watersports’ pontoon boats(opens in a new tab) are designed with families and groups in mind. They have comfortable seating, shade, safety equipment, and room for up to 10-12 passengers.
A pontoon rental is a great option when you want the whole family to spend the day together. You can even invite additional friends and family to fill up the boat. Be sure to pack snacks and drinks, as well as sunscreen and towels. Let the kids enjoy being outside without worrying about their next screen break.
You can head over to Crab Island and explore the surrounding waterways, or find a place to slow down and sunbathe on the white-sand beaches. Crab Island Watersports provides maps and instructions to help renters navigate the area.
Since the company is located on Okaloosa Island rather than deep inside the Destin Harbor, families can avoid some of the congestion and long no-wake zones commonly associated with the harbor.
Want to Upgrade Your Experience?
If you’re looking for something bigger and with added fun, consider upgrading to a double-decker pontoon(opens in a new tab).
These pontoons offer more space to spread out and feature two levels, shaded seating, Bluetooth audio, and waterslides. With ample room, they’re great for a full-day on the water with your group.
Imagine spending the afternoon anchored in the clear water, watching the kids race up the stairs and slide straight into the water while you sit back, drink in hand, and relax on the boat.
Sounds a lot better than another weekend spent hearing, “I’m bored”, about 100 times.
Add Speed With a Jet Ski
If your family isn’t interested in spending the entire day on the water, or if you have a smaller crew, a jet ski rental can add some excitement to your beach weekend.
Crab Island Watersports offers Yamaha and Sea-Doo jet ski rentals in Destin(opens in a new tab) for exploring the Emerald Coast. Jet skis can be used to explore the Santa Rosa Sound, Crab Island, and other areas.
Jet skis are a particularly fun option for older kids and teens who are ready for something a bit more high-speed. Riders must meet the company’s age requirements and operators must be 18 or older with the required safety credentials.
For parents, that means you can plan a day that offers something for everyone: relaxing on a pontoon boat, swimming and snorkeling in the water, and catching a thrill while speeding through the waves on a jet ski.
Why Visit in the Fall?
Early fall still brings plenty of opportunities to enjoy the water. Summer crowds begin to thin out after Labor Day. Fall is when the water remains warm while the crowds diminish, making it a great season for boating.
You don’t need to wait for a three-day weekend or plan an elaborate vacation.
Pick a Saturday or Sunday, load up in the car, and spend a few hours enjoying sunshine and salty breeze. One of the perks of living close to the Emerald Coast is having access to sparkling turquoise waters and warm, sandy beaches whenever you please.
Add Excitement to The Weekend With a Trip to Destin
The beginning of the school year doesn’t have to mean the end of summer fun.
In fact, a weekend on the water might be exactly what your family needs after a busy week of classes and practices. It’s a chance to slow down and spend time together while enjoying a few more warm-weather memories before the seasons change.
And you don’t have to go far for a weekend out.
Crab Island is located just minutes from Crab Island and a short drive from Destin. Pontoon boat and jet ski rides with your family are just moments away. Give the kids (and yourself) something to look forward to for the weekend.
Finish the homework. Pack the cooler. Grab the sunscreen. It’s time to plan your weekend on the water! Contact us today(opens in a new tab) to reserve your pontoon or jet ski rental. See you soon!