If you’ve ever been to Destin and Fort Walton, you’ll know that pontoon boat and jet ski rentals aren’t too hard to find. The clear, calm waters of Choctawhatchee Bay are the perfect place to cruise around on and drop the anchor on either of these easy-to-maneuver vehicles. Of course, the shallow waters and party atmosphere of the Crab Island sandbank draw in the crowds and make it a must-visit destination in the area. So, if there are plenty of places to rent pontoon boats and jet skis in the Destin area, why should you choose Crab Island Watersports? Let us tell you why!
We Educate Our Customers
As locals, preserving the environment around us is an essential aspect of our company values. We want to share our experiences of the beautiful landscapes, varied wildlife, and secret spots with our guests so we make sure they know how to respect and preserve their surroundings just as we do. Living by the coast, we have come to appreciate everything from the different types of seaweed and smallest crabs to the dolphins and manta rays that often grace us with their presence. Here are some tips on how to be environmentally friendly and pro-sustainability on your Destin/Fort Walton pontoon boat rental.
1. Don’t feed the animals
Although many of the animals on the Emerald Coast are friendly and will approach your pontoon boat or jet ski, it is important to never feed them. These are wild creatures who are used to hunting food and surviving in these waters. Feeding them may seem like a kind act, but in reality, you are only encouraging them to become dependent on an unreliable food source. By giving them food, you also lure them into shallower waters where they could be at more risk of danger.
2. Take your trash with you
Leave no trace is the motto we live by. As well as taking any litter with you, we also ask that you try and leave as little evidence of your excursion as possible. If a beach toy breaks during the trip, don’t leave it in the water, put it in the trash when you get ashore. If you’re going to go for a dip, be sure to wear reef-safe sunscreen to protect these natural features and their inhabitants.
3. Respect access guidelines
As the sun sets on a warm evening in Destin or Fort Walton, and if you’re on the beach, you’ll often notice the picturesque sea oats bending in the breeze on the sand dunes. Although this romantic scene might make you want to venture over and snap a few shots as the sky turns pink, the sand dunes are a vital ecosystem for our local birdlife and turtle population. Sea oats are planted by local restoration teams to encourage friendly habitats for wildlife to lay their eggs.
Hopefully from reading these three points, you’ve already learned something new about the Destin and Fort Walton area. If you rent one of our vehicles, you’re sure to discover more!
Your Safety is Our Number 1 Concern
Being out on the water is a feeling like no other, but it’s not like a car that you drive day in and day out. Ensuring that you comply with all safety regulations is our top priority so that you can sail through the bay without a worry in the world. We’ll make sure you have all your documentation ready and give you some expert tips on how to stay safe on the water.
We’ll also explain the tidal flows and currents that you need to be aware of and what to do if you drift into a rip current. We’ll also make sure you know the navigational rules of Choctawhatchee Bay, such as when to give way, how to overtake safely, and how to manage oncoming traffic. It may sound complicated but once you have the basics, it will become second nature!
Finally, we require all drivers of our pontoon boats to complete the Florida Boat Rental Test. The exam itself is just $3 and there is an extra charge for study materials. This certification is a state requirement and also a great way to prepare you for a day of boating.
High-Quality Equipment
All our vehicles were brand new in 2021 because we want our customers to have the best experience possible and that means having the best equipment. Our professional team works hard to keep the watercraft in excellent condition, carrying out thorough safety checks and inspections before every rental.
Convenient Location
If you’ve ever been to Destin you’ll know that traffic and parking can be a problem. In high season, it’s almost not worth venturing into the harbor by car as you’re likely to get stuck in a jam or have nowhere to park. Unlike many of our competitors, Crab Island Watersports is conveniently located on Okaloosa Island, just west of Destin Harbor. Hop off Highway 98 just before (or after depending on which direction you’re coming from) the Brooks Bridge and you’ll find easy access to parking at our location in Brooks Bridge Marina.
You Won’t Lift a Finger
Our convenient parking is a hint at one of our key values as a team, we aim to make your day as stress-free and as fun as possible. Here at Crab Island Watersports, we welcome all our guests with open arms. We spend almost all our days off on the water so we know all the best spots and exactly what you’ll need for a day of fun. If you have a route in mind, be sure to talk it over with us and we can give you some recommendations for snorkeling sites and lunch destinations. Or, if you have no idea where to head, we can give you a suggested route shaped around your group’s interests. We also have partners in the area who can provide you with equipment for extra activities on the boat. Contact us to find out where to hire bait and fishing tackle so that you can explore the variety of sea life in the bay.
Customer satisfaction is key to our business and we are dedicated to going the extra mile to provide guests with an unforgettable Destin/Fort Walton pontoon boat or jet ski rental. We research the market to ensure we are one step ahead of the competition and always consider the needs of our customers.
