Crab Island Party!! Lily Pad, Paddleboard, Speaker & Cooler

Traveling to the Emerald Coast in Destin? If you’re dreaming of sunny days on the water, this Crab Island experience might catch your eye. Offered as a four-hour adventure on a luxury Godfrey pontoon, it promises fun-filled moments with paddleboards, floating mats, and a lively vibe. We haven’t personally tested it, but based on the details and reviews, here’s a full picture of what you might expect.

What we love about this tour is its flexibility—you can drive the boat yourself or opt for a captain, making it suitable for both seasoned boaters and complete novices. The additional amenities like the Bluetooth speaker, paddleboard, lily pad, and cooler help create a festive atmosphere. Plus, it’s designed for groups up to 12, making it perfect for friends, family, or celebration events. One possible caveat is the somewhat confusing pricing for the captain fee, which wasn’t immediately clear during booking.

This experience caters well to those wanting a relaxed, customizable day on the water, whether for a birthday, bachelorette party, or just a fun outing with friends. If you’re keen on exploring Crab Island with lively extras in a private setting, this tour might be just what you’re seeking.

Good To Know

• Flexible driving options: choose to captain the boat yourself or hire a captain on-site.
• All-inclusive extras: paddleboard, lily pad, speaker, cooler, and inflatables enhance the day.
• Group size: suitable for up to 12 guests, making it ideal for small parties or family groups.
• Pricing: $325 per group, with captain fees paid at the dock, adding an extra $180.
• Booking lead time: typically booked about 22 days in advance, so plan ahead.
• Review insights: guests appreciate the stunning views and the well-equipped boat, though some noted the water wasn’t as pristine as expected.

What to Expect on Your Crab Island Adventure

The Boat and Its Capabilities

The tour is centered around a luxury Godfrey Sweetwater Tritoon, powered by a Yamaha 150hp engine. You can operate the boat if you hold a boating license, or opt for a paid captain available at the dock. The boat comfortably accommodates up to 12 passengers if you’re driving, or 11 plus the captain. From what we gather, the boat’s size and power are more than enough to explore the beautiful Emerald Coast beaches and reach Crab Island comfortably.

The Itinerary: A Day on the Water

The adventure begins at 36 Miracle Strip Pkwy SW in Fort Walton Beach, where you’ll meet your crew and gear up. The cruise itself lasts roughly four hours, giving plenty of time to relax, socialize, and enjoy the scenery.

Once underway, the highlight is the cruise to Crab Island, a popular shallow-water gathering spot where boats anchor and party. The water here is notably clear, and some reviews mention the presence of marine life, which adds an extra layer of interest for nature lovers.

Activities and Amenities

The boat comes with a Bluetooth JBL PartyBox speaker, so you can set the mood with your favorite tunes. Guests are encouraged to bring snacks and drinks (no glass), which you can store in the provided cooler (though it doesn’t come pre-filled with ice). The tour also includes paddleboards, lily pads, inflatables, and a beer pong mat, turning the trip into a floating festival.

Guests can take turns on the paddleboard or lounge on the lily pad, soaking in the sun while floating lazily around Crab Island. Some reviewers, like Rebecca, pointed out the marine life around Crab Island as a highlight, making it a fun spot for both relaxing and exploring.

The Captain Option: What You Need to Know

If you decide to hire a captain, payment is made directly at the dock, usually around $180. It’s worth noting that some guests weren’t initially aware of this extra cost, so clarity in communication is key. The captain ensures a hassle-free experience, especially if you’re unfamiliar with boating or prefer not to drive.

Additional Details

• Pickup: The meeting point is conveniently located in Fort Walton Beach.
• Duration: Approximately 4 hours, perfect for a relaxed yet engaging day.
• Booking: Most often booked 22 days in advance, so plan early.
• Weather: The experience is weather-dependent; cancellations due to poor weather are fully refundable or can be rescheduled.

The Real Experiences: What Guests Say

Rebecca, who visited in July 2025, enjoyed the crystal-clear water and the marine life, describing it as “super cool” and recommending the trip. Meanwhile, Andrea in May 2025 called it a “great experience” and appreciated that the crew had everything needed, including the captain.

However, Paula’s review highlights a common concern — the unexpected additional fee for the captain. She felt the price was a “gimmick” because the initial quote didn’t mention the extra $200 (or $180 at the dock). For some travelers, this fee can significantly impact the perceived value, so clarity upfront is advised.

The Balance of Value

For $325, you’re getting a private, customizable boat trip with fun extras and the potential for lively group activities. The ability to drive the boat yourself or opt for a captain adds flexibility. But the extra cost for a captain could push the total to around $500, which some guests felt was steep, especially if they weren’t prepared for the additional expense.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour is ideal for groups wanting a personalized day on the water, especially if they enjoy floating games, music, and socializing. It’s perfect for celebrations or small parties that appreciate a casual, lively atmosphere with scenic views. Those unfamiliar with boating or seeking a stress-free experience might prefer hiring the captain in advance to avoid surprises.

Practical Tips for Your Trip

• Book early to secure your preferred date, especially during peak season.
• Clarify the captain fee beforehand to avoid surprises.
• Bring enough drinks and snacks (no glass), and consider packing a cooler with ice.
• Wear sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses; the sun on the water can be intense.
• Consider your boating license status: if you don’t have one, the captain option is essential.
• Prepare for potential marine life sightings — waterproof cameras or phones are a good idea.
• Arrive at the meeting point a little early to get settled and meet your crew.
• Check the weather forecast before heading out to avoid cancellations or rescheduling.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Worth It?

In the end, this Crab Island Party offers a lively, customizable day on the water with plenty of fun features. Its value depends heavily on expectations: if you love floating mats, paddleboarding, and music in a private setting, it’s likely worth the price. The scenic views and the chance to interact with marine life are definite highlights.

But the additional captain fee can be a sticking point for some. If transparency about costs is important, be sure to clarify this before booking. The experience works best for groups who want a relaxed, social atmosphere with the flexibility to drive or relax on the boat.

Overall, it’s a good option for those seeking a fun, flexible day on the water—especially if you’re traveling with friends or family and want to create memorable moments on the Emerald Coast.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a boating license to operate the boat?
Yes, if you want to drive the boat yourself, you need a valid boating license. If not, you can opt for a captain, which is available at the dock for an additional fee.

Can I bring my own drinks and snacks?
Absolutely. The tour encourages bringing drinks and snacks, but no glass containers are permitted for safety reasons.

Is gratuity included in the price?
No, gratuities are not included. It’s customary to tip the crew or captain directly for good service.

What’s the cost of hiring a captain?
The captain fee is paid at the dock, typically around $180, and must be paid separately from the initial booking fee.

How long is the tour?
The cruise lasts approximately 4 hours, giving enough time to relax, explore, and enjoy the extras.

Is the water at Crab Island clear?
Guests note the water is crystal clear, with marine life visible around Crab Island, making it a fun spot for snorkeling or just soaking in the views.

Can I book this experience last minute?
Most bookings are made 22 days in advance, so last-minute reservations might be challenging, especially during busy seasons.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour is weather-dependent. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Overall, the Crab Island Party tour presents a great way to enjoy the Emerald Coast with friends or family, especially if you prioritize comfort, fun extras, and a bit of spontaneity. Just be clear on the costs and prepare for a lively, scenic adventure that might just become the highlight of your trip.