Double Decker Pontoon Rental in Destin, FL — Slide Into Crab Island
Double Decker Pontoon Rental Booking Details
Please bring with you the provided confirmation number (located on the voucher e-mailed to you after online purchase), a valid drivers license and credit card for verification. Please call to confirm your requested departure time at least 24 hours prior to arrival. Reservations booked less than 24hrs prior to arrival are not guaranteed until confirmed by the vendor. Redeem your voucher at 530 Harbor Blvd., Destin, FL 32541 with a representative. It is best to arrive at least 45 minutes early for instruction.
Departure Details
Dolphin tours are available daily March through October. Departure times are typically in the morning, but customers can request later times upon booking. Check availability and pricing by clicking the "view pricing" button above. It is best to book at least 2 days in advance to avoid sellouts.
Standard 4 hr: $400 / 8 hr: $600
Double Decker 4 hr: $695 / 8 hr: $895
Why a Double Decker Pontoon Beats a Single-Deck Rental
A standard pontoon is great. A double decker is great with a launchpad. The second story changes what a day on the water actually feels like — you get vertical space for sunbathing, a higher vantage point for spotting dolphins and sea turtles, and (the real reason you’re here) twin slides straight into the emerald-green Gulf.
- Twin water slides off the upper deck — straight into Crab Island water
- Upper deck for tanning and lounging with a panoramic view
- Shaded lower deck for kids, grandparents, and anyone taking a heat break
- 12-passenger capacity — fits the whole crew comfortably, kids included
- More floor space for coolers, floats, snorkel gear, and your inflatable flamingo
What’s Included in Your Double Decker Pontoon Rental
Every Tipsy Tiki double decker pontoon rental comes with:
- A clean, well-maintained double decker pontoon with twin slides
- Yamaha 50 HP engine
- Lockable, watertight storage compartments for valuables
- Friendly, professional safety orientation before you head out
- U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets for all passengers
- BYO snacks, coolers (any size), and drinks — no glass, please
Pontoon Specs & Comfort
- Maximum capacity: 12 passengers (including all babies and children)
- Engine: Yamaha 50 HP
- Upper deck: open sun deck with slides and rail
- Lower deck: shaded seating with storage and sound system
- Rental lengths: 4-hour and 8-hour blocks, available daily
Take It to Crab Island
Crab Island is the headline destination for double decker pontoons in Destin. The shallow sandbar east of Marler Bridge sits in waist-deep emerald water, with floating vendors, music, and hundreds of other boats anchored together for the day. From the top deck you’ll have a bird’s-eye view of the entire scene; from the slides, you’ll be in the water in three seconds flat. Just be aware that Destin Harbor, the route to Crab Island, and the area just past it are all no-wake zones — your captain (that’s you) needs to follow the posted signage. As the water shallows out near Crab Island, plan to idle in.
Who Drives & What You Need to Know
We provide a thorough safety orientation before every rental, covering boat operations, navigation rules, and local waterway guidelines. Here’s what’s required of the driver:
- Driver must be at least 18 years old
- If the driver was born on or after January 1, 1988, Florida law requires a Boater Safety Certificate (temporary or lifelong — we’ll help you handle this at check-in)
- Driver must present a valid photo ID and a credit card for incidentals
- Passengers of all ages are welcome
Deposits & Damage Protection
At check-in, the renter chooses one of two options:
- $75 non-refundable damage protection — covers up to $1,000 of potential damage
- $500 refundable damage deposit — refunded in full as long as the boat is back on time with no damage
Deposits are returned upon equipment return, but the refund can take 5–7 business days to post depending on your card issuer.
Where to Check In — 530 Harbor Blvd., Destin
Pick up your double decker pontoon at Gilligans Watersports, 530 Harbor Boulevard E, Destin, FL 32541. Plan to arrive at least 45 minutes early with a valid ID and credit card for incidentals (we recommend 45-60 minutes during peak weekends). We recommend customers reserve at least one day in advance.
Pricing & Booking
Regular pontoon rentals start at $250. Double decker pontoons are priced slightly higher due to capacity and slide equipment — exact pricing is shown on the booking calendar. Available departure times vary; check the calendar for your date.
Cancellation & Weather Policy
We have a 24-hour, weather-permitting cancellation policy. Changes or cancellations made outside the 24-hour window are eligible for a full refund or reschedule. Changes made inside the 24-hour window are not refundable or reschedulable, and no-shows are not refunded. If our team deems the weather unsafe on the day of your rental, we’ll contact you to reschedule or issue a full refund.
Book the double decker — your group is going to thank you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Double Decker Pontoons Boat Rentals
What makes a double decker pontoon different from a regular pontoon?
Who can drive, and do I need a boating license?
How much does it cost and how long is the rental?
What about deposits and damage protection?
Where do we check in, and can we go to Crab Island?
Double Decker Departure Docks — Parking & Check-In
The two-story, slide-equipped pontoons load at two harbor docks.
Which Dock Is Yours?
Which dock you load at depends on the double decker you book — checkout spells it out, and your confirmation email repeats it.
Gilligan’s Watersports: 530 Harbor Blvd, Destin, FL 32541 · (850) 650-9000
Slide boats go out from the boardwalk dock at 530. Get directions
Destin X on the Harbor: 214 Harbor Blvd, Destin, FL 32541 · (850) 898-1204
Double deckers also stage on the harbor at 214. Get directions
Parking
Gilligan’s Watersports (530 Harbor Blvd): free parking right at the dock, first come, first served — when the lot fills, overflow waits just up the hill at 531 Mountain Drive.
Destin X (214 Harbor Blvd): room for one vehicle per booking on site, first come, first served — extra cars park free at 310 Mountain Drive or for $15 at 285 US-98 W, and RVs or trailers use the paid public lot across the street.
Check-In
Skippering your own ride? Handle the one piece of homework first: drivers born on or after January 1, 1988 need a Florida boater safety certificate, and knocking out the Florida temporary boater test online before you show up makes check-in easier and faster. A $3 NASBLA version is offered dockside too — just leave wiggle room. Roll in 45 minutes before your start with a photo ID for every driver; life jackets and the safety talk are on the crew.
Bring aboard: swimsuits, towels, reef-safe sunscreen, a waterproof pouch for your phone, and a soft-sided cooler with drinks — no glass on the water.
