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Crab Island Runner Cruises

Your tropical escape is waiting!

Hop aboard the Crab Island Runner and set sail for your piece of paradise on the water! Don’t just take a cruise, become a part of it with front-row seats to the stunning emerald waters of Crab Island, Destin.

With tickets starting at just $60 a person, reserve your spot on the Crab Island Runner, or book your private charter for a more exclusive experience. This boat is a U.S. Coast Guard-certified vessel designed for your comfort and to hold up to 27 passengers.

Get ready to book your tropical escape today!

Cruise Info

Crab Island Runner has bench seating with storage for small coolers and small beach bags. Be sure to pack along your favorite sunscreen, towels, hats, sunglasses, watertoys, snacks etc… We offer complimentary iced water bottles and select adult beverages, sodas and snacks are available for purchase.
The following items are offered to share on Crab Island trips with all the guests: Lily Pad β€’ Water Floats Water guns β€’ Water toys

Adult: $60 / Child: $35 / Infant: $10

ExcellentGoogle star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 55.0423 reviews
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Excellent423 reviews
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Monal Sharma profile picture
Monal Sharma
12 days ago
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Such a fun experience!! I would highly recommend Tipsi Tiki, We were a group of 9 girls and celebrating a friend’s birthday. Lauren and Jake were awesome and very friendly and helped us take lots of beautiful pictures. They also played special songs on our request. We had a blast!!!
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Lori Stewart
12 days ago
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Lauren and Jake were amazing! So fun !!
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Dee Stewart
12 days ago
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Prathyusha Bhimavarapu
12 days ago
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Had super fun . Jake was very helpful and friendly
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Madds
16 days ago
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bean and lauren were wonderful!!!!
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Cheryl West
16 days ago
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The best!!! They made sure our trip was super fun!!
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Renee Venice
17 days ago
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Ryan and Bean are amazing. We will definitely be back!
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Kimberly Russell
17 days ago
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Ryan and Bean are absolutely AWESOME!!!!!
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Kiana Greene
17 days ago
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Ryan and Bean were so nice and so personable. We loved them!
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Willie Gray
17 days ago
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From Houston went out to Crab Island with Bean and Ryan if i could give them 10 stars i would. Excellent service.
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Mindy Matevey
17 days ago
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The crew was amazing!!!
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Sarah Waugh
18 days ago
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We had the best time Jake and Ryan were so accommodating took pictures with us Sarah strengths. We have the best time.
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samsul hoque
18 days ago
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Annette Williams
18 days ago
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Drake is so cool!
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Kathryn
18 days ago
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Ryan and Jake were amazing! Can’t recommend a sunset dolphin cruise enough!

Frequently Asked Questions – Island Runner Cruise

What is Crab Island?

Crab Island is a famous shallow sandbar located just east of the Marler Bridge in Destin, Florida, where the emerald-green water is typically waist-deep or less. It’s one of the most popular boating destinations in the area, attracting visitors who come to swim, float, and enjoy the crystal-clear waters. Despite its name, Crab Island isn’t actually an island β€” it’s a submerged sandbar that creates the perfect natural gathering spot. During peak season, you’ll find floating vendors selling food and drinks, inflatable water parks, and hundreds of boats anchored together for a one-of-a-kind experience.

How long is the cruise?

The Island Runner Cruise lasts approximately 3 hours, giving you plenty of time to enjoy everything Crab Island has to offer. The trip includes a narrated cruise through Destin Harbor and the beautiful waters of the Choctawhatchee Bay, followed by an extended swim stop at the Crab Island sandbar. Your USCG-certified captain will share local history and point out wildlife along the way, making the journey just as enjoyable as the destination itself.

Is this family-friendly?

The Island Runner Cruise is perfect for families with children of all ages. The shallow waters at Crab Island make it safe and fun for kids to splash around, and the boat is equipped with all required safety gear. Our experienced captains and crew are accustomed to welcoming families and ensuring everyone has a great time. Life jackets are provided for all passengers, and the calm, shallow waters at the sandbar give parents peace of mind while kids enjoy the water.

Can I bring food and drinks? What about alcohol? What about alcohol? What about alcohol?

Yes — food and non-alcoholic drinks are welcome. Pack a small, soft-sided cooler with snacks, sandwiches and your favorite drinks, and leave the glass at home. Because of our liquor license, outside alcohol is not allowed on board. We keep complimentary bottled water on ice, and select adult beverages are available for purchase during the cruise. During the busy season, floating vendors anchored near Crab Island sell tacos, burgers and frozen drinks straight from the water. Bring plenty of water — the Florida sun is no joke.

Where do you depart from?

The Island Runner Cruise departs from The Tipsy Tiki Destin, located at 530 Harbor Blvd in the heart of Destin Harbor. This central location provides easy access with nearby parking and is close to the HarborWalk Village shops and restaurants. We recommend arriving at least 15-20 minutes before your scheduled departure time to check in and get settled on the boat. Our friendly staff will be at the dock to greet you and help you aboard.

Island Runner Cruise Boarding — Docks, Parking & Check-In

The Runner and the Tiki board at two different docks — here’s the map before you sail to the sandbar.

Which Dock Is Yours?

Your dock depends on the cruise you grab at checkout — the booking calendar shows it, and your confirmation email repeats it.

Crab Island Runner: 7 Calhoun Ave, Destin, FL 32541 · (850) 706-2722
The Crab Island Runner boards beside the Destin bridge, a minute from the sandbar. Get directions

The Tipsy Tiki Destin: 530 Harbor Blvd, Destin, FL 32541 · (866) 602-6137
Tipsy Tiki sandbar trips board at our boardwalk dock at 530. Get directions

Parking

Crab Island Runner (7 Calhoun Ave): the Destin Marina’s public lot sits right beside the launch; it goes fast on summer days, so share a ride when you can.

The Tipsy Tiki (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.

Check-In

Your captain does the driving on this one. Arrive 45 minutes before departure with a photo ID, finish the waivers at the dock, and settle in — the crew takes care of the rest.

Bring aboard: snacks and non-alcoholic drinks in a soft-sided cooler (skip the glass), reef-safe sunscreen, and a hat that can handle a breeze. Outside alcohol is not permitted — select adult beverages are sold on board. Weekends fill fast — book about 48 hours out.

Cruise Info

Crab Island Runner has bench seating with storage for small coolers and small beach bags. Be sure to pack along your favorite sunscreen, towels, hats, sunglasses, watertoys, snacks etc… We offer complimentary iced water bottles and select adult beverages, sodas and snacks are available for purchase.
The following items are offered to share on Crab Island trips with all the guests: Lily Pad β€’ Water Floats Water guns β€’ Water toys

Adult: $60 / Child: $35 / Infant: $10

5 star review
Hands down, the best equipment and group of people!
I just wanted to send a special thanks to Jason, Taylor, and the whole staff over at Crab Runner Island. There are a lot of places you can rent a watercraft but not all of them have the a caring, friendly, and down right awesome owner and staff that Crab Runner Island have.
Tripadvisor Guest
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NOTICE: Pursuant to section 327.54, Florida Statutes, only a licensed livery operator may give safety instructions on the operation of a vessel. Due to staffing, we are unable to provide safety instruction in languages other than English at this time, nor can we permit members of the public to translate for guests. Thank you for your understanding.

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A person parasailing over the ocean, towed by a boat under a pastel sky.
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