Mobile Navigation Menu

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 • Water Floats Water guns • Water toys

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

ExcellentGoogle star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 55.0394 reviews
5.0Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Excellent394 reviews
Posted on Google Google
yesenia nunez profile picture
yesenia nunez
0 days ago
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Amazing experience.
Posted on Google Google
Mariah Nutter profile picture
Mariah Nutter
0 days ago
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Amazing time at crab island with Caden and Lauren!
Posted on Google Google
Alexis Mcfarland profile picture
Alexis Mcfarland
0 days ago
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Had a great time on crab island! Cayden and Lauren were amazing!
Posted on Google Google
Samantha Sekerak profile picture
Samantha Sekerak
0 days ago
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Wanted to take my kiddos down to Crab Island and found this charter! Lauren and Caiden did an absolute fabulous job all the way around. They both interacted with all of us and it was really an all around great trip.
Posted on Google Google
Revon Andrews profile picture
Revon Andrews
0 days ago
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Great times, Cayden and Lauren, will be back soon!
Posted on Google Google
Kalea Cook profile picture
Kalea Cook
0 days ago
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
So much fun! Cayden and Lauren are the best ❤️
Posted on Google Google
Landa Carnes profile picture
Landa Carnes
3 days ago
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Had the best time with Lauren and Jake at Crab Island, best crew EVER!!!
Posted on Google Google
Kim Crispens profile picture
Kim Crispens
3 days ago
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Jake and Lauren were spectacular! So nice and hospitable! Great experience!
Posted on Google Google
Krista Adams profile picture
Krista Adams
3 days ago
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Lauren and Jake are AMAZING!!! Will be back!! Thanks to both of you!!!
Posted on Google Google
Adam profile picture
Adam
3 days ago
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Fun and Easy times with Lauren and Jake. Book with them now or miss out! We will be back all the way from Texas. HOOK 'EM HORNS
Posted on Google Google
Edixon Villanueva profile picture
Edixon Villanueva
3 days ago
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Jake Lauren Crab Island
Posted on Google Google
Hector Castro profile picture
Hector Castro
3 days ago
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Jake and Loren is amazing service 😊😊😊😎
Posted on Google Google
Keara Quijada profile picture
Keara Quijada
3 days ago
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Jake and Lauren were amazing!!! Don’t hesitate to book with them!!! I will definitely do this again!!!
Posted on Google Google
Jessica Rafiner profile picture
Jessica Rafiner
5 days ago
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
+0
Had a great time 😎
Posted on Google Google
Carrie Patton profile picture
Carrie Patton
7 days ago
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Sean and Bean did awesome. We appreciate the service. We will do it again and we highly recommend.

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 — 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 • Water Floats Water guns • 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
More Reviews
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.

Explore our tours

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