Planning a 4th of July trip to Crab Island in Destin? Here's what you should know

Crab Island in Destin is a picture-perfect tourist destination where thousands of people come throughout the year to enjoy the underwater sandbar’s crystal-clear, emerald-green waters, soft white sands and waterpark-style attractions.

Believe it or not, Crab Island was once an actual island, created by dredging in the 1960s. It was quite a bit larger than it currently sits, but has eroded over the years.

Today, the water depth at Crab Island is between 1- to 5-feet deep, and it remains large enough to fit the hundreds and sometimes thousands of visitors who come to enjoy what the area has to offer.

Visiting Destin? Here’s what you should know before heading off to Crab Island.

What is Crab Island in Destin?

Crab Island is a submerged sandbar in Destin, Florida, that has become a hotspot for tourists and locals alike. Stretching for about four acres, the underwater sandbar is the remnants of a man-made island created in the 1960s from sand that was dredged from the sea floor when Destin’s East Pass was deepened by the U.S. Corps of Engineers.

It was once a popular spot for locals to gather and throw rowdy parties, but it has since calmed largely thanks to heavy commercialization following its explosive popularity. But even that commercialization has subsided. Where visitors could once pull up and expect to enjoy inflatable obstacle courses, restaurants and floating music stages, now they can enjoy fishing, paddle boarding and a leisure day on the water — though the occasional floating restaurant does crop up.

Crab Island injuries: Almost half of 200 tourists hospitalized for traumatic injuries yearly are from Crab Island

What is there to do at Crab Island?

Crab Island has evolved considerably over the years, and not just in physical size. Seizing on an untapped economic opportunity, businesses flocked to Crab Island to provide everything from floating restaurants and bars to inflatable obstacle courses and floating music stages.

Today, Crab Island’s crazier activities have been curbed by local and federal officials as they look to implement permanent regulations surrounding commercial services. In the meantime, there are still plenty of fun opportunities to be had.

• Fishing

• Paddleboarding and kayaking around the sandbar

• Water volleyball

• Snorkeling

• Enjoy local cuisine from floating restaurants and mobile food boats

In recent years, the National Parks Service (NPS) and Okaloosa County, which share jurisdiction over the swath of submerged land, began looking into ways to curb commercial services in the area due to safety concerns following “life-threatening accidents and fatalities, damaged sea grass beds and diminished water quality.” At one point, officials juggled the idea of eliminating commercial services in the area altogether, but COVID-19 delayed the NPS in finalizing its Commercial Strategy Services (CSS) plan, which still remains unfinished.

In the meantime, NPS has implemented regulations that visitors and vendors must follow:

• No overnight anchoring

• The sale or distribution of alcohol is prohibited (Boaters can still bring their own)

• Propeller cages on vendor vessels under 21′ to protect seagrass beds

• Restroom required on commercial passenger vessels (not rental boats) over 21 feet

• Shuttle services must remain with their customers at Crab Island.

• 3% of gross income to the National Parks Service

• $400+ per vessel/structure (based on size) per month to Okaloosa County

Shore-Dash at Crab Island: Shore-Dash delivers food to Destin's water playground — Crab Island

How to get to Crab Island

The first thing you should know is that you absolutely cannot swim to Crab Island as the currents around the sandbar are too strong. Seriously, don’t attempt to swim to Crab Island. The current around the island can be so strong that it sometimes requires effort to stay planted. High boat traffic, often operated by inexperienced and sometimes reckless boaters, makes any attempt all the more dangerous.

The most popular way to get to Crab Island is by boat. Private boats, rented boats and everything in between are great ways to reach the sandbar. Guests can also rent personal watercraft and kayaks to reach Crab Island. Larger groups can consider splitting the cost of a pontoon boat.

Where is Crab Island

https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edit?mid=1X2RDDr2_WG3B1eHIWNTJWk9GLzOJpy4&usp=sharing

Crab Island is located in Destin, Florida, just north of the Marler Bridge. The official GPS coordinates are listed as N 30°23.918, W 86°31.236.

Best time to go to Crab Island

Crab Island is best experienced during the daytime while there are people and vendors to visit with, and when you can see the area’s natural beauty. Visiting during high tide is typically best, as that is when the water’s emerald colors shine brightest. During May and June, two of the best months to visit, high tide is typically around 9 and 10 a.m.

Can you see July 4 fireworks from Crab Island?

There are several July 4 fireworks shows in Destin, typically around Destin Harbor, Baytowne Wharf and Sandestin Beach. The good news is that if you’re planning a 4th of July trip to Crab Island, you don’t need to leave to enjoy the festivities.

The Destin Harbor 4th of July Fireworks show is happening at 9 p.m. and can be seen from Crab Island. These fireworks will be set off from West Jetties Beach, which is a slightly different spot than where they are shot throughout the rest of the year.

This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Visiting Crab Island in Destin for 4th of July? What you should know