Crab Island in Destin guarantees fun for all-ages. Wade in the shallow water while searching for shells and marine life, or anchor at the dropoff and whip out the paddleboards!
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Looking for shells in Destin is not the same as shelling on Sanibel Island, but you will get to enjoy the experience of shelling and participate in Destin Snorkel's famous 'hermit crab' races.
Crab Island in Destin, Florida is a unique, can't-miss experience for anyone traveling to Florida's Gulf Coast. Just off the Destin bridge, Crab Island offers breathtaking views and warm, crystal clear water.
Do not swim beyond Crab Island. “STAY ON THE ISLAND.” The current is very very dangerous. Sometimes on the island, it's strong enough you will need to brace yourself while standing.
Yes, you can encounter Jellyfish while at Crab Island. For the most part, we mainly saw small, lemon sized floating blobs with no tentacles, and those didn't seem to sting.
There has been some news lately that causes people to believe that alcohol has been banned at Crab Island. What has been banned is the SALE of alcohol at Crab Island. If you want to bring alcoholic beverages with you, you can. There are no open container laws on the water in Florida.
Yet, it is protected from the surf and waves that you would typically experience along the beach. With that in mind, our bay is “brackish” water which is fresh, salt water, giving it the brownish color. Our bay also has a river, creeks, and springs that feed into it as well as the salt water from the Gulf.
Every year, towards the end of July, jelly fish decide to visit the Emerald Coast. According to marine biologists, the annoying sea life get caught in the Gulf Stream and make their way to our warm, Emerald Green Waters.  You’ll know we have uninvited guests by the Purple Flags flying on the beach.
You can think of it like the DoorDash of the water. They work with nearby local restaurants to pick up your food order and get it out to your boat on Crab Island. So now there is a larger variety of options than the few food vendors at Crab Island.
Sanibel Island Shelling – Travel & Leisure Ranked Sanibel Island #1 of the Top 10 Best U.S Shelling Beaches. Shell-lovers from all over the world make pilgrimages to tiny Sanibel Island's Gulf Coast, considered the best shelling spot in North America according to Travel & Leisure Magazine.
Shell-lovers from all over the world make pilgrimages to tiny Sanibel Island's Gulf Coast, considered the best shelling spot in North America according to Travel & Leisure Magazine.
The recreational collection of sea shells is allowed depending on whether or not the harvested sea shell contains a living organism, the type of organism it contains and where you will be collecting. Sea shells containing live organisms cannot be sold unless the seller has a valid commercial saltwater products license.
The best time of year to go to Crab Island is during the summer months of May, June, July and August. This is when the water temperature is most comfortable for swimming and the vendors are out offering food, drinks, merchandise, and rentals. Summer is when the most tour and excursion boats are operating.
The lighter area of blue water is indicative of the most shallow portion of Crab Island- here you can walk around and the water will only be at your knees to your waist. Also seen is the Destin bridge with the west to the left and east to the right.
The Peak Season for Crab Island is definitely summertime (May, June, July, August). There is a rush of Spring Breakers during March/April, but it is typically too cold for most to be out there (locals included).