---
title: "Crab Island's Most Popular Floating Restaurant: WaterWorld"
description: Discover what happened to WaterWorld at Crab Island and explore the top floating food vendors still serving fun and flavor in Destin’s famous sandbar.
image: https://destinvacationboatrentals.com/hubfs/picture%20of%20waterworld%20restaurant%20crab%20island.png
---
# Crab Island's Most Popular Floating Restaurant: WaterWorld
- [](mailto:charlie@legacyboatingclub.com?subject=&subject=Crab+Island%27s+Most+Popular+Floating+Restaurant%3A+WaterWorld%20-%20https://destinvacationboatrentals.com/blog/crab-island-floating-restaurant-waterworld)
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#### by [Danielle V.](https://destinvacationboatrentals.com/blog/author/dvbr)
### **WaterWorld closed in 2019 and is [no longer set up at Crab Island due to new laws that prohibit overnight anchoring at the sandbar](https://www.destinvacationboatrentals.com/blog-post/crab-island-2020/). However, there are still a few smaller floating restaurants—like Reef Burger and Frickin Ridiculous BBQ—as well as mobile food vendors that serve hungry visitors right on the water.**
If you want to truly experience Destin, [a visit to Crab Island is a must](https://www.destinvacationboatrentals.com/blog-post/crab-island-the-complete-visitors-guide-to-destins-most-popular-hangout/). This iconic sandbar is a one-of-a-kind gathering spot where boaters come together to relax in waist-deep water, enjoy the sunshine, and indulge in the fun atmosphere—complete with floating food vendors, live music, and inflatable water parks during the season.
While the popular floating restaurant WaterWorld is no longer in operation, its memory lives on as a reminder of just how lively and unique Crab Island can be. Once a hub for seafood and frozen drinks, WaterWorld was known for its shrimp poboys, fried bologna sandwiches with gourmet flair, and tropical vibes under a thatched roof. It was even featured [on HGTV](https://www.destinvacationboatrentals.com/blog-post/hgtv-crab-island-destin-florida/) during its heyday.
Today, visitors can still enjoy delicious food and great company at Crab Island thanks to the mobile food boats and floating kitchens that continue to serve the area. Whether you’re craving burgers, BBQ, or a cold daiquiri (BYOB-style), there’s something for everyone—especially if you’re arriving by pontoon boat or on a [Crab Island Shuttle](https://www.destinvacationboatrentals.com/crab-island-shuttle-boat/) or [Adventure Tour](https://www.destinvacationboatrentals.com/crab-island-adventure-tour/).
Because [Crab Island is only accessible by boat](https://www.destinvacationboatrentals.com/blog-post/crab-island-boat-rentals/), you’ll need to bring your own vessel, [rent one](https://www.destinvacationboatrentals.com/), or hop aboard an excursion to join in the fun. Though WaterWorld is no longer operating, Crab Island continues to evolve—and remains one of the most unforgettable places to eat, swim, and soak up the Emerald Coast vibe.
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## RELATED POSTS:
[ ](https://destinvacationboatrentals.com/blog/crab-island-the-complete-visitors-guide-to-destins-most-popular-hangout)
### [Crab Island in Destin, Florida: The 2026 Complete Visitor's Guide](https://destinvacationboatrentals.com/blog/crab-island-the-complete-visitors-guide-to-destins-most-popular-hangout)
[ ](https://destinvacationboatrentals.com/blog/crab-island-info)
### [5 Things Every Visitor Should Know About Crab Island in Destin, Florida](https://destinvacationboatrentals.com/blog/crab-island-info)
[ ](https://destinvacationboatrentals.com/blog/who-owns-crab-island-sandbar)
### [Who Owns Crab Island: Jurisdictional Issues Over Destin Sandbar](https://destinvacationboatrentals.com/blog/who-owns-crab-island-sandbar)
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