Crab Island Water Park: Inflatables & Crab Island

The Former Crab Island Water Park

** Note: The Crab Island Water Park is permanently closed due to restrictions on overnight anchoring by Okaloosa County. **

Crab Island remains one of the most iconic and beloved attractions in Destin, Florida. Once known primarily for its party vibe, the area has slowly shifted toward becoming a more family-inclusive destination. A big part of that transition was the former Crab Island Water Park, which attracted visitors of all ages with its oversized inflatables, slides, swings, and climbing features. Unfortunately, new regulations have changed the way business is conducted on the sandbar.

When it was still active, the inflatable water park sprawled over several acres, offering a fun and safe aquatic playground. Families would rent pontoon boats just to bring their kids to play for hours at a time. However, as the number of vendors and visitors increased, concerns grew over safety, environmental impact, and aesthetics.

The County responded by charging usage fees to vendors and restricting overnight anchoring at the sandbar—requirements that made daily setup and takedown of a massive floating playground infeasible. Ultimately, this spelled the end of the Crab Island Water Park, which officially shut down just before the 2020 season.

A Better Alternative: The Crab Island Adventure Tour

If you're looking for a family-friendly way to experience Crab Island in 2025, the Crab Island Adventure Tour is the ultimate upgrade. It combines the best parts of the water park—active fun, guided excursions, and beautiful scenery—without the overcrowded chaos.

This one-of-a-kind tour includes:

• - Dolphin sightseeing cruise along the stunning Destin Harbor
• - Access to kayaks and stand-up paddleboards for all skill levels
• - Snorkeling adventures in the clear waters of the Gulf Islands National Seashore
• - A relaxing stop at the famous Crab Island sandbar
• - Banana boat rides, floating lounges, and water trampolines (exclusive to tour guests!)

- The best part? This private floating waterpark experience is *only available to guests on the excursion*. That means no crowds, no chaos—just clean, family-friendly fun in one of Florida's most beautiful aquatic environments.

How Much Does It Cost?

The full 2-stop tour—featuring Crab Island, dolphin sightings, and all water activities—starts at just $77 for adults and $48 for kids under 5. That price includes your round-trip boat ride, an experienced captain, on-board restrooms, crew support, and access to everything from paddleboards and kayaks to snorkel gear and banana boat rides.

When you break it down, booking this tour saves you money compared to buying individual rentals and tickets for separate activities, which could easily total over $160 per person. With this all-inclusive approach, your family can enjoy an entire day of fun on the water without the stress or cost of juggling multiple vendors.

Crab Island is Still Family-Friendly

Despite the end of the inflatable water park, Crab Island continues to attract families, couples, and groups seeking a unique aquatic experience. The shift away from overnight vendors and unregulated activities has actually enhanced the natural appeal of the area. Visitors now enjoy more scenic surroundings, better-managed activities, and an improved sense of safety.

Crab Island’s shallow waters, gentle currents, and soft white sand make it an ideal environment for floating, swimming, and relaxing. The Complete Visitor’s Guide to Crab Island offers even more helpful tips for planning your visit.

Is Crab Island Safe?

One of the most common questions from parents is, “Is Crab Island safe for kids?” The answer: Yes—especially when visiting as part of a supervised tour like the Adventure Tour. The tour includes staff trained in water safety and lifeguard protocols, and the area is generally free from large waves or dangerous wildlife.

Still, it's smart to take basic precautions like using sunscreen, staying hydrated, and ensuring kids wear properly fitted life jackets. For more on water safety in Florida, check out these safety tips from Florida State Parks.

Why Book in Advance?

Seats for the Crab Island Adventure Tour fill up quickly—especially in the summer months. Booking in advance ensures you lock in your date and don’t miss out on one of Destin’s top-rated family excursions.

Whether you’re traveling with young kids, teens, or just want a fun day on the water with friends, this tour is a standout choice. You’ll get a mix of adventure, relaxation, and sightseeing in a single trip, all backed by a professional team who knows the area inside and out.

Plan Your Trip

Crab Island may look different in 2025 than it did a few years ago, but that’s not a bad thing. Today, it’s cleaner, safer, and more enjoyable than ever—especially when you book through the right operators.

Don’t wait to experience the fun. Click here to reserve your spot on the Crab Island Adventure Tour or call (850) 650-2628 for more info.