What to Bring to Crab Island

Getting ready for a day at Crab Island is half the fun, and packing smart makes the whole trip smoother. The good news is that a tour with Bikkini Bottom Boat Charters already includes a lot of the essentials, so your packing list is shorter than you might think. Here is everything you need to bring, plus what Bikkini Bottom already covers for you, so you can show up ready to enjoy Destin’s most famous sandbar without overthinking it.

What Is Crab Island in Destin, FL
How Much Does a Crab Island Tour Cost
Crab Island Shuttle vs. Pontoon Rental vs. Private Charter: Which Should You Book
What to Bring to Crab Island: The Complete Packing List
Is Crab Island Safe for Kids and Families
Best Crab Island Tours for Bachelorette Parties & Large Groups

What Bikkini Bottom Already Provides

Before we get into your personal packing list, it helps to know what comes included on a Crab Island tour. Bikkini Bottom stocks the boat with lifejackets, a cooler, floats and noodles, a floating pad, frisbees and footballs, and an onboard restroom. That means you do not need to rent gear ahead of time or lug a cooler and floats down to the dock yourself. Whether you book the public tour or the Private Crab Island Charter, all of that comes standard.

Knowing this upfront takes a lot of pressure off your packing list. You are really just bringing personal items and a few extras to make your day out there even better.

The Essentials to Pack

Swimsuit, worn under your clothes. You will want to be ready to jump in the water the moment you arrive at Crab Island, so throw your suit on before you leave your hotel or rental in Destin.

Sunscreen. Florida sun is no joke, especially out on open water where reflection off the surface intensifies exposure. Go with a reef-safe, water-resistant sunscreen and reapply throughout your time out on the water.

Sunglasses and a hat. Between the glare off the water and the direct Destin sun, good eye protection and shade for your face make a huge difference in comfort.

A dry bag or waterproof phone pouch. Splashing is part of the experience, so keeping your phone, wallet, and any electronics protected is smart. A simple waterproof pouch lets you snap photos without worrying about a dunk in the bay.

Cash for tips and extras. While Bikkini Bottom covers the core essentials, a little cash comes in handy for tipping your captain or grabbing something from a floating vendor if you spot one nearby.

A light towel. Even though the boat has plenty covered, having your own towel to dry off or lay out on gives you a little extra comfort during downtime.

Water shoes or sandals with straps. The sandbar itself is soft and shallow, but water shoes help protect your feet if you plan to wade around or explore a bit further from the boat.

A change of clothes. You will be wet by the end of your trip, so packing a dry outfit for the ride back into Destin makes the rest of your day a lot more comfortable.

Nice-to-Have Extras

These are not required, but they can make your day out there even better.

A waterproof camera or GoPro. Since your phone might stay tucked away in a dry bag, a waterproof camera is a great way to capture the fun without any worry.

Snacks you actually like. The cooler is provided, but bringing your own favorite snacks and drinks means you get exactly what you are craving during your time on the water.

A portable speaker. If your group wants its own soundtrack, a small waterproof speaker adds to the atmosphere, though most tours already have plenty of music going.

Reusable water bottle. Staying hydrated matters even more out on the water under the Destin sun, so having your own bottle to refill is a simple way to stay comfortable all day.

What Not to Bring

A few things are better left at home or in your car before heading out to Crab Island from Destin. Skip glass containers, since they are a safety hazard around the boat and the sandbar. Leave valuables like expensive jewelry behind, since there is always a small chance of losing something in the water. And there is no need to bring your own floats, noodles, or cooler, since Bikkini Bottom already has you covered on all of that.

Packing Differently for a Private Charter

If you are booking the Private Crab Island Charter for a bigger group, your packing list stays mostly the same, but a few extras can make the day feel more special. Consider bringing decorations for a bachelorette party or birthday celebration, since you have the whole boat to yourselves out of Destin. A few extra towels or a change of clothes for younger kids is also smart if you are bringing the whole family along for the day.

Weather and Timing Tips for Your Trip

Destin weather can shift fast, especially in the summer months when afternoon storms roll in off the Gulf. Checking the forecast the night before and again the morning of your trip helps you plan around any weather changes. Most captains around Destin keep a close eye on conditions too, so if a storm is expected, your tour company will let you know about any schedule adjustments well ahead of time.

Mornings in Destin tend to bring calmer water and cooler temperatures, which makes for a comfortable ride out and back. If you are booking a Sunset Cruise or an evening trip, pack a light layer, since it can cool off a bit once the sun starts to set over the water. Whatever time of day you choose, dressing in layers and packing according to the season keeps your day as smooth as the water itself.

A Quick Pre-Trip Checklist

Here is a simple rundown to run through before you head to the dock in Destin.

• Swimsuit on under your clothes
• Sunscreen, reef-safe and water-resistant
• Sunglasses and a hat
• Waterproof phone pouch or dry bag
• Cash for tips
• Light towel
• Water shoes or sandals
• Change of dry clothes for the ride back
• Snacks and drinks you enjoy, if you want something specific

With that list checked off, you are ready for a great day out at Crab Island.

Frequently Asked Questions About Packing for Crab Island

Do I need to bring my own cooler or floats to Crab Island? No, Bikkini Bottom already provides a cooler, floats, noodles, and a floating pad on every tour, so you do not need to bring or rent any of that yourself.

What should I wear to Crab Island? Wear your swimsuit under your clothes so you are ready to get in the water right away, and bring a hat and sunglasses for sun protection while you are out on the sandbar.

Is there a bathroom on the boat? Yes, Bikkini Bottom boats include an onboard restroom, so you do not need to worry about finding facilities while you are out on the water.

Should I bring cash on my Crab Island tour? It is a good idea to bring a little cash for tipping your captain or buying something from a floating vendor if one comes by while you are out there.

Can I bring my phone or camera on the boat? Yes, just protect it with a waterproof pouch or dry bag, since splashing and swimming are a big part of the experience out at Crab Island.

What should I leave at home before heading to Destin’s Crab Island? Skip glass containers and expensive valuables like jewelry. Since Bikkini Bottom already provides floats, coolers, and life jackets, you can also leave those items behind and travel light.