Dolphin Tours In Destin & Fort Walton Beach, FL
Watch Dolphins in Their Natural Habitat — By Pontoon or Yacht
There’s nothing quite like spotting dolphins swimming alongside your boat — and with Destin Boat Company, you can enjoy this unforgettable experience on a private, captained dolphin cruise.
About Our Dolphin Cruises in Fort Walton Beach / Destin, FL
Looking for a peaceful and scenic way to explore the waters of the Emerald Coast? Our dolphin cruises offer a relaxing, family-friendly experience where you’ll cruise past beautiful shorelines and (with a little luck) spot wild dolphins swimming right alongside the boat.
We’ll cruise through the Santa Rosa Sound and Choctawhatchee Bay — both known for regular dolphin sightings. Whether you’re looking for a quiet moment on the water, a fun family outing, or a special way to kick off your vacation, this cruise offers something unforgettable.
You choose the experience: a casual pontoon cruise or a more upscale yacht charter. Either way, your licensed captain will guide the way while you enjoy the ride.
Tour Includes:
Licensed captain
Private pontoon or yacht
Cooler with ice
Bluetooth speaker
Perfect For:
Families, couples, nature lovers, photographers, and anyone wanting a calm, beautiful day on the water.
Dolphin Tours by Destin Boat Company
Choose your ride, your vibe, and your perfect day on the water — from pontoons to yachts, sunset cruises to fireworks shows.
6-Hour Pontoon Adventure
A full-day experience beyond just Crab Island
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While 6 hours is a bit long to stay anchored in the sun, we mix it up with cruising, waterfront sightseeing, and time at Crab Island
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Includes captain, floats, Bluetooth speaker, and cooler with ice
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Perfect for groups who want a full day on the water with options to explore, relax, and celebrate
4-Hour Yacht Experience
Crab Island views with elevated comfort
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We anchor just off the edge of Crab Island, giving you a front-row seat to the action — without being in the middle of the crowd
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Perfect for small groups who want the experience without the chaos
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Includes captain, steward, floats, cooler with ice, and Bluetooth sound system
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Enjoy a smooth cruise, some anchored relaxation, and unforgettable views of Destin’s most iconic spot
6-Hour Yacht Charter
An elevated all-day escape near Crab Island
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While we cannot anchor directly on Crab Island due to size and regulations, we anchor just alongside it — giving you the views, vibe, and fun without being caught in the chaos
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This experience is perfect for groups who want to stay in their own private space while still enjoying the energy of the sandbar
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Includes captain, steward, floats, cooler, and premium seating
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We mix time near Crab Island with scenic cruising, dolphin watching, and hidden beach stops to keep the day fresh and relaxing
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How long is the boat ride to Crab Island from Destin or Fort Walton Beach?All of our Crab Island tours in Destin, FL include a scenic 20–30 minute boat ride to the sandbar, depending on the boat type and launch location. Most often, we pickup from Fort Walton Beach, FL to ensure that our guests get to enjoy a ride. However, we are flexible and can pickup from your preferred location based on where you are staying. We make it easy, fun, and stress-free from start to finish. If you have questions, please call or text us at (850)565-9383.
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Can I bring food and drinks on my Crab Island tour?Yes! Our private Crab Island tours allow you to bring your own food and beverages, and every boat includes a cooler with ice. Just no glass containers, please. Looking for extras like charcuterie or drink setups? While we’re not legally allowed to sell or serve food or alcohol, we’re happy to recommend trusted third-party vendors. And if you’d rather keep it simple, Crab Island has floating food vendors available during peak season. That said, we highly recommend bringing your favorite drinks and snacks to make the day your own.
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How do I book a Crab Island boat tour in Destin, FL?Booking is simple — just click “Book Now” on any tour option or call us directly at 850-565-9383. We recommend reserving early, especially during peak season. Spots are limited.
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What should I bring for a Crab Island sandbar tour?For the best Crab Island experience, bring sunscreen, towels, sunglasses, drinks, and snacks. We provide the captain, cooler, floats, music, and the boat — you just show up ready to have fun!
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Can I drink alcohol during the boat tour?Yes, alcohol is allowed on all private Crab Island tours in Destin, FL for guests 21+. Please drink responsibly and hydrate — especially on 4-hour and 8-hour trips in the sun.
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Is swimming allowed at Crab Island?Absolutely! Crab Island is a shallow, sandy-bottom area that’s perfect for swimming, floating, and relaxing in the water. All of our tours are designed to anchor safely so you can enjoy the experience at your own pace. However, please note that Crab Island can have a strong current, especially during tidal changes. Because of this, it's not ideal for very young children or non-swimmers without close supervision and flotation gear.
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Are your Crab Island tours private or shared?Every Destin Boat Co tour is 100% private — just your group, your captain, and your vibe. We do not offer shared or split charters.
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Can we play our own music on the boat?Yes! Each boat is equipped with a Bluetooth speaker so you can control the playlist on your Crab Island pontoon or yacht tour.
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Do your tours allow kids?Absolutely! Our tours are family-friendly. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and everyone must be counted toward the 6-person limit.