Sail Away with Crab Island Cruises

Locally owned company offers chartered pontoons for a seamless, stress-free day on the water

BY KATIE GARRISON

AT CRAB ISLAND CRUISES, SAFETY AND FUN ARE EQUALLY OF HIGHEST importance. With a team of 10 experienced captains, the premier charter company leads cruises out into the glistening emerald waters, relieving driver ownership from their guests for the ultimate boat-day experience.

The start of Crab Island Cruises was a serendipitous endeavor for owner and Captain Walt Forster.

In 2013, Forster headed South from Indiana with plans to purchase a pizza company in Panama City. But along his travels, he stumbled across the beautiful Destin area and discovered the famously known Crab Island sandbar, a portion of the inlet beside the Marler Bridge that connects Choctawhatchee Bay to the Gulf of Mexico. Over the past few decades, the sandbar has become a boaters’ hot spot for locals and tourists to anchor down for a day on the aquamarine water.

Forster was astonished by the numerous vessels floating in the water. So much so that he decided to change his course of action. Ultimately, he sold his Indiana FedEx franchise and decided to put down roots in Destin, after officially purchasing Crab Island Cruises that same year.

Since then, the company has been making waves in Destin.

As a fully captained charter business, Crab Island Cruises allows you to enjoy your day on the water without the stress or hassle of boater responsibilities. Think of it as the Uber for the ocean, but they stick around to ensure safety and fun.

“It is always safer to have a certified captain if you do not understand ocean waters,” Forster said. “For example, there are tide changes and weather conditions that may need guidance, or this could pose a number of challenges. A certified captain deals with these changes much easier than a novice boater.”

And boat captains are trained to distinguish drowning and provide first aid or CPR if necessary.

Trained in boating safety and exclusively providing pontoon boats, Crab Island Cruises has perfected its craft.

“A boat is more enjoyable with ample space for friends and family to have a good time,” Forster noted.

Coast Guard regulations allow six passengers per vessel or 10 passengers per vessel for captains with a 25-ton-or-higher license. Crab Island Cruises captains can accommodate for both group sizes. Also, customers can book multiple boats for larger parties, and captains will anchor down with your group.

And this Destin charter company undeniably caters to your needs, with four-hour cruises setting out twice daily and sunset and fireworks cruises hitting the water in the evenings. As a significant bonus, they stock the boats with everything you need for a day out on the water — including everything from life jackets and bottled water to lily pad floats and a bluetooth speaker.

Hours can slip away just floating about the bustling sandbar, but the fun isn’t isolated to the island. Your captain can take you to the best snorkeling spots or cruise the waters in search of the inevitable dolphin encounter. No matter your interests, Crab Island Cruises has you covered.

“Most people get one vacation a year, and it is our pleasure to ensure you remember it,” said Forster. “Our customers are our most important asset, and we know this. Without them, we have nothing. So it is our solemn guarantee — whether it is a cloudy day or the sun is shining brighter than we deserve, they will always be our No. 1. And we will make it a cruise they will remember.”

Over the years, Crab Island

Top Boat Safety Tips

» Never sit on the bow of a boat with legs hanging over the boat while someone is driving.

» When the boat is hitting a dock, do not put any body part between the boat and

Cruises has chartered a range of group types, such as company celebrations, birthdays, bachelorette and bachelor parties, family gatherings and wedding parties. But Forster said his favorite groups to take out are returning customers, knowing they came back because they had a great first experience.

“Our customers need to know that nothing works without them, and they deserve the best. We aim to go above and beyond to make this happen for everyone. In doing so, we will provide you with topnotch customer service, the history of our beautiful island and your absolute favorite day while on vacation.” dock to push off. The captain will use the engine or rope to help.

» Do not drink and drive a boat. This is why it’s so helpful to use Crab Island Cruises’ chartered pontoons.

BOAT DAY 101: Packing List

THE BASICS

Towels, nonslip shoes (sandals or water shoes), cell phone and waterproof case.

SAFETY

Sunscreen is a must, even on overcast days. Hats, visors, sunglasses and a T-shirt will be helpful, too, in protecting from intense UV rays.

EXTRAS

Snacks and additional beverages if desired (the sale of alcohol is prohibited on Crab Island). Opt for plastic bottles or cans as per Crab Island Cruises’ preference.

JUST FOR FUN

Goggles and snorkel gear, extra floaties and a prepared playlist of your favorite music.

CRAB ISLAND CRUISES PROVIDES IT ALL!

THE BASICS

Boat, captain and fuel.

SAFETY

Trained captains, life jackets and first aid kit.

EXTRAS

A 500-watt Bluetooth speaker, coolers with ice and bottled water.

JUST FOR FUN

» Never go after a float that gets swept away by a current.

» Do not jump into a body of water you don’t know the depth of. Especially, no diving!

Lily pad float, beer pong, volleyball, frisbees, footballs and skip balls. Paddle boards are available upon request.

To book with Crab Island Cruises, visit CrabIslandCruises.com