Crab Island is a hotspot both with tourists and locals alike! The beautiful, shallow water is perfect for anchoring your boat and enjoying the sun surround by family and friends. We see lots of questions about Crab Island on various forums and Facebook groups so we did our best to accumulate some of the most common questions and answer them so you know exactly what to expect!
Is Crab Island even worth checking out?
Most individuals who have ever spent the day at Crab Island would give a resounding "yes"! The atmosphere is fun and lively with music playing and laughter everywhere! Floating restaurants and vendors in small boats sell food, snacks, and non-alcoholic beverages, creating an incredibly exciting feeling! We think you should check it out once and decide for yourself! But, we already now that you'll want to go back again and again!
What is the best time to go to Crab Island?
This specific question is answered depending our your group. For example, if you have 7 collegiates on break, relatively any time during the day is good. For families with small children, we suggest you get out there earlier in the morning and head back around 2:30-3:00pm. This is when the tide tends to pick up, as well as the crowd begins to feel the effects of their day drinking!
What are the currents like at Crab Island?
Obviously towards the edges there are strong currents, but in the middle of the sandbar, waters bob gently with little to no current. The lack of current means your kids can flop onto a float and remain in essentially the same spot the whole time. And even if a slight current tries to bob your kid away, they' have to float very far to get themselves into even a slightly dangerous area of water. The current does pick up in the afternoons around 3:00-4:00, so we recommend families with smaller children go between 8:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
Do I need a boat to get to Crab Island?
Yes! It is important to note that there are very strong, dangerous currents between the docks and Crab Island. You really should not risk getting to Crab Island any other way other than on a boat. Luckily, 30A Pontoon Rental has great options for rentals, including 150hp and 200hp Tritoons and Double Decker Tritoons with a waterslide! You can check their selection at www.30apontoon.com. It is also important to know that the only shade at Crab Island is what you provide so remember to choose a boat option that provides at least some shade.
Is alcohol Allowed?
You are allowed to dink as long as you help maintain a respectful environment to fellow boaters, as well as nature. So have fun but don't cause a scene, any trash you bring, take back to land with you, and do not use glass bottles. Be sure to bring enough for the whole day as the sale of alcohol is prohibited for vendors, so they won't be able to restore your supply. Finally, drink and boat responsibly. Make sure one person is the designated driver, or hire a captain to safely drive you back and forth. 30A Pontoon Rentals offers captain services, just specify when you book.
Is Crab Island family friendly?
While most boaters are extremely respectful of their surroundings and reign in their music and language around families with small children, it can occasionally get rowdy towards late afternoon. We suggest that families with small children plan their day for 8:00 am to 2:30 pm. This way you avoid the uptick in partying, as well as get ahead of the increasing currents that pick up later in the day.
Are there lifeguards at Crab Island?
No, so it is important that you plan for ensuring your own safety. For weaker swimmers, consider utilizing the life jackets that are provided with every boat. Opt for bright colored trunks on kids for easy spotting when in the water. Also, pay attention to weather so you don't get caught in a storm!
We know you'll love Crab Island as much as we do! And we also want you to have the best time possible. With the proper planning and preparation, you sure to make memories for a lifetime!