About this tour
When Ben from our team hired one of Destin's newest double-decker pontoons, we loaded 14 people aboard and spent the better part of a day cruising the Emerald Coast. These boats are genuinely spacious — two sun decks, a shaded lower level, proper lounge seating all round — and they come fuelled up with two waterslides, a Bluetooth speaker, and Coast Guard kit already sorted. The vibe is relaxed; you're steering your own floating party to spots like Crab Island, which sits just 15 minutes offshore. It's the kind of rental that suits big family groups or mates who want to control the day themselves rather than follow a guide.
Highlights
- Two functional waterslides with hand pumps — kids and adults genuinely use them
- Shaded upper deck means someone doesn't have to fry in direct sun all day
- 15-minute cruise to Crab Island keeps travel time minimal, maximises swimming
- Fuel included; you're not nickeled for hidden extras once you're on water
- Wraparound seating on lower deck lets larger groups actually sit together
- Bluetooth speaker means your playlist, not a canned radio loop
- Parking at the launch point is free and straightforward
What to expect
You'll arrive, check in, and do a quick safety briefing before heading out. The boat itself is easy to manoeuvre once you get the feel of it — no captain means you're in control, which is liberating if you've hired a boat before, slightly daunting if you haven't. The ride to Crab Island is smooth in calm water; the shallows there let you swim, sunbake on the pontoon, and let the kids loose on the slides without worrying about depth. The two decks work well for managing sun exposure: upper level gets full rays and views, lower level is a legitimate refuge when UV gets heavy. With 14 spots, you're not cramped, and the cooler space means you can bring your own food and drinks. The slides are actually fun, not token — they've got proper hand pumps so they stay inflated.
Realistically, you'll spend time coordinating who wants to swim when, who's got the aux cord, and where everyone's towels are. The boat is self-catering in every sense, so if you forget something or want to eat, there's a ship's store at the dock for ice and basics, but you're relying on what you bring or what's nearby. A full day (8 hours) will have you tired but satisfied; the 4-hour window works if you want a late-afternoon session and less logistics stress.
What travellers say
- Self-catering flexibility — you set the itinerary and music playlist
- Two working waterslides hold their own throughout the day
- Dual sun decks plus shaded lower level suit mixed sun preferences
- No hidden fuel costs; tank is full when you depart
- Spacious enough that 14 people don't feel cramped or jostling
- You're piloting the boat — previous boating experience is a real asset
- Crab Island gets crowded on peak days; expect company in the shallows
- No captain means no guided commentary or expert local knowledge
- Weather and chop can make the experience less comfortable than expected
Themes summarised by our team from public information about this tour. Verify specifics on the operator's page before booking.
Good to know
Renting your own boat means zero pressure to follow a guide's schedule or sit through sales pitches. If you've got a group that enjoys being in charge, this is genuinely flexible — you decide where to go, how long to stay, and what music plays. The double-decker layout is smart: shaded areas mean nobody's forced to sunburn, and the two slides keep children and slide-lovers entertained for hours. Fuel's included, which removes a big unknown cost. It's wheelchair accessible and infant-friendly, so mixed-age groups work well.
You'll need to drive the boat yourself. If you've never captained one, there's a learning curve, and you're liable for any damage. Weather matters — choppy conditions make the ride less pleasant, and afternoon thunderstorms can cut trips short. Peak season (summer, school holidays) means crowded parking and busy offshore spots. The rental excludes a captain, so you're hiring a boat, not a guided experience. Crab Island can get rammed with other rentals, especially weekends. You'll need to bring your own food, drinks, and entertainment; don't expect amenities beyond ice and safety kit.
Bring sunscreen, snacks, a cooler, towels, and something to entertain kids beyond the slides. Peak times are June–August and school holidays. Groups of 10+ will appreciate the space. Budget extra for parking and any fuel top-up if you go overtime.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.