Crab Island is a sandbar in the middle of Choctawhatchee Bay. You get there by boat and you spend the day in or near the water with no shade structure, no permanent restroom, and no store to run to if you forget something. Packing right makes a meaningful difference. This is a practical list of what to bring to Crab Island, organized by category, with notes on what's available there so you don't overpack.
Sun and Heat Protection
This is your most important category. You're on the water in direct Florida sun for several hours with no overhead shade unless you're on a boat with a canopy.
- Sunscreen — more than you think. SPF 30 minimum, reef-safe preferred. Bring enough to reapply every 90 minutes. UV exposure on the water is intense — reflected sunlight from the water adds to direct exposure. If you're going for four hours, that's two to three applications for most people.
- UPF-rated shirt or rash guard. Particularly useful for extended time in shallow water, where sunscreen gets washed off faster than you expect.
- Sunglasses. Polarized lenses reduce glare off the water significantly.
- Hat. Brim style for sun coverage. It will need to be secured — there's usually some wind on the water.
- Lip balm with SPF. Easy to forget, worth having.
Food and Drinks
Floating vendor boats sell food and drinks at Crab Island during peak season. You can buy things there. That said, vendor pricing is what you'd expect in a captive-audience situation, and the selection depends on which vendors are operating that day.
Bringing your own cooler is almost always worth it. Most shuttle and rental operators allow coolers. Pack:
- Water — more than you plan to drink. Dehydration in the sun is a real issue. A good rule is at least 16–20oz per person per hour in summer heat.
- Snacks that don't require refrigeration or utensils — fruit, chips, sandwiches in a cooler.
- Alcohol in cans if you plan to drink. Glass containers are generally not permitted on boats.
Confirm with your shuttle or rental operator what you're allowed to bring and whether there's cooler space on the vessel.
Water Gear
- Water shoes. The sandbar bottom is sandy but there are shell fragments and the surface can be uneven. Water shoes protect your feet and make walking from the boat to the sandbar more comfortable.
- Floatie or inflatable. Not required — vendor boats sell float time — but if you have your own and can transport it, it's useful. Full-size pool floats are impractical on a shuttle boat. A compact inflatable ring or vest is more manageable.
- Waterproof phone case or dry bag. You're in and around water for hours. Protecting your phone and any important items in a waterproof bag is worth the few dollars it costs.
- Goggles. Optional. The water is clear enough to see the bottom. Younger kids often enjoy them.
Practical Essentials
- Towels. Bring one per person minimum, two if you want a dry one for the ride back.
- Cash. Vendor boats may not all accept cards. Having cash covers you for tips, vendor purchases, and anything else that comes up.
- Change of dry clothes for the return trip. If you're going anywhere after Crab Island — eating, driving, visiting — having dry clothes to change into makes that transition easier.
- Any medications you need during the day. No pharmacy is accessible from the sandbar.
What About Restrooms?
Restrooms on Crab Island are only available if your shuttle or tour includes them — Crab Island Water Taxi's VIP option includes a bathroom on the vessel. Standard shuttles and most tours do not. Factor this into how long you plan to stay and what you plan to drink. Ask specifically about bathroom access when you book if this matters to your group.
What to Leave in the Car or at the Hotel
- Anything you don't want to risk getting wet or damaged
- Valuables beyond what you need — cash, one card, and a waterproof phone case is sufficient
- Large inflatables that won't fit on the shuttle
- Glass containers
- Pets — dogs are not permitted at Crab Island
Notes for Families with Young Children
Crab Island is manageable with young kids but requires planning. The water is shallow at the sandbar, which is good. The absence of shade and restrooms is challenging. A VIP shuttle that includes a bathroom makes it significantly more feasible with toddlers. Bring extra sunscreen, hats, and rash guards for kids — sun exposure hits harder on young skin. Life jackets are required on the boat for children at certain ages — ask your operator about requirements.