Crab Island Dolphin Tours — Local services in Destin

This is our second tour with Crab Island Dolphin Tours - and once again did not disappoint. We chose a private sunset tour and Captain Brian was our tour guide. Let me just start by saying that Brian knows how to maneuver a boat. Seas were not calm - yet he made sure we were safe, comfortable and rarely splashed!! Within the first 20 minutes, we had already found a large pod of dolphin and he kept positioning us around the many other large watercraft to ensure we got to see them up close and very personally. With littles on board, we could not have been more grateful to be on a beautiful pontoon watching the dolphin swim right off the front and sides of us while others on larger tour boats were left fighting the crowds trying to get a peek.

After the dolphin viewing, he beached us and gave everyone a chance to take a break from the rougher seas while he taught us about hermit crabs. The kids may have actually enjoyed this part of the tour the most - he was off the boat with them, allowing them to touch and hold the crabs while also teaching about conservation and the importance of making sure we treat the crabs well. We even saved a bunch that someone had put in a hole away from the surf!

And then we ended with our own photo shoot led by Captain Brian with a gorgeous Gulf sunset as the backdrop.

This tour is worth every penny, and we will never book with another company. Thank you to Brian for a night we will...

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Best Day in Destin with Captain Brian!

We booked a 4-hour private pontoon not dolphin cruise with Captain Brian with Crab Island Dolphin Tours, and it was hands down the highlight of our vacation trip in Destin! Not only did we see multiple dolphins up close - including a baby dolphin (yes, actual dolphins, not just wishful thinking), but we also got to anchor a couple of times and play in the shallow ocean water—perfect for our dog / family member, a spirited Belgian Malinois who absolutely lived his best dog boat life.

Captain Brian was chill, knowledgeable, and made us feel like we were out with a friend—one who just happens to know where the dolphins hang out, all the sweet beach spots, and can handle the pontoon like a boss.

The boat was super clean, comfy, and had plenty of space to lounge, relax, and soak in the sun or shade and sea breeze. Bonus points for Brian’s playlist and easygoing vibe—he kept us having fun the whole time.

If you’re on the fence, this is your sign: book it. Worth the investment and family time. Bring your crew, bring your dog, and get ready for an unforgettable time on the water. Thanks again, Captain Brian—we’ll be back! 🐬⚓☀️🐾

P.S. Recon gives it 5 paws up.

-The...

This is the second time in 2 years that I have booked a tour through Crab Island Dolphin Tours. They are the best! Very attentive and considerate - the day we originally booked for was pretty cold so they worked with us to reschedule for the following day and then even recommended starting at a later time so we would have the best weather possible.

They definitely know how to cater to your type of group. The first time I booked with them was for a 30th birthday party a few years ago and it was so much fun - we cruised around, saw dolphins, and spent awhile at crab island! This time we were here for a family vacation. Captain Brian did a fantastic job of entertaining our 4 littles - we saw dolphins almost right away, went to a “private” beach area, crab island, he took us to an area with sand dunes, and to a spot to find hermit crabs! The kids, as well as the adults, had so much fun. He never seemed annoyed that we had kids with us, and we really appreciated that.

The boat was clean and he had life jackets for all sizes,...