Private Dolphin Cruises for Families in Destin
See dolphins up close on a private boat with up to 6 passengers - perfect for all ages!
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Why Families Love Our Dolphin Cruise
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Private Boat - Just Your Crew
Avoid crowded tour boats. Our cruise is fully private, so it’s just your group and the dolphins.
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See Dolphins Up Close
Watch dolphins in their natural habitat - playful, curious, and often right next to the boat.
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Fun For All Ages
We specialize in tours for families with young children. Life jackets provided for all ages.
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Paddleboards Included
Let the kids try paddleboarding in calm, shallow water near Crab Island — it’s always a hit!
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Create Lifelong Memories
Your kids won’t forget seeing dolphins up close—and neither will you. It’s the highlight of their trip.
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Kid-Approved Adventure
Our tours are designed for kids to stay engaged, have fun, and learn—no bored passengers here.
What's Included in Your Cruise
🐬 Dolphin Watching
Spot dolphins in their natural habitat, often just feet from the boat.
🏝️ Crab Island Stop (Optional)
Drop anchor and float or paddle near this iconic sandbar if your trip includes time for it.
🏄 Paddleboards Included
Calm, shallow waters are perfect for letting kids and adults try paddleboarding.
🔊 Bluetooth Sound System
Connect your phone and play your family’s favorite playlist for the perfect vibe.
🧊Cooler with Ice
Bring your favorite drinks and snacks - we have a cooler filled with ice waiting for you!
🐚 Explore Forgotten Islands
Depending on the day, we’ll cruise over clear water and explore tucked-away sandbars and islands.
🛟 Safety Gear for All Ages
Life jackets and equipment provided for babies, kids, and adults.
👩✈️Private Captain
Local captains love sharing their knowledge with kids and customizes each trip to your family’s vibe.
All trips include paddleboards, life jackets, cooler with ice and a private U.S. Coast Guard-certified captain. No hidden fees. Just you, your crew, and the open water.
Destin Family Friendly Boat Tours
🛥️ 2-Hour Cruise — Quick & Fun
Perfect for little ones or families short on time.
• Great intro cruise to dolphin spotting
• Scenic harbor and Gulf views
• Calm, short trip with zero stress
✅ Best for: Young kids, short attention spans, families on tight schedules
💵 $350 – All-Inclusive for Up to 6 Guests
🛥️ 3-Hour Cruise — Crab Island + More
Balance adventure and relaxation.
• Stop at Crab Island
• Dolphin watching + paddleboarding
• Light snorkeling and sandbar exploring
✅ Best for: Families wanting variety and fun
💵 $500 – All-Inclusive for Up to 6 Guests
🛥️ 4-Hour Cruise — The Ultimate Adventure
Do it all—relax, play, and explore.
• Time to snorkel, paddleboard, and explore
• Optional Gulf cruising for sea turtles and more
• Unplug and enjoy the full experience
✅ Best for: Families who want the works
💵 $650 – All-Inclusive for Up to 6 Guests
🌅 Sunrise Cruise — Start Your Day With Magic
Peaceful. Beautiful. Unforgettable.
• Golden morning light and glassy water
• Wildlife sightings at their calmest
• Serene and quiet time before the crowds
✅ Best for: Early risers, photographers, calm-loving families
💵 $350 – All-Inclusive for Up to 6 Guests
🌇 Sunset Cruise — Wind Down With a View
End the day in the best way.
• Picture-perfect sunset views over the Gulf
• Dolphins often active at this time
• Peaceful, golden-hour ride with salty breeze
✅ Best for: Families, couples, and memory-making moments
💵 $350 – All-Inclusive for Up to 6 Guests
Why Families Choose Us
With over 2000 families served, Destin Crab Island Adventures is one of Destin's most trusted and beloved water adventure company. Here's why:
🐬 Unforgettable Dolphin Sightings
🛟 Fun for All Ages
🏄 Amenities Included
🛥️ 100% Private Cruise — No Crowds
👩✈️ Led by Local Captains Who Get Kids
📸 Instagrammable Boat with Tribal Wrap
Over 2,000 families have already made memories with us—yours is next!
What Families Are Saying
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★★★★★
"Riley was an incredible captain and host of the waters for our 4hr excursion. As a young family of 4 with 2 girls under the age of 7, it couldn’t have been easier and without any stress from start to finish. Great job to the entire staff- highly recommend if you’re in the Destin area, family trip or not!" -Logan C.
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★★★★★
"Our family had the best experience with Destin Crab Island Adventures! From the moment we arrived, we were greeted right in the parking lot, setting the tone for the incredible service we’d receive throughout the day. Our boat captain, Riley, was fantastic—making us feel right at home and ensuring we had everything we needed.
" -Ted P. -
★★★★★
"Highly recommend using Crab Island Adventures! The boat was super clean and nice and the business very organized. Ask for Justin to be your boat captain and guide, he is fantastic! He took time to take us to find dolphins and he succeeded. We got so close and got great video and pictures." - Liz S.
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★★★★★
"Had an amazing time on our sunset dolphin cruise with Destin Crab Island Adventures! Captain Ryan was kind, professional and safe. He made it so easy to get the whole family, babies, and gear out on the water for a good time." -Gabrielle P.
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★★★★★
"Perfect family boat day in Destin! Captain Ryan was excellent and took care of every detail. We saw multiple dolphins and even a mother and baby dolphin pair!" - Maranda H.
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★★★★★
"Such a fantastic experience. Madison and capt. Riley made it so memorable. They provided waters and ice for our drinks. Were super attentive and gave us great recommendations for the rest of our trip. Would definitely book again." -Samantha D.
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★★★★★
"Our kids had a blast snorkeling, using SUP, and the water mat. Riley was great with the kids and answering all our son's questions about marine life and letting kids get behind the wheel a bit. On our return we saw several dolphins which was magical and I loved we could connect our own music to Bluetooth. Highly recommend if looking for a private family adventure." -Katie T.
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★★★★★
"Captain Wendi is the absolute BEST! Crab Island had so many jellyfish and she had been stung several times the day before so she took us a mile over to where there were zero! We will book with her every year we come here and refer her to all our family/friends. If I could give her 10 stars I would!!!" Jessica. T
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★★★★★
"As someone who’s been a local to Destin for his entire life and has been on countless charters, I can safely say my best experience has been with Destin Crab Island Adventures, particularly with Captain Riley. He always goes above and beyond to show us a great time. My only recommendation to anyone looking for the best charter in Destin." -Isiah T.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the cruise safe for toddlers?
Yes! We specialize in family trips and have life jackets for all ages.
Do babies count as passengers?
Yes. The United States Coast Guard counts every living, breathing person on the boat as a passenger on the vessel. We are legally only allowed to carry a certain number of total passengers (plus captain and crew).
Will we definitely see dolphins?
Dolphin sightings aren't guaranteed, but our success rate is nearly 100%.
Can we bring our own snacks and drinks?
Yes! You’re welcome to anything you’d like, we have a cooler filled with ice waiting for you!
Do we need to know how to paddleoard?
Not at all! It’s optional and beginner-friendly.
Where do we meet?
We are located on the Destin Harbor at 530 Harbor Blvd.
What is the cancellation policy?
Since we are a seasonal business, all bookings are subject to a strict 7-day cancellation policy. The charge will not be refunded if you cancel within 7-days of your cruise. Trips may be rescheduled, but are subject to availability. Cancellations within 7-days will not be refunded for any reason, including sudden illness or injury. Be prepared to lose your deposit if you do not show up for your cruise.
What if the weather is bad?
If the weather is unsafe and the Captain calls off the activity, the tour may be rescheduled for a later time or a full refund will be issued. This decision is at the Captain’s discretion. Temperature, the color of the water, and overcast days do not apply to a weather-related cancelation.
Can I bring alcohol?
Yes, you are welcome to bring you favorite drinks. We just ask that you please do not bring glass bottles.
Can we bring our own food and drinks?
Absolutely! We will provide a cooler filled with ice and encourage you to fill it with your favorite food and drinks. Take full advantage of having a captain responsible for driving while you enjoy the day!
What should I pack?
Pack like you would when visiting the beach or pool. Towels, sunscreen, swimsuits, coverups, drinks, snacks, water games, and floats are all recommended. You may also want to bring cash for Crab Island vendors if you would like to use their services, and gratuity for captain and crew (optional, but customary and appreciated!).
Ready to Make Lifelong Memories?
Availability fills fast—especially during spring break and summer.
Let’s get your family on the water!