Catamaran vs. Pontoon vs. Sea Ray: Which Crab Island Charter Is Right for Your Group?
Updated November 2026. Crab Island Luxury Adventures runs three kinds of private charter to Crab Island for groups of up to 13: a catamaran, a pontoon and a Sea Ray Sport. Every charter is private, so the boat is only for your group, and every charter is led by the licensed captain of your choice. This page compares the three boats side by side so you can pick the one that fits your group, your budget and where you are staying.
The short answer
- Choose the catamaran if you want the most space, a private restroom on board and an easy departure from Sandestin. It is our most popular choice for bachelorette parties and celebrations.
- Choose the pontoon if you want the lowest price for a big group, no fuel charge and the closest launch to 30A in Santa Rosa Beach.
- Choose the Sea Ray if you want a sportier, faster boat for a smaller group, also launching from Santa Rosa Beach with no fuel charge.
Side-by-side comparison
| Catamaran | Pontoon | Sea Ray Sport | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boats | Lady Delana (36′) and Gemini Yacht | Luxury pontoons | Adeline, a 29′ Sea Ray SDX 290 |
| Guests | Up to 13 (Lady Delana is ideal for 7–10) | Up to 13 | Up to 13 (best for 7–10) |
| Departs from | Baytowne Marina, Sandestin (Miramar Beach) | Cessna Landing Park, Santa Rosa Beach | Cessna Landing Park, Santa Rosa Beach |
| Restroom on board | Yes: private marine restroom with freshwater sink below deck | No | No |
| 4-hour estimated total | $1,349 (9:00 AM) or $1,549 (1:30 PM) | $1,050 | $1,150 |
| 6-hour estimated total | $2,149 | $1,350 | $1,650 |
| 8-hour estimated total | $2,574 | $1,750 | $2,050 |
| Fuel | Paid at the dock ($175–$200) | No fuel charge | No fuel charge |
| Weekday discount | 10% off the boat rental Monday–Wednesday | 10% off the boat rental Sunday–Wednesday | 10% off the boat rental Sunday–Wednesday |
| Evening cruises | 2-hour Sunset ($918) and 3-hour Sunset & Fireworks ($1,124) | — | — |
| Add-ons | Bachelorette Experience, Family Pack, Premium Floats, catering | — | — |
Estimated totals include the boat rental, the captain’s fee and fuel where it applies. Tax on the boat rental is added at checkout, and gratuity is optional. See all prices for details.
The catamaran: the most space and a restroom on board
Our catamarans are the roomiest way to get to Crab Island. There is shaded seating, plenty of space to move around, front nets for lounging over the water and a private marine restroom with a freshwater sink below deck. That restroom matters: there are no public restrooms at Crab Island.
Catamaran charters board at Baytowne Marina inside the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. The cruise across Choctawhatchee Bay to Crab Island takes about 45 minutes, and most guests treat it as part of the day rather than travel time. Catamarans are also the only boats with our evening cruises and add-on packages, including the Bachelorette Experience, the Family Pack and Premium Floats.
The pontoon: the best value for a big group
Our pontoons are the relaxed, easygoing option. Every pontoon charter includes shaded seating, an ice filled cooler and a lily pad, and there is no fuel charge. At $1,050 for four hours, a full group of 13 works out to about $81 per person before tax and gratuity.
Pontoons launch from Cessna Landing Park in Santa Rosa Beach, the closest launch to Crab Island for guests staying along 30A. There is no restroom on board, and snorkel gear is not provided, so bring your own if you want to snorkel.
The Sea Ray: sportier and faster for a smaller group
Adeline is a private 29′ Sea Ray SDX 290 for groups who want something sleeker and more refined than a pontoon. She is most comfortable with 7–10 guests and can carry up to 13. Like the pontoons, she launches from Cessna Landing Park in Santa Rosa Beach, has no fuel charge and has no restroom on board.
Which boat fits your group?
| Your group | Our suggestion |
|---|---|
| Bachelorette party of 10–13 | Catamaran, with the Bachelorette Experience add-on |
| Family with young kids | Catamaran (restroom on board) or pontoon (best price) |
| Staying in Rosemary Beach, Seaside, WaterColor or Alys Beach | Pontoon or Sea Ray from Cessna Landing, or the catamaran from Sandestin |
| Couples or a small group who want speed | Sea Ray |
| Sunset or fireworks | Catamaran evening cruises from Baytowne Marina |
| Tightest budget per person | Pontoon, especially Sunday–Wednesday |
Questions guests ask
Do all three boats include a captain?
Today’s checkout price is for the boat and any add-ons you select during checkout. The captain’s fee is paid directly to the captain on the day of the charter at the dock. They accept cash and cash apps. (the captain’s fee is included in the Total estimated price on the website so you can budget accordingly.
*After booking any charter, you’ll receive a list of pre-approved independent captains, including their contact information. Simply choose your preferred captain and contact them directly to confirm their availability for your charter. We recommend doing this as soon as you receive your confirmation email.
How many people can come?
Up to 13 people on every boat, which means you plus 12 guests.
Can we bring food and drinks?
Yes. Every charter has coolers with ice. Guests 21 and older may bring alcohol, and glass should be avoided. Catamaran guests can also arrange catering in advance.