Crystal clear turquoise water at Crab Island

Water Color Guide

The Secret the Postcards Don't Tell You

Crab Island changes every six hours. We track it so you don't have to.

The Reality

You've Seen the Photos

Crystal clear turquoise water at Crab Island on a high tide day

High tide — Crystal

Murky brown water at Crab Island during low tide

Low tide — Tea

Every brochure shows turquoise water, white sand, boats anchored in paradise. On the right day, at the right time, that's exactly what you get.

But show up at the wrong time and the water is brown. The difference between a postcard day and a disappointing one comes down to a two-hour window.

The Science

Why It Changes

Crab Island is a submerged sandbar sitting between the Gulf of Mexico and Choctawhatchee Bay. The water that covers it depends on which direction the tide is flowing.

Incoming (high) tide pushes clear Gulf water over the sandbar. This is when you get the emerald, crystal-clear look.

Outgoing (low) tide pulls tea-colored water from the bay. The bay water is darker because of tannins from rivers upstream — not because it's polluted.

This cycle repeats roughly every six hours.

The Water Color Scale

TeaOliveClearCrystal

Tea

Bay water — murky brown, low visibility

Olive

Greenish tint — still a fun day on the water

Clear

Great visibility with a turquoise hue

Crystal

The shimmering blue water you see on Instagram

Why It Matters

Don't Miss Your Window

Picture this: you rented a pontoon, packed the cooler, loaded up the family, and motored out at noon. The water is brown. Two hours earlier it was crystal clear.

It's not about picking a “good day” vs. a “bad day.” Almost every day has a clear-water window — you just need to know when it is.

The Rule

When to Go

2 hours before → high tide → 2 hours after

The clearest water at Crab Island is typically within two hours of high tide. If you have to choose, arrive on the incoming side — the water is usually clearest while the Gulf is still pushing in.

Aim for a high tide between 11 AM and 4 PM for the best combination of clear water and overhead sun. Tides shift daily — that's why we crunch the data so you get a clear answer without the guesswork.

Right Now

Today's Window

Today's Snapshot

Water Color: Tea

Tide Schedule

Low 6 AMHigh 8 PM

Ready to Plan Your Day?

See Today's Full Conditions See the 7-Day Forecast

We combine NOAA tide predictions, NWS weather data, and local knowledge to score water clarity daily. Conditions can change quickly — these are estimates, not guarantees. Always follow local safety guidance on the water.