Yes, there are crabs in Cocoa Beach, Florida. The most common type of crab found in the area is the Atlantic Ghost Crab, which can be spotted scurrying along the sandy beaches and dunes. In addition to the ghost crabs, Cocoa Beach also offers opportunities for crab enthusiasts to dine on a variety of crab species at local seafood restaurants.
Types of Crabs in Cocoa Beach
Atlantic Ghost Crab
The Atlantic Ghost Crab is the most prevalent crab species in Cocoa Beach. These small, sandy-colored crabs are known for their quick movements and ability to burrow into the dunes. They are often seen retreating to their boroughs as beachgoers approach.
Other Crab Species
While the Atlantic Ghost Crab is the most common, Cocoa Beach is also home to other crab species, including:
- Blue Crabs: These larger crabs can be found in the canals and estuaries around Cocoa Beach.
- Fiddler Crabs: Small, colorful crabs that live in the muddy areas along the shoreline.
- Hermit Crabs: These crabs use abandoned seashells as their homes and can be spotted scavenging along the beach.
Crab Restaurants in Cocoa Beach
For those looking to enjoy crab dishes, Cocoa Beach offers several highly-rated seafood restaurants that specialize in crab. Some of the top crab restaurants in the area include:
| Restaurant | Crab Dishes |
|---|---|
| Q’s Crackin’ Crab & Seafood Kitchen | Snow Crab, Dungeness Crab, King Crab |
| Jazzy’s Mainely Lobster and Seafood | Crab Cakes, Crab Legs |
| Ms Apples Crab Shack | Crab Cakes, Crab Dip |
| Florida’s Fresh Grill | Crab Cakes, Crab Stuffed Shrimp |
| Nosh | Crab Cakes, Crab Rangoon |
| The Fat Snook | Crab Cakes, Crab Stuffed Mushrooms |
Prices for crab dishes can vary depending on the type and quantity of crab, but you can expect to pay around $20-$50 per pound for items like Snow Crab, Dungeness Crab, and King Crab.
Catching Crabs in Cocoa Beach
While the Atlantic Ghost Crab is not typically harvested for food, some visitors to Cocoa Beach may be interested in trying their hand at catching crabs. According to local forums, there are a few areas around the canals and estuaries where people have cut access points to try and catch crabs like Blue Crabs.
It’s important to note that any crab fishing in Cocoa Beach would need to be done in accordance with local regulations and licensing requirements. Visitors should research the rules and regulations before attempting to catch crabs in the area.
Conclusion
In summary, Cocoa Beach is home to a variety of crab species, with the Atlantic Ghost Crab being the most commonly seen. For those looking to enjoy crab dishes, the area offers several excellent seafood restaurants that specialize in crab. While catching crabs may be possible in some areas, it’s important to be mindful of local regulations. Whether you’re interested in spotting crabs on the beach or indulging in delicious crab-based meals, Cocoa Beach has plenty to offer crab enthusiasts.
References:
– Yelp – Crab Restaurants in Cocoa Beach, FL
– TripAdvisor – Crab Restaurants in Cocoa Beach, FL
– Nature Chirp – Ghosts of Cocoa Beach
– Blue Crab Forum – Crabbing in Cocoa Beach
– Q’s Crackin’ Crab & Seafood Kitchen