Parasail

The activity nearly every Gulf Coast tourist does once. Beach-launch operators on both the FL and AL sides run flights all season.

The basics

• Trip: 60-90 minutes total, of which 10-15 minutes is actually in the air
• Altitude: 400-800 feet depending on operator and wind
• Price: $80-$120 per person; tandem flights two people on one chute
• What you wear: bathing suit, sunglasses with a strap, no loose jewelry, no GoPro unless it has a real tether (and most operators won't let you bring one anyway)

Safety

Parasail accidents are rare but they happen. The federal regulations and the Coast Guard inspection requirements changed after several high-profile incidents on the Gulf in the 2010s. Operators are now required to maintain their lines and gear on a stricter schedule.

What you can do:

• Look at the boat before you board. Is it clean? Is the gear new-looking? Does the crew look professional?
• Ask when the line was last replaced. They will know.
• Don't fly if there's a small craft advisory or if the wind is above 20 mph.
• Don't fly if a thunderstorm is anywhere on the horizon.
• The captain calls the shots. If they say "today isn't a parasail day," they're right.

Operators

Multiple operators run from Perdido Beach Boulevard, Pensacola Beach, and Orange Beach. Specific listings to come. Submit an operator →