Siesta Key Parasailing: Ultimate Guide for First-Timers

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If you’re lucky enough to be planning a vacation in or around Siesta Key, Florida, Siesta Key parasailing is an experience you won’t want to miss!

Let’s take a look at everything you need to know about planning a Siesta Key parasailing adventure as well as what you can expect during your flight.

From choosing a parasailing company, determining what to wear, and anticipating the launch, descent, and everything in between, we’ll walk you through the entire parasail experience.

Stick around to the end of the article for our complete Siesta Key parasailing story in photos!

This post may contain affiliate links, which means that we may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. For more info, see disclosure.

Table of Contents

Siesta Key Parasailing

Siesta Key parasailing is by far of the best things to do in Siesta Key!

Why, you may ask?

Because parasailing in Siesta Key is an exciting and unique way to experience the epic scenery and aerial views of the turquoise-blue ocean that you simply won’t find anywhere else.

As you parasail, it’s not uncommon to spot dolphins, manatees, and other native seabirds and wildlife frolicking in the crystal-clear water.

Plus, you get to glide through the sky over Siesta Beach, the #1 rated beach in the United States.

Seeing this massive beach and its silvery-white sand (along with hundreds of vacation-goers!) from above, is an incredibly awesome Siesta Key vacation experience!

And psst…check out our related posts before your trip:

Choosing a Parasail Company

The first thing to note is that not all parasailing companies are created equal and it important to do your research ahead of time.

In order to have fun (and be relaxed) while flying 450-feet in the air attached to a rope behind a moving speed boat, you’re going to need to feel safe and well attended to by your parasailing team.

This involves trusting that the boat is functional, the equipment is in good working order, and that the captain and crew of the boat are both knowledgeable and attentive.

Though there are a few different companies that offer parasailing in Siesta Key, we choose to book our parasailing excursions through Parasail Siesta.

From the moment you step on the boat until the point you are up in the air with the best view in town, the staff and crew at Parasail Siesta are dedicated to providing you a safe and enjoyable experience.

Choose wisely when selecting your parasail company, for it will make an impact on your overall enjoyment.

Make a Reservation

Due to the popularity of Siesta Key parasailing, I recommend making a parasailing reservation for the date and time of your choice as soon as you know your availability.

Parasail boats depart at scheduled times and usually fill up on each trip. Making a reservation will ensure you get the number of people on the boat at the time you would like to go.

It is important to note that if the weather is not suitable for parasailing during your reserved time (when there is lightning, high winds, or rough seas), you will be asked to cancel or rebook your reservation.

Likewise, if you’re parasailing during the hottest months of June, July, and August, be sure to consider ways to beat the Florida heat while waiting your turn in the boat.

Additional planning tips: Most parasail companies do take walk-ins with no reservation if there are seats available at the time of departure.

Note that parasailing rates are the same for both kids and adults.

Siesta Key Parasailing: The Experience

When parasailing in Siesta Key, you will first present to a designated meeting point where you will likely sign a safety waiver and pay for your experience.

This is a great time to ask questions and to apply your first layer of sunscreen.

Afterward, you will board either the parasail boat or a water shuttle to take you to the parasail boat that may already be out in the water.

Once everyone is onboard the parasail boat, the captain will drive the boat to an ideal parasailing location while the first parasailers begin being assisted into their harnesses.

The parasail crew will also help fit you and properly secure your life jacket.

The Launch

Siesta Key parasailing allows for 1, 2, or 3 parasailers at a time with most companies requiring a minimum age of 6-years-old to fly. Small children will be paired to ride with adult friends or family members to provide more weight under the sail.

Once in the harness, you’re asked to sit on a platform on the back of the boat. After being attached to the parasail lines, you slowly begin to drift into the air (just like magic!).

This is a hands-free experience as the lifting and steering is done for you, and if you’re relaxed enough, you won’t feel the need to hang on for dear life.

The Descent

Parasail flight times vary per company and per package price. Through Parasail Siesta, it is $90/flyer for a flight time of 12-15 minutes.

When the time comes, you’ll slowly begin to descend back to the deck of the boat.

It’s as easy as putting your feet out for the perfect landing.

Additional planning tip: Most parasailing companies offer the choice to dip your feet, or be quickly submerged into the water upon your descent.

This means that you have the option to not get wet while parasailing, nor do you need to know how to swim to go parasailing (as you are never released from the parasail until you are back on the boat).

Is Parasailing Scary?

Even though feelings of nervousness and first-time jitters are natural before stepping out of your comfort zone, in our opinion, parasailing itself is not scary.

In fact, all of the members of our family (2 adults, 3 kids ages 9, 12, and 14) found parasailing to be both relaxing and fun, despite some of us being afraid of heights.

The motions and movements involved with parasailing are smooth and gentle vs. being rough or too fast.

In addition, both the ascent and descent take place gradually. In other words, there are no jerking movements or sudden drops that will make your tummy turn.

It is best described as a sensation of ‘floating’ in the air.

Last, there is no need to worry about steering the parasail, as the ride is completely controlled by the experienced captains who use a mechanical winch to send you up and reel you back in.

Additional planning tip: If friends or family members in your travel party do not wish to parasail, they can ride in the boat as an observer if the boat is not at capacity.

There are no guarantees for seats for observers, however, and they do still have to pay a fee. (Parasail Siesta = $45/observer.)

What to Wear Parasailing

When considering what to wear parasailing, we recommend the following:

Swimsuit or swim trunks. If the weather is cool, keep your swimsuit cover-up or T-shirt on when going up in the air.
Sandals or shoes that slip on and off easily. You will take your shoes off before going up in the air.
Sunglasses. Mainly for the boat ride. It’s your choice if you want to keep them on while going up in the air.
Wear a light jacket or sweatshirt during the boat ride for early morning or evening parasailing excursions, or if the weather is cool. The boat ride can get chilly.
Life jackets are provided by the parasail company.
No need to bring a swim towel unless you want to use it to stay warm.

Parasailing Tips

Know ahead of time if your parasailing reservation is individual or combined with a larger group. This will determine the total time your excursion will last.
Have a backup plan in the case of inclement weather.
Take a motion-sickness medication prior to parasailing if you are prone to motion sickness from boating or waves.
Don’t look at the ropes or the rope-to-harness connections while parasailing. It can cause unnecessary anxiety.
It may go without saying, but hold on tight to your camera, smartphone, or GoPro so that it doesn’t fall into the ocean (the parasail company is not liable).
Purchase a photo package through the parasail company if you want them to take photos for you!
Tip your parasailing crew!

Siesta Key Parasailing: Photo Story

Parasail Siesta store — Step 1. Check in for your reservation. Sign parasailing waiver.

Parasail Siesta boat ride — Step 2. Boat ride out to the parasailing area.

Have you ever been parasailing? What are most looking forward to about Siesta Key parasailing? I’d love to hear from you!
Jen

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