The Best Parasailing in Miami

If parasailing is on your bucket list, then you’ll want to book a high-flying adventure during your next trip to Miami. The spectacular views afford a different perspective of this international metropolis, with its beautiful white sand beaches, glistening turquoise waters, luxurious resorts and impressive downtown skyline. Depending on the excursion, you might also catch a glimpse of the well-preserved art deco buildings along Miami’s eclectic South Beach or spot celebrity homes and yachts on Star and Fisher islands.

At the end of the flight, participants can opt to take a refreshing dip in the water – which is half the fun of the ride – or choose to stay dry and land directly back on the boat. All of the tour operators recommend that you leave camera equipment at your accommodations since there’s a chance that it might get wet; several offer add-on photo packages if you’d still like to capture your airborne adventure. After consulting both expert opinion and traveler sentiment, U.S. News identified the following outings as the best available. These four exhilarating adventures take sightseeing in Miami to astounding new heights.

Note: Parasailing is not recommended for pregnant women and people with certain medical conditions, such as heart problems and neck or back pain. Additionally, there may be age and weight restrictions, which can vary between companies.

This company boasts that flyers will soar 700 feet or higher above Biscayne Bay and enjoy unrivaled views of the Miami Beach skyline, Ocean Drive‘s famed art deco buildings and Star and Fisher islands. Tourgoers can also expect to see marine life, such as manta rays, sea turtles, and schools of dolphin and fish. Miami Watersports’ tours depart from two locations between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. daily. One locale is in Key Biscayne on the beach at Rickenbacker Causeway and the other is at Dinner Key Marina in Miami. Tourgoers must be 5 years of age or older to participate. The boat can carry up to 12 passengers; up to three people can fly at once, with a maximum weight of 450 pounds per flight.

Prices start at $110 per person and spectators can ride on the boat for $55. The photo add-on package costs $39. If you book a spectator seat and change your mind and want to fly, you can pay the difference back on shore. Patrons report having a great time and describe the crew as knowledgeable and friendly. Many first-time flyers credit the crew with helping them feel safe and secure. The company also offers Jet Ski and Hobie Cat rentals, Flyboarding, windsurfing, tubing and combo packages. (Note: This company owns Miami Parasail, listed below.)

Aside from the spectacular views, tourgoers rave about South Beach Parasail’s fun, professional crew, who ensure first-timers feel safe and secure. You’ll find South Beach Parasail on the beach behind the Loews Miami Beach Hotel. The company operates parasailing tours every 45 minutes, seven days a week from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., wind and weather permitting. Each airborne adventure sails 350 feet above the ocean and lasts 8 to 12 minutes, depending on the number of riders. Participants must be 6 or older and children younger than 18 must have a parent or guardian sign a waiver.

Plan to arrive 30 minutes before departure time and budget one hour for the parasail trip. Advance pricing (five days or more before the scheduled departure) starts at $89 per person. Trips booked one to four days in advance cost $99; same-day bookings cost $109. A digital photo add-on package is $35. Observers are welcome, space allowing, and the cost is $35 per person.

Take in aerial views of Miami Beach, downtown Miami, Key Biscayne, Coconut Grove and even the Everglades while soaring high in the sky with Miami Parasail. This company offers excursions daily from 10 a.m. to sunset with trips departing every hour from Pier 4 and 5 at Dinner Key Marina. Tourgoers can ride single, side by side (tandem) or triple, with a maximum total weight of 450 pounds. Participants must be 5 years or older to ride.

Prices start at $110 per person; spectator tickets cost about $55, and the optional photo package costs $35. Most patrons praise the captain and crew for their entertaining and engaging personalities and say they enjoyed the entire experience. The company also offers Jet Ski rentals, Flyboard sessions, windsurfing and tubing rides.

FlySOBE’s 90-minute excursion is offered daily and features 10 to 12 minutes of flying time above the Atlantic Ocean overlooking South Beach, weather and sea conditions permitting. If the ocean is rough, the captain may have to change course, in which case riders will soar over Biscayne Bay to enjoy sweeping views of downtown Miami. The company requires that tourgoers be at least 6 years of age. Participants younger than age 12 may need to fly with an adult and anyone younger than 18 will need a parent or guardian’s signature.

FlySOBE recommends that reservations be made three days in advance (also note that reservations are required). Excursions depart from Pier E at the Miami Beach Marina and there is a maximum of 12 passengers permitted. The company requires at least two parasailers per flight and pricing starts at $89 per person with a five-day advance purchase. One to four days in advance costs $99, and same-day pricing costs $109 a person. The photo add-on costs approximately $35 and an observer seat is $40. Tourgoers offer glowing reviews for the friendly crew and describe the experience as incredible. Others appreciate the high-quality photos.