Imagine soaring high above the emerald green waters of the Gulf, with Navarre Beach sprawling beneath you. The boats, beachgoers and coastal scenery shrink as you’re lifted skyward for breathtaking aerial views. Feel the sun on your face and breeze in your hair as you gently float suspended from a colorful parachute. This exciting adventure awaits when you go parasailing with one of Navarre’s experienced providers!
Choosing Your Provider
Two well-established companies offer parasail rides from Navarre Beach: Sailaway and Parasail Navarre. Both have excellent safety records, modern equipment, and skilled boat captains. Read parasailing reviews online or at their ticket booths to choose your ideal provider.
Sailaway launches from their beach hut near Gulf Boulevard, while Parasail Navarre operates on the sandy shore of Juana’s Pagodas restaurant. Consider which location best suits your plans. Both offer online bookings but walk-ups can usually be accommodated if boats aren’t full.
Picking Your Package
Navarre parasail excursions fall into three main categories: single rides for solo flyers, tandem rides for two flyers, and triple rides with three flyers lifted together. Tandem is ideal for couples, friends and kids flying with an adult. Families of three do best reserving a triple.
Flights typically last 7-10 minutes as the boat motors at 10-12 mph. 800 feet of line lifts riders up to 450 feet above sea level. This height allows taking in expansive scenery in all directions. Triple and tandem riders sit in harnesses behind the main pilot for stability.
Booking Your Flight
Reserve your parasail adventure online or call ahead for busier times like summer weekends. Providers launch weather permitting daily from 9am-5pm. Rates range from around $70 for singles to $110 for triples. Special memories packages include photo and video extras.
Arrive early to check in and sign waivers. Groups often go up together for safety so you may wait for additional riders. Bathrooms breaks beforehand and removing loose jewelry streamline the pre-launch process. Leave bags and valuables with non-riders or in secure lockers.
Gearing Up
At boarding, US Coast Guard-approved lifejackets are issued and securely fitted by staff. They’ll answer questions before your flight. Pilots attach the harness system riders sit in around the waist and shoulders. Multiple attachment points provide redundancy for safety.
As you walk to board the launch boat, helpers ensure harnesses feel secure but comfortable. Pick padded seats or stand at the back rails for the ride out. Boats reach ideal water depth and launch points quickly from the beach.
Taking Flight
As the boat accelerates, the parachute unfurls and inflates above you. The line plays out until you reach maximum height. Then the boat adjusts speed to keep riders hovering high in a gentle tow. From launch to landing, the parasail “flight” lasts around 10 minutes depending on conditions.
Once airborne, sitting back and taking in the scenery is exhilarating. Navarre’s coastline looks stunning from above. On clear days, you can see 30 miles in all directions. Wave to your friends watching from the beach below!
Descending and Docking
As your allocated airtime concludes, the boat gradually turns back landward to bring riders down. The captain skillfully maneuvers to bring the parachute back into the large landing zone on the beach. Expect a gentle coasting descent back to terra firma.
Upon a graceful sandy landing, crew detach harnesses and guide riders out of the parachute’s perimeter. They’ll keep the chute from blowing away in wind. Collect any small items or bags you left on the boat and celebrate an awesome aerial adventure!
Safety First
Parasailing involves risk like any water sport. But Navarre operators make safety the top priority to minimize any concerns. They meet or exceed all regulations for equipment, weather rules, captain training and precautions. Carefully following their instructions ensures a secure, controlled parasail flight.
Rest assured the captain won’t take chances with shifting weather or sea conditions. They’ll also avoid flying over crowded swimming areas. Years of experience prevent problems – just sit back and take in the views.
Photographing Your Flight
Capture the exhilarating experience to remember always! Photo and video packages allow your party on the boat to document the aerial fun. Still shots get taken at maximum elevation with surrounding scenery. Or shoot your own aerial selfies with a waterproof GoPro camera.
Photographers also flock to the beach to catch dramatic images of parasails launching and landing. This unique perspective gifts you epic portraits from your special day. Just ask any nearby photographers to email or share photos online.
Parasailing over the emerald Gulf waters grants once-in-a-lifetime vistas and excitement for adventure seekers. Safely soar over Navarre’s stunning beaches and coastal scenery from an unforgettable midair vantage point. This awesome aerial experience makes for lifelong vacation memories!