Parasailing is a widely known activity in Myrtle Beach; some people choose to vacation there just for the parasailing experience. However, because it’s such a tourist hotspot, it can be overwhelming to thumb through the different tours available to choose one that’s best for you and the experience you wish to have.
So, to save you the footwork, I did it for you! I compared all the tour packages in Myrtle Beach and the companies behind them to bring you this list of the top 5 parasailing tours in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
5 Best Parasailing Tours in Myrtle Beach
Booking a parasailing trip is an exciting venture. However, you’ll only have fun if you ensure your safety! Here are the best parasailing tours in Myrtle Beach.
1. Aloha Watersports
- Rating: 9/10
- Weight limits: 130 lbs solo / 450 lbs tandem & triple
- Height Restrictions: N/A
- Age Restrictions: 6+
As the best parasail company in Myrtle Beach, if you are looking for a fun adventure, you can’t go wrong booking with Aloha Watersports. They ensure you a safe journey with an experience conducted only by the most knowledgeable and upbeat staff.
Aloha offers parasail rides for two and three people, so you may go on an experience with the people you care to spend your time with.
They take such pride in their safety standards that only the best apparatus created especially for parasailing is used by them. They take great pleasure in their gear, and they continually check and maintain everything from sail repair to complete engine overhaul.
The United States Coast Guard inspects Aloha Watersports, and it is a current member of the WSIA (Water Sports Industry Association).
Additional Tour Information
- Please do not book this tour if you are pregnant, or have heart, neck or back issues.
- Weight limit is strictly enforced.
- Participants will be weighed in full gear upon arrival.
- Cancellations will not be accepted less than 24 hour before your scheduled time.
2. New Wave Watersports
- Rating: 8/10
- Weight limits: 500 lbs per ride
- Height Restrictions: 42″
- Age Restrictions: 5+
If you plan on parasailing, why not do it with a company that puts you first? You’re not paying to worry, so let New Wave Watersports take care of you. The only thing you need to do is focus on relaxing, as they work from the beginning to the end of your trip does everything for you!
The fun begins when you leave the facility, boarding the banana boat, which will then take you to the parasailing boat. Once on the boat, you’ll wait your turn for a fun 10-minute flight through the air. They’ve served people as young as five and as old as 90! You’ll be safe in their hands.
Additional Tour Information
- You will be riding a double banana boat back and forth to the parasail boat so you will most likely get wet.
- Please wear a swimsuit or swim shorts.
- Spectator seats are available for a fee, please call the company to book one.
- Photos will be available for purchase at the end of your adventure.
- Call the office if it is raining before showing up as your activity may be cancelled.
- This is not ideal for those with back, neck, or heart problems.
- No pregnant women allowed due to safety concerns.
3. Shoreline Water Sports
- Rating:7/10
- Weight limits: 450 lb per flight
- Height Restrictions: 40″
- Age Restrictions: 5+
Board Shoreline Water Sports for parasailing fun if you want an uncrowded, more intimate experience! Their boats accommodate up to 6 passengers for one trip, around 30 to 45 minutes. This includes the shuttle ride to and from the parasail boat.
With this company, you’ll enjoy a 10-minute flight above the waters of Myrtle Beach. You can fly by yourself or with two or three other people. However, the amount of people is dependent on the weight of each individual and will be up to the Captain to decide the appropriate arrangement.
Be prepared to get wet! If you have any valuables on you that you don’t want to be splashed, then you can ask the people at the front desk to assist in locking your items up in a safety security box until you return.
Additional Tour Information
- This company offers single, double, and triple flights depending on weight distribution.
- Each excursion will be about 30 to 45 minutes, and this includes the banana boat ride.
- 10 minutes of flight time per person.
- Expect to get wet.
- Each trip will accommodate six people maximum.
4. Express Watersports
- Rating:7/10
- Weight limits: 120 to 450 lbs per flight
- Height Restrictions: N/A
- Age Restrictions: 5+
Express Watersports is a community attraction in Murrells Inlet that provides a variety of amenities to get you and your friends out on the water! Despite the other watersports businesses in the region, Express Watersports stands out from the competitors by referring to itself as a “Watersports Resort Center.”
Being a Watersports Resort center, they offer free parking, as well as shower rooms and restrooms. They also have a crew that has received professional training and certification for AED and CPR. Even their fleet of boats has their USCG inspection.
This company will take care of you if you’re looking for a fun company to parasail with! Residents and travelers to the Myrtle Beach region have had access to some of the most significant local watersports for more than 18 years, thanks to Express Watersports.
With the fresh breeze blowing in your face, you’ll experience great peace of mind as you soar 500 feet above the Atlantic. You might spot some marine life from here during your 10 to 12-minute flight. You can enjoy the ride alone or with two or three other people depending on the circumstances.
Additional Tour Information
- Spectator seats are first come first serve only and require an additional fee.
- Each trip will accommodate up to 12 passengers maximum.
- Cancellations must be made no less than 24 hours before your time slot.
- Weight distribution will change depending on weather and wind conditions.
- Everyone must sign a waiver.
- Each flight is 10 to 12 minutes per person.
- Please wear swimsuits.
- Guests with heart, back, or neck problems are not allowed to participate.
- Pregnant women may not participate.
5. Downwind Sails
- Rating:7/10
- Weight limits: 250 lbs per person / 450 lbs per flight
- Height Restrictions: 42″
- Age Restrictions: None- must meet height requirements.
Downwind Sails has been in operation since 1978, accommodating both the north and south ends of Grand Strand. They have two locations in Myrtle Beach, where they can provide you with everything you need to make your trip unforgettable.
Safety is paramount to them, so you can be confident when booking your parasailing adventure. The staff is highly skilled and certified by the US Coast Guard and has first aid and CPR certifications.
Certification by the Coast Guard means that all of their equipment and fleet are scrutinized and inspected and found to be in perfect working order. Therefore, you can enjoy a carefree and fun flight!
Additional Tour Information
- This place allows both walk-ins and reservations.
- They require a 24-hour notices of cancellation for a full refund.
- If the weather and wind are bad, your trip will be delayed or maybe even cancelled.
- Photo packages are available for pictures.
- This location doesn’t not offer a video package.
- Yes! We offer photo packages for parasailing. It is one charge of $35 per group (up to 6 people). You’ll receive your photos on an SD memory card to take home.
What Is The Weight Limit For Parasailing in Myrtle Beach?
To parasail in Myrtle Beach, you will need to be under 250 pounds per person, if you plan to go tandem in twos or threes your total weight will need to be under 450 pounds. Each parasailing tour may have different weight rules that you will have to follow.
You just need to make sure you call ahead of time to ensure that the facility where you want to book can help you.
Read our related post on how old you have to be to go parasailing here.
What Time of Day is Best to Parasail Myrtle Beach?
There’s no best time of day for parasailing as it can be enjoyed anytime as long as the waters are somewhat smooth, the sun is shining, and the wind isn’t too strong.
However, if you’re looking to enjoy a comfortable ride, you may prefer to parasail in the morning, as this is when the ocean is typically the calmest and the parasailing companies are often less busy.
Where To Stay in Myrtle Beach:
Going to Myrtle Beach is an absolute blast! Unless you travel in an RV or you have family in the area, you’ll need a place to stay. Below are some of the best recommendations, no matter your budget.
Coral Beach Resort and Suites
If you are looking for the best resort experience in the area, book your stay with Coral Beach Resort and Suites. They have indoor and outdoor pools, kiddie pools, karaoke, bowling, and even a game arcade!
You won’t need to go anywhere else aside from your parasailing tour if you stay here, as they have the most amenities than any other resort in the area. Plus, it’s kid friendly!
Island Vista Resort
When you take a vacation, you want nothing more than a relaxing trip, right? Well, Island Vista Resort can help you with that as it is in a quiet neighborhood and strives for a relaxed atmosphere.
What’s more, is they have their own restaurant and an oceanfront tiki bar! And of course, the rooms are designed for your comfort.
Sandy Beach Resort
A great way to get the resort experience without the cost is by staying at Sandy Beach Resort. There are 31 different cabins on Gull Lake that you can rent.
They’re close to the boat docks where you can try your hand at catching the Largemouth Bass, or Northern Pike when you’re done with your parasailing trip! This is a great option for families!
Club Wyndham
Club Wyndham is an excellent choice for those who value location, as it’s clos to many different attractions and eateries. You will be near your parasailing adventure, as well as Ripley’s.
However, if you choose not to go out too, that’s okay! They have a fitness center and swimming pool you can use to keep yourself busy.
Hilton Grand Vacations Club Ocean Enclave Myrtle Beach
Regardless if you’re traveling with family, friends, or on your own, this is a great place to grab a room for a couple nights!
This hotel is on the beach, and offers a full kitchen in each suite as well as furnished balconies and free Wi-Fi. There are also suites with separate rooms, so you don’t have to share a sleeping space with everyone.
How To Get Around Myrtle Beach
Getting around Myrtle Beach is going to be just as important as your accommodations as this is how you’re make it to and from your tours and favorite shopping centers. If you didn’t rent a car, or bring your own, these are the next best options.
Book A Rideshare
If you have a smartphone, you can download the Uber or Lyft app to check for rides in the area. In my opinion, it’s best to download both apps as each has different ride fees and surge pricing times. Surge pricing is when the price goes up dramatically due to an increase in demand.
Take the Bus
The bus system in Myrtle Beach is very user-friendly, as they run on sections of Ocean Boulevard and throughout the entire city. Take some time to look up the routes to plan your trip accordingly, and in line with your itinerary, so your trip is virtually stress-free.
Walking
Myrtle Beach is very walk-friendly, especially if your hotel is near your favorite restaurant or beach. You can stroll the beach or walk down Ocean Boulevard.
Airport Shuttle
Almost every hotel in the area has an airport shuttle, so if you flew into Myrtle Beach, use this amenity! The shuttle is usually free. If not, some of them have a $5 fee. They will also bring you back to the airport when the unfortunate time comes for you to go home.
What To Know Before Parasailing in Myrtle Beach
Before parasailing anywhere, it’s important to be well-informed of local parasailing laws and to know what to expect. Here are the top three things you should know before parasailing in Myrtle Beach
Keep an Eye Out For Wildlife
Dolphins love the waters of Myrtle Beach, and they’re attracted to the chaos that ensues on top of the water when the boat is getting up to speed. In fact, they’ve been known to swim alongside the boat and jump out of the water to get a glimpse of what is going on.
Have your camera ready to go! If you didn’t plan to attend a dolphin-watching tour, then this will be your two-in-one!
Check That The Tour Company Is In Line With Local Regulations
Any reputable parasailing tour company is going to go out of their way to ensure your safety, even if that means following the rules and regulations surrounding parasailing to a T. This means you can’t soar above the 500-foot maximum set by the FAA on a straight tow line.
Also, they won’t make exceptions for weight if it goes against their safety standards or goes forward with the ride if the wind is blowing more than 15 miles per hour. If any company offers to make exceptions to these rules, even if it’s in the name of fun, this should be a red flag.
Interact With The Operator and Crew
There is much more to your parasailing journey besides just your 10 minutes in the air. Spend some time conversing with the boat’s captain as you travel to and from the designated location. Your crew will value the discussion and take their time in explaining all that you require to know.
This is the perfect time to go over hand signals and ask any remaining questions that you might have about the trip as a whole. They want you to have a pleasant experience, so no question is off-limits!
Final Thoughts
You need to keep your eyes open no matter where you decide to parasail, and I’m not just saying this so that you can take in the beautiful coastline. While parasailing is typically safer done in the USA since there are a few rules and regulations, there are still companies out there that aren’t certified and don’t have their equipment inspected.
Always ensure that you choose a reputable tour company to book with, as this guarantees your safety. Plus, they usually have amenities included in the trip, such as a short ride on a banana boat or some delicious snacks and refreshments.
Read our related parasailing guides here:
- 5 Best Parasailing Tours in Cancun
- 7 Low-Cost Parasailing Tours in Miami (Cheap Options)
- What to Wear Parasailing (The Ultimate Guide)
- How Long Does a Parasailing Tour Last?
- How Dangerous Is Parasailing?
- 10 Best Parasailing Tours in Destin, Florida
- 5 Best Parasailing Tours In Panama City Beach, Florida
When Heather is not participating in extreme sports you can find her working the events across the country, or writing about these amazing adrenaline rushes. She loves to go skydiving, snowboarding, parasailing, hang gliding, dirt boarding, off-roading and hiking.