Parasailing is one of the top extreme activities you need to try when visiting Florida. With miles of white sandy beaches, flying high in the air, getting spectacular views while being towed by a boat is an adrenaline-fueled adventure everyone has to try at least once.
If you happen to be in or plan to travel to Panama City Beach, you are in luck, I have listed the top 5 best parasailing options in the area! Here they are:
1. Paradise Watersports
Location: 5711 LAGOON DR, PANAMA CITY BEACH, FL 32408
Phone: +1 850-249-7245
Weight limits: 90 lbs. to 450 lbs. (depending on wind conditions)
Age Restrictions: 6+
Website: https://www.parasailingpanamacitybeach.com/
Imagine flying above the pristine waters, with a panoramic view of Shell Island and Panama City Beach beneath you. This experience is made possible by Paradise Watersports. It is the prime parasailing tour company in Panama City Beach, Florida.
The best thing about this tour company is that you can choose to parasail right at the beach where the resorts are (PCB main beach), or choose the one-of-a-kind location at Shell Island just down southeast past the resorts and across from St. Andrews State Park.
Safety is Paradise Watersports priority, they ensure your safety is never compromised. Their expert crew is trained to provide a worry-free experience, while the equipment is kept in top condition as it is regularly inspected.
Additional Tour Information:
- Dress Code: Swimwear is recommended for a comfortable experience. Read: What to Wear Parasailing (The Ultimate Guide)
- Carry-ons: Due to insurance regulations, cameras, cellphones, coolers, and bags are not allowed. But don’t fret; they provide one free photo for each beach parasail ride.
- Group Flights: Depending on the wind and weight conditions, up to three people can enjoy the experience together. The captain will determine the most suitable configuration for each flight.
- Pricing: Whether you’re flying tandem or in a group, prices are charged per person and vary depending on the package you select.
- Pregnancy Policy: For safety reasons, pregnant individuals cannot parasail or board the vessel.
- Liftoff and Landing: Riders will be gently lifted from a seated position and after the ride, will descend to the boat standing.
- Water Contact: While parasailing is a watersport, the entire experience can be dry if preferred. However, many describe the gentle water “dip” as the highlight. Do let your captain know your preference!
- Observers: Non-flyers can join the fun and accompany on the boat for a fee of $45.00+tax. But be warned; many observers often change their minds and decide to soar!
- Photos & Videos: After your flight, a free 5×7 souvenir photo awaits you. And if you’re interested in a 360-degree GoPro video package, it’s available to capture every exhilarating moment.
2. Panama City Parasail/Jimbo’s Beach Service
Location: 6327 Big Daddy Drive, Panama City Beach, FL 32407, USA
Contact: (850) 234-2122 | (850) 238-6917
Website: https://panamacityparasail.net/
Hovering above the waters of the Emerald Coast, you cannot help yourself but be amazed by the untouched beauty of Shell Island. From up in the sky, you truly get the experience like no other offers, and you get nothing but an amazing time with Panama City Parasail.
What truly sets this parasailing experience apart is the personal touch of the Original Owner and Operator – Captain Jimbo Holloway.
For those looking for that local authentic experience, Panama City Parasail/Jimbo’s Beach Service is a what you are looking for. It all started in 1988; they have graced the skies for over 35 years, making them one of the most seasoned operators on the Gulf Coast.
Jimbo’s Beach Service takes pride in being one of the last independent parasail operators in the region. This isn’t just any parasailing trip; it’s a VIP-style tour that resonates with the passion and commitment of Captain Jimbo.
You can make an appointment request on their website or call their number to book a parasailing tour.
3. Sunshine Water Sports
Location: 5709 N. Lagoon Dr, Panama City Beach, FL 32407
Phone: 850-215-7046
Website: https://sunshinewatersportsofpc.com/parasailing/
Another option you have for an unforgettable parasailing adventure is Sunshine Water Sports parasailing. It introduces you to a thrilling ride – parasailing right in Panama City Beach, Florida. You get to rising high above the Gulf’s crystal-clear waters and the sugar-white sands.
As you soar smoothly in the skies, don’t forget to look down. You might spot dolphins gracefully swimming beneath you!
At Sunshine Water Sports, the experience doesn’t just end with parasailing. They offer a bunch of exciting water activities you can keep busy doing over your stay:
- Super Deluxe Parasailing Ride: For those who crave that extra rush, take on the 2-mile course with 800ft of line and enjoy not one but two refreshing dips in the water, all for $99.00.
- Tours to Shell Island: Venture on jet ski and boat tours to Shell Island where you can snorkel and even get an opportunity to swim alongside dolphins.
- Banana Boat Rides: For the ultimate adrenaline-pumping adventure, hop on the Banana Boat Rides. Feel the wind in your hair as you get zipped around the Gulf of Mexico on a giant floating banana.
- Jet Ski Rentals: If you wish to explore the waters at your own pace, rent jet skis by the half-hour and glide through the waves.
- Beach Chair Rentals: For a more relaxed beach day, simply rent a beach chair, sit back, and let the soothing sounds of the waves wash over you.
- Pontoon Boat Rentals: Looking for an intimate adventure with your group? Adventures At Sea offers the largest fleet of pontoon boat rentals on the Emerald Coast.
- And see more on their website!
4. Visit Shell Island
Location: Visit Shell Island, 5711 N Lagoon Dr, Panama City Beach, FL 32408, United States
Phone: 850-319-3324
Website: https://visitshellisland.com/parasailing-ride/
Parasailing over Shell Island offers a unique perspective that showcases the island’s beauty from an aerial vantage point at only $99 per person.
As you soar above the undisturbed waters, the breathtaking panorama of Shell Island unfurls beneath you. You certainly get a nice adrenaline rush as you are hundreds of feet in the air, but in the moment you look around you begin to relax, and you take in the natural beauty around you.
At Visit Shell Island, you get to go parasailing with an experienced crew as you look over the sandy beach one way, and the never-ending ocean water the other.
You are allowed to take your camera, so make sure you pack it and that its secured to you by a strap. The pictures you will get will be some of the best memories you will capture in your lifetime.
Visit Shell Island offers much more than parasailing; here are other activities you can book with them:
- Boat cruises/Boat rentals
- Jet Ski Tours/Rentals
- Banana Boats
- Shell Island Tours
- Dolphin Encounter Tours
5. Adventures at Sea PCB
Location: 5709 N Lagoon Dr, Panama City Beach, FL 32408, United States
Phone: (850) 235-0009
Website: https://www.watersportspc.com/parasailing-rides-in-panama-city-beach-florida/
Adventures at Sea, a top-tier parasailing company, offers an great parasailing experience in the PCB area. You will experience amazing views of the ocean blue water meeting the Panama City Beach coastline, it is a breathtaking sky view.
Adventure at Sea prides itself on its team of experienced and professional staff who are dedicated to ensuring your safety and ensuring you have an unforgettable parasailing experience.
One of the cool parts of parasailing with Adventures at Sea is the option for a gentle dip in the sparkling waters below, but remember this is optional. Parasailing here will cost $90, depending on the type of ride you choose.
Is Parasailing Safe in PCB?
Parasailing at Panama City Beach (PCB) is generally deemed safe when performed by reputable and licensed operators who follow extremely strict security standards and laws. It is critical to find a well-established organization with a proven track record of safety and expertise before scheduling a parasailing trip.
Florida’s has introduced many parasailing laws, so you can fly in the state with confidence. Here’s why:
- Licensed Operators: All parasailing tour operators are licensed, ensuring strict safety standards.
- Insurance: Operators must carry $1 million in bodily injury liability insurance per occurrence, guaranteeing your protection.
- USCG Certified: Operators hold valid U.S. Coast Guard licenses for passenger transport, adding an extra layer of safety.
- Weather Monitoring: Parasailing is only allowed under safe weather conditions, with wind and visibility guidelines in place.
- No Recent Incidents: Since the law’s enactment in 2014, there have been no fatalities or major accidents reported, making your adventure worry-free.
Read more about parasailing safety here.
How Much Does Parasailing Cost in Panama City Beach?
The cost of parasailing in Panama City Beach can vary depending on several factors, including the duration of the flight, the height of the ride, any additional features or packages offered, and the specific parasailing operator you choose.
On average, prices typically range from around $60 to $120 per person. Shorter flights or basic packages may be on the lower end of this range, while longer flights, higher altitudes, or more inclusive packages may fall on the higher end.
Final Thoughts
There you have it! Plenty of parasailing opportunities at Panama City Beach, and lots of other fun activities you can do while you’re there. Remember that Florida has great parasailing safety laws in place, this will make your experience even more comforting!
Sit back and relax on either of these parasailing experiences in Panama City Beach, I know that you will have a wonderful time! Enjoy your next flight!
See more Parasailing Florida locations in our related guides:
- 5 Best Parasailing Tours in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
- 10 Best Parasailing Tours in Destin, Florida
- 7 Best Parasailing Tours in Miami (Cheap Options)
- 3 Best Parasailing Tours in Key West
Jamie is the founder of Action Sporter. He is the chief zipline writer and the lead editor. He has 5 years of zipline experience being a tour guide in Newfoundland. Most of the time you can find Jamie adventure traveling, hiking, skiing, skateboarding, or anything action related!