Parasailing is one of the most fun and extreme activities that you can enjoy while out on the ocean. While it isn’t the longest extreme sports experience, it is certainly one of the most memorable. So, how long does parasailing last?
Parasailing excursions last for up to 90 minutes for the whole experience depending on the size of your party. This includes the preparation and how much time you and your fellow passengers get to spend in the air. Each passenger gets to spend between 8 and 12 minutes in the air before returning to the boat.
You can request to spend less time parasailing if you are apprehensive to be in the air for that long. However, they are unlikely to let you parasail for longer than 10-12 minutes because they have to accommodate many guests each day. Follow along as we explore how long parasailing lasts and what you can expect from the experience.
How Long Does It Take to Set Up for a Parasailing Ride?
It generally takes up to 15 minutes to set up for a parasailing ride. They give you a rundown of what to expect and proper etiquette. Luckily, they do all of the work for you and all that you need to do is enjoy your ride. Sometimes, it could take up to 25 minutes to set up for a parasailing ride if your guide just returned from another trip.
How Long Are You in The Air on a Parasailing Ride?
You can expect to spend a minimum of 6 minutes in the air on a parasailing ride. However, you are more likely to spend between 8 and 12 minutes in the air while parasailing. This includes the time that it takes to let you fly up to 500 feet and return to the boat.
How Long Are You on the Boat When Parasailing?
You generally spend between 60 and 90 minutes on the boat when parasailing. The trip may end after 45 minutes if you are with a small group or on a small boat. Parasail boats go out as far as 1,500 feet from shore, and your time on the boat includes your departure and return.
How Long is a Full Parasailing Tour?
A full parasailing tour typically lasts up to 60 minutes, but it depends on how many people are on the boat. Each passenger gets to spend up to 8-10 minutes in the air, but you sometimes get up to 12 minutes. On the low end, a parasailing tour may last as short as 45 minutes if you are with a small party.
It is rare for a parasailing tour to last 90 minutes, but that can happen with large parties. You typically have to undergo a 10-15 minute preparation speech before you go parasailing. However, many guides perform this preparation speech while you are out on the water to maximize time. You are free to leave when you return to shore as the experience is over.
Can You Pay More to Parasail Longer?
You cannot generally pay more to parasail longer. The best way to ensure that you can parasail longer is to make a reservation. It is guaranteed, but your guide may let you spend more time in the air if you reserve a trip for a small group far in advance. Otherwise, parasail guides typically offer a flat rate that includes 8-12 minutes in the air.
Is there a Maximum Time You Can Parasail?
There is no official maximum time that you can parasail. However, it is rare for a guide to let you exceed 12 minutes in the air because of logistics. Parasail guides depend on a turnover of several groups and trips throughout the day, so they are unlikely to let you parasail for more than 10-12 minutes at a time.
Can You Ask for a Shorter Parasailing Ride?
You can ask for a shorter parasailing ride, especially if you are going up in the air with someone from your party. They can limit your parasailing ride to less than 8 minutes if you are uncomfortable with spending that much time in the air. However, they are less likely to offer a shorter ride if you are going up with a strange that wants to parasail for longer.
Can the Weather Cause Your Parasailing Ride to be Cut Short?
The weather can cause your parasailing ride to be cut short. Parasail guides can face fines in states like Florida if they put you in the air when there are strong winds, heavy rain, and lightning. This can cause problems with the parasail wings which will limit your height, and it can be dangerous.
Read our related parasailing weather articles:
You may be wondering how safe or how dangerous parasailing is, check out our full article “How Dangerous Is Parasailing?” to learn all you need to know.
If There Are Less People on the Tour Can You Parasail Longer?
You can potentially parasail for longer if there are fewer people on the tour. However, they may not let you parasail for longer if they have reservations for other tours after yours. You can inquire about parasailing times and duration when you book your reservation.
Does it Get Cold in the Air When Parasailing?
It doesn’t get cold in the air when parasailing. You typically feel the same temperature in the air as you would on the ground or the boat. It may get slightly chillier if it is windy, but your guide is unlikely to let you parasail if it is windy enough that it would make you feel cold due to safety reasons related to the wings.
The Verdict: How Much Time Should You Plan for a Parasailing Ride?
You should plan to spare up to 90 minutes for a parasailing ride. It can take as little as 45 minutes if you go with a small, private group. Otherwise, it doesn’t generally take less than 60 minutes to accommodate a full parasailing group.
Each passenger gets to spend 8-12 minutes in the air, but they may limit your time to 6 minutes. It’s important to reserve ahead of time so that you can maximize your time in the air. You can’t pay more to parasail longer, but it’s worth asking if you are with a small group.
Read our related parasailing articles:
- Do You Get Wet When Parasailing?
- How Old Do You Have to Be to Parasail?
- Is Parasailing Safe for Non-Swimmers?
- What Is Tandem Parasailing? (The Ultimate Guide)
- How High Do You Go When Parasailing?
- 5 Best Parasailing Tours in Myrtle Beach
- 5 Best Parasailing Tours in Cancun
Nick Durante is a professional writer that primarily focuses on extreme sports. Parasailing, paragliding, skydiving, and skateboarding are his particular areas of expertise. When he isn’t writing about extreme sports, he is catching up on the world of skateboarding and spending time outside.