Woohoo! You finally made the decision to go parasailing! The hard part is over. However, now you might find yourself worrying about the perfect time to go. So, what would be the best time of day to go parasailing?
The best time to go parasailing is earlier in the day, particularly in the morning as this is when the winds and waters are much calmer. This is when you can expect a smooth ride. In the afternoon you may have slightly higher winds and gusts, but you will never parasail in extreme winds.
Below, I’ll talk a bit more about timing your tour. Most tour companies give you time slots to book as they do multiple rides throughout the day.
Does it Matter What Time of Day You Go Parasailing?
It does not really matter what time of day you go parasailing, however, since parasailing is weather-dependent, you should check the forecast before scheduling a parasailing tour. Clear skies, little wind, and little wave action are ideal, especially for first-timers. You can find calmer winds and water earlier in the morning.
Later in the afternoon or evening, winds and waves may pick up. While this usually is not a problem, it can become one if the gusts become too much. You have a higher risk of your tour being cancelled in the afternoon or evening as opposed to the morning.
Can You Parasail at Sunset?
There are tour companies out there that do sunset parasailing! The photos that come out during this time of day are probably some of the best I’ve ever seen. Just look at the photo above from a parasailing tour in the evening in Phuket, Thailand.
Not to mention, it is amazing to see the sun setting as you’re high up on your parasail. Make sure you bring your own camera too, as this is a shot you will not want to miss.
Can You Parasail During Sunrise?
If you’re more of a sunrise person as opposed to sunset, then you can book a parasailing adventure during sunrise. However, you should be advised that the earliest you can do this is a half hour before the sun rises.
I’d advise you to look up the sunrise time for the day that you prefer to go, and book that time slot for a month or so in advance as this is a popular time to parasail. As stated above, this is usually when waters and winds are also the calmest.
Not all parasailing tours offer sunrise times, many tour companies have a standard work day schedule
Can You Parasail in the Dark?
It is not safe to parasail in the dark, and this is due to the poor visibility. The crew won’t be able to see the parasailer and vice versa to communicate their signals back and forth. Plus, the Captain will have a bit more trouble getting up to speed as they won’t be able to see very far ahead.
Some other things to think about are the conditions for emergency landings. Even though they are rare, emergency water landings do happen. The most important part of this is getting the parasailer out of the water immediately. In the dark, you are at a much higher risk as visibility is poor.
You can’t book a parasailing tour in the night, it is definitely possible but only for people who own all the required gear. In 1997, Mark McCulloh who is part of the Parasailing Safety Council today, had introduced a short lived nighttime parasailing at Walt Disney, the boat lit up, the parasailing rig lit up, it was a pretty wild idea.
See the video of the 1997 nighttime tour below:
When Not to Go Parasailing?
There are several times when you should not go parasailing, and these include situations where:
- It’s raining.
- There’s a lot of fog.
- A storm is nearby.
- Wind gusts are greater than 20mph, wind average is over 15mph.
- It’s dark out.
If there is a reason to cancel the tour, your tour company will call you to reschedule your journey, or refund you. Before booking with a company, ask for their cancellation policy due to inclement weather, as some may not offer a full refund.
How Long Will It Take to Go Parasailing?
The length of a parasailing ride can vary depending on the company and tour package you choose. The average ride lasts about an hour, but some tours can last up to three hours. However, you won’t be in the air for the entire time as it also includes transportation and preparation time.
The actual time spent in the air can range from 9 to 13 minutes. You may be sharing a tour with a group of people, this is what typically makes the tour longer. It’s best to contact the parasailing company for more specific information on the ride they offer to fully understand how long it will take. If you want a longer ride, consider booking a longer tour.
Final Thoughts
Parasailing can be enjoyed during any time of the day as long as it’s no earlier than a half hour before sunrise and no later than a half hour after sunset. However, be aware that later in the day, the waters and wind may be a bit harsh as opposed to morning times.
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.
