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Parasailing in Destin – Gravity-Defying Thrills and Bird’s-Eye Views

by Chris Chatelain on December 9th, 0024
Parasaling in Destin, FL

While Destin, Florida might be well known for the spectacular Gulf views from its sugar-white beaches, there’s another vantage point that provides even better views – and way more thrills as well. That’s the one from above via parasailing.

A Unique Perspective

Seeing this popular beach destination from 400 feet in the air provides the quintessential bird’s-eye view. An experience much like being inside a kite, parasailing offers a flying altitude just high enough to provide an all-encompassing view in every direction, yet low enough to see details and landscapes clearly. Parasailing in Destin is better than a plane or helicopter ride because there is nothing obstructing your view.

See the Sea (Life)

There are several local water adventure companies that provide exciting Destin parasailing adventures at reasonable rates. On any given sunny day, you’ll see their colorful canopies dotting the skyline like crayons on a bright blue canvas. Once in the air, you’ll be amazed as you look down through waters so clear you can often see through to the bottom. You may catch a pod of dolphins playing, a school of rays swimming near Destin Pass, or sea turtles making their way toward shore from the Gulf of Mexico.

On breezy days when the waters are choppy, parasailing activity largely moves to Choctawhatchee Bay, where the waters are smoother. Here, views of coastal birds and sailboats below create a serene setting fit for a painting. Whether you sail over the Gulf or the bay, you’ll enjoy some of the best vistas that money can buy.

Parasailing in Destin FL
It’ll Lift You Up

So how does parasailing work? It’s much like water skiing, but instead of being pulled behind a boat on a piece of wood or fiberglass, thrill seekers are secured into a harness and lofted into the air in a kite-hang glider setup. Actually, it’s a specially designed parachute. Called a parasail wing, it’s attached to a high-strength rope or cord, which is attached to the back deck of a boat. As the boat accelerates, the parasail is slowly and gently lifted into the air. A typical parasail rope is 800 feet long, and the parasailer will be lifted about 400 to 500 feet high for a breathtaking vantage point of the beach and water.

Booking Your Destin Parasailing Adventure

Most companies that provide parasailing adventures in Destin have boats that accommodate several people at a time. Passengers take turns parasailing, with each group getting about 15 minutes’ time in the air. Parasail wings can accommodate one, two, or in some cases, three, riders at a time. Prices start at about $45. If you are visiting Destin in busy June, July, or August, it’s a good idea to book your trip a few days ahead to ensure a spot. Find a Destin parasailing trip and more fun things to do in Destin on BeachGuide. Also visit us online to find Destin Florida vacation rentals.


This post was originally written by Chris in 2019 and updated by BeachGuide staff in 2024.

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From → Destin, Gulf Coast

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