Last Updated on August 27, 2026
Parasailing in Orange Beach, Alabama, can look exciting from the sand, but if you’ve never done it, you may wonder what it’s actually like dangling hundreds of feet above the Gulf.
We recently went parasailing during a family vacation to Orange Beach. My husband and I had been parasailing before in Mexico and Jamaica, but this was our 17-year-old daughter’s first time. She was a little nervous, but she’s pretty adventurous and was excited to try it. The three of us had a great time and learned a few things along the way. If you’re thinking about parasailing in Orange Beach – especially if it’s your first time – here’s what you can expect.
What is Parasailing in Orange Beach Really Like?
Before diving into our personal adventure, here’s a quick overview of a typical parasailing experience. While there are a variety of parasailing companies to choose from in Orange Beach, many follow a similar process:
- Check in and get fitted for a life jacket.
- Board the parasailing boat and ride out into the Gulf.
- Put on a parasailing harness when it’s your turn.
- Take off directly from the back of the boat.
- Gradually rise as the boat moves through the water.
- Spend several minutes soaring above the Gulf.
- Get reeled back toward the boat, possibly with a quick dip in the water.
- Land back on the boat.
- Wait on the boat as other passengers take their turns.
Our Orange Beach Parasailing Experience
Getting Out on the Water
For our parasailing adventure, we chose to go with Ike’s Parasail because it was so convenient to where we were staying. We booked a morning session and arrived about 10 minutes early. Once we got there, we applied sunscreen and were fitted for a life jacket. We were told to leave all items behind, including our phones.
Since we wouldn’t be able to take pictures during the experience, we bought the company’s photo package for $45. We felt like we really had no choice, since we wanted pictures of our daughter’s first time parasailing.
We boarded the boat along with 7 other people – one woman came along just as an observer with her family. This is a great option if someone in your group doesn’t want to parasail but still wants to be part of the experience. For a discounted rate, observers can ride along in the boat, get great views back at shore, and watch the parasailing from the boat. There’s a limit of one observer per party.
Our Plans Changed Because of the Wind
After riding out into the Gulf, it was time to put on the parasailing harness since our group was the first to go. My husband had booked us a triple flight, meaning all three of us would sail together. (I never even knew that was an option before… I always thought two was the max.) Well, it turns out there wasn’t enough wind for a triple flight, so they had us go two at a time. My daughter went with me and then got to go a second time with my husband. A nice little bonus for her!
Taking Off Is Much Easier Than You Might Expect
If this is your first time parasailing, you probably wonder what’s required of you in order to take off. Basically, nothing. You just sit in the back of the boat where they tell you to and wait for the parachute to take hold as they drive the boat forward. The parachute gradually lifts you into the air, and you’ll rise higher and higher.
Taking off from a boat felt much easier and more gradual than other ways we’ve parasailed in the past. My husband’s first time in Jamaica, he needed to run along the beach as the boat started to drive in order to take flight. I definitely prefer the gradual takeoff from the back of a boat and glad my daughter got to experience it this way.
Sailing Through the Air
Being up in the sky with my daughter was so peaceful and fun. We talked and laughed and tried to spot sea creatures swimming in the water below us. After sailing through the sky for several minutes, we were lowered back down and briefly dipped in the water (just toes and feet) before being reeled back in to the boat. I got out of my harness while my husband got in his. Then the two of them sailed up high as I watched. When they finished, we were on board for another half-hour or so as the other groups took their turns.
Is Parasailing Scary?
I’m scared of heights in certain situations, but I love parasailing. In fact, this was my third time going. I always feel securely harnessed and it’s surprisingly peaceful once you’re up in the air. My daughter agrees. It was her first time and she had a blast. It’s not like an amusement ride where you get that stomach-dropping sensation. The takeoff and landing are gradual. Of course, someone with a serious fear of heights may feel differently, but for us, the experience felt much more peaceful than scary.
Do You Get Wet While Parasailing? What Should You Wear/Bring?
You take off and land on the boat, so you don’t get very wet, however, near the end of your flight as they’re reeling you back in, the crew likes to lower you enough so your toes and maybe your legs briefly dip in the water. Personally, this was fun and refreshing – and definitely not a full plunge into the water. If you really don’t want to get dipped in the water, you can tell the crew ahead of time.
Because of this, it’s a good idea to wear a swimsuit for the ride. You can wear a cover-up or shorts, too. We all went barefoot and I chose to wear my sunglasses hoping they wouldn’t fall off on the trip (they didn’t!) but knowing they were a really cheap pair and could easily be replaced if they slipped off.
In addition to the lifejacket they provide you, you’ll definitely want to wear sunscreen. Depending on how many other people are on the boat, you could spend an hour or more out on the water and easily get burned if you’re not careful. That Orange Beach sun is hot!
Like I mentioned earlier, we weren’t allowed to bring our phones on the boat, so those stayed in the car. If you fly with a different company, you’ll want to ask about their phone/camera policy before booking. Find out if they offer a photo package, how much it costs, and how many pictures you get.
We received a link to 90 digital photos (for the two flights) about five days later. Unfortunately, many of them were hazy and not the best quality. But since we weren’t allowed to bring our own phones, I was glad to have some photos of our daughter’s first experience parasailing.
How Long Are You in the Air and What Can You See?
I’m not sure how long the flights are with other parasailing companies, but we were soaring through the air for about 8-10 minutes. That was plenty of time to peacefully float along taking in the views.
Flying high above the Gulf gives you a bird’s-eye view of the ocean and Orange Beach in the distance with hotels and condos lining the coast. The views were beautiful, but if you’ve parasailed somewhere with exceptionally clear Caribbean water, don’t expect the same in Orange Beach. The Gulf water during our flight wasn’t the same crystal-clear blue we saw while parasailing in Mexico where we were easily able to see a gigantic sea turtle beneath the water.
How Much Does Parasailing Cost in Orange Beach and Is It Worth It?
Our parasailing adventure cost $90 per person (the observer rate is $40) and the photo package was $45. When you factor in a tip, the total experience for the three of us was… pricey. But that’s to be expected for a unique tourist activity in a popular beach destination.
We feel it was worth the money, but it’s definitely a vacation splurge rather than an absolute “must-do” while in Orange Beach. If you’ve never parasailed before and you’re looking for an adventurous activity to break up your beach time, parasailing is a great option.
First-timer Tips for Parasailing in Orange Beach
- Plan to parasail earlier in your vacation if possible. Parasailing is so weather-dependent, if your trip gets canceled, you’ll have another opportunity to rebook.
- Don’t assume your group will be able to fly together. Ask about weight restrictions when booking, but keep in mind that wind conditions and other factors can also determine whether you’ll fly solo, two-across, or three-across.
- Ask about the phone and photo policy before you go, so you know if you can bring your phone or how much it’ll cost to buy their photo package if that interests you.
- Use plenty of sunscreen. You’re spending additional time on the boat in the full sun while other people are parasailing.
- Consider motion sickness. My daughter started feeling quite sick as we rode along on the rocky boat while other people were taking their turn up in the air.
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