Parasailing Bliss in Sarasota County

Connect with the sky in a calming, take-it-all-in kind of way with parasailing. It is a fairly passive activity that combines a little adventure with a whole lot of tranquility.  This is one experience that does not require athletic skills, stamina or competitive streaks, as it is simply a gentle, soul-warming way to see Sarasota County.

What to Expect

Also known as parakiting or parascending (and not to be confused with paragliding), parasailing involves a participant being towed behind a boat while attached to a specially designed, parachute-like canopy. Once the harness is fastened, the boat begins quickly moving forward, which carries the rider into the air. Up to three participants can parasail at the same time – spotting dolphins and manatees below and experiencing a bird’s-eye view of Florida's Gulf Coast shoreline. 

Twelve people can go out on the boat during the excursion and take turns watching their friends ascend from the seated position on the back deck into the air as the boat pulls away. Kevlar towlines are smoothly reeled out from a winch, so riders seeking a peaceful adventure will not feel any uncomfortable pulls or tugs as they float higher into the sky. 

The daredevils in the group can opt for a “free fall” instead of a traditional parasailing session, in which the captain will slow the boat and let the rider float down with the parachute until it almost hits the water. Then, the captain will hit the throttle and the rider will come up again. Of course, the captains are all United States Coast Guard-certified and boast years of experience with stunts like this.

Siesta Key Parasailing

Various companies on idyllic Siesta Key offer these high-flying outings. Siesta Key Watersports takes visitors right from the pristine shores of Siesta Beach (aka the #1 Beach in America) over the turquoise waters of the Gulf. The company also offers jet ski rentals and dolphin and party boat tours. Parasail Siesta is another popular option to soar over Sarasota's most famous barrier island. 

At Stickney Point Bridge (also known as the south bridge to Siesta Key), parasailers and anglers alike can schedule exciting trips on the water through CB's Saltwater Outfitters, Boat Rentals & Parasailing, which has been taking travelers to see Sarasota's coastline and wildlife since 1959. After an unforgettable trip above the shore, slip your sandals back on and walk to the nearby island restaurants: Spearfish Grill, Daiquiri Deck or Captain Curt's Crab & Oyster Bar for a bite or celebratory cocktail.

Other Parasailing Locations

If you are staying more north of our coastline, Sea Rocket Gulf Coast Parasail offers parasailing and sunset tours above beautiful Bradenton Beach, Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key Beach. Make sure to ask your captain about photo and video packages to capture the thrill of it all!

If you are looking to spend your time in the southern part of the county, there are great options for you as well. Venice Parasailing and Tours offers parasailing, dolphin tours and motorboat rentals just a 30 minute drive from Sarasota. Further down the coast, Englewood Parasailing takes travelers over Lemon Bay and Manasota Key. 

Learn about other ways to experience the coastal beauty of Sarasota County from high above the ground here.