You’re rather spoiled for choices when it comes to watersports outfitters along Destin’s Emerald Coast shores, and one of the more reliably solid options among them is Destin Parasailing. Whether swinging by for an afternoon of everyday fun or arranging a private charter for a special event, the company delivers generally excellent customer service and a pleasant variety of experiences ranging from the leisurely to the all-out exhilarating.
We’ll give you three guesses as to the company’s prime focus. Parasailing is a fantastic way to experience Destin’s celebrated waterfront: There’s really nothing like coasting along 500 or so feet above the sparkling surface, gazing down into the blue-green waters and (maybe) spotting a cruising dolphin or sea turtle as the icing on the cake.
Running 12-passenger Commercial Water Sports vessels custom-designed for parasailing, the company gives high-flying rides for solo, tandem, and three-person participants. (Riders have to be at least six years old and 90 pounds; the maximum weight allowed is 500 pounds.) Parasailing is offered seven days a week as long as the weather cooperates; if it is nice out, you’ll sail over the harbor or out in the Gulf.
By the way, you can arrange a private parasailing charter for birthday parties, family reunions, and other occasions: a great choice for spicing up these happenings with a truly unforgettable seaside soar. Expect topnotch service from the company’s captains and crew—and diligent adherence to safety, needless to say.
While you’ll often luck out with a glimpse of an Emerald Coast dolphin or dolphin pod while parasailing, Destin Parasailing also leads specific dolphin cruises more focused on landing you a sighting of these playful, agile, basically universally appealing critters. Roughly an hour and a half in duration, the company’s dolphin-watching tours also may turn up views of all sorts of other sea life, including those gentle, paddle-tailed, wrinkle-faced marine mammals known as manatees.
You can also rent watercraft from Destin Parasailing: a great idea for some self-directed cruising around the harbor, perhaps out to the popular offshore hangout of Crab Island (actually a submerged sandbar). Your options include 24-foot pontoon boats with a 12-passenger capacity; they’re outfitted with bimini tops as well as swim ladders to facilitate refreshing dips and snorkel runs. If you’re feeling a bit of a need for speed, consider the Yamaha jet skis Destin Parasailing rents as well: capable of pushing 50 miles per hour!
Destin, of course, proclaims itself the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village,” and Destin Parasailing also caters to tourists in that arena as well. Its sportfishing charters can tap both bay and inshore waters as well as Gulf of Mexico deeps, with the opportunity to cast for everything from snapper and triggerfish to grouper and sharks.
Whether you’re taking to the skies or reeling in a big one or two, Destin Parasailing gives you front-row seats to the awesomeness of the Emerald Coast.
Insider Tip:
On a parasailing ride, you can request to have your feet dipped in the water—or to be dunked up to your waist, even—if you’re so inclined.