Parasailing in Key West is not our normal activity, and yet we’ve gone out with on parasailing trips a few times now. Each time we get lifted up into the air and get to soar above the waters of Key West it’s just as cool as the last time. There’s something special about sharing it with your kids and seeing their faces when you’re parasailing that I just love.
If you’re thinking about going parasailing when you’re in Key West, I’d say go for it. We’ve got tips for having the best time parasailing in Key West and how to make sure your kids enjoy it too. If you have any questions or want to share your own tips, please leave a comment or send us a note. We’re always happy to share more!
Highlights of Parasailing Key West
Because our family spends so much time on the water, being high above it is a welcome change in perspective. Parasailing in Key West is extra fascinating and fun because we are so familiar with these waters and the town itself. The process of parasailing is so easy and it’s a great way to mix up your activities. Heading out from the Historic Seaport, both Sunset Watersports and Fury Water Adventures parasailing are well oiled machines.
As you’re getting your safety briefing and connecting with the crew, they’re getting the parachute ready to fly. They’re checking in with everyone to see how the vibe is and if anyone is nervous, and then they make it fun. Going up two by two, pairs are lifting high above the waters of Key West and it’s so very smooth. While in the air, the crew is taking photos you and driving you safely around. You get plenty of time up in the parachute, and since they’re driving around, your view changes all through your flying time. It’s really a lovely experience, and it’s actually great with kids.
Tips for a Great Parasailing Experience in Key West
When you’re getting ready to go parasailing in Key West, it’s important that whomever you’re going with is into it too. Sometimes people will just go along with an activity because other people want to do it, but with parasailing, it’s important that everyone who’s going up in the parachute actually wants to.
When you’re flying high above Key West and you’re taking in the colors and the beauty, it’s nice to hear your joy and sentiments reflected back, including when you’re going parasailing with kids. You don’t want your time in the air to be cut short because your child all of the sudden freaked out. Our kids were a little timid initially but then they really got excited. Once in the air, neither kiddo wanted to come down and actually asked if we could go again.
I know that there are both kids and adults who have a fear of heights. While parasailing over Key West is a wonderful place to conquer that fear because it’s so gorgeous, you should be able to tell the level of fear your traveling companions have and if the pressure is too much for them. Don’t spoil anyone’s experience, either on the boat or during their vacation, by trying to force parasailing to happen.
Being Prepared for Parasailing Key West
You’ll want to put on your sunblock before you’re out on the boat for your Key West parasailing, but if you forget, the boat crew will understand and make sure that you can complete your sunblock process before getting you into a harness. You’ll also want to be sure you’ve got a broad brimmed hat for when you’re out on the water. Even though you can’t wear your hat up into the air when it’s your turn to parasail, you’ll be really glad to have it while you’re on the boat.
When it comes to camera gear, you can easily bring a GoPro or camera phone with a very good, very secure strap up with you when you’re doing your parasailing. It’s great to snap selfies in the sky and capture the sights below. Don’t let your camera detract from your experience of flying high over Key West though. The joy of parasailing is taking in the view without the sounds of boats or traffic while you just feel the wind on your face. Enjoy that!
Parking for Fury or Sunset Watersports in Key West
Both Fury and Sunset Watersports do their tours from the Historic Seaport, aka Key West Bight Marina. This is on the north side of Key West where you’ll also depart for tours with Key West Eco, Honest Eco or the Yankee Freedom out to Dry Tortugas National Park. There is a paid parking lot just off the Historic Seaport across from the Marker Resort where you can pay for all day parking, or if you’re staying in Key West proper (anywhere on the island) you can easily walk to the departure point for parasailing with either Fury or Sunset Watersports. And there are plenty of taxi services in town too.
Parasailing Booking Information
To be sure you have the best experience when you go parasailing, here’s the operating information for our two picks for heading up into the sky:
- Operator: Fury Water Adventures
- Operating Hours: 8:00 am – 8:00 pm
- Office phone number: 855-598-6329
- Tour check-in address: 631 Greene St, Key West, FL 33040
- Tour booking links: Book Fury Water Adventures Parasailing here
- Operator: Sunset Watersports
- Operating Hours: 8:00 am – 8:00 pm
- Office phone number: 305-296-2554
- Tour check-in address: 201 William St, Key West, FL 33040
- Tour booking links: Book Sunset Watersport Parasailing here
More Fun Things to do in Key West
Key West is many people’s favorite destination in the Florida Keys. You can’t blame them; there are so many wonderful things to do, historic sites, so much wildlife and great food. If you know you’re coming to Key West and need some ideas to add to your itinerary or travel plan, take a look at some of our favorite things to do. You can always just play it by ear, walking from neighborhood to neighborhood, but I like to always have at least a loose plan.
Where to Stay in Key West
If you haven’t planned where to stay in Key West yet, of course we have recommendations. We’ve stayed many place, from luxury resorts to family friendly hotels, cute stays in the historic center to spacious condos on the end of town. There’s the right type of accommodation for any type of traveler in Key West. Keep in mind that with so many things to do and beautiful places to just explore on foot, you may not have a ton of time in your hotel room, so you might not need a ton of space and lots of amenities. Also, Key West is pretty costly for accommodations. As you look for where to stay, balance out your budget by considering hotels that AREN’T directly downtown.
Here are some of our recommendations for where to stay in Key West. We’ll keep adding to this list as we enjoy more wonderful hotels and resorts.
I hope you’ll consider spending some time soaring over Key West with a parasailing trip. I think it’s a fun, beautiful way to get a fresh perspective of the Keys. If you have any questions about visiting Key West or need additional recommendations, please leave a comment or send us a note. We’re always happy to share more and help plan awesome Florida Keys trips!
