Turks and Caicos Parasailing Flights

GRAND TURK

Ever wanted to experience the thrill of flying 500 feet above the sea? With no experience or skills necessary, you can experience one of Grand Turk’s favorite activities. Our grandma does it every year on her birthday, and she’s well into her eighties. We are fully licensed and insured, native owned and operated, and have been hosting happy customers since 2004.

Fly single, tandem or triples. Take off from and land right on our boat. Shoot photos and videos in flight. (If you’re really lucky, in season you might just see a humpback whale.)

Before you fly, we will provide you a safety briefing that will explain take-off and landing procedures and how to communicate from the air. Once we harness you into the parasail canopy, you will launch directly from the boats specially designed flight deck. The flight lasts about 7-8 minutes, topping out at a height of approximately 500 feet. You will enjoy a unique view of Grand Turk’s beautiful beaches, reef formations, the drop-off into the Abyss, and even catch a glimpse of the far side of the island. You will land right back on the boat’s flight deck, where our crew will unfasten the canopy and guide you back to your seat.

Our premium parasail boat was designed and built specficially for parasailing. The maximum capacity of the excursion is 12 guests. The maximum combined weight for you and all parasailers on your flight is 450 lbs. (The maximum weight could be less depending on wind and sea conditions.) For safety reasons, people with back or neck injuries, heart conditions, and pregnant women are not allowed to parasail.

Tour Options

Cost:
$85 per person

Prices in US dollars and do not include gratuities and a 12% government tax

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Parasailing FAQs

When conducted by a well-trained crew utilizing the proper equipment and operating in good weather conditions, parasailing is a safe, fun, aerial adventure.

The United States Parasailing Safety Council (USPSC) estimates that from 1990 through 2003 there were over 324 accidents in the United States, 68 of which resulted in serious bodily injury and 11 deaths. Between 2003 and 2007, parasailing accidents resulted in 11 deaths. (These statistics are based on U.S. Coast Guard reports, state and local law enforcement, local reporting agencies, individual accident reports, eye witnesses accounts from parasail operators, and other sources deemed reliable.)

Comparison studies have shown that there is an increased risk utilizing certain types of equipment, but generally speaking parasailing with an experienced captain, using well-maintained equipment, and flying only in good weather conditions are the most important factors relating to safety. We use the absolute best equipment and follow all manufacturer recommendations for the use of their products. Our winch rope is double braided 7/16-inch Esterlon with a special coating to protect it from the elements. We change the rope every 9 months or at the first sign of stress, wear, or fraying of any kind, whichever comes first.

It is customary for the equipment manufacturer to provide training. As an alternative, experienced captains may serve as private instructors. Our captains are professionally trained, have at least 10,000 flights with us, and at least 50,000 flights before they came to work with us.

The most common accidents occur during tow line separation from the boat, equipment failure, high speed water and deck landings, canopy rotation, line popping, and whiplash. Safety is and has always been our first priority. We are serious about the maintenance of our equipment and have not suffered any major accidents or equipment failures.

There are many factors involved in arriving at an exact figure. The United States Parasailing Safety Council advises, as a general observation, that the maximum altitude for large lakes and open ocean should not exceed 800 feet. (For bays and small lakes, the maximum recommended altitude is 300 feet.) We limit our tow line length to a maximum of 600 feet.

To legally take passengers for hire or charge money in the Turks & Caicos Islands, an operator needs a business license and a Captain’s License from a reputable licensing agency. Our Captains are licensed directly through the Turks & Caicos Maritime Department, although the licensing course is conducted and examined by Sea School of Florida.

To obtain a basic license, one must have a certain level of boating experience, pass a course in basic firefighting and survival at sea, and pass a written and practical exam that covers seamanship and boat operation. A Captain must be at least 18 years of age.

No. There are currently no licensing requirements, qualifications, or industry standards to become a parasail operator. This is one of the dilemmas of commercial parasailing. While operators enjoy their independence, this freedom comes with some risks.

The jury is still out on this question. In the meantime, the public needs to understand that parasail operators can fly by their own rules and make up new ones as they go along. Generally speaking, the majority of operators are responsible and have enjoyed a strong safety record.

Slogans such as these are often misleading in that they imply that the tour operator, the Captain, and/or their equipment are somehow sanctioned by the USCG. In reality, a Coast Guard Captain without training in the sport of parasailing knows as much about parasailing as I know about piloting a space shuttle.

An inspected vessel requires the manufacturer to follow building specifications and has nothing to do with the operation of the boat. The USCG overseas the construction of the boat until completed. In some cases, a stability test is performed to determine the number of passengers the vessel can carry. (Note: 90 percent of all reputable boat manufacturers build boats that would probably meet USCG specifications). However, there are no USCG requirements for parasail vessels with regard to the parasailing equipment onboard.

Refund Policy:

-a 100%* refund for cancellations made at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

-Cancellations made within 24 hours of the start date of the experience will receive no refund.

Of course, if weather conditions or other factors force us to cancel your reservation, you will receive a full refund*.

*The ticket service charge is not refundable.

How to Meet Us

When you get off the ship, walk through the duty free store and as you exit the store make a left and follow the path to the beach.Walk along the beach away from the ship until you should find the Parasail Boat on the beach. This is just in front of the ‘Local Village’ .

What to Bring?

  • Oil-free sunscreen.
  • Beach towel.
  • Swimsuit and cover-up.
  • Camera.