Floating high up in the sky … beneath a parachute … being pulled by a motor boat …

Parasailing is one of those things that, once you see someone doing it, you just want to do yourself. It is amazingly calm and quiet up there, and takes almost no effort on the part of the passenger, so just about anyone can do it. It is an activity that used to be available all around Puerto Rico, but for now, it is only available in SJ – give it a try.

Our Trip

We occasionally get questions from people about parasailing here on the island, because they see it offered in the resort areas. We had gone parasailing many years ago on our honeymoon, but we decided it was time to give it a try here in Puerto Rico so that we could write about it.

We went with A&J Adventures (they no longer do tours, but the experience is similar no matter whom you use.). There were a total of 4 people on our trip — me and Ray, and a couple of girlfriends out for the afternoon.

After signing the typical liability waivers, we got onto the boat , donned our life jackets, and were helped into individual harnesses (around your legs/waist).

We got out onto the water, and waited while they checked the parachute and all the lines. Once they gave the OK, we went up to the large platform on the back of the boat and our harnesses were connected to the parachute. They told us to sit down and … just like that … we were up in the air! That was exciting!

Then, as you go up up up, the boat gets smaller and smaller. We spent about 10-15 minutes up in the air. We had plenty of time to look around and take photos. We got great birds’ eye view of the islands, the east coast, the marina, and El Conquistador Resort. Then they slowly reeled us in and back onto the boat.

They send people up in pairs (tandem flights).

Observations

After the initial swing up and off the boat, the rest of the trip is very calm and relaxing. Another point to mention is that, at least on this trip, you get really high up — like 450 feet. So people who are afraid of heights might not like it.

I was surprised that everyone mentioned that they got a little vertigo feeling while they were up there. I am not sure why, and it wasn’t enough to spoil the trip, but you might want to take something to prevent that feeling if you’re inclined to seasickness.

You need to take everything of value out of you pockets, or make sure anything you do have is firmly attached to your body — because if it falls, it is lost forever to the sea.

On our first parasail experience (years ago) we didn’t go as high, but they did dip you into the water and then put you back up. Make sure that, if the company you pick does this "dipping", you don’t have anything on your person that can get damaged by the water.

Details — Companies that Offer Parasailing

If anyone knows other companies that offer Parasailing in Puerto Rico, let us know and we will add them to the list.

4U Watersports Center on the beach in Isla Verde

Parasailing tours are $95 per person for flyers (can be tandem flight- 2 people $190- weight limit of 400lb total).

They operate 7 days/week, from 10:30am to 5pm. Trips at 11am, 12, and 2pm.

phone: 939-969-4510

web: 4U Watersports Center web site

Can book online on their webpage

They are located on the beach in Isla Verde, behind ESJ Towers.

Rincon Parasail in Rincon- not currently running

PuertoRicoDayTrips.com assumes no responsibility regarding your safety when participating in the activities described in this article. Please use common sense! If your mother or that little voice in your head tells you that you are about to do something stupid … then don't do it! Read more about Safety →