9 Things You Need To Know About Anna Maria Island Parasailing

If you are thinking of going parasailing on Anna Maria Island, don’t get overwhelmed by all the options! We did the “hard” work for you! 😉

During our adventure with Bradenton Beach Parasailing, we put together a list of 9 Things You Need to Know Before Your Parasailing Experience. We hope this list helps calm any nerves, and answer any questions, you may have.

❤️ A special thank you to Bradenton Beach Parasailing for providing us with complimentary parasailing tickets in exchange for my honest and unbiased review. All opinions are my own. ❤️

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Parasailing on Anna Maria Island

#1 – Book Your Adventure With Bradenton Beach Parasailing

When I first started researching companies that offered parasailing on Anna Maria Island, I kept coming back to Bradenton Beach Parasailing. They had great reviews and they are located on the pier at the end of historic Bridge Street Pier, which was less than 10 minutes from where we were staying.

After booking our time slot, we signed our online wavier, and we were good to go! You must arrive 20-30 minutes before your scheduled time, so remember to take traffic into account before you head out.

You will leave from the Bridge Street Pier, head out through the Longboat Pass, and you will be parasailing in front of Coquina Beach. This is a great spot for family and friends to watch from solid ground.

#2 – This Isn’t Their First Time

Every review I came across about Bradenton Beach Parasailing made it a point to mention how friendly and knowledgeable the employees are. And I would have to agree!

Erin, who works in the office, is one of the happiest people I have ever come across! She did a great job of explaining the whole process, and did so with a smile on her face! Something that is lacking from most customer service now a days. Our captain, Daryl, who is also the owner, and Brandon, who is onboard to go over the safety points and get you set up, thoroughly enjoy what they do.

Bradenton Beach Parasailing has been in business for over 22 years with a perfect safety record that they take very seriously. Each captain also has their USCG Master Captain license, so you are in good hands.

If you love boating, check out our experience renting a pontoon while on Anna Maria Island.

#3 – The Boat Is Strictly Made For Parasailing

After you are fitted with safety gear, you will make your way to a large platform on the rear of the boat, which is where you will take off, and land from. The 800ft Kevlar towline and winch system allows for seamless take off and landing.

You can fly with 1, 2, or 3 people, as long as you don’t exceed the weight limit. If you have family members, or friends, who want to ride along, they can be watchers ($20 fee) if there is space allowed on the boat.

Like it says on their website, “If you can sit, you can go parasailing”

#4 – Dress Like You Are Going To the Beach

I know this may seem like a given considering you are in Florida, but your outfit choices should depend on if you want to stay dry or get wet! If you are leaning towards staying dry, they will bring you down just enough to dip your toes in the water. If it’s hot, and you wore your swimsuit, they are more than happy to cool you off with a full body dip!

We opted to just dip our toes.

Also, before you take off you will have to remove your shoes. There are storage spots under the seats in the boat for bags, purses, shoes, etc.

Are you looking for the perfect family Airbnb for your Florida vacation? If so, we’ve put together a list of The Best Family Airbnb Florida Stays, You’re Sure to Love!

#5 – Parasailing On Anna Maria Island Is Not What You Think It Is

During previous trips, we have always seen people parasailing on Anna Maria Island from the beach and I knew this trip we had to give it a try. How awesome it would it be to soar high above the Gulf of Mexico?!

As you take off from the back of the boat, you glide effortlessly higher, and higher in the air. There is no jerking or “hanging” feeling as you literally feel like you are sitting on a porch swing. It is so quiet except for the occasional nervous laugh, while the birds literally fly by you. It was actually quite calming, and thrilling, at the same time.

#6 – You Have To Open Your Eyes

Even if you are scared of heights, you have to open your eyes! The views from up in the air are absolutely breath taking! You can see Anna Maria Island, Edmont Key, Longboat Key, Lido Key, and on a clear day, Sarasota and Tampa. All surrounded by the Intra-Coastal Waterway.

#7 – You Have To Look Down

While you have your eyes open, make sure you look down for some of Florida’s most notable wildlife like sea turtles, dolphins, and sting rays.

#8 – Bring, Or Rent, A GoPro

Believe me, you will want to relive your parasailing experience over and over again! What better way to do that than with a GoPro. If you don’t own one, Bradenton Beach Parasailinging offers GoPro rentals, as well as a photo package. Trust me, you will want to capture the views from up there!

#9 – You Will Want To Go Parasailing On Anna Maria Island Again!

To be honest, we could have stayed up there all day! My daughters and I were hooked! Parasailing on Anna Maria Island with Bradenton Beach Parasailing far exceeded any expectation I had before our experience.

If you are planning a trip to Anna Maria Island, make sure you book a parasailing adventure with Bradenton Beach Parasailing! You will not be disappointed!

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Read About Our Other Adventures in Florida:

Central East

• Insider’s Guide to Planning Your Kennedy Space Center Tour (Titusville)
• 6 Reasons We Love The Brevard Zoo (Melbourne)
• Kayaking Along Florida’s Space Coast (Merritt Island)
• The Best Airboat Ride In Central Florida (Christmas)
• How Our Family Of 5 Flew Roundtrip To Florida For Less Than $325
• Our Top 3 Fascinating Outdoor Activities for Families – Florida’s Space Coast

Central West

• The Ultimate Guide to ZooTampa at Lowry Park (Tampa)
• EVOS Restaurant (South Tampa)

Central

• Top 10 Toddler Friendly Rides at LEGOLAND Florida (Winter Haven)

Southwest

• Step Back In Time At The South Florida Museum (Bradenton)
• Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium (Sarasota)
• Sand & Sea Vacation Rental – Family Friendly (Anna Maria Island)
• Happy Paddler Coastal Island Kayak Eco Tour (Anna Maria Island)
• Bradenton Beach Marina Dolphin Eco Tour (Anna Maria Island)

Be sure to check out our Top 30 Gift Ideas for Travelers.  It is full of unique gift ideas for those in your life who love to travel… or to add to your own personal carry-on.  We’ve even included the one item we won’t go to Disney without! It might surprise you!