About this tour
When Tom from our team tried parasailing off St Augustine, it was a zippy rush that doubled as a sightseeing tour. You're lifted 500 feet or so above the Atlantic in tandem or triple formation, strapped to a parachute trailing behind a speedboat—about eight minutes of actual airtime that lets you clock the Castillo de San Marcos and the Bridge of Lions from a totally different angle. The water below teems with dolphins, sea turtles, and the occasional manatee. It's a touristy activity in America's oldest city, but the local operators keep things relaxed, and the coastal views genuinely earn the hype.
Highlights
- Eight minutes airborne with Atlantic views and historic landmarks visible below
- Spot dolphins, sea turtles, and manatees during flight
- Optional dip in the ocean before or after your flight
- Tandem or triple flyer configurations suit different group sizes
- Laid-back crew and straightforward safety briefing
- St Augustine waterfront setting adds charm to the whole experience
- Clear skies and calm breezes make conditions reliably good
What to expect
You'll check in 15 minutes early at the dock behind Beaches Restaurant on Vilano Road. The crew runs you through safety basics—nothing fiddly—and gets you suited up. The boat pulls you out into the Atlantic, and once you're at altitude, the flight itself is serene; the adrenaline comes from the height and the view, not from being yanked around. You get a good long look at the city's waterfront landmarks, and if you're lucky, you'll spot some marine life. The optional ocean dip happens either before takeoff or after landing, depending on your preference. The whole outing—check-in to finish—runs about an hour, though flight time is the eight-minute headline. Weather permitting, it's smooth and straightforward.
Tom found the experience less white-knuckle than expected and more scenic than a standard thrill. You're not strapped to a harness doing loop-de-loops; you're floating. The crew is friendly and unhurried, which sets the tone. Crowds are moderate in peak season, and the waterfront locale means you're sharing the experience with other tour groups and day-trippers.
Good to know
If you want a short, easy way to see St Augustine from the air and spot wildlife, this delivers. No intense fitness needed, and the ocean dip is a nice bonus on a warm day. Works for groups and couples alike; tandem and triple options mean you're not forced to fly solo.
Eight minutes airtime is brief—don't expect a leisurely float. Photos are sold separately, which stings if you wanted a keepsake. Not suitable if you're pregnant, have spinal injuries, or poor heart health. Kids under 6 can't go, and anyone under 15 needs an adult. Under-18s need a parent present with ID. Weight limit is 450 lbs combined for tandem/triple flights. Triple flights depend on weather and weight, so they're not guaranteed. Parking isn't included, and the $20–30 price for photos adds up. No alcohol before or during—they'll turn you away if you show up tipsy. Tickets are non-refundable, so cancellations sting.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.