Parasailing on Catalina Island: Soaring 800 Feet Above The Ocean

When planning our latest weekend adventure, I knew we had to go parasailing on Catalina Island. I recently learned that Kevin has never done it before. I guess I shouldn’t be too shocked. He has a crippling fear of heights. So I say, the time has come for him to face his fears head on. Okay, maybe I waited until the last possible moment to tell him. Um, as we boarded the boat from Long Beach to Catalina Island. Surprise!

Despite his initial reluctance, Kevin ended up loving it (as did I). We credit the friendly and professional team at Island Water Charters with calming his fears. The company operates spectacular parasailing trips from the center of Avalon, the main town on Catalina Island. In our latest post, we’ll take you on our parasailing adventure. And pretty soon, you’ll see why Catalina makes the perfect place to soar with its picture-perfect, movie set background.

Where Is Catalina Island? And Is it Worth Visiting?

It’s hard to believe that the last time we visited Catalina Island was over a decade ago. Truth be told, we did next to nothing on that trip. We decided to leave the twins behind on this trip — for a dads getaway. After all, every parent needs a break. The parasailing trip was the adventure I was looking for. And it couldn’t be any more convenient. The boat was located just minutes away by foot from our B&B, the Snug Harbor Inn.

For this trip, I made up for lost time. And I packed in as many activities as possible to enjoy Catalina’s gorgeous setting. If it looks familiar, you’ve likely seen it as a backdrop. It has served as the location for over 500 movies, television programs and commercials. It’s an easy trip from Los Angeles, taking just 1 hour by boat on the Catalina Express or 15 minutes by helicopter.

Parasailing on Catalina Island: What Should I Wear?

While planning your parasailing adventure, you’ll make a choice — either getting wet or staying dry. It was freezing on the day we planned to do it. Okay, 60 degrees… We’ve totally become those precious southern Californians. Needless to say, we ended up going for the dry option.

We suggest bringing layers so you can adjust accordingly. We ended up wearing a light jacket, a sweater and jeans. And you really won’t get wet (if you request the dry version). Our guide Carlos and driver David didn’t even get one drop of water on us. Now that’s impressive!

Up And Away: Taking Off On Our Parasailing Adventure

We arrived 15 minutes ahead of our parasailing launch time to check in and fill out a few forms. The office and boat is located right in the heart of Avalon on the Green Pleasure Pier. Our boat left right on time and it was just us and one other family on board. We were the first ones on the boat to go up. We decided to do it tandem but they also offer solo or even triple flying. We think it’s the best to do it with a loved one or a friend so you can experience it together.

You’ll spend about 7 to 8 minutes in the air. So enjoy that birds eye view. You’re allowed to bring your own camera up in the air with you. But I pretty much knew that I’d be the first person to drop it, so left it on the boat. I didn’t need another incident like when I went parahawking and nearly dropped my iPhone camera into the ocean! For all these reasons, I suggest purchasing the photo package ($20) where you can get a USB with plenty of photo options. In our case, more than 140 photos to pick from. Don’t worry, we won’t show them all!

The ride is incredibly smooth. In fact, we were expecting to bounce or be blown around. But that didn’t happen at all. In total the entire experience takes about 1 hour from departing the Catalina Harbor.

Talk about an adventure. Next up to surprise Kevin? Bungee jumping! All right, probably not. After 16 years together, I know my limits.

THE LOW DOWN

• Parasailing trips  with Island Water Charters leave from the Green Pleasure Pier in the center of Avalon.
• You can fly solo, tandem or three at a time. Ticket prices are all inclusive (no taxes or fees added). You can do the Standard 600 feet flight ($65 per person) or Premium at 800 feet ($79 per person). Ride along and not flying ($25 per person).
• We suggest getting the photo package on a USB card, which is just $20 extra.
• To book your parasailing adventure, visit Island Water Charters website here.

Looking for other fun ideas in southern California? Check out our full list of recommendations for your next Los Angeles staycation in downtown LA, as well as 5 secret spots in LA you (probably) never knew existed (but should!). Is the beach more of your speed? Be sure to read our feature on the Malibu mystery picnic, the perfect birthday outing idea for adults. Or if you’re feeling like staying at home these days, we have recommendations on the best virtual activities you can do from a drag show with sangria making to a virtual pottery class.