Bradenton Beach & Anna Maria: Parasailing at 400 Feet

Summary

Soaring over turquoise water, dolphins below, toes dipped in the gulf breeze

You’ll board right at Bradenton Beach Marina for a parasailing flight soaring 400 feet above Anna Maria Island—spotting dolphins below and feeling Gulf breezes on your face. With gentle takeoffs, optional water dips, all equipment included, plus free marina parking, you’ll experience both thrill and peace in one unforgettable ride.

What’s the experience like?

“You ready for this?” That’s what our captain asked as we shuffled onto the deck at Bradenton Beach Marina, harnesses clinking and sunscreen half-rubbed in. I wasn’t sure if I was more excited or nervous—maybe both. The boat smelled like salt and sunscreen, and there was this low hum from the dock mixed with seagulls squawking overhead. Our guide, Mike (I think he said he’s been doing this since before TikTok existed), handed us the harnesses and cracked a joke about not dropping our sunglasses to the dolphins. I laughed but held onto mine anyway.

The ride out through the Intracoastal Waterway felt longer than I expected—kind of peaceful though, with that early sun glinting off the water and pelicans just floating by like they owned the place. When it was our turn, Mike gave us a quick rundown (honestly, way less intimidating than I thought), clipped us in, and suddenly we were rising up—no running or anything dramatic. Just this smooth lift until Bradenton Beach and Anna Maria Island looked tiny below us. I could smell ocean air sharper up there, almost cold even though it was Florida-warm down on the sand. We spotted a couple of dark shapes moving near the surface—dolphins maybe? Or sea turtles? Either way, it made me forget my nerves for a second.

I let them dunk my feet—just a quick dip that made me yelp (involuntarily, sorry Mike). It was weirdly quiet up there except for some wind in my ears and my own heartbeat thumping along. Ten minutes felt like forever and not enough at all. Coming back down was so gentle I barely noticed until my sneakers hit the deck again. My friend said she still had jelly legs when we walked off toward Bridge Street for lunch.

I keep thinking about that feeling—the mix of fear and total calm when you’re floating above everything, toes dripping saltwater. Not something you can really explain; you just have to do it once to get what I mean.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Parasailing over Bradenton Beach

• Arrive at Bradenton Beach Marina
• Board CWS Ocean Pro boat
• Cruise through Intracoastal Waterway
• Receive safety briefing from captain
• Get fitted with harness
• Lifted 400 feet by hydraulic winch
• Soar 10-12 minutes above Gulf
• Spot dolphins, sea turtles, stingrays
• Choose dry landing or water dip
• Return to marina

Top questions

How high do you go when parasailing in Bradenton Beach?

You’ll fly up to 400 feet above the Gulf of Mexico—the maximum allowed in Tampa Bay.

Is there an age limit for parasailing at Anna Maria Island?

The minimum age is 5 years old; anyone under 18 needs a parent or guardian to sign a waiver.

How long is each parasailing flight?

You’ll be in the air for about 10-12 minutes per flight.

Can you choose to get wet during the parasail?

Yes—you can request anything from just your toes dipped to a full dunk in the water.

Where does the tour depart from?

The experience starts at Bradenton Beach Marina on Anna Maria Island.

Is parking available at Bradenton Beach Marina?

Yes—free parking is available onsite for guests joining the tour.

Are photos included with the parasailing experience?

No—but professional photos are available for purchase onboard if you want them.

What should I bring for parasailing?

Sunscreen, sunglasses (with strap), comfortable clothes—you don’t need any special gear as all equipment is provided.

What’s included

Your adventure includes all parasailing equipment needed for your flight plus free parking right at Bradenton Beach Marina; you’ll also get a full safety briefing from your USCG-licensed captain before soaring over Anna Maria Island—with options for single, tandem or triple flights and an optional water dip if you want it.