Parasailing Catalina Island: Early Bird Special

Eight to ten minutes suspended above Avalon Harbor, watching the island shrink below.

Parasailing above Catalina Island's Avalon Harbor with a US Coast Guard licensed captain and crew, where you're lifted 8–10 minutes into the air with no experience needed and children from age 6 welcome. This Early Bird Special departs on the first trip of the day at select times subject to change. Government fees are included.

The experience

You board the parasailing vessel in Avalon Harbor and the licensed crew walks you through the setup: harness, tow line, the mechanics of what's about to happen. No prior experience required. The boat heads out, the parachute catches air, and you lift off the water. For 8–10 minutes you're airborne, the island below you, the crew managing the line from the deck. The thrill is the suspension itself: the view, the altitude, the fact that you're doing this.

The Early Bird Special runs the first departure of the day, which means smaller crowds at the harbor and calmer morning water. These times shift seasonally, so confirm the schedule when you book. The whole experience (boarding, flight, return) fits inside an hour. Government fees are built into the price.

Children from age 6 can go up. Families often book together. The crew is US Coast Guard licensed, which means the safety protocols are federal standard, not operator discretion. You don't need to be an athlete or have done this before. What you need is to show up ready to strap in and let the boat do the work.

What’s included

• US Coast Guard licensed captain and crew assistance.
• government fees.
• all parasailing equipment and harness.

Options for this experience

2 options

Early Bird Special parasailing on Catalina IslandGuide in English · 09:15Early bird special

Regular price flight at 800 ftGuide in English · 5 departure times: the first at 11:15, the last at 15:45800 ft flight (not Early Bird)

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day6 departure times: the first at 09:15, the last at 15:45

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (18 to 95 years) · Child (6 to 17 years) · Under 6: can't be booked

GroupUp to 12

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Catalina Xtreme Parasail

Is this one for you?Book the Early Bird Special if you have a free morning and want the calmest water and smallest crowds at the harbor. The early departure time is what makes the difference: later flights share the harbor with more boats and people.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 17 years). Children under 6 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How long am I actually in the air parasailing above Catalina Island?

The flight itself lasts 8–10 minutes, suspended behind the boat while the crew manages the line from the deck. The full experience from boarding to return takes about an hour.

What does the Early Bird Special mean, and when does it depart?

The Early Bird Special is the first parasailing departure of the day, offered at select times that change seasonally. Book early to confirm the exact departure time for your date.

Do I need any experience or special fitness level to parasail?

No prior parasailing experience is required, and the activity suits all physical fitness levels. The crew handles the technical work. You're a passenger in the harness.

What's included in the parasailing price?

Government fees are included. The crew provides all equipment and guidance. You bring only yourself and a willingness to go airborne.