South Padre Island: Parasailing Laguna Madre & Boat Ride

Summary

Parasailing over Laguna Madre with salty air and island views

You’ll feel your heart race as you lift off from the boat into open sky above Laguna Madre Bay on this South Padre Island parasailing trip. Watch the island stretch beneath you, share laughs with your crew, and soak up salty breezes before touching down again—maybe still grinning like I did.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the way the harness straps felt — a little awkward at first, kind of snug under my legs. I kept fidgeting while our guide, Carlos, checked the lines and joked about how people sometimes scream before they even leave the deck (I didn’t think I would, but who knows). The boat smelled like sunscreen and saltwater, and there was this weird mix of nerves and excitement in my stomach as we pulled away from the dock next to Lobo Del Mar Café. You could hear gulls fighting over something behind us — loud, not graceful at all.

I’d seen photos of parasailing in South Padre Island before, but being up there is just… different. We went up as a tandem — me and my cousin — and when the line started to spool out, there was this sudden quiet that hit once we left the boat’s wake. For maybe seven minutes (felt both longer and shorter), it was just wind in my ears and that wide view of Laguna Madre Bay below. The water looked greener than I expected, almost glassy in spots. You can see all of South Padre stretching out — hotels, tiny cars crawling along the road, even people waving if you squint. Carlos waved up at us too; he looked so small from up there.

Coming down was faster than I wanted. My cousin tried to film but dropped her phone in her lap because she got distracted by a pelican gliding past (she swears it winked at her). When we landed back on deck, everyone had that goofy grin — you know the one where you’re embarrassed by how much fun you just had? Anyway, I still think about that silence up there sometimes when things get noisy back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Parasailing adventure in South Padre Island

• Check in 30 minutes before departure
• Board 31' ocean Pro boat
• Enjoy 60-minute boat ride
• Parasail flight for 7-10 minutes
• Fly solo, tandem, or triple

Top questions

How long does parasailing last in South Padre Island?

The total boat ride is about 60 minutes depending on group size; actual parasail flight time is around 7-10 minutes.

Where do you check in for parasailing at South Padre?

Check-in is 30 minutes before departure at SPI Excursions next to Lobo Del Mar Cafe.

Can kids go parasailing in South Padre Island?

Yes, children can join but must be accompanied by an adult.

Is hotel pickup included for this tour?

No, hotel pickup is not included; you meet at SPI Excursions near Lobo Del Mar Cafe.

Are taxes and fees included in the price?

Yes, all taxes, fees and handling charges are included.

How many people can fly together?

You can fly solo (single), as a pair (tandem), or as three (triple).

Is parasailing safe for people with injuries?

No, it's not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or serious medical conditions.

What’s included

Your day includes all taxes and fees for your parasailing adventure over Laguna Madre Bay—just check in at SPI Excursions next to Lobo Del Mar Café before your scheduled time and enjoy a full boat ride with friendly local crew handling everything else.