faqs

Terms and Conditions - Cancellations and Refunds - Weather - Waivers - Age Restrictions - Privacy Policy - Security Policy - Weight Restrictions - Physical Restrictions - Flight Notice

Mackinaw Parasailing

What are the days and times the boats depart?

Q: Do I need prior experience or be physically fit? A: No experience is necessary, your captain and crew will take care of getting you up in the air and back down safe and sound. All you have to do is enjoy the ride. However, anyone with a physical ailment such as back or neck injuries/problems must inform the captain before disembarking. We do not recommend that people with back or neck injuries/problems go on the boat at anytime due to the bumpiness of the ride.

Q: Do I need prior experience or be physically fit? A: No experience is necessary, your captain and crew will take care of getting you up in the air and back down safe and sound. All you have to do is enjoy the ride. However, anyone with a physical ailment such as back or neck injuries/problems must inform the captain before disembarking. We do not recommend that people with back or neck injuries/problems go on the boat at anytime due to the bumpiness of the ride. Q: Is there an age requirement? A: There is no age limit, we have flown people as young as 5 and as old as 98. There are minimum size requirements (due to the size of our harnesses); children must be able to fit in our smallest child harness. Participants under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian sign their liability waiver. Parasailing is great in that it truly is an activity that most family members can do together!

Q: Do I have to get wet? A: No, you don't have to get wet if you don't want to. Our way of flying is called controlled parasailing, meaning you take off and land smoothly right from the back deck of the boat. If you opt for it, there is a fun wet part towards the end of your flight. The captain slows the boat down and has you gently freefall, dipping your feet and legs in the water for a refreshing splash. He then lands you back safely on the boat deck.

Q: Is there a weight restriction? A: To fly alone you must weigh at least 125 lbs. and for multi-passenger flights weighing over 400 lbs., it will be up to the captain to determine based on current wind conditions. This all can vary according to weather conditions.

Q: How long are the flight times? A: All of our flights last approximately 10 to 12 minutes, and usually if we have a full boat of 6 people, you are out on the water for an hour.

Q: Can I take my camera up with me? A: You are allowed to take a camera up at your own discretion, and should take into consideration the height and water risks. Disposable cameras are best. We also offer a digital photo package as another option to capture your good times.

Q: Do we need to make reservations? A: Yes, because of the popularity of parasailing and the limited space we encourage reservations. There have been times when guests have shown up without a reservation only to have to wait for a couple of hours until there was a space open for them. We take phone reservations from 7am-11pm. HOWEVER, if there is room on the boat walk-up guests are welcome.

Q: What are the days and times the boats depart? A: Memorial Weekend – Labor Day : We are open 7 days a week, weather permitted with boats going out at 9:00am and every hour on the hour after that, with the last boat leaving at 7pm. After Labor Day, we parasail upon reservation and weather permitting from our Mackinaw City location only until mid September.

Q: Is it customary to tip the crew? A: Just like others in the service industry, the crew works very hard to make sure all your needs aboard the boat are taken care of. It is customary to show them your appreciation by tipping 20%.

Q: What is Tandem flight? A: Tandem flights are two flyers together, side by side. This is the most common but singles and even triples are available.

Q: Can people come along to enjoy the boat ride and just watch? A: Absolutely! For an extra $20, passengers are welcome as long as there is space and or they were reserved in advance with the flyers.

Q: How should I dress/ what should I bring on the boat? A: Dress for the weather, if you are sensitive to the sun we recommend that you bring a long sleeved shirt/sweatshirt. Bathing suits or beach attire can be worn, as are towels, bottled water, sun block, and perhaps a tip for the crew.

Q: What happens if the boat stops suddenly or if the tow line breaks? A: If the boat suddenly stops for any reason the participants will slowly and safely descend towards the water. In the unlikely event of a mechanical malfunction, or the rope breaking participants would continue descent until they are gently lowered into the water and held safely afloat by their mandatory lifejackets. We follow an extremely rigorous maintenance program, and all equipment is inspected at least once a day. Our tow line has a minimum breaking strength at least 1000lbs stronger than the industry standard and is of the highest quality obtainable.