Intl_Biz_Traveler_44
Apr 2017
I hate to write negative reviews, but after much debate, I decided that others might benefit from our experience.
When I called to book, we were flexible with our dates. I explained that I was afraid of going up too high. The woman on the phone, who may not have known the weather conditions, assured me that the smoothest ride was up high. (Also the most expensive rate. Maybe she works on commission?)
Unbeknownst to me, there was both a high wind and high wave advisory that day. As a result, the ride out on the boat was choppy, as was the ride up in the air. We were jolted several times. I can best describe it as being on a ferris wheel, having your car jolted up in the air, thinking you're going to fly away from the wheel.
That was strike one. Strike two-- the communication isn't great and they definitely aren't organized on-site. It was clear that they were running about 20 minutes behind, but no one would say that. Since it was hot out, we opted to wait in our car. We checked in every so often. The last time we did so, we were told that they were waiting for the next boat to arrive before coming in. So we went back to the car, only to have the other employee on-site frantically waving her arms at us to come back five minutes. When we explained what her co-worker told us, she just shook her head. (By the way, this employee also does the waiver. We found her to be unprofessional and abrasive.)
We got on the boat-- strike three-- the captain is very skilled, but also made it clear that he was bored. He "hot dogged" on the way out there, even though I told him it was making me nauseous. If you have kids, I would definitely think twice about this company, a child was up with her parent and he repeatedly dunked them in the water, even when it was clear to me in the boat that it was too much for her. She came off crying.
To be fair to him, I made it clear that I did not want to be dunked that much and he took it easier on me. But the wind and waves still made it a rough ride. I do think he felt bad about the girl. Whether his apologies were sincere, or he was just trying to salvage a tip, I don't know.
Bottom line: I wouldn't recommend them. I wouldn't go back. I would think long and hard before using them. They may be competent, but there's a lack of organization and not the greatest customer service.
PS The man who was getting everyone into their harnesses on the boat was very competent and nice. He took the pulse of everyone in a laid back manner. ("Are you nervous?) He was genuine and did his best to put everyone at ease. He wasn't in charge, but did his very best to make up for the captain's overzealousness.
PPS Unlike other parasailing groups I've seen in other states, this one is run out of a marina, not off of a beach. You are going to go out pretty far before you get to the area where you'll parasail. Expect to be out for at least an hour.