Parasailing and Kayak Nature Tours in the Turks and Caicos

Fly like an Eagle, Over the Sea. Fly like an Eagle & Set Your Spirit Free....

For the most mind-blowing, breathtaking view of Providenciales, the chain of uninhabited Cays, and the beautiful turquoise waters, call our family friendly and highly experienced team of professionals. Let us add a different dimension to your vacation and show you how safe, relaxing, and fun a Parasail ride can be!

What is Parasailing?

Parasailing is a fun and safe activity when conducted correctly and can result in mind-erasing states of Euphoria.

In the early years when Parasailing first started, there were some cavemen antics employed, like taking off while running down the beach, landing in the water, on a floating platform, the beach etc. During that trial and error stage, parasailing wasn't really safe. Technically, each flight was an experiment, kind of like the invention of the United States Navy Dive tables. In other words, if too many people were injured, then slight adjustments would be made to reduce the number of injuries. The end result was a set of profiles which virtually eliminated the risk of injury to divers.

Fortunately for us all, parasailing has evolved into one of the safest watersports available in beach vacation destinations today.

Our Boat

Our boat is a year 1997, 28' Premium Parasail Winch Boat, designed and built exclusively for parasailing. Our boat has a built-in flight deck which allows the flyer to take off from and land right on the boat. No water landings and no getting wet unless you want to. We maintain our boat and its equipment meticulously to make sure that your excursions with us are safe, memorable, and fun

The Flight

Once you board the boat, the crew gives a basic boat briefing, gets you into a safety jacket, secures your flight harness, and then gives you thorough instructions about your parasail ride, the emergency procedures, hand signals etc. Once you are briefed, the crew inflates the chute, you step up to the flight deck, the crew clip you into the harness and have you assume the sitting position in the harness (just like sitting in a swing). Once you are seated, the captain double checks that you are okay and ready/ When you give your approval, the boat starts to accelerate. You feel yourself slowly start to rise and go backwards at the same time. Once you are all the way out on the 585 feet of tow line, you will feel a slight jerk as the rope stops. You then will rise a bit higher and reach your cruising altitude. The boat will gently tow you along at peak altitude and the only sound you will hear is the wind blowing gently through your hair. All is peace and quiet until there is another slight tug on the line as the captain starts pulling you back in. Once above the flight deck, you will again be reminded by the crew to stand up as you land. They will then release the clips from the parachute, guide you back to your seat and someone else will take your place in the parachute on their way to euphoria.

Parasailing FAQs

Q. Is parasailing safe?

A. In the right weather conditions, utilizing the right equipment operated by an experienced crew. Parasailing can be a safe, fun, Aerial Adventure.

Q. How many accidents have there been?

A. The United States Parasailing Safety Council estimates that from 1990 thru 2003 (in the USA) there were over 324 accidents, 68 of which resulted in serious bodily injury and 11 deaths in the USA and its territories. There have been 11 deaths between 2003 and 2007. (These statistics are based USCG reports state / local law enforcement, local reporting agencies, individual accident reports, eye witnesses accounts from parasail operators and other sources deemed reliable.)

Q. Are different types of equipment safer than others?

A. Comparison studies have shown that there is an increased risk utilizing certain types of equipment, but general speaking parasailing with an experienced captain, using well maintained equipment, in good weather conditions is paramount to safety. We use the absolute best and follow all manufacturers recommendations for use of their products. Our rope is double braided 7/16 esterlon with a special coating to protect from the elements, However we change it every 9 months or at the first sign of stress, wear or disintegration of any kind, whichever comes first.

Q. Is their a training course to learn how to parasail?

A. It is customary for the equipment manufacturer to provide training or in the alternative you could hire on a private basis an experienced Capitan as a substitute. Our Captains are professionally trained, have at least 10,000 flights with us and at least 50,000 before they came to work with us.

Q. What are the know risks and inherent dangers of parasailing?

A. The most common accidents occurred during tow line separation from the boat, equipment failure, high speed water and deck landings, canopy rotation, line popping and whiplash. Safety is and has always been our first priority, we have been lucky and serious about the maintenance of our equipment and have not had any major accidents or equipment failure.

Q. What is the safest altitude to parasail?

A. There are so many factors involved to arrive at an exact figure. The United States Parasailing Safety council says, as a general observation, the maximum altitude for bays and small lakes is 300' and 800' for large lakes and open ocean. We limit our tow line length to a maximum of 600 feet.

Q. What are the requirements or qualifications to operate a parasail boat?

A. To legally take passengers for hire or charge money, in Turks & caicos you need a Business License, A Captains License from a reputable licensing agency,Our Captains are licensed directly through the Turks & Caicos Maritime Department but the course is actually conducted and examined by Sea School Of Florida.

Q. What are the minimum requirements to obtain a Captains License?

A. To obtain a basic license, one must have certain level of boating experience, take a course in basic firefighting and survival at sea, take a written and practical exam on both the Semanship portion of the course as well as boat driving and rules of the road. * Minimum age is 18.

Q. Does the USCG Captains License qualify me as a parasail operator?

A. No. There are currently no licensing requirements, qualifications or industry standards to become a parasail operator. This is one of the dilemmas of the commercial parasailing. While operators enjoy their independence, this freedom comes with some risks.

Q. Why doesn’t the USCG require a special license for parasail operators?

A. The jury is still out on this question. In the meantime, the public needs to understand that parasail operators can fly by their own rules and make up new one as they go along. But generally speaking, the majority of operators are responsible and have enjoyed an above average safety record.

Q. Why do operators use advertising slogans like; a) Our Captains are licensed by the USCG. b) Our equipment is always new and checked daily by our USCG Certified Captains. c) Everything is double checked by our USCG Certified Captain to ensure a safe flight every time. d) Our parasail boats are inspected vessels certified by the USCG? e) We are endorsed by a major hotel f) We are a member of a maritime association.

A. Some slogans can be misleading by given the impression that either the the operation, the Captain and/or their equipment are somehow sanctioned by these entities. I would say that unless that Coast Guard Captain has been trained in the sport of Parasailing, he knows as much about Parasailing as I know about driving a space shuttle back from the moon

Q. What is the difference between as USCG inspected vs. an un-inspected vessel?

A. An inspected vessel requires the manufacture to follow specific building specifications and has nothing to do with the operation. The USCG overseas the construction of the boat until completed. In some cases a stability test is performed to determine the number of passengers the vessel can carry. (Note: 90% of all reputable boat manufacturers build boats that would probably meet with USCG specifications). However, there are no USCG requirements for any parasail vessel with regard to the parasailing equipment onboard.

Ocean Vibes/Eagle Parasail Disclaimer

1. We reserve the right to change our prices without notice, explanation or apologies.

2. We do not control the weather and reserve the right to postpone or cancel Parasailing activities due to inclement weather, approaching storms squalls or winds exceeding 15 knots, due to an increased difficulty and complications during emergency water landings.

3. We reserve the right to refuse service to any individual or group of people that we perceive to be unruly, afraid, nervous, or intoxicated by sole discretion of the Captain and crew.

4. We Never Parasail in rain, thunder or Lightning, an approaching storm, small craft warning, hurricane or tropical storm warning or any weather the Captain deem hazardous or unsafe to our passengers.

5. For Tandem flight we use a tandem bar which allows us to fly passengers of uneven weight side by side so tandem flights are done as long as there is enough wind to accommodate it. In the event there is not enough wind there are times when we are unable to accommodate tandem flights.

6. Our captain and crew will make certain that you get adequate safety briefing prior to your flight. This safety briefing should include: a) a description of the activity itself, b) safety procedures in the event of an unexpected emergencies, c) the proper use of hands signals while airborne, d) evacuation procedures during a waterlanding, fire or capsizing, e) precluding any participant who appears to be afraid or intimidated prior to their aerial excursion.

7. Parasailing flights with altitude of more than 600 feet is not permitted and neither are flight in close proximity of shoreline or objects. Flying over the beach or hotels along the beach is absolutely not allowed for the safety of our flyers, so please don't ask. According to the Parasail Safety Council, the maximum altitude for using hand signals and recovery during water landings over open ocean is 600 feet.

8. The Parasail flight is approximately 12 to 15 minutes per flight whether single or tandem, no experience necessary.

9. The Price is $75 per person single or Tandem

KAYAK NATURE TOURS

.Ever thought about a way to relax, unwind, do a little exercise and be blown away by the natural beauty of your surroundings all at the same time?

. Kayaking is an adventure that requires a little bit of effort, a little co-ordination and really no experience. Chalk sound is a beautiful area inland near the South West end of Providenciales, that is virtually unexplored. Because of it's shallow depths boats even tiny little boats, are limited to where they can go. The only way to truly experience Chalk Sound is via Kayak. Take a journey into the sound with us as we cruise stealthily by the mangroves, tiny cays and rock islands dotting the center of this nature reserve. The serenity and quiet of this area is only broken by the gentle splash of your paddle as it makes contact with the surface of the water and your kayak peacefully gliding through the turquoise waters of this inland Paradise. Our Kayak Nature Tour Adventures are done by appointment only, are customized to suit the needs of your party, are guided by an experienced local guide and is done at a leisure pace.

.Our Kayaks are sit on top Kayaks (so no need to feel claustrophobic), singles and doubles available

. NO RUSH, NO CROWDS, NO WORRIES.

Contact Ocean Vibes to learn more about parasailing and Kayaking in the Turks and Caicos.