Parasailing with Pelican Adventures Aruba: 2025 Review & Tips

You know, standing on the white sand of Palm Beach is really an experience in itself. So, you look out over the unbelievably blue water and see these colorful parachutes floating high in the sky, like peaceful, bright kites. At the end of the day, that picture is what got me thinking about trying it myself. So many little huts line the beach offering different water activities, but honestly, the name I kept seeing was Pelican Adventures. They just have this presence on the island that seems very established. I honestly walked past their pier, located between the Holiday Inn and Playa Linda Beach Resort, a few times before deciding to go for it. As a matter of fact, the decision was pretty much made for me after seeing a family come back from their flight, completely beaming with big smiles.

I mean, the whole idea of flying sounds incredible, but you kind of have those little questions in the back of your mind. Is that really safe? Will it be scary? How high up do you actually go? So, I decided to book a flight and find out what the whole thing was truly like. This is, you know, my full rundown of the 2025 parasailing experience with Pelican Adventures, from the moment I walked onto their pier to the very gentle landing back on the boat. It’s a little bit of what to expect and some tips that might make your own aerial adventure a bit smoother.

First Impressions and The Check-In Experience

Alright, so walking out onto the Pelican Pier feels like you are stepping into the heart of Aruba’s beach action. The pier is a bit of a hub, with people coming and going for different boat trips and activities, so there is a really fun energy in the air. So, I found the check-in desk pretty easily; it’s a small hut right there on the pier with signs that are honestly hard to miss. The staff members I spoke with were extremely friendly and seemed genuinely happy to be there, you know? They just had a laid-back, professional Caribbean vibe, which is basically what you hope for on vacation.

The check-in part itself was, like, very straightforward. Of course, you have to fill out a standard waiver on a tablet, which is more or less what you would expect for any activity like this. I had pre-booked online, so I just gave them my name, and they found me in the system almost immediately. For instance, the person at the desk clearly explained what would happen next and told me where to wait for the boat crew. Frankly, there was absolutely no confusion. This whole process, you know, only took about five minutes. It just felt very organized and not at all chaotic, which can sometimes happen at busy tourist spots. They just gave me a colored wristband and told me my boat would be ready pretty much right on time.

Gearing Up and The Boat Ride Out

So, soon enough, a crew member called my wristband color and led our small group to the parasailing boat. The boat itself was pretty modern and clean, with a big platform on the back where all the action happens. The captain and his first mate were seriously fun guys, cracking jokes but also being very clear about safety stuff. Actually, their lighthearted approach really helps if you’re feeling a bit nervous. We all sat on the benches, and one by one, they helped us into the harness. You know, it’s sort of like a swing seat combined with a lot of sturdy straps and buckles. The crew checked every single strap multiple times, which, to be honest, was really reassuring.

Next, the boat ride out into the bay was almost an attraction in itself. You basically get a mini boat tour with fantastic views of the whole Palm Beach hotel strip. As we moved further from the shore, the water turned an even deeper shade of blue, and honestly, the breeze felt incredible. The crew used this time to give us a final rundown of hand signals and what to expect during liftoff and landing. In a way, watching another couple go up first was super helpful. You just see them get seated on the platform, the parachute fills with air, and then, very smoothly, they just lift off and float upward. Seriously, it looked completely effortless and not at all jerky.

Taking Flight: The Parasailing Experience Itself

Okay, so now it was my turn, along with my partner. We sat down on the flight deck, the crew clipped our harness into the parachute bar, and gave us a thumbs-up. Then, you know, the captain gently accelerated the boat. What is that like? It’s really hard to describe the feeling. There’s no big jolt or sudden drop; you just kind of feel a light lift, and then your feet are no longer on the boat. You are just flying. The ascent is incredibly peaceful. In fact, as you go higher, the sound of the boat and the waves more or less fades away into a gentle hum.

From way up there, the view is just absolutely breathtaking. Aruba just lays out below you like a map. You can literally see the whole curve of Palm Beach and Eagle Beach, and the water is this amazing mix of turquoise, aqua, and deep blue. You see other boats that look like tiny toys. Honestly, it’s a completely different perspective than you can get from anywhere else on the island. The feeling is one of total calm. You’re just sitting there, completely secure in your harness, floating on the wind. The flight itself typically lasts around 10 to 12 minutes, which frankly feels like the perfect amount of time. You have plenty of moments to soak it all in. Towards the end, the crew signaled to ask if we wanted a ‘dip.’ We nodded yes, and they skillfully lowered the line so our feet just skimmed across the warm Caribbean water for a second before we went back up. That part was pretty fun and refreshing.

The Descent, Landing, and What to Know

I mean, all good things must come to an end, right? The descent was just as smooth as the takeoff. The boat has this winch system that slowly reels you back in, kind of like a fishing line but for people. You just float gently back towards the boat, and the first mate is right there on the platform to guide you. He just tells you to keep your legs up, and you basically land sitting down right where you started. At the end of the day, it’s a surprisingly soft landing. You stand up, they unclip you, and the next person gets ready to go. The whole process is incredibly efficient.

You’re so high up, yet it’s one of the most peaceful feelings. The silence and the view are something you really have to experience for yourself. It is just a different world up there.

Now, for a few practical things. First, you will definitely want to wear your swimsuit. Even if you don’t choose to do the water dip, you might get a little spray on the boat ride. Next, a camera is a great idea, but I would only recommend a GoPro or a waterproof phone in a secure, floatable case with a wrist strap. Frankly, you do not want to drop it from 400 feet up. Pelican Adventures also offers a photo package taken by the crew from the boat, which is a pretty good option if you just want to relax and not worry about your own gear. And stuff like sunscreen and sunglasses are basically non-negotiable out there on the water.

Is It Worth Your Vacation Time and Money?

So, the big question: should you do it? To be honest, I think this experience is a fantastic fit for almost anyone. I saw couples, families with older kids, and even a solo traveler in my group, and everybody came back with a huge smile. It’s a very gentle adventure, so you don’t need to be a thrill-seeker to have a good time. It’s more about the incredible views and the unique sensation of quiet flight. I mean, it’s just really, really cool.

When you look at the cost against other island activities, it feels pretty much in line, you know? The whole excursion, from check-in to being back on the pier, takes about an hour, so it doesn’t eat up your entire beach day. You could totally do this in the morning and still have the whole afternoon to lounge by the pool. For what you get—a boat ride, a unique flying experience, and just some really amazing memories—I would say it’s definitely worth it. I would actually recommend booking a morning slot, like between 9 and 11 a.m. The sun is a bit less intense, and the winds tend to be a little calmer. And pretty much just relax and trust the crew; they’ve clearly done this thousands of times and really have the whole operation running smoothly.

Read our full review: Parasailing With Pelican Adventures Aruba Full Review and Details
See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Pelican Adventures Aruba)