Parasailing Over Avalon Bay

Parasailing is the easy way to see Catalina from above. You board a fast boat at the harbor, motor into open water, and are gently launched from the back of the boat in a harness beneath a colorful canopy. Within seconds you are rising hundreds of feet above the water, with views over the Casino, the Pleasure Pier, the red rooftops of Avalon and the hillsides beyond, and the mainland coast sometimes visible on the horizon. The flight is calm and quiet, more floating than thrilling, and many people are surprised by how peaceful it feels. Tandem and triple flights are common, which makes it a good shared experience for couples, friends and families, and you do not need to get wet unless you choose to.

The operators run several trips a day, with an early-morning option that is often cheaper and usually calmer. Winds are generally gentler before noon, the light is soft for photographs, and the bay is less crowded. Afternoon trips tend to be busier, and sea breezes can add some chop to the boat ride out. Weather and wind conditions determine whether flights go ahead, so schedule your parasailing early in your visit in case of delays.

Minimum age and weight limits apply, and operators usually ask riders to sign a waiver and to arrive 20 to 30 minutes before departure.During the flight you can relax and look around. The sensation is similar to riding a gentle ski lift, with the vessel far below and the sound of wind softened to a hush.

Cameras are allowed if secured, and the best views are back toward the island, where the town fits into its crescent like a model. Marine life sometimes appears as dark shapes on the water, and dolphins can show up around the boat. Those who prefer to stay dry will be lowered back onto the deck, while others may opt for a dip landing in warmer months.

Non-flying companions can often ride along on the boat for a smaller fee, which is a good way to include family members who want the views without leaving the deck.

If you suffer from vertigo or have medical concerns, check the operator's guidance. For a gentler view of the bay, the sunset cruise and the glass-bottom boat offer different perspectives with less altitude. Because flights are weather dependent, make a backup plan, and consider building a flexible itinerary that lets you swap activities if a morning is windy or foggy.

Consider what else you want from the day before you fix a time. Some visitors treat parasailing as the first activity at dawn, then spend the rest of the morning at breakfast and the beach. Others prefer to save it for the afternoon, when the bay is full of boats and the town looks lively from above.

Either way, sit on the side of the boat that offers the best view on the way out, and keep your phone safely stored until the flight, when you can ask crew to hold it. After landing, a cold drink on the pier is the obvious reward, and the story of seeing Avalon from above will make everyone around the table jealous.