Parasailing from Stearns Wharf is the best way to see Santa Barbara's whole crescent at once, and it offers a perspective that even the courthouse tower cannot match: the red-tile roofs, the harbor, the long beach and the Santa Ynez Mountains rising behind. The outing takes about an hour and departs from the wharf, with check-in fifteen minutes before departure at 237 Stearns Wharf. You ride out on the boat, and the parasail launches from the deck, so you take off and land without getting wet, according to reviewers. The flight itself is short, and several reviewers say they wished it had been longer, so think of it as a quick, memorable thrill rather than an extended aerial tour. The boat carries up to twelve travelers, and the experience is rated 4.6 stars from more than thirty reviews. It is a good choice for couples and friends who want one big, simple activity, and it fits neatly into a morning that also includes a stroll along the wharf and a seafood lunch overlooking the water.
What to expect
The crew fit you into the harness and run through the procedure on the boat, and then you take turns in the air. The booking page gives no height or total time aloft, so treat any figures you hear elsewhere with caution and ask the crew when you arrive. Reviewers mention that it can feel cold at altitude, and that photos or video are not always provided, with a paid picture package available.
Some suggest bringing a little cash to tip the crew. The tour requires a moderate level of fitness and is not recommended for people with back problems, heart problems or other serious medical conditions, or for pregnant travelers.
Doing it well
Arrive at least fifteen minutes before departure, because the boat leaves without late arrivals and missed trips are not refunded. Parking on the wharf is limited, with paid parking at 1 Garden Street as the alternative, so allow time for the short walk. Wear a layer you can add to, secure sunglasses and hats, and leave valuables behind.
Start times are chosen at checkout, and there is no set season on the page, but conditions at sea decide whether trips go ahead, so keep your schedule flexible. Passengers who use a wheelchair, cane or walker, need help walking or have recent injuries cannot board, and the experience is not wheelchair accessible.
Fitting it into a trip
Because it starts on the wharf, it combines easily with the other waterfront activities. Pair it with a visit to the Sea Center, a wander out to the end of the pier and lunch, or follow it with a kayak or beach afternoon on the nearby sand. It is a splurge for the price of a single flight, so it works best for groups that want one standout moment and are not worried about the length of the ride.
For anyone who prefers to keep their feet on the ground, the whale watching cruises and the Channel Islands boats provide more time at sea with less adrenaline. Weather is the wildcard: wind, swell and visibility all affect operations, so book earlier in your trip to leave room for rescheduling, and read the operator's cancellation terms when you reserve, so that a flat-calm morning, rather than a rough one, ends up being the day you fly.
What to expect
The experience
A one-hour boat trip from Stearns Wharf with a parasail flight launched and landed on the boat, for up to twelve travelers.
Best time
Calm, clear mornings; conditions at sea decide whether trips go ahead.
How long
About one hour in total; the flight itself is short.
Tips
Check in fifteen minutes before departure; the boat leaves without late arrivals. Bring a layer, secure loose items and ask the crew about photo packages. Not wheelchair accessible.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Couples and friends who want one big, simple thrill with sweeping views.
- Families
- Check age and weight guidance with the operator; the experience requires moderate fitness.
- Couples
- A shared rush with the whole coastline spread out below.
- Pair with
- Stearns Wharf, the Sea Center and a seafood lunch on the pier.
- Time needed
- One hour plus check-in and parking time.
Good questions
Where does the parasailing trip leave from?+
From Stearns Wharf, at 237 Stearns Wharf. Check in fifteen minutes before departure.
Will I get wet?+
Reviewers say takeoff and landing happen on the boat, so passengers stay dry.
How long is the flight?+
The booking page does not give a time aloft. Reviewers describe it as short, so ask the crew when you arrive.
Where do I park?+
Parking on the wharf is limited; the alternative is paid parking at 1 Garden Street, a short walk away.
Who should not go?+
The experience is not recommended for people with back problems, heart conditions or pregnancy, and it is not wheelchair accessible. Moderate fitness is expected.
