Parasailing over Palm Beach

For a few minutes of pure exhilaration, nothing on Aruba beats parasailing off Palm Beach. A speedboat launches you gently from its deck, and the steady trade winds lift your parachute high above the turquoise water, giving you a bird's-eye view of the resort strip, the reef, and the long curve of the coast.

The launch and landing happen smoothly from the back of the boat, so you stay dry unless you ask for a dip, and most flights take one or two riders in tandem. The whole experience is calmer than it looks: once you are up, the ride is quiet and steady, with the boat doing the work below while you take in the view. It is a quick add-on that fits easily around a beach day.

Aruba's reliable winds and warm ~28C weather make the conditions dependable, and operators run flights along the busy Palm Beach strip through the day. No experience is needed, and you can fly solo, in pairs, or as a trio depending on the rig.

What to expect

• A boat launch and landing from the deck, usually staying dry.
• Several minutes airborne over the turquoise water off Palm Beach.
• Tandem or trio flights with a quick safety briefing first.
• Easy booking from the beachfront near the Palm Beach high-rise hotels.