Wildwood, New Jersey, one of the most vibrant resort towns on the Atlantic coast, offers exhilarating parasailing above the open Atlantic, with Wildwood Parasail & Watersports operating departures from the marina near Schellenger Ave, NJ 08260. Participants are secured to a parachute-style canopy and towed aloft by a motorboat, reaching flight heights between 150 and 300 feet above the ocean surface — high enough to take in sweeping views of the Victorian boardwalk, the Five Mile Beach barrier island, and on the clearest days, the Cape May lighthouse to the south and the Atlantic City skyline to the north.
Flights run 30 to 45 minutes in total, with approximately 8 to 10 minutes of actual time aloft per person. The ascent and descent are managed entirely from the boat's motorized winch system: riders take off and land from the boat deck itself, meaning participants never get wet unless they choose the optional dip, when the operator briefly lowers the canopy to skim toes or feet over the ocean surface. No prior experience is required; the crew handles all rigging and safety checks. Operators hold US Coast Guard licenses and carry commercial liability insurance.
Wildwood Parasail & Watersports can accommodate solo riders, tandem pairs, or triple fliers on a single tow line, making it a popular choice for couples and small groups. The operator provides harnesses and life vests, which are mandatory for all fliers. Solo flights require a minimum weight of approximately 100 lbs to ensure stable tow dynamics. Children must meet the minimum weight requirement and fly tandem with an adult if under 18. An optional GoPro camera add-on ($25) captures automated footage of the full flight.
The parasailing season in Wildwood runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day, aligned with the resort town's busy summer calendar. Morning departures before 10 a.m. typically offer the smoothest air and the clearest views before afternoon sea breezes develop. The Wildwood boardwalk, listed on the National Register of Historic Places and famous for its 1950s Doo Wop architecture, stretches immediately behind the marina and provides ample post-flight dining and entertainment options.
Activity facts
- Where
- Wildwood
- Duration
- 30–45 minutes (including water time)
Equipment
- harness (provided)
- life vest (provided)
- swimwear or athletic clothes
- GoPro camera optional ($25 add-on)
Location
Wildwood Parasail & Watersports, Wildwood NJ 08260 (departures from the marina near Schellenger Ave)
38.9924, -74.8232 View on map
Highlights
- Soar 150–300 feet above the Atlantic with panoramic views of Wildwood's iconic boardwalk
- Tandem and triple parasail options for couples and small groups on a single tow
- Optional GoPro camera add-on ($25) captures the full flight from launch to landing
- Wet or dry landing option — participants choose whether to dip into the ocean or stay aloft
- US Coast Guard-licensed operators with full safety harnesses and life vests provided
Tips for visiting
- Book morning slots before 10 a.m. for the smoothest air and best visibility for photography
- The optional GoPro add-on ($25) is worth it — operating a phone camera in harness at altitude is impractical
- Wear light athletic clothing or swimwear; the harness sits across the thighs and hips and constricts bulky garments
- Avoid the activity if prone to motion sickness — pendulum motion in gusty conditions can cause nausea
When to visit
June through August, particularly morning sessions before 10 a.m., offers the calmest wind and clearest Atlantic visibility. The season runs Memorial Day through Labor Day; early June and late August see smaller crowds than peak July.
Accessibility
Boarding the parasail boat requires stepping on and off the marina dock and boat deck, which may present challenges for those with significant mobility limitations. Once aboard, participants must transfer into the parasail harness under their own power. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users. The Wildwood boardwalk near the marina has accessible paved sections.
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Frequently asked questions
Will participants get wet during parasailing at Wildwood?
Not unless the optional dip is chosen, where the operator briefly lowers the canopy to skim participants over the ocean surface. Takeoff and landing occur on the boat deck in standard flights.
Is there a minimum age or weight requirement?
Participants typically must weigh at least 100 lbs for a solo flight. Children under 18 must fly tandem with an adult. Confirm specific age and weight requirements directly with Wildwood Parasail when booking.
What is the refund policy if wind conditions prevent flying?
Operators generally reschedule or issue refunds when flights are grounded due to high winds or lightning. Confirm the cancellation policy at the time of booking as terms vary by operator.
How many people can fly at once?
Wildwood Parasail accommodates solo, tandem (two people), or triple (three people) configurations on a single tow canopy, subject to combined weight limits.