Parasailing at Cabbage Beach
Family of 4
Approximately $100 per person for parasailing.
Duration
1-1.5 hours (including prep and wait)
Best Ages
8 and up (with adult)
About
Parasailing over the waters off Paradise Island is one of those bucket-list experiences that kids rate as the single best thing they did in Nassau. Launching from Cabbage Beach, you're towed behind a speedboat on a harness attached to a parachute, rising up to 400 feet above the ocean while the whole island panorama unfolds below.
The experience is far less scary than it looks from the ground. Takeoff and landing happen right from the back of the boat — there's no running off a beach or cliff. The boat crew clips you into a harness, the boat accelerates, and you gently lift off the deck into the sky.
Once airborne, it's remarkably peaceful — no engine noise, just wind and stunning views in every direction. You can see Atlantis resort, the reef patterns in the shallow water, the cruise ships at port, and the impossibly blue gradient of deep ocean meeting shallow lagoon.
Kids can fly tandem with a parent, which is ideal for first-timers or nervous flyers. The harness is shared and the parent can provide reassurance and shared excitement throughout the flight. Solo flights are available for confident kids, typically ages 8 and up depending on the operator.
The actual airborne time is 5-7 minutes, but the total experience takes about 1-1.5 hours including the boat ride out, waiting for your turn (boats usually carry multiple flights), and the ride back. Morning flights offer the calmest conditions; afternoon thermals can make it bumpier.
Several operators work from Cabbage Beach and Cable Beach. Adventure Parasail Bahamas is one of the established companies. You can also book through beach vendors who approach you on the sand — just confirm they're licensed and insured before committing. Prices run approximately $100 per person.
Safety record is excellent — modern parasail boats use a winch system that provides smooth, controlled ascent and descent, and operators won't fly in dangerous wind conditions.
Age Suitability
Parent Logistics
Stroller-Friendly
No
Nursing / Changing
Not Available
Kid Meals
Not Available
Setting
Outdoor
Rainy Day
Not ideal
Plan Your Visit
Best Time to Visit
Morning for calmest winds and clearest skies. Afternoon thermals can increase turbulence. Book a day with light winds for the smoothest experience.
Wait Times
15-30 minutes depending on group size. Pre-booking recommended but walk-up sometimes available from beach vendors.
Nearby Food
Marina Village at Atlantis is a 10-minute walk from Cabbage Beach with multiple restaurants. Beach vendors sell drinks and snacks on the sand. Comfort Suites restaurant is near the beach access point.
Why Kids Love It
Soaring 400 feet above the turquoise Bahamian water while the whole island spreads out below you is the closest most kids will ever come to flying. Parasailing at Cabbage Beach is safe, smooth, and absolutely exhilarating. The takeoff and landing happen right from the boat — no running required — so even slightly nervous kids find it manageable.
Once airborne, the world goes quiet except for the wind, and the views are breathtaking: you can see the Atlantis resort from above, the reef patterns in the ocean, boats below looking like toys, and the stunning gradient of blue water stretching to the horizon. Kids can fly tandem with a parent, which makes first-timers feel secure. The entire flight lasts 5-7 minutes but feels like much longer.
Most kids want to go again immediately after landing.
Pro Tips from Parents
- Tandem flights (parent + child) are perfect for nervous first-timers and cost the same as two solo flights
- Morning flights have calmer winds and smoother conditions
- Secure all loose items before takeoff — phones, sunglasses, and hats can fly off at altitude
- The actual flight is only 5-7 minutes but the total experience takes about 1-1.5 hours including boat time
- Most operators allow GoPro cameras but not regular phones during flight — bring a chest mount
What to Bring
- GoPro or secured action camera (if allowed)
- Sunglasses with a strap
- Sunscreen applied before departure
- Light clothing that won't fly off
- Waterproof phone case for boat photos
Cost Info
Estimated Cost (Family of 4)
Approximately $100 per person for parasailing.
Tandem flights available (parent + child).
Family of 4: approximately $400 total.
Tips to Save
- Book tandem flights (2 people at once) — some operators offer a slight discount.
- Negotiate with beach vendors for combo packages that include jet ski or banana boat rides.
- Book directly with operators rather than through hotel concierges.