Gators Parasail — Attraction in Madeira Beach

On July 24, 2021 my family of six decided to accompany two members on a parasail excursion. We were really excited to find out that the boat allowed spectators. So we PAID for two members to parasail and four spectators. The check in staff was extremely nice and friendly. We were instructed to wait on the dock until we were called to the next boat departure. When the staff called for the participants to board I instructed my children that I was under the impression that the ones parasailing would go first. The female Aalayna called again and we realized the call was for everyone. We approached the boat to board and she asked did we pay for all of the spectators and what was our reservation name. I looked in disbelief because no one else was asked that on the entire boat and why would I try and participate without paying. She never apologized the situation was embarrassing and definitely a conversation with my children afterwards. I replayed the situation over and over to try and understand her logic but even the non participants were shocked and offended. I refused to let that ruin my time considering this was my daughters dream. My suggestion would be to stamp a hand or give out armbands to easily identify who’s who. That way the entire boat won’t think that you are not honest and trying to sneak a family of six on a small boat.I am not angry just disappointed in the way my family’s first three minutes on the boat was handled. I wanted to address it but wanted to show my children that sometimes the best way to handle things is not to give it any energy. Update** Thank you for your response and in-depth explanation of the coast guard rules and regulations. Captain Ron was very friendly and informative about the rules and regulations before boarding. My family understood and respected the rules. We left some family at the dock due to the regulations. Captain Brice and Alayana were definitely a plus to the experience they were friendly and informative. My suggestion was simply to find a better way to identify paid and unpaid patrons. Again thank you for the experience it is one my family will...

While visiting family in Florida with my daughter we decided to give her a chance to try waverunning and parasailing for the first time. However, we were on a budget, so what followed was two hours of calling every rental company in the Tampa Bay area. None came close to matching the pricing offered by Woody's and Gators as part of their package offering.

For that low price we expected mediocre service, but what we got was anything but. The staff was courteous and friendly on check-in, and when we headed out onto the water the two guys with us were 6-star friendly. They seemed like they truly loved their job, and they made you love being out there with them.

One thing I wish I would have asked beforehand, just to temper my expectations, was if it was a private boat. We went out with a family of six so there were 8 of us total on the boat. Each of us got around 15 minutes in the air and were out on the water for about an hour.

My only real complaint was the photos. They offered a "photo package" where they shoot a few candids with a P&S. But I didn't know about it until just before we went up, they charged something like $20 or $25, and if you didn't decide to do it they wouldn't take the photos. I was put off by it being so expensive given the cost to them. Still, after we came down I wish I could have chosen to buy it then but it was too late. I really think they should shoot photos of everyone, just toss those photos up on an e-proofing site, and give people URL cards to order reasonably priced physical or digital prints online later. They'd probably make more money through hugely more sales, and clients would end up much happier.

Still, I'm not comfortable dinging a star for the photo thing as I wasn't expecting it to be offered and many other places may not offer it at all. Besides, the boat was perfectly dry so I should have just brought my cell phone and asked other passengers to help us out by taking a few shots; the staff had no problem with that. So I'll keep them at 5 stars.

I'll probably be back...

PLUS SIZE FRIENDLY!!!! (Women's 28, Mens 5X)

Called the night before to ask about plus size accomodation and asked about doing a single parasailing flight. They said they don't do single flights which was a little unsettling given the 500 lb weight limit they they stated on their website, which meant my sister and I couldn't go up together (in theory). Friendly professional staff, knowledgeable. Lockers provided at no charge but you can take your things with you and place under the seat on the boat. Was still worried about restrictions right up until they fit the harness and life jacket to me; they accomodated my bigger size just fine! They were also able to accomodate our combined weight above the 500 lb limit which is amazing too! They offer a photo package if you would like your experience documented professionally and it's only $25 to do so!! (as of May 2025). Overall a WONDERFUL...