I took my boyfriend to MDR parasailing this last weekend as something exciting to do. I spoke to Maggie on the phone to book and she was super polite and friendly and outgoing. We went ahead and bought the 500 Ft package and then added photos. (extra $25)
Unfortunately, we were running just a little late (hotel was in LA) but we called to let them know. Check in times are 30 minutes prior to the actual flight. So our flight was at 3:00 but we are supposed to check in at 2:30.
Anyway, i called and told them about 15 minute prior to check-in and the girl said "JUST GET HERE" in a rude voice. So my boyfriend and I rushed over there as fast as we could. Once we got into Marina Del Rey, my GPS was having a hard time locating the exsact address. So again I called and told the girl we are here! We just need to find which building you guys are in and she goes "I don't know the area." and just let it at that - she didn't even try to help me so i had to ask her (by that time i was upset) to hand the phone to a person who DOES know where they are so they can help us.
We ended up getting there and they had our credit card information wrong too, so we had to go through all that all over again to ensure we could get on. We also signed papers that stated we got "demonstrated' safety procautions but we didnt because by that time everyone seemed irritated that we were 10 minutes late.
Once we got on the boat it was ackward, we did feel bad for being late but at the same time we were sorry and glad that they waited. No one really spoke to us while we were riding it took about 15-20 minutes for any of the other passangers to want to have a conversation with us along with the crew.
After everyone spruced up my boyfriend & I started to have a good time. The frustrations were all with the girl at the counter that was not maggie. She just wasn't helpful and very dismissive. The music they played on the boat made it fun - it was reggae and soon enough everyone was talking. There is about 3-4 other sets of people on the boat too. You get to see the Santa Monica Pier and Venice as you go by.
Parasailing was fun, make sure you request to dip! My boyfriend and I requested it and ended up getting great photos! The dip is where they lower JUSt yoru feet into the water while you are parasaiing and its so fun!
Overall my expereince went frmo like a 3 to at least a 4, it would have been a 5 but that girl left a bad taste in my mouth with how rude she was. The crew on deck was a lot of fun! Definately was a great time. Try to pose or something it makes the pictures so much more exciting to look at when...
Read moreEpic day with my daughter all thanks to Captain Vinny first mate Fei and who could forget their dog Stella!!! I’ve wanted to go parasailing forever and this did not disappoint. Scheduling was super easy Vinny did a great job of explaining all of the options available to us and answering any of my additional questions. We ended up doing the 800 foot package, which I would say is a no-brainer, it was amazing to be flying that high as we got to go by the pier. We chose to do both the photo package and the GoPro. There was no way in this world I was taking my phone up that high and trying to hold onto it, relax, and enjoy the experience. I would definitely say the GoPro package was worth it. It took phenomenal video and great pictures. We had never used one before and found it super easy and intuitive. We got a couple great shots from the photo package, but I would definitely lean more towards the GoPro. The GoPro was brand new and the protective casing was nice and clean as you can tell by our photos and video. Atmosphere on the boat was super fun. We had them turn up the music as we cruise along in the boat. It was such a pretty day, I have now been hot air ballooning , and parasailing, and I would have to say Captain Vinny did a great job of explaining all of the instructions very clearly, and we felt safe. Such a great bonding experience and memories for a lifetime. We opted for the dip option, where they let you dip your feet in the water as you come in to land. That felt amazing and we wish we could’ve done it over and over. They really have it down to a science as far as taking off from the boat, dry and returning dry if you want, otherwise you can select the option to dip your feet.
My other kids are begging to go and our next trip to California we will be coming back. ...
Read moreWe visited over Labor Day weekend and had a great experience. We originally were in Long Beach and had booked with another company. We got out on the boat and they cancelled due to wind. It was just a few hours before our flight home, so we called Marina Del Ray hoping to get in (they answered the first time I called), which we were surprised they had availability. We really enjoyed our parasailing adventure, it was not my first time, but my daughters had never been. The total trip lasted about an hour since we had about 6 different groups, and our time in the air was exactly 9 minutes. We took my GoPro and got great video and photos on our own. The only thing I didn't love was the automatic 18% gratuity. I was made aware of this before I booked and I understand that it was my choice to move forward with booking. I am aware of why they do this, to take the guesswork out of the employees wages, but I also find that the service just isn't as good because the employees aren't working for a tip, which should be given for above and beyond service, which I don't feel like we received. The guys were fine, no issues, but it was just kind of a vanilla experience, they didn't really talk to us or give any kind of personalization to our experience, we just listened to music on the way out to the water, did our thing, and then listened to music on the way back. For an almost $70 tip for the 1 hour we were with them, (just my group of 3) I think it should have been a little more lively. The owner was on-site and was super nice and friendly. A few shady areas to sit while waiting for the boat would be a nice touch. Thanks for a fun experience that we wouldn't have been able to...
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