Skyline Over the Grand Strand: Parasailing North Myrtle Beach
8-10 minute sail • All ages! • Great for groups and families
The Atlantic rolls in with a lazy hush, a blue-green pulse that dares you to look farther. On North Myrtle Beach, a double banana boat noses through the surf like a bright yellow grin, the morning breeze tugging at the towline. You climb aboard, salt prickling the air, and in minutes the ocean is purring beneath you—gentle at first, then quick and insistent—as you glide toward the parasail boat waiting just beyond the breakers. The crew works in practiced rhythm. Harness buckled. Lines checked. The chute unfurls like a friendly manta, the wind steps in, and suddenly the beach is behind you, small and bright as a postcard. The parasail lifts, steady and smooth, and you rise into eight calm minutes that feel longer than they are: the Grand Strand unfurling north to Little River, south toward the Myrtle Beach skyline, the Intracoastal Waterway threading the interior like a quiet vein of light.
Trail Wisdom
Aim for morning calm
Book early flights for lighter winds and gentler seas, especially in summer when afternoon storms can pop up.
Secure your camera
Coast Guard rules require hands-free riding—bring a waterproof, body-strapped action cam or opt for the crew’s photo package.
Expect a splash
You’ll shuttle by banana boat and likely get wet in the surf; wear a swimsuit and stash a towel with your shoes onshore.
Ask for the dip
If conditions allow, request a quick dip at the end of your flight for a playful Atlantic cool-down.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Heritage Shores Nature Preserve boardwalks at Cherry Grove
- •Vereen Memorial Gardens in Little River
Wildlife
Bottlenose dolphins, Brown pelicans
Conservation Note
Mind the dune line and signed nesting areas for shorebirds. Pack out all trash and avoid stepping on fragile vegetation stabilizing the beach.
The Grand Strand evolved from small fishing communities into a major beach destination after the Intracoastal Waterway’s 1930s development connected regional ports.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: Fewer crowds, Cooler temps
Challenges: Variable winds, Cooler water temps
Spring brings clear days and lighter beach traffic; mornings are often best as winds can build by afternoon.
summer
Best for: Warm water, Family trips
Challenges: Afternoon thunderstorms, Heat and humidity
Peak season means prime parasailing conditions—just book early and aim for mornings to dodge heat and pop-up storms.
fall
Best for: Warm water linger, Lower crowds
Challenges: Occasional tropical systems, Shorter days
September and October are sleeper hits: warm ocean, soft light, and quieter beaches when the weather cooperates.
winter
Best for: Crisp visibility, Quiet beaches
Challenges: Cooler air and water, More wind days
Flights may be more weather-dependent, but clear winter air can deliver sharp views and open sand.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Strap-mounted action camera (waterproof)
Hands-free footage is allowed and lets you focus on the ride while capturing the view.
UPF rash guard or swim shirtEssential
Sun protection that stays effective even when wet is a smart choice for the shuttle and flight.
Quick-dry towelEssential
You’ll likely get splashed on the banana boat; a compact towel makes the post-flight transition comfortable.
Floating sunglasses strap
Keeps shades secure when the Atlantic decides to nudge back.
Common Questions
How long is the parasail flight and total outing?
Flights run 8–10 minutes with about 30–40 minutes total including the banana boat shuttle and setup.
Do I need prior experience to parasail?
No. The crew handles the setup and launch; you simply sit in the harness and enjoy the ride.
Will I get wet?
Yes, expect splashes during the banana boat transfer. You can also request a gentle dip at the end of your flight if conditions allow.
Can non-flyers come on the boat?
Yes. Observers can book a seat to ride along and watch from the deck.
Are phones and cameras allowed?
Only if they’re waterproof and strapped to your body per Coast Guard hands-free rules; otherwise, let the crew handle photos.
Where do we meet and park?
Meet on North Myrtle Beach behind Molly Darcy’s near the 17th Ave S beach access; free street parking is typically available nearby.
What to Pack
Swimsuit (you’ll get splashed on the banana boat), quick-dry towel (for comfort after landing), waterproof strapped action cam (hands-free photos per Coast Guard rules), reef-safe sunscreen (high UV on open water).
Did You Know
South Carolina’s Grand Strand stretches roughly 60 miles from Little River to Georgetown, making it one of the longest continuous sandy shorelines on the East Coast.
Quick Travel Tips
Book a morning slot for smoother seas; check parking along 17th Ave S and walk straight to the beach; bring cash for tips and optional photos; confirm weather by phone an hour before your time during summer storm season.
Local Flavor
Post-flight, head to Barefoot Landing for tacos and a local brew at Crooked Hammock Brewery, or grab a classic Southern plate at Hoskins in downtown North Myrtle Beach. Cap the evening with a marsh-side stroll at sunset—quiet water, shrimp boats humming in the distance.
Logistics Snapshot
Closest airport: Myrtle Beach International (MYR), ~18–20 miles south. Meeting point: On the sand behind Molly Darcy’s near 17th Ave S beach access. Drive time from central NMB: 5–15 minutes depending on traffic. Cell service: Generally strong on the beach. Permits: None required for participants; reservations recommended.
Sustainability Note
Use reef-safe sunscreen to protect nearshore marine life, and avoid trampling dunes—these fragile systems protect the coast from storm surge and erosion.