Wednesday, Sep. 02, 2009
Explore Myrtle Beach: Parasail, Banana Boat, or Jet Ski around the Grand Strand
While surfing or hitting the waves with a boogie board is entertaining, why not step it up a notch? Parasailing, banana boat rides, and jet skis are daring and fun ways for visitors to enjoy the numerous bodies of water that surround the Grand Strand.
Adventure seekers can fly sky-high over the ocean by parasailing. Lift off from the back of a speed boat, reaching between 300-500 feet in the air, while harnessed into a parasail - a specifically designed parachute. One, two, or three people can dangle their feet while gliding through the air and enjoying a great view of the coastline and Atlantic Ocean. Wear your swimsuit if you would like to go for a dip in the ocean.
If you wish to enjoy the water and zip around with friends, jump on a banana boat ride. These long rafts shaped as bananas offer a speedy ride on the water for up to six people. Hold on tight and be prepared to get splashed as a personal watercraft quickly pulls the raft around. Or, chart and explore the water while renting jet skis. Depending on weather conditions, location, and age, visitors can explore the ocean or local waterways with a driver or on their own. Some personal watercrafts can hold up to three people at once and are an enjoyable way to discover the area.
Check out these local hot spots for parasailing, jet ski rentals, or banana boat ride availability:
Captain Dick's Marina Parasailing: $55 per person, up to three people can ride at a time Wave Runner Rentals: $79 for 60 minute ride, up to three persons per wave runner, additional riders are $10 each, navigation safety guide accompanies riders. www.captdicks.com 651-3676 4123 U.S. 17 Business, Murrells Inlet
Downwind Sails & Watersports Parasailing: $99 for two people/ $130 for three people Banana Boat: 15 minute ride for $16 Jet Ski Rentals: $65 single rider/ $85 double rider for 30 minutes, $95 single rider/ $99 double rider for 1 hour, navigation safety guide accompanies riders. www.downwindsailsmyrtlebeach.com 448-7245 2915 Ocean Blvd, Myrtle Beach
Express Watersports Parasailing: $55 per person/up to three people can ride at a time Banana Boat: 35 minute ride for $25 per person www.expresswatersports.com 357-7777 4042 U.S. 17 Business, Murrells Inlet
Harbourgate Watersports Jet Ski Rentals: $80 for an hour, $100 for 1.5 hours, with early morning discount prices available, navigation safety guide accompanies riders. www.harbourgatewatercraft.com 249-1144 2120 Sea Mountain Highway, North Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach Water Sports Parasailing: $50 for one person, $100 for two people, $135 for three people Banana Boat: $20 per person for 20 minute ride Jet Ski Rentals: $65 for 30 minutes, $95 for an hour, $10 for each additional person, kids younger than 12 are free, navigation safety guide accompanies riders. www.myrtlebeachwatersports.com
Jet Ski Rental Locations: 4495 Mineola Ave., Little River, 280-7777 5835 Dick Pond Road, Myrtle Beach, 497-8848 101 Fantasy Harbor Boulevard, Myrtle Beach, 497-8848
Parasail/Banana Boat Location: 17th Ave. South, 1701 South Ocean Blvd., North Myrtle Beach, 361-3322
Ocean Watersports Parasailing: $50 for one person, $95 for two people, $140 for three people Banana Boat: $15 per person for 15 minutes Jet Ski Rentals: $65 for 30 minutes, $95 for an hour, rates apply for up to two people. www.parasailmyrtlebeach.com 445-7777 405 South Ocean Blvd, Myrtle Beach
Thomas Outdoors Watersports Jet Ski Rentals: $80 for 1 hour waterway excursion; $80 for 30 minutes, $100 for an hour on a extreme excursion (includes time in the ocean); $5 per extra person, navigation safety guide accompanies riders. www.mbjetski.com 280-2448 2200 Little River Neck Road, North Myrtle Beach