Parasailing in the British Virgin Islands offers an aerial view of the Sir Francis Drake Channel that no boat-level experience can match. The first time you’re towed above the water, the BVI’s green islands spread out beneath you like a nautical chart.
This guide covers how to book a towline in the shared waters of the USVI/BVI border zone, what to pair it with, and how to plan a seamless island hopping trip around your flight.
Parasailing in the British Virgin Islands offers an aerial view of the Sir Francis Drake Channel that no boat-level experience can match.
Parasailing in the BVI is typically done as a boat-based tow from a platform or beach. The most consistently reviewed operator, Parasail Virgin Islands, operates out of St. Thomas (USVI) but serves the same geographic area. For a full day of variety, pair a morning flight with an afternoon catamaran sail or a cold drink on Jost Van Dyke.
Thrill Seekers
Families with Older Kids
First-Time Visitors
Parasailing Options in the BVI at a Glance
While dedicated BVI-based parasailing operators are limited, several water-based activities and charters give you a similar aerial or high-speed thrill. The table below compares the main options available from the USVI and BVI side.
| Operator / Activity | Base Location | Duration | Price (From) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Parasail Virgin Islands | Sapphire Beach Marina, St. Thomas (USVI) | ~30 mins | Check operator | Classic parasail experience |
| BVI Catamaran Day Sails | Road Town, Tortola | Full day | ~$130 all-inclusive | Groups & families |
| Self-Drive Boat Rentals | Various marinas | Half/full day | High | Experienced boaters |
| Helicopter Scenic Tour | Beef Island Airport (EIS) | 30 mins | ~$90 per person | Aerial overview seekers |
Note: Prices are rough estimates sourced from secondary listings. Confirm current rates directly with the operator before booking.
The Main Event: Parasailing over the Channel
Parasailing isn’t a traditional BVI activity — the islands are better known for sailing and beach bars. But for a 30-minute window, it gives you a perspective that changes how you see the place.
Book a morning slot (around 9 a.m.) to line up perfectly with a beach afternoon on the East End of St. Thomas or a ferry over to Tortola. The marina is a 20-minute drive from Cyril E. King Airport (STT).
Rating from 1,663 reviews for Parasail Virgin Islands on Evendo.
Pairing Parasailing with a BVI Island Day Trip
So you’ve had your flight. What now? The beauty of launching from the USVI side is that the BVI is a short ferry ride away.
From St. Thomas, you can take a ferry to Tortola. US dollars are accepted everywhere in the BVI, but you will need a US passport to enter. Once you’re on Tortola, a world of island hopping opens up.
Kayaking the Sir Francis Drake Channel is a popular guided activity where dolphins, sea turtles, and rays are frequently spotted. For a beach day, Cane Garden Bay on Tortola offers free beach access with equipment rental from roughly $20. Alternatively, the Anegada Express ferry runs from Tortola to Anegada for around $40 round trip.
Catamaran day sails from St. Thomas to the BVI run roughly $130 per person all-inclusive and combine sailing, snorkeling, and beach time — a solid alternative if parasailing isn’t your group’s main goal.
Other Aerial Thrills in the BVI
If towing behind a boat isn’t your style, the BVI offers another way to get airborne.
A helicopter scenic tour operates from Beef Island Airport (EIS) and covers a wider range than a parasail, including the submerged volcanic peaks around Norman Island and the full curve of Tortola’s South Shore. Flights last 30 minutes and cost roughly $90 per person.
Per person for a 30-minute helicopter tour from Beef Island Airport.
Parasailing is a pure adrenaline rush; the helicopter is a scenic overview. Neither replaces a day on the water, but either makes for a memorable half-day addition to a BVI itinerary.
Planning Your Parasailing Trip to the BVI
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Getting There
Fly into Cyril E. King Airport (STT) on St. Thomas or Terrance B. Lettsome Airport (EIS) on Beef Island, Tortola. Connections run through Puerto Rico or St. Thomas. From STT, the ferry to Tortola takes roughly one hour.
When to Go
Peak sailing season runs December through April, when trade winds are consistent and rainfall is low. Book charter yachts 6–12 months ahead for this window. Water sports operate year-round, but May through November brings higher rain chances and tropical storm potential, which can cancel flights.
What to Bring
Pack reef-safe sunscreen, US dollars, your passport, and a waterproof action camera. The DJI Osmo Action 6 Bundle or the Insta360 X5 are solid choices for capturing the aerial view without worrying about water damage.
Seasickness. If you’re prone to it, take motion sickness medication before boarding the parasail boat. The channel can get choppy, especially in the afternoon.
Before You Go: Parasailing in the British Virgin Islands
Do I need a passport for a BVI day trip from St. Thomas?
Yes. A US passport is required for all visitors entering the British Virgin Islands, even on a day trip. No passport is needed to leave the US for St. Thomas, but you must have it to enter the BVI.
Ferry tickets from St. Thomas to Tortola run roughly $55–65 per person round trip. Confirm the schedule with the ferry operator before booking your parasail slot.
How high do parasailing flights go?
Parasail Virgin Islands operates flights that soar high above the water, offering aerial views of the clear Caribbean waters and neighboring islands. Sessions usually last around 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the package you choose.
Flights are beginner friendly, with trained guides and safety gear provided. Check specific age or weight limits with the operator when booking.
What’s the best time of year to visit the BVI for water sports?
The peak sailing season runs December through April, when weather is driest and winds are consistent. Book charter yachts 6–12 months ahead for this window.
Water sports in the BVI are available year-round, but May through November sees higher rain chances and the potential for tropical storms, which can cancel parasail flights.
Seeing the BVI from a New Angle
Whether you’re dangling from a parasail line or hovering in a helicopter, the BVI’s landscape demands to be seen from above at least once. The perspective shifts the way you understand the islands’ relationship to the sea — and it makes finding your beach bar afterwards feel earned.
For more on building the perfect island itinerary, check out our guide on planning your perfect BVI getaway.
References
Peek. “Parasailing Adventure Fun for the Whole Family.” Peek.com, 2024. ↗
Evendo. “Parasail Virgin Islands.” Evendo.com, 2024. ↗
Visit the Virgin Islands. “British Virgin Islands Cruise Ship Shore Excursions.” VisitTheVirginIslands.com, 2024. ↗
Matador Network. “Outdoor Adventures in the British Virgin Islands.” MatadorNetwork.com, 2024. ↗
Explore more ways to experience the islands with our guides on BVI wildlife encounters, scuba diving and snorkeling hotspots, and Virgin Gorda’s secret beaches.
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