What to Wear
Swimsuit or quick-dry shorts and a t-shirt. Water shoes or sandals with heel straps (no flip-flops — they fall off in the air). Layers for the boat ride: a light jacket for mornings (the wind on the water is cold), tank top underneath. Avoid loose hats; they will go in the lake.
What to Bring on the Boat
Sunglasses with a strap or croakies (don't lose them in the lake). Sunscreen — reapply before flight, you're closer to the sun and the wind dries skin out. A small dry bag for your phone (most operators have a spot for valuables but a dry bag is better). Water bottle.
What to LEAVE in the Car
Phone (the captain will tell you not to take it in the air — drops happen). Big camera (same reason). Wallet (only bring photo ID and a card if you want photos). Loose jewelry, hair clips, anything that can fly off.
Photo Package Decision
Most operators sell a photo package for $40 — they take photos from the boat while you're in the air. Worth it for special trips (anniversary, milestone birthday). Skip it if you have a friend on the boat who can shoot. The 'official' photos are okay but not professional quality.
Phone Photos From the Air
Don't. Seriously. Operators say roughly 1 in 50 people who bring their phone up drops it in the lake. The phone is gone forever — Tahoe is up to 1,645 feet deep. If you want shots from above, hire a boat with a drone or buy the photo package.
Hydration and Snacks
There's nowhere to eat or drink during the boat ride and flight. Eat a light meal 1-2 hours before. Drink water before boarding. The marina has water for sale but no real food during the trip.
Ready to Book?
All 5 operators compared above. Top picks:
Lakeside +1 500 / 750 / 1000 ft Flight HeightsAction Watersports
About 1 hour total (8-10 min flight time) · Ages 5+Three flight heights from two convenient South Shore marinas.
Two marina locationsStay-dry takeoff and landingThree flight heights From $90/person Up to $115/person Check Availability Ski Run 200 / 350 / 500 ft Flight HeightsTahoe Sports Parasailing
About 1 hour total (8-10 min flight time) · Ages 5+Highest flights on the South Shore — 500ft above Lake Tahoe.
Highest flights on South Shore (500ft)Walking distance to StatelineTandem 2-3 person flights From $99/person Up to $130/person Check Availability Tahoe City +1 800 ft Flight HeightsNorth Tahoe Watersports
About 1 hour total (8-10 min flight time) · Ages 5+North Shore parasailing from two locations — Tahoe City + Kings Beach.
Two North Shore locationsFlat $100 per personAges 5 to 85 From $100/person Up to $100/person Check AvailabilityReady to book your flight?
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