25 Things To Pack For An Emerald Coast Vacation

So you're preparing for a beach vacation, but wondering, "what to pack for Florida"? The sun, sand, and salty waters of the Emerald Coast make a great escape, but forget the wrong item and your dream vacation can quickly dissolve with the tides. Parents worry what to pack for the beach with kids, while the avid outdoorsman may think about how to fit his or her fishing gear into the trunk! Keep reading for 25 Things To Pack For An Emerald Coast Vacation.

1. Physical Reservation/Booking Confirmations

Hotel reservations, rental car confirmations, attraction tickets, and more vacation essentials are purchased almost exclusively online now a days. Although the age of technology has made searching for beach condos in Destin a breeze, it can not always account for human error! Be sure to print and bring along physical copies of booking confirmations.

2. Extra Cash

Extra cash is great not only for emergencies, but to make life easier during a trip! Plenty of popular bank chains offer locations on the Emerald Coast for your banking and ATM needs. But if you need cash in a pinch, like at one of the many cash-only establishments on the Emerald Coast including Red Bar in Grayton Beach, you may be met with high ATM fees and long waits. Always best to bring a small chunk of change!

3. Photo ID

From airport security, to buying booze for the beach, a photo ID is the #1 form you can NEVER forget to bring along on vacation! Drivers License, Passport, or Photo ID Card, any government issued form of ID will work!

Read the full list online at 25 Things To Pack For An Emerald Coast Vacation!

"How Well Do You Know Destin" Quiz

Deep sea fishing, beaches, and world-class seafood dining are just some of the reasons Destin, Florida is considered one of the top resort destinations in the country. But what many don't know is that Destin was once a simple, small, fishing town before growing into the family vacation hot spot we know it as today. Test your Destin, Florida knowledge with the "How Well Do You Know Destin" quiz! The quiz covers geography, history, culture, and more to find out if you're a true Destinite!

Visiting Destin, FL soon? Check out tripshock.com for Destin things to do.

How Well Do You Know Destin, FL?

Choose the best answer for each question, and at the end you'll find out how much you really know about Destin, FL!

1. Which is not a bridge found in Destin, FL

Mid-Bay Bridge
Marler Bridge
Dolphin Cove Bridge


2. What seafood restaurant claims to be the oldest in Destin?

Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville
McGuire's Irish Pub
Captain Dave's on the Gulf


3. Destin, FL is otherwise known as...

The Beach Capitol of the World
The World's Luckiest Fishing Village
Home of the Sunburnt Seagull


4. Who is credited as Destin's Founder?

Captain Leonard Destin
Marco Polo
Teddy Roosevelt


5. Destin is...

An Island
A Peninsula
Land-Locked


6. Destin beaches are known for...

white sand and emerald waters
black sand and blue waters
brown sand and blue waters


7. What is the name of Destin's popular sandbar in Choctawhatchee Bay?

Black Beard's Island
Shell Island
Crab Island


8. Which popular event DOES NOT take place in Destin?

The Fishing Rodeo
The Seafood Fest
The Mullet Festival



9. Which species of fish is found on the official Destin city logo?

Grouper
Mahi Mahi
Marlin



10. What is the name of Destin's Beachfront State Park?

Holiday Isle State Park
Henderson Beach State Park
Destin Beach State Park

Thanks for taking the "How Well Do You Know Destin, FL" quiz! Click below for the results. 

Grade Scale:

8-10: You are a true Destinite!

  4-7: You'd make a good 1st mate

  0-3: You're a land-loving tourist

7 Ways to Spot an Emerald Coast Local

Every year, millions of visitors enjoy the sand, sun, sea, and amazing things to do on the Emerald Coast. With so many vacation rentals, hotels, and beach side restaurants and shops, it's strange for some to imagine that people live here year-round! Locals are few and far between in the Spring and Summer months, with beach travelers filling out every corner of the coast, but spotting one is easy if you know what to look for. As a Destin, Florida native, I've developed 7 Ways to Spot an Emerald Coast Local! (read more...)

5 Destin Restaurants To Feed Your Beach Vacation

Searching for the best restaurants on the Emerald Coast? Destin, FL is known for a bustling fresh seafood market providing some of the finest dining in the world. Dozens of Destin restaurants offer a diverse menu that brings travelers back year after year to the beachside community. From Irish eats to the freshest sushi, let Tripshock.com help you find the five best Destin restaurants for your family beach vacation! (read more...)

St. Patrick's Day Celebrations on the Emerald Coast

St. Patrick's Day is fast approaching, and the Emerald Coast is brimming with fun Irish-themed activities! Green Beer and Corned Beef aside, this cultural celebration on Tuesday, March 17th brings more than just fun drinks and traditional Irish cuisine. Emerald Coast destinations from Pensacola to Panama City offer their own version of St. Patrick's Day festivities, including pub crawls, charity runs, outdoor concerts, and more family friendly affairs. Read below for the top 2015 St. Patrick's Day events taking place on the Emerald Coast! (read more...)

7 Rainy Day Activities for your 30A Vacation

Santa Rosa Beach and neighboring Seaside, FL, known collectively as "30A", is the perfect location for a sunny beach-side vacation. Pristine white-sand beaches, emerald waters, fresh Gulf seafood dining, and family-fun events are some of the reasons why visitors flock from across the country to spend coveted family vacation time down 30A. But what happens when the weather doesn't cooperate? It is typical to find whole families confined to their rental hotel or condo playing board games and watching movies for days on end while waiting out the rain, but grey clouds are no longer a vacation death sentence! Over the years, businesses in 30A and surrounding areas have developed plenty of fun rainy-day escapes for the whole family, read below for the top 7 rainy day activities for your 30A vacation! (read more...)

What's in the Destin Harbor?

The Destin Harbor overlooks the Gulf of Mexico on the west end of Destin, Florida. Built to accommodate a bustling fishing industry, the Harbor is home to the finest dining, most exciting activities, and rockin' nightlife on the Emerald Coast! See what fun there is to experience in the Destin Harbor! (read more...)

You Will Regret Not Booking These Extraordinary Low Rates During Black Friday

It's that time again, BLACK FRIDAY. I'll be honest, I could care less fighting aggressive shoppers for a half-off blender at Walmart, but I'm no stranger to a great deal. This year, we have some incredible deals on 2015 lodging that need to be taken seriously. Why do I say that? 50% off during Spring and Summer is just ridiculous considering the whole area will be 100% sold out! Popular resorts such as Sterling Shores in Destin and Calypso in Panama City Beach are booked up weeks in advance at full price, but starting 11/29 you can take advantage of 50% OFF.

Our top offer for Black Friday weekend is 50% OFF activity gift cards. They can be used on over 150 tours and attractions we offer. There is only a 500 limit on the gift cards so don't wait until the last minute to buy! Here is a running list of all of our BLACK FRIDAY/CYBER MONDAY offers.

Seascape Villas Black Friday Promo - Up To 50% OFF 2014-15 Stays!

Nov 19, 2014 09:47 am | Destin

BLACK FRIDAY SALE STARTING 11/26 through 12/5. 

11/26 through 03/10: BOGO + FREE 8x10 beach portrait, 2 FREE dolphin cruise tickets, and 50% off Golf!

3/11-8/31: 30% off all stays regardless of length of stay or 5+ night stays 35% off plus $50 resort credit, FREE Beach Service, 2 FREE dolphin cruise tickets, and Free 8x10 beach photo.

Blackouts: July 1 – July 8 ONLY 10% off PLUS FREE Beach Service, 3/15 – 3/30 NO Resort Credit

50% OFF Laketown Wharf Panama City Beach - Black Friday Sale

Nov 19, 2014 09:47 am | Panama City Beach

BLACK FRIDAY SALE 11/19-12/1

50% OFF travel dates 11/28/14-12/31/15 with minimum 3 night stay. Black Outs Dates: March, May 23-May 26, July 2- July 7, Sept 2- Sept 7, Nov 4- Nov 8.

Black Friday &Cyber Monday @ Sterling Resort Properties: 50% OFF 2014-15!!!

Nov 19, 2014 09:47 am | Destin/PCB

BLACK FRIDAY SALE: 11/28-12/1

50% OFF Sterling Beach Properties in Panama City Beach and Destin with travel dates 11/28-12/31/15. Minimum of 3 nights required. 

Properties Included: 
Splash Resort -PCB
Calypso Resort - PCB
Laketown Wharf - PCB
Sterling Breeze - PCB
Sterling Beach - PCB
Sterling Reef - PCB
Sterling Shores - Destin
Sterling Sands - Destin
Huntington By The Sea - Destin

Black Outs: March 20-April 4th (Sterling Beach and Sterling Breeze ONLY), April 23- April 27 (Calypso, Sterling Reef, Splash and Sterling Breeze ONLY), May 22-May 25, June 5- August 16, Sept 2- Sept 7 (PCB Properties ONLY)

Why It's Worth Hiring A Destin Photographer For Your Next Family Portrait

Over the past several years, TripShock has sold thousands of beach photo packages along the coast. Although the price can be more than most families can afford, the real cost is losing the opportunity of taking home a vacation memory that lasts a lifetime. I go to the beach often and always see families trying to get the perfect group shot without professional help. I'm not an expect by any means as my photography knowledge is limited, but its unfortunate that these families will not achieve their desired results using timers, make-shift tripods, and my most favorite - asking the guy walking by to snap a few photos.

Hiring a photographer may seem like an expensive service, but it's really not. Most photographers have a variety of options that fit almost any budget. On TripShock, Destin photographers offer packages starting from under $99, which is no more than a nice meal for 4 at a local restaurant. If this next vacation or getaway is a rare occasion, it's even more of a reason to make sure the moment is captured just right.

Here is what the photographers have to say.

1- Hire a photographer to find the best landscapes for your photos
Locations like Destin and Panama City Beach have beautiful beaches, but local photographers can find the best locations that offer incredible backdrops.

2- Hire a photographer for their expertise and capture techniques
A photographer will make sure everyone in the group is posed to perfection. It's also good to consider the candid moments during a photo session, which a great photographer will capture.  

3- Hire a photographer because they can edit photos
A photographer spends more than half of their time editing photos. Don't let a strand of hair or a bird flying by ruin another photo.

4- Hire a photographer because you're on vacation!
This is my favorite point of all. You are on vacation so let someone else do the work! Some people will get very upset if their photos don't turn out right since they only have limited time to get it right. There is no need to have this added stress.

Destin Real Estate Tours Turn Tourists into Locals

Bluewater Bay in Niceville

Have you ever wondered what it's like living on the Gulf Coast? Is owning a beach condo a dream of yours? TripShock has partnered with a local Realtor to offer a glimpse of what home ownership can be like. Take a trip down 30A where life is a little slower or go West to the Destin Harbor where lively entertainment happens nightly.

The most interesting part of the tour is seeing the latest trends in Florida home architecture. Most people would think of Florida architecture as stucco and tile, but it has come a long way from that. Depending on what tour area the customer prefers, the agent will take guests into several homes and condos. Towards the end of the tour, lunch is even included at some of the areas best local restaurants.

The Gulf Coast Has History - Learn About it With These Exciting Tours!

If any of you are like me, a vacation is not complete without a little destination history. I recall my first vacation up in Northern Michigan when we took a tour of Mackinac Island. As a kid, I really enjoyed seeing and hearing about this culture and way of life in this part of state. Ever since then, I grew to love exploring the culture and history of an unfamiliar place. The best part of learning is doing something fun to compliment the history lesson. Here are a few things you can do on the Gulf Coast that are fun, but still offer some insights on the local history.

1. Historic Segway Tours in Downtown Pensacola

2. Dolphin Watch & Destin History Cruise

3. Downtown Pensacola City Tours 

4. New Orleans Super City Tour By Motor Coach Bus

Big Fall Festivals On The Gulf Coast You Can't Miss!

The Fall season is definitely my favorite time of the year. The traffic is tolerable and the weather is amazing. We also love the fact that there are many great festivals throughout the Gulf Coast that give even more reason to come visit. Although there are a lot of good ones, here are a few you might want to checkout.

1) Destin Seafood Festival | www.destinseafoodfestival.org

Dates: October 3rd-5th

The Destin Seafood Festival is one of the longest running festivals on the Gulf Coast. The festival is comprised of many events such as live music, arts/crafts, local seafood, and kids activities. The Seafood festival runs along the Destin Harbor on the West end of the city. This event is free to everyone!

2) Gulf Shores National Shrimp Festival | www.myshrimpfest.com

Dates: October 9-12

The Gulf Shores National Shrimp Fest is a weekend celebration of seafood, arts/crafts, live entertainment and more. This is one of the largest annual events on the Gulf Coast with more than 60,000 people planning to attend. There will be plenty to do including activities for the kids, carnival games, and more. The event is held at the Hangout on the West end of Gulf Shores. 

3) Pensacola Seafood Festival & Fiesta of Five Flags | www.fiestaoffiveflags.org/

Dates: September 26-29

The Pensacola Seafood Festival and Fiesta of Five Flags go hand in hand. The fiesta is a celebration of Pensacola's heritage that dates back to 1559! The 37th annual seafood festival takes place in downtown Pensacola and offers everything from fresh local seafood to art/crafts and live entertainment. It's worth taking a trip to Pensacola for this exciting event.

5 Ways You Can Propose To Your Girlfriend in Destin, FL

There is no better place than Destin, FL to capture a moment that will be cherished for the rest of your life. Destin is full of so many exciting things to do with a backdrop that is made for the movies. It's a pretty normal week for us to hear from a handful of men trying to find the best way to propose to their significant other. That is why we decided to dedicate a blog to different ways you can propose in Destin. Which one will you pick?

1) Sailing Excursion

Take a private sailing excursion along the Destin coastline. Bring some of your favorite foods and drinks or arrange something with the captain. Sailing is an amazing experience even if you're not planning to propose. The nostalgic aspect makes for an intimate experience on the water. Without the grumbling of an engine or the smell of diesel fuel, there is little to break your concentration so you can relax and say those 4 words.

2) Helicopter Tour

Helicopter tours have been one of the newer Destin activities and proposals have been very popular. Take a sunset flight and see the Destin coastline and emerald green waters. All tours are private so you will have the entire helicopter to yourself. 

3) On The Beach

This may be the most popular way to propose in Destin and you certainly can't go wrong! With the emerald green waters and sugar white sand in your backdrop, it's a sure way to win the moment. Propose at sunset for the best experience. Make sure to hire a photographer so you can get some photos during or after the big moment!

4) Dinner Cruise

Enjoy a night out on the Solaris, a 150 passenger fine dining yacht located at the Sandestin Resort. The yacht cruises weekly and offers the best environment for proposals and even weddings. Enjoy a 3 course meal with live entertainment and table service. Be sure to book your seats early as this cruise does sell out in advance.

5) Norriego Point

Norrego Point offers some of the most stunning views of Destin, especially during sunset. Bring some drinks and snacks and spend the evening at this public spot before you pop the big question. 

Why You Need To Take Your Children Sailing

Photo courtesy of Emerald Lady Sailing in Destin, FL

I had the opportunity to experience sailing a few years ago and it wasn't soon after we departed that I knew I'd be doing this a lot in the future. After my first trip, I was taking every opportunity I had to get on a sailboat. I don't really know why I love sailing so much. Maybe it's because the nostalgic aspect of sailing intrigues me. We live in a society that is consumed by electronics and machines so the fact that we are using the power of mother nature to enjoy this experience was gratifying. Without a boat engine grumbling in the water, the calm and serenity of the wind and ocean is all you can hear. I'm sure most American who sailed before can relate to my assessment!

I know that most of our customers that book sailing charters are typically older, but I'm here to say that sailing is a must for children. Every time I see a child get behind the wheel and get the feel for what being a captain is like, I can see a sense of pride and excitement. In a world dominated by machines, children are prisoners of their own devices and sailing is something that liberates them. They know that they are completely in control and its very real!

There are private sailing tours all over the Gulf Coast and they are not much  more than what a dolphin cruise costs. The captains are very accommodating and have an interest in sharing their passion with families and children. Next time you visit, don't miss out on this opportunity to enlighten your children who may be consumed by a world that is leaving behind these amazing experiences. Happy Sailing!

5 Reasons Why Fall Is The Best Time To Travel To the Gulf Coast

As the Summer starts to wind down and the kids go back to school, the Gulf Coast changes from a bustling tourist town to a sleepy beach destination as it was before the area was promoted worldwide. Those that are able to visit the Gulf Coast in the Fall can take advantage of less traffic, short waits at restaurants, and discounted lodging and tours. Here are the top 5 reasons why Fall is the best time to visit the Gulf Coast (In no particular order).

1. Weather

The weather on the Gulf Coast would be considered perfect by some. Mild humidity and temps (75-85 degrees) make it comfortable to be outside for long periods of times. It may get a little cool at night, but a light jacket or sweater is all you need to fix that. Just because it's cooler out, don't underestimate the powerful sun! Use sunscreen when on the beach at all times to prevent sunburns.

2. Traffic

The traffic on the Gulf Coast during the Summer is worse than any major city in the US during rush hour. It certainly makes you want to stay in your hotel all week long! However, in the Fall the traffic is 1/4 of what you'll see in the Summer. Don't waste your precious vacation time sitting in a car.

3. Deals

My favorite part of visiting in the Fall has got to be the deals! Hotel rates will decrease by up to 50% from Summer and activity prices also drop significantly. This makes a great opportunity to make a quick getaway if you're on a budget. Visit TripShock.com for a lot of great deals on hotels and lodging. 

4. Festivals 

Some of the best festivals on the Gulf Coast happen in the Fall. In Destin, the annual Seafood Festival is in September that kicks off the October Fishing Rodeo. Also, the popular Shrimp Festival in Gulf Shores kicks off in early October. Check out the city or county websites for your Gulf Coast destination for more information on festivals and events in the Fall.

5. Parking & Restaurant Waits

Who likes spending hours trying to find parking spots at crowded shopping malls or wait hours for a table at a restaurant? In the Fall, you don't have to worry about that! Restaurants are so hungry for business that not only do you get seated right away, but a lot of coupons and specials are available. 

Did we make a good case for the Fall? :-)

Why is Destin's Crab Island So Popular?

Over the past decade, most tourists would make a pit stop to crab island to hang out on the sandbar and enjoy the views. It wasn't much more than a safe place to anchor the boat and socialize with the various people hanging out at the island. As each year passed, the scene at Crab Island has slowly turned into an attraction of it's own kind. A mixture of family fun and adult entertainment (the non-pornographic kind) has overrun this sleepy little spot, which has some people excited and others upset. Regardless of what type of atmosphere you prefer at Crab Island, there isn't much that can be done to stop the growth of this party spot.

So what makes Crab Island so Popular? The answer is not one sided as there are several factors that come into play. The main reason people go to Crab Island is because it's a social scene. Tourists and locals get to enjoy each other's company over food and drinks. There are volleyball nets setup and even a floating stage with live music nearly every day in the Summer. Floating restaurants and watersport companies have made themselves a home at Crab Island with providing more family entertainment with slides and ice cream. Kids enjoy the shallow water and play games while mom and dad float around the island. The scene can be hectic at times on a busy Summer day, but sometimes more people make it an interesting experience.

If you're looking to make Crab Island part of your next Destin vacation, take a few of these tips provided by MyCrabIsland.com

1) Crab Island is more adult orientated after 1pm. We recommend families visit in the morning.
2) Leave early to find a good spot to anchor your boat.
3) Make sure to use the restroom prior to departing to Crab Island. There are no restrooms available at the site.
4) Lock up your personal items when your boat is unattended.
5) If you are not an experienced boater, it's sometimes best to have some of your people get out in the water and guide the boat into a spot rather than trying to drive through Crab Island.

A Record Summer on The Gulf Coast - Sun, Sand & Happy Travelers

The Summer season is nearly half over and there are very little complaints about how great of a season it's been (Other than the traffic). The weather has been favorable with only a few days of rain days making this outdoor destination very favorable for travelers. If you have traveled to the area last year, you may have noticed the significant rainfall the Gulf Coast had that made for a very tough vacation for some. With more than 80% of our activities based outdoors, the area loses it's appeal when the fishing charters and waterparks are closed down most of the week.

Because the Summer has been so busy, travelers are noticing that booking tours and other activities last minute is difficult. Even some of the most flexible tours are being booked up several days in advance. Even more, the hotels are completely sold out entirely for the month with occupancy percentages near 100%! We are definitely not saying to avoid the Gulf Coast because it's so busy, we are just making sure that there is some advanced planning going on. Here are a few tips we recommend to make sure your vacation is a win during these busy times.

1) We know you hate waking up early on vacation, but as they say, the early bird gets the worm! Most tour companies will have last minute availability and maybe even a discount if you take early tours. Sometimes, it's not bad to take an early trip because the weather is nice!

2) Book your hotel Sun-Thur for the best chance of getting a room. If you only can travel weekends, I would call the hotels directly and keep checking if they have cancellations. If you are put on a waiting list, they will probably NOT call you back because they are so busy. Just keep calling and you should get a room!

3) The traffic is really bad here right now due to the influx in tourism. Make sure to plan your routes carefully and show up extra early for your tours so you don't miss them.

4)  Confirm your reservations with the hotel or tour company because with it being so busy, people make mistakes and you don't want to be on the short end of the stick. Have an itinerary planned out just to make sure you are on time and have the right tickets and contact info.

Lastly, have some patience during this busy time. With the influx of phone calls and customers these businesses are getting, they are very busy and may need some more time to assist you. Vacations are supposed to be a relaxing time so kick back, enjoy and think a little less. Enjoy your time on the Gulf Coast!

Check Out The Latest Water Attractions in Destin, FL!

2014 seems to be the year of thrill rides here in Destin. We have introduced two new boats here on the Harbor that offer a fast paced, wave ripping, arm throwing good time!

The Screaming Eagle is an American themed boat with a beautiful wrap of old faithful. The trip will take you through the East Pass while the captain and first mate offer the recollections of the history of Destin. Once you hit the East Pass, get ready to hit some waves with speeds over 45 MPH! This trip is great for families with the exception of young children (under 3) and pregnant women. Book the Screaming Eagle Online on TripShock today. 

The Hydrojet (AKA The World's Largest Jet Ski) is a 24 passenger vessel that sits customers like they are actually riding a jet ski. There is no boat quite like this so get ready for a most unique experience. Exceed speeds over 40 MPH while hitting waves and spinning 180 degrees at a moments notice! Hang on tight and enjoy this exciting excursion! Book your seats online for the Hyrdojet through TripShock.  

Summer is in Full Swing, Here are some Happenings on The Gulf Coast!

Summer is officially here and families from all over the country are pouring into the Gulf Coast for some sun and fun. There is a lot going on in the next couple months and we invite you to explore your destination for cool happenings. Here are a few popular events you can't miss!

1) Red White & Blue Celebration - Harbor Walk Village in Destin, FL

Every Thursday night through Labor Day. Fireworks display on the harbor at 8pm, live music, art, and more. More info at http://www.emeraldgrande.com/harborwalk-village.aspx

2) Star Spangled Spectacular - Pier Park in Panama City Beach, FL

Pier park is having a neighborhood block party on July 4th from 11am-5pm with food, music and vending. Then fireworks start at 8pm. 

3) Wings, Rhythm, and Blues Festivals - Elbert Town Park in Elberta, AL

2-day event starting July 19th from 8am-8pm featuring art, music, food, water slides, kid's games, and blues! 

4) Gallery Night - Downtown Pensacola, FL

Gallery night is one of the hottest places to be on the Gulf Coast. Art vendors and street musicians line up on Palafox for 1 night of great entertainment. Gallery night is June 20th and starts at 5pm. 

5) Runny of The Bulls - New Orleans, LA

Ok, so this is not the real running with the bulls, but you do get chased down by "bulls" in roller blades and fuzzy bats if you're too slow! The festival runs from July 10th-13th. Go here for more info - http://www.neworleansonline.com/neworleans/festivals/multiculturalfestivals/runningofthebulls.html

Why Parasailing Is One of the Safest Activities Your Family Will Do

Parasailing has taken a lot of flack as of late because of the serious incident of two teens in Panama City Beach in 2013. Before I continue, I just want anyone to know that I'm extremely saddened by this event and this is by no means a blog about protecting the parasailing companies. Florida's government has recently made moves to regulate the industry to make sure things like this don't happen again, and it's about time they did! Most parasailing companies welcome the regulation because they want the outfits that are not following the rules to stop before others get hurt and insurance premiums sky rocket. With that said, some tourists still believe parasailing is a very dangerous sport and it's far from it.

I have sold various tours and excursions along the Gulf Coast for several years and I have witnessed it all. From people nearly drowning on snorkel trips (in shallow water) and jet ski's losing control and nearly colliding with concrete bridges. These type of stories are on the news almost every week in the Summer and garner almost little reaction from concerned parents. However, any miscue with a parasailing trip that results in even a minor injury can get regional or national attention very quick. I have worked very closely with parasailing operators and I do know they are very caring individuals and safety fanatics. They make sure everything is just perfect to avoid injury or issues at all costs. They know the world is watching them because with one injury, the negative PR can put them out of business and hurt them financially.

When I talk to a customer wanting to parasailing, I first tell them it's a very safe sport and it's among the safest you can do next to a boat tour. I would start by searching online and finding companies with great reviews before going for best price. One you find the company you want to fly with, here are some questions I would considering asking before flying just to insure the company you are flying is reputable.

1) Are you insured?

2) Is the equipment new? If not, when was it last inspected?

3) Is the captain & crew experienced?

4) Do you fly near buildings or condos? If so, can we go someone more open? 

Websites like Tripshock.com make sure the companies are reputable and insured so it's one less step you have to take when finding the right company.

Even some of the most experienced companies will have isolated incidents where the rope breaks or a rogue storm blows in with some strong wind gusts, but the flyer should fall to the water with no harm. Thing will happen, but having a professional team will make sure there is a plan B. 

I hope this post is more of an informative one that can help you enjoy this exciting activity without the worry. How about we end this blog with a cool parasailing video! If you're visiting the Gulf Coast, check out TripShock for finding the best parasailing companies.