There is a moment, somewhere around 400 feet above the Atlantic Ocean, when the noise of the Grand Strand simply falls away. The beach umbrellas below look like confetti. The shoreline curves in both directions as far as you can see, and the only sound is the wind. That moment belongs to you. And Ocean Watersports, located right on the Myrtle Beach oceanfront near the heart of the downtown strip, is the outfit that gets you there.
Ocean Watersports has been running parasailing trips, banana boat rides, jet ski rentals, and other watersports adventures along this stretch of coast for years, and the operation shows all the hallmarks of a business that genuinely loves what it does. The crew is experienced, safety-focused, and refreshingly laid-back in the way only people who work outdoors on the water every day can be. From the moment you check in at the beach stand, the vibe is welcoming rather than rushed — they want you to enjoy yourself, and it shows.
Parasailing is the main event, and it earns every bit of the hype. You launch and land right from the back of a purpose-built boat, which means you never have to wade into the surf or do anything awkward. The crew handles all the rigging and gives you a quick, clear briefing before you lift off. Flights go up to 400 feet, and you can ride solo, as a tandem pair, or even as a trio — which makes it a brilliant option for families or groups of friends who want to share the experience without anyone feeling left out. The ride itself lasts around eight to ten minutes in the air, which sounds brief but feels wonderfully suspended in time.
If heights are not quite your thing, the banana boat rides are a raucous, laugh-out-loud alternative. You pile onto an inflatable banana-shaped tube with a group and hold on while a boat pulls you across the water at a pace that almost guarantees someone falls off — and somehow that is entirely the point. It is messy, silly fun, and it works for kids and adults equally well.
The location could not be more convenient. Ocean Watersports sets up right on the beach near the main Myrtle Beach oceanfront corridor, so you can fold it into a full beach day without any complicated logistics. Book online in advance, especially during peak summer weeks, because spots fill quickly once the weather turns perfect — which, along the Grand Strand, is most of the time.
Whether you are celebrating something special or simply making the most of a vacation afternoon, spending time with Ocean Watersports delivers the kind of sensory memory that stays with you long after the tan fades. The ocean looks different from up there. Go see it for yourself.
