Bradenton Beach FAQ

We operate from Bradenton Beach Marina at 402 Church Ave, Bradenton Beach, FL. Free parking is available along Church Ave, with additional paid parking around the marina.

We recommend booking as early as possible, especially during peak season (spring and summer) and holidays. Our most popular tours and time slots fill up quickly!

Gratuity is not included in your purchase. Our crew works in the local tourism and service industry where gratuities are an important part of their income. Tips for exceptional service are greatly appreciated. We accept cash and credit cards.

Yes! We provide Coast Guard-approved life jackets in all sizes on board for boat safety.

It depends on which adventure you’re booking! For our private boat tours, feel free to bring a cooler with your favorite food, drinks, and snacks – these are all BYOB experiences. For parasailing trips, we recommend bringing minimal items like towels, sunglasses, water, and sunscreen, in a small bag. All tours welcome cameras and personal items, but please secure loose belongings in the designated spot aboard the boat.

Your safety is our top priority. If weather conditions are unsafe, we’ll contact you to reschedule your tour for another date and time that works for your schedule. All water activities are weather-dependent

All sales are final. When we make a reservation, we turn away other customers to reserve that spot. Please make sure the time & date you reserve will work for you. We highly recommend purchasing our weather & trip protection during checkout!

The complete experience lasts up to 1.5 hours depending on the number of passengers on your boat. This includes the scenic cruise to and from the parasailing area. Each person or group receives 10-12 minutes of actual flight time in the air.

We can let out up to 800 feet of line, and flights typically reach 400 feet above sea level (our legal operating ceiling). We cannot accommodate requests to go higher than 400 feet for safety and regulatory reasons.

Most first-time flyers are surprised by how peaceful and smooth the experience is! The takeoff and landing happen gradually from the boat deck, and once you’re in the air, it’s quiet, calm, and incredibly scenic. If you’re nervous, let your captain know – they’re great at putting guests at ease!

That’s up to you! You can stay completely dry with a smooth takeoff and landing from the boat deck, or request a refreshing “dip” where the captain gently lowers you to touch the water. Let your crew know your preference!

Wear comfortable clothing you don’t mind getting a little wet – swimwear, shorts, and t-shirts work perfectly. You will take your footwear off before boarding, so shoe choice doesn’t matter!

Yes. Participants must be at least 5 years old. Single riders must weigh at least 100 lbs, and tandem or triple flights have a maximum combined weight limit of 475 lbs. We reserve the right to make safety-based decisions regarding passenger weight based on current wind and weather conditions.

We offer single, tandem, and triple flights (subject to weight restrictions). Our boat accommodates groups up to 12 passengers – everyone on board needs a ticket, including observers who don’t fly.

We offer observer tickets for guests who want to enjoy the boat ride and watch without parasailing. Everyone on the boat needs a ticket, whether flying or observing.

No, all guests on the boat must be at least 5 years old, whether flying or observing. This is for safety reasons. Children ages 5-17 are welcome as observers or flyers with adult authorization.

Unfortunately, parasailing trips (as a parasailer or observer) are not recommended for pregnant guests due to the boat ride conditions. Please consult with your doctor before participating in any of our excursions!

The tour lasts 90 minutes, giving you plenty of time to explore the Gulf of Mexico and back bay waters while searching for dolphins, manatees, and coastal wildlife.

While we can’t guarantee wildlife sightings as these are wild animals in their natural habitat, dolphins are frequently spotted in our tour areas. Our experienced captains know the best locations and will do everything possible to find them for you!

Manatees are seasonal visitors to Anna Maria Island waters, typically seen during warmer months. They’re most commonly spotted in shallow, calm back bay areas where seagrass is abundant. Your captain will share current sighting information during your tour.

This private tour accommodates up to 12 guests. You’ll have the entire boat to yourselves, making it perfect for families, friend groups, or special celebrations!

Absolutely! This is a family-friendly tour perfect for all ages. Children love spotting dolphins and learning about marine life. We provide all necessary safety equipment including life jackets in children’s sizes.

Yes! Feel free to bring water, snacks, and beverages (we are BYOB). Please avoid glass containers for safety reasons.

Comfortable, lightweight clothing works best. Swimwear is fine but not required since you won’t get wet. Bring sun protection like hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen!

You may spot Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, seasonal manatees, herons, egrets, pelicans, ospreys, and other coastal birds. The back bay and grass flats are rich with marine life!

The sunset cruise lasts 90 minutes, giving you plenty of time to relax, enjoy the scenery, and watch the sun set over the Gulf Coast. We time departures to ensure you’re on the water for the best sunset viewing.

This is a private tour that accommodates up to 12 guests. You’ll have the entire boat to yourselves – perfect for families, friend groups, couples, or small celebrations!

Departure times vary based on sunset times throughout the year. We schedule trips to ensure you’re on the water during the golden hour and sunset. Check availability for specific times.

Absolutely! This is a BYOB cruise. Bring a cooler with your favorite beverages, snacks, and ice. Just avoid glass containers for safety reasons.

Wear comfortable, casual clothing. Bring layers like a light jacket or blanket as it can get cooler on the water at sunset. Don’t forget your cameras to capture your evening!

While we can’t guarantee wildlife sightings, dolphins, manatees, and coastal birds are commonly spotted during our sunset cruises. Your captain knows the best areas and will point out any wildlife we encounter along the way!

Your captain navigates the scenic intracoastal waterways and Gulf of Mexico (weather permitting), showcasing stunning views of Anna Maria Island’s coastline and the iconic Sunshine Skyway Bridge.

The total experience is 3 hours, including a 25-minute boat ride each way and approximately 2 hours of time on Egmont Key island to explore, swim, snorkel, and relax.

No. Egmont Key is an undeveloped nature preserve with no restrooms, concessions, or fresh water. Please plan to bring everything you need for a beach day, including food, water, and supplies.

Absolutely! Egmont Key offers crystal-clear Gulf waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling. The island’s beaches and surrounding waters are home to diverse marine life. Bring your own snorkel gear to explore!

Egmont Key is famous for its population of native gopher tortoises that roam freely across the island. You may also spot dolphins during the boat ride, as well as a variety of coastal birds including herons, pelicans, and terns.

Yes! The historic 1858 lighthouse (maintained by the U.S. Coast Guard) and Fort Dade ruins from the Spanish-American War era are fascinating to explore. Your captain can share information about the island’s rich history.

Yes! Egmont Key is a family-friendly destination perfect for kids who love the beach, nature, and exploring. Children should be supervised at all times, especially near the water. USCG-approved life jackets are provided on board for boat safety. For children who need flotation assistance while swimming at the beach, feel free to bring their own personal flotation devices.

This private excursion accommodates up to 12 guests. You’ll have the entire boat to yourselves no matter how many people join you!

Absolutely! We encourage you to pack a cooler with plenty of food, drinks, snacks, and water for your day trip. Since Egmont Key has no facilities, concessions, or fresh water available, bringing your own supplies is essential.

Pack like you’re heading to the beach! Bring a cooler with plenty of food and water, beach towels, reef-safe sunscreen, sun protection, snorkel gear, and beach toys.

Egmont Key is beautiful year-round! Spring and fall offer mild temperatures, while summer provides the warmest water for swimming. Winter months can be cooler but often feature calmer seas and fewer visitors.

Our combo packages bundle multiple Sea Rocket adventures together at a discounted rate! Experience the best of Bradenton Beach and Anna Maria Island by combining parasailing, dolphin tours, sunset cruises, Egmont Key excursions, and more – all while saving money compared to booking activities separately.

No! Combo package activities can be spread across multiple days during your vacation. Book each activity for the date and time that works best for your schedule. We recommend spacing them out to fully enjoy each experience.

We recommend booking combo packages only if you’re confident you can complete all activities during your visit. Contact us as soon as possible if scheduling conflicts arise, and we’ll do our best to accommodate you based on availability.

This package includes one Bradenton Beach & Anna Maria Island Parasailing Adventure (up to 90 minutes) and one Private Dolphin & Intracoastal Tour (90 minutes). Experience the thrill of flying above the Gulf Coast and then search for dolphins and wildlife on a private boat tour!

This combo includes one Bradenton Beach & Anna Maria Island Parasailing Adventure (up to 90 minutes) and one Private Sunset Cruise on the Water (90 minutes). Fly high during the day and then relax with your private group as you watch the sun set over the Gulf Coast!

This is our most comprehensive combo! It includes: Bradenton Beach & Anna Maria Island Parasailing Adventure (up to 90 minutes), Private Dolphin & Intracoastal Tour (2 hours), and Private Sunset Cruise (90 minutes). Experience the best of everything Sea Rocket offers with maximum savings!

This adventure-packed combo includes one Bradenton Beach & Anna Maria Island Parasailing Adventure (up to 90 minutes) and one Private Egmont Key Excursion (3 hours). Fly above the coast and then explore a remote island paradise – perfect for thrill-seekers and beach lovers!

This is our most extensive package! It includes: Bradenton Beach & Anna Maria Island Parasailing Adventure (up to 90 minutes), Private Egmont Key Excursion (3 hours), and Private Sunset Cruise (90 minutes). Experience everything from high-flying thrills to remote island exploration to romantic sunset views!

Celebrate Independence Day in style with one parasailing adventure (up to 90 minutes) and one Private 4th of July Fireworks Cruise (up to 2.5 hours)! Experience aerial views of Anna Maria Island during the day and then watch Bradenton’s fireworks from the water in the evening.