Port Vila
Parasailing has a contract (through Adventures in Paradise, our agent)
with P&O (also known as Carnival Corporation) to provide parasailing to
passengers who visit Port Vila on a P&O Cruise Ship. As at July 2011,
this includes the Pacific Dawn, Pacific Sun, Pacific Jewel and Pacific
Pearl. Book your tour through the Shore Tours Desk on the ship, or over
the internet prior to your departure.
This month we
were delighted to have a passenger tell us that “Parasailing has been
the highlight of my trip – it was the main thing I wanted to do, and it
is absolutely awesome”.
When you visit Vila on a P&O Cruise ship, you will be directed to the
“Adventures in Paradise” (our agent) tent near where the ship docks.
From here you will be picked up by bus, and transported to our pontoon
on the Sea Wall, right in the heart of Port Vila town. On your return to
the Sea Wall after your flight, you have the choice of remaining in the
town centre to do some shopping and/or make your way to your next tour,
or the bus will return you to the wharf. The bus trip is included in the
price of your flight.
Frequently Asked Questions... Answered!
How will I know what to do?
You will be taken out on our purpose built Parasailing Boat into
beautiful Mele Bay, where Captain Freddy will give you a briefing on what
to expect during your flight. Silas will assist you into your Life Jacket
and Harness so that, when your turn comes, you can be hooked up and
slowly winched off the Flight Deck into the air. Your flight is
controlled by our crew - you just sit back and enjoy the ride. You will parasail
around spectacular Mele Bay, over villages and Islands, reefs and the
sea. At the end of your flight you will be gradually winched back to the
Flight Deck. If all goes according to plan, you will “Fly High and Stay
Dry”.
Is it safe?
In the 14 years of operation, there have been no
incidents of people being hurt. The crew will assess the weather
conditions on the day, and will not fly you if they consider it to be
unsafe.
Is there a weight limit?
Maximum weight is 110 Kilos (242.5 pounds).
Will I get wet?
As you leave from, and return to the flight deck of the boat, you usually
“Stay Dry”.
How do I get back?
The winch will slowly pull you back to the flight deck.
Can I breathe up there?
Yes.
What happens if the rope breaks?
It won’t – however, on the off chance that it did, you would float
gently down to the water and have a swim. No charge for the swim.
How long is the rope?
100 meters - depending on
your weight and the weather conditions on the day, you will be flying anywhere
between 65 to 90 metres above sea level.
Can I take my camera up ?
Yes you can as the chances of your getting wet are slim.
However, we do recommend that if your camera is an expensive one, you purchase a
disposable one for your flight.
Can I wear my sunglasses?
Yes.
Can I steer the chute?
No.
The crew do all the hard work for you.
Can I end up in the water?
It is unusual for this to happen. However, as we are
largely assisted by the winds on the day, there is a small chance the
wind could drop and you could float slowly down to the water.
If you drop me in the water will the chute cover my head?
No.
If you end up in the water, you and the parachute will float until our
crew get you safely back on to the boat. Remember you'll have a life
jacket on.
If it rains will I get wet?
Yes.
Luckily here in Vanuatu our rain is warm so this is not an unpleasant
experience. However if safety is compromised, we will rearrange your
flight for a different day.
Are the waters of the harbour safe?
Yes.
Will planes fly around me?
You won’t be that high, but it looks good to see a plane when you are up there.
How fast do I go up and come back down?
Slowly, as our boat accelerates to cruising speed and our
crew safely operate the winch.