Parasailing is one of the easiest ways to add a thrill to a beach day in Sharm el-Sheikh. You are strapped into a harness attached to a parachute-style canopy, and a speedboat tows you up so that you float high above the water with a view of the coastline, the reef colours below and the mountains behind. The flight itself lasts only a few minutes, though the whole outing, including transfer, safety briefing and boat time, takes around an hour. Most operators launch from a platform or the boat itself so you start and finish dry, and you can often fly solo or in tandem. It suits adults and older children who want a short, memorable activity that needs no experience, no swimming skills beyond comfort near the sea and no special fitness. Weather and wind decide whether trips run, and operators will usually reschedule if conditions are poor.
What to expect
You are collected from your hotel, taken to the marina or beach, given a safety briefing and fitted with a harness and life jacket. You then board the boat, and the canopy is launched as the boat moves off, lifting you gently into the air. You fly for a few minutes at a height set by the operator, then are winched back down to the platform or the boat.
Many people are surprised by how calm it feels at altitude, and the views along the coast are the main reward. Some operators sell photo or video packages for an extra charge.
Who it suits
The activity is suitable for most healthy adults and for older children, but weight and age limits apply and differ between operators, and the operator will set out these rules. It is usually not recommended for pregnant travellers or for people with back or heart conditions, and you should ask the operator if you are unsure. Be honest about weight and fitness at the time of booking, as the equipment has limits.
What to bring
Swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses with a strap and a hat that will not blow off. Wear shoes you can take off easily and leave valuables at the hotel, as phones and cameras are rarely allowed in the air unless the operator has a safe method. Bring some cash for tips and for any photo package.
Safety and weather
Ask whether the operator uses a platform or boat launch, how often equipment is checked and what the cancellation policy is if the wind is too strong. Mornings tend to be calmer than afternoons. Go with a well-reviewed operator and follow the crew's instructions. Pair parasailing with a snorkeling day or a glass-bottom boat ride for a full day on the water, or combine it with the Naama Bay promenade in the evening.
Making the most of it
Choose a calm morning, eat lightly beforehand and ask the crew to explain the signals used in the air. Wear a swimsuit with a snug fit and tie back long hair. If you are anxious about heights, ask to go up with a friend in tandem, and remember that the ascent is gradual and the landing is gentle.
Check the cancellation policy before you pay, and have a backup plan, such as a glass-bottom boat ride, in case the wind rises. Arrive at the pick-up point on time, since boats leave on a schedule and the weather window can be short.
What to expect
The experience
A short guided parasailing flight behind a speedboat over the Red Sea, with a safety briefing, harness and life jacket provided.
Best time
Mornings are usually calmer and clearer; wind decides whether trips run on the day.
How long
About an hour for the whole outing, with only a few minutes in the air.
Tips
Check age, weight and health limits when you book, leave valuables behind and bring sunscreen, sunglasses with a strap and a towel.
Quick picks
- Best for
- A short, no-experience thrill with a big view of the coast.
- Families
- Works for older children who meet the operator's age and weight limits; younger ones can watch from the boat or beach.
- Couples
- Many operators offer tandem flights, a fun shared moment above the water.
- Pair with
- A glass-bottom boat ride or the Naama Bay promenade in the evening.
- Time needed
- About an hour, or half a day with a beach stop.
Good questions
Do I need experience to go parasailing?+
No. A crew gives a safety briefing and handles the launch and landing. You only need to be comfortable with heights and the sea.
How long do I stay in the air?+
Usually a few minutes. The whole outing, with transfer, briefing and boat time, takes around an hour.
Will I get wet?+
Most operators launch and land from a platform or boat, so you often stay dry, though you should bring swimwear and a towel in case.
Who cannot take part?+
Age and weight limits apply, and it is usually not advised for pregnant travellers or people with back or heart conditions. Check with the operator.
What happens if the wind is too strong?+
Operators normally cancel or reschedule when conditions are unsafe. Ask about the policy when you book.
