Parasailing in Sharm El Sheikh: What to Expect

Parasailing is one of the simplest ways to see Sharm El Sheikh from above: a speedboat pulls you up beneath a big colourful parachute, and for ten minutes you float high above the Red Sea with the coast and the mountains spread out below. No experience is needed, and you can fly alone or side by side with a friend. Here's how our parasailing adventure works.

How it works

1. Hotel pickup around 10:30, and a short drive to the water sports beach.
2. Safety briefing from the team, and fitting of the harness and life jacket.
3. Out on the speedboat. You're on the boat for about 25 minutes in total.
4. The flight: about 10 minutes in the air at the highest point of the ride, then the crew winds you back down to the boat.
5. Back to the beach. Trips run until 16:00, so you can choose your slot, and the rest of your day stays free.

Prices

• •Double parachute: €20 per adult (two people fly side by side).
• •Single parachute: €25.
• •Boat only: €10 for anyone who wants to ride along and watch.

Hotel pickup and drop-off, the speedboat and all taxes are included.

Who can fly?

Parasailing suits most people, including children, and the double parachute lets a parent fly with a child. The crew decides on the day based on the wind and each flyer's size and weight, so tell us the ages in your group when you book. Pregnant travellers and anyone with back or heart problems should skip the flight and enjoy the boat ride instead.

What the flight feels like

Most first-timers are surprised by how calm it is. Once the boat has pulled you up, the noise of the engine fades and you're sitting in a comfortable harness, floating rather than flying fast. You can see Sharm El Sheikh's bays and hotels stretched along the coast, the coral reefs as dark shapes in the turquoise water, and the Sinai mountains behind. If you're nervous about heights, the double parachute lets you fly beside a friend.

Safety on the boat

• •Listen to the briefing and keep the harness and life jacket on until the crew removes them.
• •Hold the straps, not the ropes above your head.
• •Tell the crew if you feel unwell; they can bring you down at any time.
• •Follow the crew's decision on the wind: if it's too strong, they'll move your slot rather than fly.

For sea safety in general, from reef shoes to the sun on deck, see is Sharm El Sheikh safe?.

Tips for the best experience

• •Go on a calm day. Strong wind can delay or cancel flights for safety; the crew will reschedule.
• •Bring a phone strap or a waterproof pouch if you want photos from the air, and hold on tight.
• •Wear sun cream and sunglasses. The reflection off the sea is strong; our packing list covers the rest.
• •Look for the reefs: from above you can see the coral as dark patches in the turquoise water.

Make a day of it

Parasailing takes a morning or an afternoon, so it combines well with other trips. Pair it with a 3-hour quad safari on the same day, or with an evening Super Safari. For more time on the water, the Ras Mohammed boat trip and the Tiran Island snorkeling trip are full days at sea.

Travelling with children? Our guide to Sharm El Sheikh with kids has more family-friendly ideas, and the Red Sea activities page lists all our trips on the water.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the parasailing flight?

About 10 minutes in the air, as part of roughly 25 minutes on the speedboat. With hotel transfers and time at the beach, plan for half a day.

How much does parasailing cost in Sharm El Sheikh?

€20 per adult on a double parachute, €25 on a single parachute, or €10 to ride on the boat without flying. Hotel pickup is included.

Can children go parasailing?

Yes, parasailing suits most ages, and a child can fly beside a parent on the double parachute. The crew confirms on the day based on wind, size and weight, so tell us the ages when you book.

Do you get wet when parasailing?

It depends on the conditions on the day, and spray is common on the speedboat, so wear swimwear and bring a towel.