Parasailing in Hurghada

Parasailing in Hurghada is the easiest way to see the Red Sea from above. You wear a harness and life jacket attached to a parachute-style canopy, and a boat tows you up into the air. No experience or fitness training is needed. The crew does the work; you enjoy the view.

From up there you see the Hurghada coastline, the open sea, nearby islands and the change in colour where shallow reef meets deep water. It is a short activity, so it fits around a beach day or another excursion.

It suits couples, friends and older children who meet the operator's age and weight rules. It is not for everyone: people with back, heart or breathing problems and pregnant women should choose something calmer, like our glass boat or semi-submarine.

What parasailing in Hurghada feels like

Most first-timers are surprised by how calm it is. After the briefing, the crew fits your harness and life jacket and clips you to the canopy at the back of the boat. As the boat speeds up, the canopy fills and you rise smoothly into the air. No running, no jumping.

Once you are up, the engine noise fades and it goes quiet. You look down at the shades of blue, the reef edges, the boats and the line of the coast. Then the crew reels you back in and you land on the boat platform.

Do you get wet? On a normal boat-to-boat flight, usually very little. Some crews dip flyers into the water for fun on the way down, so wear swimwear and tell the crew if you would rather stay dry.

Tip: bring sunglasses with a strap and leave loose items with the crew. If you want photos, a phone in a waterproof case on a lanyard is the safest option; ask the crew before you take one up.

Is parasailing safe, and who should skip it?

Parasailing is run by a trained crew with a harness, a life jacket and a safety briefing for every flyer. The most important safety rule is the weather: the crew will postpone or cancel if wind or sea conditions are not right. That is a good sign, not an inconvenience.

Each operator sets its own minimum age and weight limits, and listings in Hurghada show different numbers. That is why we ask for ages and weights before booking and confirm with the crew, rather than promise anything on this page.

Parasailing is generally not recommended if you are pregnant or have back, heart or breathing problems. If that is you, the glass boat or semi-submarine is a relaxed way to see the sea, or join a calm snorkeling trip.

Before you fly, tell the crew about any health conditions and listen carefully to the briefing on hand signals and landing.