Before you choose
What you need to know about this experience
Parasailing means flying suspended from a parachute towed by a boat, taking off from the boat’s platform and landing back on it. You need no experience and no effort: the crew controls the cable and you simply sit in the harness.
In Tenerife it is done on the south coast, with departures from ports such as Puerto Colón or Los Cristianos. This page explains the options, the usual requirements and what to ask.
At a glance
| Aspect | What to expect |
|---|---|
| What it is | Parachute flight towed by a boat |
| Formats | Single, double or triple |
| Time in the air | Usually between 10 and 15 minutes. Depends on the company |
| Total duration | About an hour including the boat trip |
| Effort | None; take-off and landing from the platform |
| Requirements | Minimum and maximum weight per flight; minimum age depends on the company |
| Getting wet | Optional on many offers: the crew can lower you until you skim the water |
| Price | Depends on the option and the duration |
Formats
| Format | Who flies | Suits you if… |
|---|---|---|
| Single | One person | You want the experience on your own |
| Double | Two people together | Couples, friends or an adult with a child |
| Triple | Three people | Families or small groups |
The total weight decides which option is possible: companies set a minimum and a maximum per flight.
What happens
- Meeting at the port and safety briefing.
- Boat trip to the flying area.
- Putting on the harness and life jacket.
- Take-off from the boat’s rear platform, letting the cable out little by little.
- Flight with views of the coast.
- Landing on the platform, reeling the cable in.
Who it suits
- Anyone who wants to fly with no effort or experience.
- Families with children from the minimum age, on a double or triple flight.
- People who do not dare try paragliding but want some height.
Who it may not suit, and what to weigh up
- Weight outside the range set by the company.
- Back, neck or shoulder problems.
- Pregnancy.
- Fear of heights: although there is no effort involved, you fly quite a few metres up.
- Anyone who does not want to get wet: say so, because the dip is usually optional.
How to choose well
- How many minutes of actual flying?
- Single, double or triple? What weights are accepted?
- Minimum age?
- Can you avoid the dip?
- Does it include photos or video?
- Is there a transfer from the hotel?
- What happens in wind or rough seas?
What is usually included and what to check
| Item | Usual practice | Check |
|---|---|---|
| Flight and equipment | Included | Harness and life jacket |
| Boat trip | Included | Total time |
| Photos or video | Extra on many offers | Price |
| Transfer | In some offers | Area |
| Insurance | Compulsory | That it is included |
Safety
- Follow the crew’s instructions on take-off and landing.
- Do not let go of the straps or move sharply in the air.
- Mention any injury before boarding.
Weather and sea
- Strong wind cancels flights.
- In rough seas, boarding and landing become harder and may be suspended.
Price: what it depends on
We do not give a reference figure.
- Format and number of people.
- Minutes of flying.
- Photos, video and transfer.
What to bring
- Swimwear, in case of a dip.
- Clothes that can get wet and a towel.
- Sun protection.
- Sunglasses with a strap or, better, put away.
Alternatives and how to compare them
| If you are looking for… | Best option |
|---|---|
| Flying properly through the air | Tandem paragliding in Tenerife |
| Driving yourself | Jet ski in Tenerife |
| Rising above the water | Flyboard in Tenerife |
| Combining several activities | Water sports pack |
Frequently asked questions
Do you need experience for parasailing?
No. The crew takes care of everything; you just sit in the harness.
How long do you fly?
Usually between 10 and 15 minutes, with about an hour of activity in total.
Will I get wet?
Only if you want to. On many offers the dip is optional; say so beforehand.
Can children fly?
Yes, from the company’s minimum age and usually accompanied.
Is there a weight limit?
Yes, with a minimum and maximum per flight depending on the option.
What happens if it is windy?
The flight is cancelled or rescheduled.