Parasailing from the marina · kitesurf at El Gouna and Soma Bay · banana, tube and twister rides · jet ski rental is banned
Parasailing is the easy one: a speedboat tows you 40–50 metres up for about ten minutes, no training needed, and most trips include hotel transfer. Kitesurfing is a different league: you need a school and a few days, and the good spots are in El Gouna and Soma Bay, not in town. Jet ski rental has been banned by the Red Sea Governorate, so a beach offer of one is not a legal ride.
Hotel to hotel
Parasailing ≈ 1.5–2 h with transfer; kite course 3 days or more
Pickup
Parasailing: morning or afternoon slots
Best for
Parasailing: anyone; kitesurf: people who can give it 3+ days
You get picked up, driven to the marina and put on a speedboat with a few other groups. Out at sea the crew clips you into a harness on the back deck, the boat speeds up and the line lets you out behind it. Operators quote heights of roughly 40–50 metres. After your few minutes up there, the crew winches you back to the deck and the next pair goes up.
A few things the listings don't say clearly: the photo and video package is usually sold on the boat; transfers from Makadi, Sahl Hasheesh, El Gouna or Soma Bay often cost extra; and some trips ask for a protected-area fee in cash (see the fee card). If the crew cancels for wind, take the new date; that's the right call.
Jet ski: the ban
You will still see "jet ski Hurghada" offers online. The Red Sea Governorate banned jet skis in its towns back in 2010 and, in August 2022, the governor ordered the ban enforced, with jet skis seized from anyone breaking it. The reason given was accidents with swimmers. We found no later decision lifting it. When we checked, none of the big booking platforms sold a jet ski ride in Hurghada either. If someone on a beach offers one, you would be on an illegal machine with no insurance. Take a twister ride or a speedboat instead.
Kitesurfing: El Gouna and Soma Bay
Hurghada town itself is not where people learn. The two places with kite centres and space are:
El Gouna, about 25 km north. The Mangroovy Beach area has an IKO-approved centre and a shallow, waist-deep zone for beginners, with a reef separating it from deeper water for riders who already know what they're doing. It's tidal, so lesson times move with the water.
Soma Bay, roughly 45–60 minutes' drive south of town. Several kite centres sit on the bay, and the wind there is known for being steady from about March to November, with some days much stronger than others.
A first course is typically three days with equipment, and that gets most people to their first short rides. Book with a centre certified by IKO or VDWS, ask how many students share one instructor, and ask whether there's a rescue boat. If you're staying in Hurghada town, factor in the drive each day, or stay in El Gouna or Soma Bay for the course.
Safety checklist for any ride
Life jacket on, buckled, the right size for children.
Look at the boat and the equipment. Frayed ropes or a torn harness mean you get off.
Ask whether the centre is licensed. Water sports centres in Egypt fall under the CDWS, the same chamber that licenses dive centres.
No alcohol before you ride.
Banana and tube rides end with everyone in the water. Keep your elbows in and fall away from the others.
Tell the crew before you leave the marina if anyone in your group can't swim.
Compare the versions on sale
16 on sale today from GetYourGuide, Tiqets, Headout. Prices are per person unless the title says per boat; they refresh daily.
Operators quote about 7–10 minutes in the air. With the boat ride out and the other passengers' turns, plan about an hour at sea and 1.5–2 hours with hotel transfer.
Can two people parasail together?
Yes. Most boats fly singles or tandem. Children usually fly with an adult; ask the operator for their minimum age and weight limits.
Is jet skiing allowed in Hurghada?
The Red Sea Governorate has banned jet skis in its resort towns since 2010 and ordered strict enforcement in August 2022, including seizing jet skis. We found no announcement that the ban was lifted.
Where is the best kitesurfing near Hurghada?
El Gouna and Soma Bay. El Gouna's Mangroovy Beach has a shallow standing area for beginners; Soma Bay has several kite centres and steady wind for much of the year.
When is the kitesurfing season in Hurghada?
Wind blows on most days of the year. Summer (roughly March to October) has more windy days; winter has fewer windy days but some strong ones, and you'll want a thicker wetsuit.
Is parasailing safe?
It's generally a calm ride, but it depends on the operator and the wind. Fly with a licensed centre, wear the life jacket, and don't go up when the wind is gusty, even if the crew says it's fine.
