Contents
- What exactly is parasailing?
- How does the flight go, step by step?
- I’m afraid of heights. Can I still do it?
- Will I get wet? Do I need to be able to swim?
- Safety: what to look for in a good operator
- Who shouldn’t go parasailing?
- What to wear and what to bring
- How can I record my flight?
- What’s the best time and season?
- Final word
Parasailing is the best starting point for anyone who has never tried water sports; but before a first flight almost everyone has the same questions: “What if I panic?”, “What if the rope snaps?”, “I can’t swim, is that okay?”. We hear these questions every day before flights on Belcekız Beach. In this guide we explain everything you need to know to enjoy your first parasailing experience comfortably and safely, without the sales talk.
- There is no running, jumping or steering the parachute; the boat and captain control everything.
- In Ölüdeniz a flight lasts about 10–15 minutes at a height of about 100–150 metres.
- You don’t need to swim; a life jacket and harness are mandatory on every flight.
- If the wind isn’t right, there is no flight; there is no charge for a postponed flight.
What exactly is parasailing?
Parasailing means sitting in a seat attached to a special parachute canopy and being lifted into the air while a speedboat tows you on a rope. As the boat speeds up, air fills the canopy and you rise slowly. The winch system on the boat sets the rope length and therefore your height.
Let’s clear up a common mix-up right away: parasailing is not the same as paragliding from Babadağ. In paragliding you take off from the mountain and glide with a pilot; in parasailing you stay attached to the boat, and the flight is much shorter and more controlled. To compare the two, see our parasailing or paragliding article.
How does the flight go, step by step?
- Welcome at the stand. We talk about how many of you will fly (single, double or triple) and whether you’d like photos or drone video.
- Briefing. How to sit in the seat, where to put your hands, what to do on landing and which hand signals to use with the captain.
- Equipment. You are fitted with a suitable life jacket and harness, and each buckle is checked.
- Boarding the boat. You are taken from the beach to the speedboat and out to the flight area.
- Take-off. You sit on the platform at the back of the boat. The boat speeds up, the canopy fills and you lift gently off the deck.
- The flight. Within a few minutes you reach a height where you can enjoy the view. Belcekız, the lagoon and Babadağ open up beneath you.
- Landing. The winch slowly reels in the rope and you are brought back onto the boat’s platform.
I’m afraid of heights. Can I still do it?
This is the question we hear most, and the answer is usually “yes”. Fear of heights is typically triggered by looking down over an edge, a feeling of falling or uncontrolled movement. In parasailing:
- There is no free fall. Going up and coming down are slow and gradual.
- You don’t stand at an edge. You sit and stay strapped in; what you look at is the horizon, not the ground below.
- You don’t have to be alone. On a double or triple flight, having someone next to you reassures many people.
If you’re hesitant, say so in the briefing. Thanks to the hand signals agreed with the captain, you can communicate during the flight too.
During take-off, look at Babadağ and the horizon ahead rather than down. After a few deep breaths and the first 30 seconds, most of our guests get absorbed in the view and forget the fear.
Will I get wet? Do I need to be able to swim?
A standard flight aims for a dry take-off and a dry landing, both from the boat’s platform. Still, it’s a seaside activity, so be prepared for some splashing.
You don’t need to be able to swim. The life jacket stays on throughout the flight and you are not expected to go into the water. You’ll find other activities suitable for non-swimmers in our guide for non-swimmers.
Safety: what to look for in a good operator
Done properly, parasailing is a safe activity; doing it properly means not compromising on a few things. Whoever you fly with, don’t hesitate to ask these questions:
| Check | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Are flights cancelled when the wind isn’t suitable? | The canopy’s behaviour depends directly on the wind; insisting on flying is the biggest risk. |
| Is there a briefing before every flight? | No one should fly without knowing the hand signals and landing position. |
| Are the harness and buckles checked? | Equipment checks must be done on every flight, without exception. |
| Are capacity and weight limits respected? | The canopy’s load capacity must not be exceeded. |
| Do they fly people who have been drinking? | They shouldn’t; there should be no flexibility on this. |
You can read all the rules we follow on our safety and rules page.
Who shouldn’t go parasailing?
- Pregnancy
- Serious heart or blood-pressure conditions
- Recent surgery, a fracture or a cast
- Serious back, neck or shoulder problems
- Being under the influence of alcohol or drugs
If you have any doubt about your health, tell the team before the flight. For current age and weight requirements, ask at our stand.
What to wear and what to bring
- Swimwear or comfortable summer clothes. Choose something that won’t get in the way of the life jacket and harness.
- Sun cream. The wind up high cools you down but doesn’t reduce the sun’s effect.
- Don’t take on the flight: phone, glasses, hat, jewellery or camera. If dropped they are lost and can be a danger to people below. Leave your things with the team.
How can I record my flight?
Taking photos with a phone in the air is risky and rarely turns out well. If you want to capture the moment, you can book a drone video or professional photos during the activity. Drone filming is done when weather conditions allow.
What’s the best time and season?
Parasailing depends on the wind. As a general rule, mornings are more settled in terms of sea and wind, while the late-afternoon light is much nicer for photos. The season runs from April to the end of October. For a month-by-month look, read our best time guide.
Final word
For most people a first parasailing flight is an “I wish I’d done this sooner” experience. If you’re undecided, come to our stand on Belcekız Beach, watch the flights for a few minutes and ask the team your questions; there’s no need to rush your decision. For flight details and information, see our Ölüdeniz parasailing page.
Planning water sports in Ölüdeniz?
