Parasailing and flyboarding on the Costa del Sol

There are two ways to end up flying over the Mediterranean on the Costa del Sol, and neither needs any previous experience.

Parasailing

You’re harnessed to a parachute towed by a speedboat and rise between 50 and 150 metres above the sea. The flight lasts about 10-15 minutes, and the view from up there — the whole coastline, the mountains behind, turquoise water below — is what justifies the price.

• No skill required. You sit in a harness and the boat does the rest.
• You can fly solo, in pairs or in threes.
• Suitable for children from around 5-6 years old when accompanied, depending on the operator.
• You normally stay dry, unless you ask for the traditional dip at the end — usually free and always popular.
• Typical price: €45-70 per person.

Flyboarding

A board connected by hose to a jet ski propels you with pressurised water jets several metres above the surface. This one is harder: it takes balance, and the first few minutes are spent falling in.

• Sessions of 20-30 minutes, instruction included.
• The first ten minutes are learning; after that most people manage to stay up.
• Minimum age usually 14-16.
• Typical price: €60-90 per session.

Where to do them

Puerto Marina in Benalmádena and Malapesquera beach have the widest choice. There are also operators at Puerto Banús, Fuengirola, Torremolinos and Estepona in high season.

Tips

• Book ahead in August: parasailing slots sell out.
• Go first thing: with a flat sea, take-off and landing are far more comfortable.
• No loose sunglasses or hats — you will lose them.
• Check the operator has insurance and authorisation. And if you can stretch to it, pay for the video: this is one of the few activities where it’s genuinely worth it.

Season

May to October. Both activities are cancelled in strong wind, so if the easterly is blowing, rebook.