Sharm El-Sheikh: Parasailing, Camel Ride, Dive & Quad Bike

Sharm El-Sheikh packs a lot into this $41 adventure, moving from the South Sinai desert to the Red Sea in one outing. You can ride a quad bike, sit on a camel, sail above the coast by parasail, skim the waves on a banana boat, bounce behind a speedboat, and see underwater marine life during an introductory scuba session.

I like the wide mix of activities and the fact that hotel pickup, transport, water, tea, and a tour leader are included. I also like the choice of packages, since you can book only parasailing or add the banana boat and tube rides without committing to the full day.

The main thing to consider is the pace. With desert activities and several water sports, this can become a long, busy day rather than a relaxed beach outing. The meeting point also varies by option, so check your booking details carefully.

Key points to know before booking

• The full option combines desert and sea activities: You begin with quad biking and a camel ride, then continue to the beach for several water sports.
• The $41 price covers a lot: Hotel transfers, air-conditioned transport, water, tea, a tour leader, and the selected activities are included.
• You can choose a shorter package: Parasailing alone, or parasailing with banana boat and tube rides, are available.
• The parasail can be taken alone or with a partner: This gives you some control over how social or calm the ride feels.
• A passport or ID is required: A passport copy must be sent one day before the activity for permission.
• Plan for practical beach gear: Bring swimwear, a towel, sunglasses, and your passport or ID. Large bags are not allowed.

From desert tracks to Red Sea waves

The appeal here is variety. Instead of spending the whole day at one beach or one activity site, you move through two very different sides of Sharm El-Sheikh: the dry desert around South Sinai and the clear coastal waters.

Your day begins with pickup from your hotel in Sharm El-Sheikh. Transport is provided in an air-conditioned vehicle, which matters in a hot climate and saves you the trouble of arranging separate taxis between the desert and beach locations.

The exact meeting point can vary according to the package you choose. I would check the confirmation closely before the day begins, especially if you are booking the parasailing-only option rather than the full package.

The full experience is best understood as a collection of short activities rather than one long, carefully paced excursion. That makes it a good fit if you want to sample several classic resort activities in one day. It is less suitable if you prefer long periods of quiet time or a slow schedule.

Quad biking across the South Sinai desert

The desert section comes first on the full package. You ride a quad bike through the South Sinai desert, giving you a change of scenery from the hotel zone and the coast.

The quad bike safari is likely to be the most active part of the land portion. You should expect dust, sun, and an outdoor ride rather than a polished sightseeing stop. Wear clothes you do not mind getting dusty, although swimwear and a towel are still needed later for the beach activities.

The value of this section is that it adds a real sense of place. Sharm El-Sheikh is often sold through its beaches and coral waters, but the surrounding desert is a major part of the region’s character. A quad bike ride lets you see that setting at ground level instead of only passing through it in a vehicle.

You should also keep your expectations sensible. The supplied details do not give a route length, riding time, or group size, so do not book this expecting a private expedition deep into the desert. It is one part of a packed activity day.

A short camel ride with a traditional touch

After the quad bike safari, you take a camel ride. This is a brief, traditional-style experience that adds contrast to the motorized activities.

The camel ride may appeal most if you have never tried one before or want a slower moment between the quad bike and water sports. It also gives the desert section a more local feel than a day made up entirely of engines and speedboats.

Comfort can vary from person to person, so I would not treat the camel ride as the main reason to book. It is better seen as an extra activity included in the full package. If you are choosing between packages, the camel ride and quad bike safari are only included with the full option.

Parasailing above Sharm El-Sheikh

At the beach, the main headline activity is parasailing. You are lifted above the water and get a high view over Sharm El-Sheikh and the coastline.

You can choose to ride alone or with your partner. That is useful for couples or friends who want to share the experience, while solo riders may prefer a little more space in the harness.

Parasailing is often the calmest of the water activities once you are in the air. From above, the noise and movement of the beach fade, and the view becomes the point. You are not simply being pulled across the water. You are seeing the coast from a height that you cannot reach from the sand or a standard boat ride.

The ride itself is likely to be short compared with the total outing, so do not assume parasailing alone fills an entire day. The parasailing-only package is a practical choice if this is the one activity you really want and you would rather avoid the desert and the more forceful rides.

Bring sunglasses, but secure them well. The activity involves wind and height, and loose belongings are best left with your larger bags, which are not allowed on the activity.

Banana boat and tube rides for pure fun

The banana boat ride takes you farther out over the water with a group. You sit on an inflatable banana-shaped boat while a speedboat pulls you across the waves.

This is less about scenery and more about laughter, speed, and trying to stay on. If you want a quiet view of the coast, parasailing is the better match. If you want a group activity with plenty of movement, the banana boat gives the day more energy.

The tube ride follows a similar idea, but you are pulled behind the speedboat on an inflatable tube. The tube bounces over the waves, so you should expect a physical ride rather than a gentle float.

These activities are included only when you choose the relevant option. The full package includes them, while the shorter water-sports option includes parasailing, banana boat, and tube rides. The parasailing-only option does not include either ride.

I would choose the banana boat and tube package if you are traveling with friends, older children who meet the operator’s requirements, or anyone who enjoys active water sports. It may not suit you if you are uncomfortable with sudden movement or want to keep your hair and face dry.

An introductory scuba session beneath the surface

The full package also includes an introductory scuba session, giving you a first look at the marine life below the Red Sea.

This is not presented as a certified course or an advanced scuba trip. It is an introduction, so you should think of it as a first underwater experience rather than a long technical session. The appeal is simple: you get closer to the underwater world than you can from a boat or the beach.

For many people, this will be the most memorable part of the day. The Red Sea is one of Sharm El-Sheikh’s main natural attractions, and seeing marine life underwater gives the coastal setting more meaning than simply riding across its surface.

You should pay attention to the briefing and tell the staff if you feel uncomfortable. The provided information does not specify the exact underwater site, duration, depth, or equipment details, so you should ask those questions before entering the water if they matter to you.

The scuba session is available only with the full option. If you select parasailing alone or the parasailing, banana boat, and tube package, you will not receive the underwater portion.

What the $41 price really covers

At $41 per person, the full package offers strong value if you want to try several activities in one day. Hotel pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned transport, water, tea, a professional tour leader, and the selected activities are included.

The price is especially attractive for someone who would otherwise pay separately for a desert ride, camel experience, parasailing, inflatable rides, and an introductory scuba session. Even if each activity is brief, the combined cost and convenience can make sense.

The tradeoff is that a bundled day rarely gives you full control over the timing. You may move from one activity to the next according to the operator’s schedule, and waiting or transfers may take up part of the day. The supplied information does not state the total duration, so ask before booking if you need to fit this around another reservation.

Photos are not included. If you want pictures from above the water, on the camel, or during the beach activities, ask about the cost before agreeing to any extra service. Additional expenses not mentioned in the package are also excluded.

The experience has a rating of 4.2 out of 5 from 29 ratings. One clear theme is value for money, with the day described as long but worth it. That is a useful way to frame the package: you are buying variety and convenience, not a slow, highly private experience.

Who will enjoy this activity most

I would recommend the full package to first-time visitors who want a broad introduction to Sharm El-Sheikh. It gives you desert scenery, a traditional camel ride, high views from the parasail, fast water rides, and an underwater introduction without arranging each part separately.

It also suits active couples and groups of friends. The option to parasail with a partner adds a shared moment, while the banana boat and tube rides work well for people who enjoy a bit of harmless chaos on the water.

Families should check the operator’s age and safety requirements directly, since those details are not provided here. The combination of speed, water, desert dust, and several transfers may also be tiring for younger children.

I would choose the shorter water-sports package if you mainly want beach time. It gives you parasailing, the banana boat, and the tube ride without adding the desert section or scuba session.

The parasailing-only option makes the most sense if you want a single headline activity and a simpler day. It also reduces the chance of spending hours on activities that do not interest you.

This is not suitable for wheelchair users. Large bags are not allowed, so bring only what you need for the day. A small personal item may be more practical, but the supplied information specifically warns against luggage or large bags.

What to bring and prepare

Bring your passport or ID card. A copy of your passport must be sent one day before the activity so the required permission can be arranged.

Pack swimwear and a towel for the beach activities. Sunglasses are useful in both the desert and on the water, but keep them secure during parasailing and the faster rides.

Water and tea are included, which helps, but you should still prepare for a full outdoor day. The combination of sun, wind, dust, and physical activity can feel tiring even when each individual stop is fairly short.

Do not expect professional photos to be part of the price. If photographs matter to you, ask about them before the activity rather than assuming they are included.

The tour is offered in Arabic, English, and Russian. A professional tour leader is included, though no individual guide names are provided.

Should you book it?

Book this if you want maximum variety for a modest price and do not mind a busy schedule. The full package gives you the broadest sample of Sharm El-Sheikh, from quad biking and camel riding in the desert to parasailing, inflatable rides, and an introductory scuba session at sea.

Choose a shorter package if you already know what you want. Parasailing alone is the cleanest choice for a simple aerial experience, while the three-activity water option adds speed and group fun without the desert section.

I would skip the full package if you want a quiet beach day, need a precise timetable, or dislike being moved between several activities. For everyone else, the $41 price makes this a practical way to fit a lot into one outing, provided you are prepared for a long and active day.

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option helps keep your plans flexible.

FAQ

What is included in the full Sharm El-Sheikh activity?

The full option includes hotel pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned transport, water, tea, a professional tour leader, parasailing, a banana boat ride, a tube ride, a camel ride, a quad bike safari, and an introductory scuba session.

How much does the activity cost?

The stated price is $41 per person.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off from Sharm El-Sheikh are included. The exact meeting point may vary depending on the option you book.

Can I book parasailing by itself?

Yes. A parasailing-only option is available.

Is there an option with only water sports?

Yes. You can choose an option that includes parasailing, a banana boat ride, and a tube ride.

Can I parasail with another person?

Yes. The parasailing activity can be taken as a single rider or with a partner.

What should I bring?

Bring your passport or ID card, sunglasses, swimwear, and a towel. Large bags and luggage are not allowed.

Do I need to send a passport copy?

Yes. A passport copy must be sent one day before the activity for permission. You should also bring your passport or ID card on the day.

Is the activity suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users.