Parasailing and paragliding are two fun things to do in Cabo San Lucas. Both give riders beautiful, unforgettable aerial views of Cabo. Enjoy the clear blue waters and the fluffy white sand from hundreds of feet above while feeling like you are flying! Both activities are for the adventurous traveler. If you are afraid of heights, neither of these adventures may be for you. Tourists have often heard of both parasailing and paragliding, but do they truly know the difference? Read on to learn about the differences between these two activities and which one is best for you.

Things to Do in Cabo San Lucas: Parasailing

Parasailing involves sitting in a seat that is attached to a canopy-style parachute on one end and a boat on the other end. As the boat moves, the canopy catches the wind, causing you to fly through the air. At Cabo Discount Tours, we take you on our custom parasailing boat. We go out with multiple passengers at a time. When it’s your turn to parasail, you can go by yourself, or you can go with a partner. This adventure will take you 600 feet over the bay. From your seat, you will get stunning views of Land’s End, Cabo San Lucas Bay, The Arch, Medano Beach, and the Pacific Ocean. At the end, you can choose to have a “dip” to get your feet wet! Each ride lasts around 10 minutes to give you plenty of time to take in the gorgeous views. The total tour time is around 60-90 minutes to account for pick up, drop-off, and everyone getting their rides.

At Cabo Discount Tours, we recommend bringing a GoPro or waterproof camera to document your journey. Also, be sure to wear comfortable clothing or a bathing suit. This tour is open to anyone ages 7 and up. If a guest is under 18, they must be accompanied by an adult. Participants must weigh at least 100 pounds and not over 450 pounds. The ride can sometimes be bumpy due to the weather or wind, so be prepared and get excited!

Things to Do in Cabo San Lucas: Paragliding

Paragliding is another fun Cabo activity that takes you high into the sky. This activity differs from parasailing in that it is driven by a motor. This means a driver can take you in the direction of your choice at about 13 mph. With parasailing, your journey is decided by the wind and the route of the boat. Paragliding gives guests the freedom to fly where they want. Each person goes paragliding with a guide. All you have to do is sit back, relax, and enjoy the views. As you paraglide, you will be in a seat with your feet dangling. Be sure to wear closed-toe shoes! You don’t want to lose a flip-flop as you fly over the ocean. Each flight lasts about 25 minutes. Wear comfortable clothing, bring a camera, and don’t forget sunscreen.

Before the tour, guests receive a brief training session from one of our highly qualified, bilingual guides. Guests also get a bottle of water and radios to use for communication during the flight. This activity is not designed for young children. In fact, guests must be at least 14 years old. In addition, guests must weigh at least 85 pounds and no more than 200 pounds.

Which Should I Pick?

Now that you have learned a little bit more about parasailing versus paragliding, how do you know which one to choose? Each has its pros and cons, and one activity may be better than the other depending on your family or situation. If you have children between ages 7 and 14 who want to join on this flying adventure, pick parasailing. Does someone in your group weigh over 200 pounds and still want to fly? Pick parasailing. If you are looking for an adventure where you can pick which direction to go, pick paragliding. Enjoy being out on the water? Parasailing is for you as it begins with a boat ride and ends with dipping your toes into the ocean.

If someone in your group is hesitant about the flying experience, parasailing is a good starting point. Riders often feel a bit more in control because they are attached to a boat rather than free-flying through the area with a motorized device. For those looking for longer flying time, paragliding is the way to go. A parasailing trip is about 10 minutes long, while a paragliding trip is 25 minutes. Another difference between the two tours is the price. It costs $50 per person to go parasailing, while it costs $155 per person to go paragliding. Looking for a bargain? Pick parasailing! Looking to splurge? Pick paragliding. 

Stats and Facts

Any time of the year is the perfect time to visit Cabo San Lucas. In fact, according to the World Climate Guide, the average high in Cabo ranges from 77 in January to 93 in August, making it feel like summer all year long. In addition, Cabo gets almost 3,000 hours of sunshine per year! Also, it rarely rains in Cabo, which means travelers know their plans probably won’t be ruined by the weather. Cabo only gets 8.7 inches of rain per year, with September being the rainiest month.

There are so many things to do in Cabo San Lucas, it can be hard to decide. If you have always wanted to go parasailing or paragliding, now is your chance! At Cabo Discount Tours, we offer the opportunity to try these amazing activities. Pick one – or maybe sign up for both! Enjoy the beautiful beaches and ocean as you fly high over Cabo. As you plan your vacation, don’t forget to put flying on the list! Contact Cabo Discount Tours today to get started planning the trip of a lifetime.