Things to Do · Water Activities & Adventures
Parasailing, Banana Boat & Towed Water Sports in Koh Samui
Short answer
Parasailing, banana boats and other towed rides are offered on Koh Samui’s busy beaches, especially Chaweng and Lamai. Wakeboarding and water skiing are boat-towed, as there is no cable park on the island. These are short, fun activities: always wear the life jacket, check the equipment and agree the price before you start.
Parasailing
You wear a harness attached to a parachute-like canopy and are pulled into the air by a speedboat, flying above the bay for several minutes before landing back on the beach or the boat. It needs no experience, and the view over the coast is the main reason to do it.
Where: mainly Chaweng and Lamai, with Lipa Noi also mentioned by some sources. Conditions: calm sea and moderate wind; reputable operators stop flying when the wind is too strong.
Banana boats & towable rides
A banana boat is an inflatable tube for several people, towed by a speedboat in loops around the bay. Most rides end with everyone falling into the water. Rides often need a minimum number of people. Some boat trips also include banana rides or other towables.
Good for: groups of friends and families with older children. Always wear the life jacket, even if you swim well.
Wakeboarding & water skiing
On Koh Samui, wakeboarding and water skiing are done behind a boat. Some operators at beaches such as Chaweng, Lamai and Lipa Noi offer short sessions, usually priced by time. We could not confirm a cable park on Koh Samui. Beginners can try with coaching from the boat crew; it helps to have some board-sport or skiing experience. Calm, flat water early in the day makes learning much easier.
Flyboard & other rides
Flyboard or jetboard flying, where water jets lift you above the surface, has been offered around Chaweng, but availability changes and information is limited. If you are interested, check recent reviews and confirm that the operator gives a proper briefing.
Safety checks before you go
- Wear the life jacket provided and check that it fits.
- For parasailing, look at the harness, lines and canopy, and ask about the maximum wind they fly in.
- Agree the price, duration and what is included before you start.
- Ask about age and weight limits, especially for children.
- Skip it on rough or very windy days.
- Do not ride after drinking alcohol.
FAQ
Where can I go parasailing on Koh Samui?
Mainly on the busy east-coast beaches, especially Chaweng and Lamai. Some sources also mention Lipa Noi on the west coast.
Is there a wakeboard cable park on Koh Samui?
Not that we could confirm. Wakeboarding and water skiing on Koh Samui are boat-towed, offered by some operators at beaches such as Chaweng, Lamai and Lipa Noi.
Can children ride a banana boat?
Often yes, with a properly fitting life jacket, but operators set their own age limits. Ask before you book and ask the driver to go gently with children.
Is parasailing safe?
It depends on the operator and the conditions. Check the harness, lines and life jacket, and choose an operator who cancels when the wind is too strong.
