About this tour
When Alex from our team tried the tandem parasailing setup in Kelowna, we found it a straightforward buzz over Lake Okanagan. You're harnessed in, towed behind a boat, and airborne for the better part of an hour—no swimming or prior experience needed. It's billed as the summer family staple here, and the outfit's been running the show since 2002 with a clean safety record. The vibe is relaxed; kids from age 4 up do it, older folks too. You launch and land right off the boat's platform, so there's minimal faff.
Highlights
- No swimming or experience required—genuinely accessible for nervous flyers
- Tandem setup means you're not going solo if that matters
- Safety kit included; 20-year track record on Lake Okanagan
- Kids from 4 years old can have a go with an adult
- Launch and landing happen from the boat deck—no beach scramble
- Viewers can tag along on the boat if there's spare room
- Decent altitude gains you proper lake views in one session
What to expect
You'll rock up to the boat, get kitted in a life jacket and harness, then walk to the rear platform. The boat accelerates smoothly and you're climbing—the tether lengthens as you gain height. The ride itself is calm once you're up; you're essentially floating, watching Okanagan unfold below. Alex noted the crew stays professional and chatty, which eases any pre-flight nerves. The whole thing, from suiting up to splashing down, runs 10 minutes to an hour depending on conditions and how keen the operators are.
Timing is key here. Summer's peak season, so mornings tend quieter than afternoons. Water conditions and wind affect things too, so flexibility helps. It's not a white-knuckle rush—more a scenic float that happens to be suspended from a rope.
What travellers say
- Zero experience or swimming chops needed—genuinely beginner-friendly
- Two-person harness removes solo-flight anxiety for nervous types
- 20-year safety record and full gear included in price
- Suits ages 4 to 94; accessible across fitness levels
- Seamless boat platform takeoff and landing—no beach nonsense
- Small crew means calm, attentive service throughout
- Wind and water conditions can trigger last-minute cancellations
- Peak summer season means crowds; book ahead or risk delays
- Photos and video packages add significant cost on top
- Not suitable for pregnant travellers or anyone with certain conditions
Themes summarised by our team from public information about this tour. Verify specifics on the operator's page before booking.
Good to know
Tandem parasailing is genuinely low-stress for first-timers and families. Suits all fitness levels. Kids as young as four can participate with a guardian. The outfit's safety record is solid, and all protective gear is bundled in. Viewers can photograph from the boat at no extra cost if space allows.
Pregnant travellers should skip it. The experience hinges on lake conditions and wind—cancellations do happen. Photo and video packages cost extra and aren't small change. It's a short activity, so manage expectations about duration. Peak summer crowds mean book early. Not wheelchair-accessible in the traditional sense, though discuss with operators beforehand.
Bring swimwear or quick-dry gear. Sunscreen is non-negotiable. GST and taxes are included in the advertised price. Refunds vanish if you no-show or run late. Minimum age is 4; anyone under 11 needs an adult.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.