Overview of Water Activities for Sun-dried Beach Bums

Beach Thrills in Thailand: Parasailing, Banana Boats & Other Ways to Scream on Water

You came to Thailand for the beaches: turquoise water, soft sand, and coconut shakes the size of your head. But after your third nap and 27th mango sticky rice, you start to think: “Maybe I should do something.” Enter: Water activities. Also known as: Ways to almost lose your sunglasses while having the time of your life.

Here’s the lowdown on the splashiest fun you can have from Phuket to Pattaya and everywhere in between.

1. Parasailing – Human Kite, Powered by Screams

This one’s for the folks who think, “You know what would make the beach better? Dangling 50 feet above it.”

Strapped into a harness and clipped to a parachute, you’re whisked into the sky by a speedboat, flailing your legs like a panicked jellyfish. The view? Unreal. The wind in your face? Refreshing. The landing? Somewhere between graceful and “did I just belly-flop onto sand?”

Where: Phuket, Pattaya, Koh Samui

Price: ~800–1500 THB

Thrill level: 7/10 unless you’re scared of heights—then it’s 11/10.

2. Banana Boat – Inflatable Chaos with a Side of Screaming

This is less “ride” and more “game of survival.” You and your squad straddle a big inflatable banana while a boat pulls you at high speed, trying its absolute best to launch you into orbit. It’s like a wet rodeo for tourists.

Hold on tight, or become one with the sea.

Where: Pattaya, Hua Hin, Phuket

Price: ~300–600 THB per person

Thrill level: 8/10, mostly from trying not to swallow seawater

3. Jet Ski – Be Your Own Boat (and Your Own Insurance Liability)

Ever wanted to feel like James Bond? This is your moment. Jet skis let you zoom across the waves at breakneck speed while trying not to crash into floating pineapples or Instagrammers.

Just remember: always check for damage BEFORE you ride, or you’ll be starring in “The Scam Awakens.”

Where: Almost any beach town

Price: ~1000–2000 THB per 15-30 mins

Thrill level: 9/10 if you go full throttle

4. Kite Surfing – Flying Meets Drowning (Sometimes)

This one’s for the athletic and/or slightly masochistic. Kite surfing combines windsurfing, wakeboarding, and the very real possibility of being dragged face-first across the water.

It takes a bit of training, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll feel like Poseidon on Red Bull.

Where: Hua Hin, Phuket, Chumphon

Price: Lessons from ~2000–3000 THB/day

Thrill level: 10/10, and your abs will hurt tomorrow

5. Snorkeling – Lazy Adventure with Fish Friends

Not everything has to involve screaming. If you want to float around and say hi to Nemo, this is your jam. Snorkeling trips often include island hopping, lunch on the beach, and your friend complaining their mask leaks.

Where: Koh Tao, Phi Phi, Similan Islands

Price: ~500–1500 THB for tours

Thrill level: 3/10, unless you see a sea cucumber and panic

6. Scuba Diving – Underwater Zen (with Occasional Panic)

Ready to go deeper? Scuba diving in Thailand is world-class, and you don’t even need to be certified to try it (though you’ll be closely watched). Swim with turtles, explore coral gardens, and discover a whole world where your GoPro actually earns its keep.

Where: Koh Tao (for courses), Similan, Phi Phi, Koh Lanta

Price: ~2500 THB for intro dive; 10,000+ for full course

Thrill level: 9/10, especially when a fish sneezes at you

Final Splashy Thoughts

Thailand’s beaches aren’t just for sunbathing, they’re a full-on adventure buffet, where you can scream, splash, and occasionally fall off an inflatable fruit. Whether you're flying high or flipping off a banana boat, you'll end the day with a sunburn, some epic memories, and possibly salt water in places it should not be.