A first-time skydiving experience is nearly always a tandem jump, where a beginner is securely harnessed to a highly experienced instructor for the entire descent. This method allows you to enjoy the thrill of freefall with minimal training, making it the standard entry point for the sport. The initial cost for this experience generally falls within a range of $200 to $350, though the final price can fluctuate significantly based on several factors. This base price covers the complex operational expenses required to safely facilitate a jump from thousands of feet.
The Base Price of a First Jump
The core cost of a tandem skydive covers mandatory ground training or a safety briefing. This session explains the body positions required for freefall and canopy flight. The price also compensates the professional tandem instructor, who is certified by organizations like the United States Parachute Association (USPA) and possesses the experience of thousands of jumps.
The fee includes the rental of all specialized equipment, such as the jumpsuit, goggles, and the tandem parachute system. This system features a main canopy and a reserve canopy, both equipped with an Automatic Activation Device (AAD). The AAD is an electronic instrument that monitors altitude and speed, automatically deploying the reserve parachute if safety parameters are exceeded.
A major portion of the base price is allocated to aircraft operation, covering costs for the pilot, aviation fuel, and maintenance. This covers the ride to the standard exit altitude, which typically ranges from 10,000 to 14,000 feet above the ground. Maintaining aircraft and specialized equipment to rigorous safety standards is a significant expense reflected in the base price.
Variables That Affect the Final Price
The final cost of a tandem skydive depends heavily on the drop zone’s geographical location and local market conditions. Operations near major metropolitan areas or popular coastal destinations often have a higher price point due to increased costs for land leases, insurance, and cost of living. Drop zones located inland or in less populated regions generally offer lower prices.
Jump altitude is a factor that directly impacts the cost, as higher exit points require more fuel and air time. While a standard jump is around 14,000 feet, some drop zones offer high-altitude jumps from 18,000 feet or more, which significantly increases the price. Jumps above 15,000 feet often require supplemental oxygen for passengers and crew during the ascent, adding an operational expense.
Promotional pricing causes fluctuation in the final bill, encouraging customers to book at off-peak times. Companies often offer discounts for jumping on a weekday compared to the busy weekend schedule, or provide savings for military personnel and first responders. Group rates are also a common incentive, decreasing the price per person when a party books multiple jumps together.
Optional Costs to Consider
Adding a media package is the most common optional cost, though it is not required for the jump itself. These packages allow you to relive and share the experience. The least expensive option is typically the “hand-cam” footage, where the tandem instructor wears a wrist-mounted camera to capture a close-up, selfie-style video perspective.
A more comprehensive option is the external videographer package, where a dedicated camera flyer jumps alongside the pair. This professional captures wide-angle shots of the freefall and scenery, providing a higher-quality, documentary-style record of the jump sequence. These video and photo add-ons typically range from $100 to over $200, depending on the camera angles and level of editing included. Customers may also choose to tip their instructor or purchase merchandise like t-shirts or hats on-site.