How Long Does it Take to Skydive?

You’ve booked your tandem skydive and you’re ready to jump out of a perfectly good airplane (no – you’re not crazy!). So, what does this mean timewise? Can you plan activities before or after? How long does a skydive take from start to finish? In fact, how long does skydiving last all told – like how long are you in the air, and how fast do you fall when skydiving?? In this article, we will answer all of those questions and more. Let’s dive into the details!

How Long Does Skydiving Take?

Every dropzone will have its own criteria and wait time expectations when it comes to determining how long skydiving takes. To toot our own horn, we have stellar wait times! We know your time is valuable, and we do our best to get you in the air without delay.

What’s Involved

Arrival & Training (30 minutes)

Arrive at the time noted in your confirmation email. At check-in, we’ll check your ID, process your payment, and complete waivers. You’ll then meet your tandem instructor, get geared up, and trained!

Plane Ride to Altitude (15 minutes)

Enjoy a breathtaking ride to altitude while soaking in the views. It takes us about 15 minutes to reach the altitude for your tandem skydive.

Freefall (40 seconds)

Once we reach the appropriate altitude, it’s time to jump! You’ll enjoy an exhilarating freefall that lasts approximately 40 seconds. We know, we know, 40 seconds sounds like nothing, but trust us – when you’re freefalling toward the ground at speeds of 120 mph, it doesn’t feel like nothing!! And it’s worth every. single. second.

Returning To the Ground (5 minutes)

Float peacefully to the ground under a parachute built for two. The serenity found while descending back to Earth can’t be explained. You’ll be floating under the canopy for approximately five to seven minutes. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy the views – including the smiling faces of friends and family as they watch your land.

Let’s recap. How long are you in the air when skydiving? Between the plane ride up, and the freefall and canopy ride down, about 20 to 25 minutes. 

Video Evidence (10 minutes)

Within minutes of landing, you will get to relive the experience over and over as you preview your video!

Preparation Tips

To ensure you have the best experience, we recommend:

• Wearing weather-appropriate, comfortable clothing and secure footwear.
• Avoiding loose items and jewelry; tie long hair back.
• Eating a light meal before you jump, and staying hydrated.
• Consuming zero alcohol or recreational drugs (it’s the law).
• Bringing a positive attitude and sense of adventure!

Considerations

So, exactly how long does a skydive take from start to finish? For individuals and groups of two, we advise our students to plan on spending one to two hours with us for the entire experience. Please note, this does not account for any unexpected weather delays. However, we are gifted with mostly great skydiving weather here in the Sunshine State!

• Weather: Unexpected weather could add to the time it takes to complete your jump! We can oftentimes wait out weather if the forecast shows promise.

• Groups: We love groups and have the perfect setting to accommodate them. Please keep in mind that our aircraft accommodates two tandem students at a time. The larger the group, the longer the experience will take. Bring your group out and make a day of it!

Seize the Day

Skydive Palm Beach is conveniently located in close proximity to a number of fun activities. We’re just an hour or so by car from West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Port St. Lucie, and Boca Raton! There are a plethora of activities to choose from, but here are a few ideas for you to enjoy after your skydive:

• Beach Bliss
  Skydive Palm Beach is close to some of Florida’s most stunning beaches. Take a post-skydive stroll along the powdery sands of Juno Beach or Jupiter Beach, or head over to Singer Island, known for its laid-back atmosphere and excellent snorkeling spots.

• Lion Country Safari
  Embark on a wild adventure at Lion Country Safari, one of Florida’s premier wildlife attractions.

• Lake Okeechobee
  Enjoy a day of fishing, hiking, or more at the second-largest freshwater lake in the US. Get lost on the Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail – hike, bike, or horseback ride!

• Golfing
  Florida is renowned for its golf courses, and the area around Skydive Palm Beach is a golfer’s paradise, boasting world-class courses and championship clubs.

• Make It a Family Affair: Invite friends and family to join in the skydiving experience or simply spectate from the ground. Spend quality time together as you share in the excitement and create lasting memories.  

Ready to Skydive?

Now that you know what to expect, why not take the plunge and experience the thrill of skydiving with us? Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just looking for an adventure, Skydive Palm Beach offers an unforgettable experience, with a friendly, and top-notch team. Book your tandem skydive today and make memories that will last a lifetime! We can’t wait to welcome you to the skydiving family!