Tandem Skydiving vs Indoor Skydiving: Which One’s Right for You?

If you’ve ever dreamed of flying, you’ve probably come across both tandem skydiving and indoor skydiving in your search. On the surface, they might sound similar – after all, both let you float through the air – but in reality, they are two very different experiences. 

In this guide, we’ll break down indoor skydiving vs real skydiving, cover the pros and cons of each, and help you figure out which adventure is the right fit for you. 

What Is the Indoor Skydiving Experience? 

Is indoor skydiving the same as outdoor skydiving? No – indoor skydiving takes place inside a vertical wind tunnel, where powerful fans create a column of air that simulates the sensation of flight. Unlike outdoor skydiving, it’s a highly controlled environment. 

Does indoor skydiving feel like real skydiving? It gives you a realistic preview of what freefall feels like, but no, it’s not the same. 

Indoor skydiving is a fun, accessible way to experience body flight that is especially popular with kids, families, and those who want a low-commitment introduction to flying. Indoor skydiving is considered safer than skydiving from a plane and is typically less expensive. With most sessions including two flights of about 60 seconds each, a full indoor skydiving session usually takes about one to two hours. 

So, how close is indoor skydiving to real skydiving? It’s about as close as you can get without actually making a jump, but nothing compares to the feeling of exiting an aircraft and freefalling through the open sky.

What Is Tandem Skydiving? 

Tandem skydiving is the real deal! After a brief training session, you board the plane, enjoy a scenic ride up, and then jump from thousands of feet above the ground securely harnessed to a professional instructor. 

While indoor skydiving simulates the feeling of freefall, with tandem skydiving you achieve terminal velocity – reaching speeds of up to 120 mph for about 40 seconds – with sweet sunshine on your face and cool breeze blowing through your hair. 

And then there’s the canopy ride where you float peacefully to the ground under a parachute – tunnel time doesn’t include this part! At Skydive Palm Beach, you’ll take in stunning views of the Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail (the “LOST”), The Glades, and Lion Country Safari as you descend.

Skydiving offers the ultimate adrenaline rush, with bragging rights to match! But don’t let the term “adrenaline rush” deter you. Tandem skydiving isn’t just for thrill-seekers; it’s for anyone who wants to be present and in the moment. In fact, it can be therapeutic!

And like indoor skydiving, no prior experience is needed for tandem skydiving – your instructor handles all the technical parts so you can focus on the thrill. 

Tandem Skydiving Basic Requirements

Don’t forget your valid, government-issued photo ID!

• Minimum age: 18 years old
• Weight limit: 240 lbs
• Good general health

Key Differences Between Tandem and Indoor Skydiving

Here’s your cheat sheet on the differences between making a tandem at Skydive Palm Beach and indoor skydiving in a wind tunnel.

Feature	Tandem Skydiving	Indoor Skydiving
Altitude	10,000 ft	Ground level
Freefall Speed	~120 mph	~80–100 mph
Duration	30–60 sec freefall + canopy	~60 sec per tunnel flight
Equipment	Parachute, harness	Flight suit, helmet
Fear Factor	High	Low
Cost	Higher	Lower
Accessibility	Weather-dependent	Year-round, weatherproof
Training Path	Path to solo certification	Intro to body control

Can Indoor Skydiving Prepare You for Tandem or AFF?

If you’re planning to pursue AFF (Accelerated Freefall) training to become a licensed skydiver, time in the wind tunnel can help. It’s a great way to practice body position and control, important skills for solo jumping. Just keep in mind that indoor skydiving doesn’t “count” toward any tandem or AFF requirements. 

For tandem skydiving, though? Tunnel time isn’t required or necessary. Your tandem instructor handles all the technical aspects of the jump; your job is to relax and enjoy the ride! 

For those planning to eventually learn to skydive solo, we always recommend starting with at least one tandem jump, or even a few. There’s simply nothing that can prepare you for outdoor skydiving like the real thing. Tandems are the perfect way to introduce yourself to skydiving and lay a solid foundation for your future jumps. 

Which Should You Choose First? 

If your goal is to truly experience skydiving, start with a tandem jump!

While indoor skydiving is fun and can give you a taste of body flight, it simply cannot match the scale, adrenaline, or sense of accomplishment that comes with the real thing. Floating in a wind tunnel is a simulation – jumping from a plane is the closest we can get to human flight!

Here’s how to think about it:

• If you’re ready for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure and want to feel what real skydiving is all about, go tandem first. Nothing compares to exiting an aircraft and freefalling through the open sky.

• If you’re unsure about committing or just want a fun indoor activity, indoor skydiving can be a great way to dip your toes in. But it’s not a substitute, it’s a different activity altogether.

• On a tighter budget or looking for a quick family outing? Indoor may fit the bill. But when it comes to unforgettable, bucket-list experiences, the sky is where it happens. 

At Skydive Palm Beach, we believe nothing replaces the feeling of your first skydive. If you’ve dreamed of flying, don’t settle for a simulation – come jump with us! Book your tandem skydive today!