Gran Canaria is one of the best places in Europe to try skydiving. Year-round perfect weather, stunning scenery, and a landing zone on the famous Maspalomas sand dunes makes this tandem jump unlike anything else on the continent. Whether you’ve always dreamed of jumping out of a plane or you’re looking for the ultimate holiday adrenaline hit, skydiving here delivers spectacularly.
The island’s skydiving operation flies from El Berriel aerodrome on the south coast, with jumps year-round from Tuesday to Sunday. The conditions are ideal: clear blue skies, warm temperatures even at altitude, and some of the most photogenic scenery you could hope to freefall over.
What to Expect
A tandem skydive means you’re harnessed to a professional instructor who handles everything — no experience needed. The whole experience from check-in to landing takes about 90 minutes.
After a short safety briefing, you’re fitted with a harness and goggles, then board the aircraft. The scenic flight to jump height takes 20–25 minutes — you’ll see the Maspalomas dunes, the coastline, and on clear days the neighbouring islands of Tenerife and Fuerteventura.
At 3,000 metres (10,000 feet), you jump. The freefall lasts 30–40 seconds at over 200km/h — an indescribable rush of wind, speed, and vast landscape spinning below. Then the parachute opens: sudden quiet, gentle floating, and the most incredible panoramic views you’ve ever seen.
The parachute flight lasts 5–8 minutes. Your instructor may let you take the steering toggles for some turns. You drift over the dunes, the ocean, and the coast before touching down on the sand at Maspalomas — where your family can watch you land.
Prices and Packages
A tandem skydive costs around €279–299 per person including all equipment and your instructor. Photos and video are extra but highly recommended — your instructor captures everything with helmet-mounted 4K cameras. A professionally edited HD video costs around €100–150, and it’s worth every cent. You’ll want to relive this one.
Who Can Do It
Almost anyone. You must be 18+ (or have parental consent). Maximum weight is around 105kg, with a surcharge for 90–105kg. No fitness required — your instructor does all the work. People afraid of heights often find skydiving completely different from standing on a building, because there’s no edge and no reference point.
If you have serious heart conditions, back problems, or are pregnant, check with your doctor first.
How to Book
The main operator is iJump, based in Playa del Inglés. Book at least 48 hours in advance through their website or activity booking platforms. Be flexible — weather can cause delays. Build in a buffer day before the end of your holiday if skydiving is on your must-do list.
Tips for the Best Experience
Eat a light breakfast. Wear comfortable clothing and sports shoes (no flip-flops). Leave valuables at your hotel. Bring sunscreen for the wait, and make sure your phone is charged so people on the ground can film your landing. If you buy the video package, no need for your own camera — the professional footage is far better than anything you could capture while screaming with joy at 3,000 metres.
Skydiving Quick Info
Jump height: 3,000m (10,000 feet)
Freefall: 30–40 seconds at 200+ km/h
Parachute flight: 5–8 minutes
Total duration: ~90 minutes
Price: €279–299 (video extra €100–150)
Age: 18+ (parental consent for minors)
Weight limit: 105kg max
Landing: Maspalomas sand dunes
Available: Year-round, Tue–Sun
Skydiving over Gran Canaria is one of those rare experiences that exceeds the hype. The combination of adrenaline, views, and that unique landing on Maspalomas makes this one of Europe’s best tandem locations. At around €300, it’s not cheap — but it’s the kind of experience you remember forever. If it’s on your bucket list, Gran Canaria is the place to tick it off.