I still remember the first time I asked myself, “How much does skydiving cost?” I had always dreamed of jumping out of an airplane, feeling the wind rush past my face, and seeing the world from miles above. But before I could chase that dream, I needed to know what kind of money I was about to spend.
I thought skydiving was only for rich people or professional daredevils. I was wrong! Skydiving is not cheap, but it’s also not impossible for an average person like me. In this blog, I’ll share everything I learned about skydiving cost, what’s included, what affects the price, and how you can make the most of your jump without wasting money.
How Much Is Skydiving for a First Timer?
I started my research with one simple question: “How much is skydiving?” Most drop zones (skydiving centers) in the U.S. offer tandem jumps for first-timers. A tandem skydive means you jump while being securely attached to a professional instructor.
When I checked around, I found that skydiving prices usually range between $200 to $350 per person for a tandem jump. The price depends on where you are, the height you jump from, and what extras you choose—like videos or photos.
I live near a big city, so my nearest skydiving center charged about $280 for a standard jump from 10,000 to 13,000 feet. I noticed that rural areas or smaller towns sometimes offer cheaper deals, around $200 to $250, while premium locations or high-altitude jumps can go up to $400 or more.
Why Skydiving Prices Are Different
I learned that the cost of skydiving isn’t random—it depends on several things.
1. Location:
I saw that skydiving centers near tourist spots or big cities are more expensive. When I looked up “skydiving near Los Angeles,” the prices were much higher than in smaller towns.
2. Altitude:
The higher you go, the longer your freefall—and the more it costs. A 10,000-foot jump gives you about 30 seconds of freefall. A 15,000-foot jump gives you almost 60 seconds. I chose the middle range, 13,000 feet, which gave me a perfect balance of thrill and price.
3. Equipment and Safety:
When I asked, “Why is skydiving so expensive?” Skydiving centers must keep their parachutes, planes, and gear in top condition. I realized that paying a bit more for safety is totally worth it.
4. Season and Weather:
Skydiving is often cheaper during the off-season, like winter, when fewer people jump. I jumped in the spring, so I paid the regular rate.
Is Skydiving Worth the Risk?
I’ll be honest—I was scared before my first jump. The idea of jumping out of a plane made my stomach twist. I started to wonder, “Is skydiving worth the risk?”
After doing it, my answer is a confident yes. Every adventure comes with some risk, but skydiving today is much safer than most people think.
When I arrived at the drop zone, the instructors explained all the safety rules. They showed me how the harness works, how the parachute opens, and what to do during landing. I learned that tandem instructors are highly trained and certified. They go through hundreds of practice jumps before taking anyone up.
The plane ride felt calm, and once we jumped, I realized that all the fear was just in my head. I felt free and alive. The equipment worked perfectly, and the instructor handled everything like a pro.
So yes, there’s risk, but I think it’s worth it for what you get in return—pure excitement, confidence, and a once-in-a-lifetime memory.
Is Parachuting Safe?
After the jump, I became curious about the numbers. I looked up some facts because I wanted to know, “Is parachuting safe?”
According to the United States Parachute Association (USPA), skydiving accidents are very rare. The statistics show about 1 fatality per 100,000 jumps in recent years. That’s actually safer than driving on the highway!
I learned that modern parachutes are built with backup systems. Every parachute rig has a main chute and a reserve chute. There’s also an Automatic Activation Device (AAD) that opens the reserve parachute automatically if the main one doesn’t deploy in time.
Knowing that gave me peace of mind. I realized skydiving isn’t about taking a wild risk—it’s about trusting trained professionals and high-quality equipment that’s been tested over and over.
So if you’re wondering whether skydiving is safe, the answer is yes, as long as you go to a licensed, well-reviewed drop zone.
How Much Does It Cost to Go Skydiving with Photos and Videos?
When I booked my jump, the basic price didn’t include photos or videos. I really wanted to capture my first jump, so I checked the add-ons.
Here’s what I found at most drop zones:
- Handycam Video (from instructor’s wrist): $80–$100
- Professional Videographer (with separate flyer): $120–$150
- Photo Package: $60–$80
- Video + Photos Combo: $120–$180
I ended up buying a video + photo combo for $150, and I’m so glad I did! Watching myself scream and smile mid-air was priceless. But if you’re on a tight budget, you can skip this part and still have an unforgettable experience.
So if you’re wondering, “How much does it cost to go skydiving with video?”—expect anywhere from $300 to $500 total, depending on what you choose.
How Much Does It Cost to Learn Skydiving Solo?
After my first tandem jump, I couldn’t stop thinking about doing it again—this time alone. I learned that to jump solo, you need proper training.
The most common training program is called AFF (Accelerated Freefall). I asked around, and most schools charge between $1,500 and $3,000 for the full course.
Here’s what’s usually included:
- Ground school lessons
- 7–8 training jumps with instructors
- Gear rental
- License fees and logbook
That might sound expensive, but once you get certified, future jumps are much cheaper—around $30 to $50 each, plus gear rental.
If you plan to make skydiving a hobby, investing in your own gear will cost about $3,000 to $6,000, depending on quality and brand.