Experience the thrill of freefall in the Tar Heel State—here’s what you’ll pay for skydiving in North Carolina. North Carolina, with its scenic coastlines, rolling mountains, and expansive rural landscapes, is an incredible place to experience the heart-pounding rush of skydiving. Whether you’re a first-time tandem jumper or an experienced solo skydiver, the state offers a range of drop zones, each with its own set of offerings and price structures.
If you’ve ever wondered “How much does it cost to skydive in North Carolina?”, this in-depth guide breaks it down for you—covering everything from tandem jump pricing to advanced licensing, equipment rental, video packages, and more. Whether you’re planning a one-time bucket list experience or aiming for certification, we’ll help you understand the full spectrum of costs so you can make an informed decision.
Understanding Skydiving Costs: What Affects the Price?
Before diving into specific North Carolina pricing, it’s important to understand what factors affect the cost of a skydive:
1. Type of Jump
Tandem Skydive: Ideal for beginners, with an instructor attached.
Accelerated Freefall (AFF): The first step for solo certification.
Static Line: A more traditional solo training method.
Licensed Skydiver Jumps: Solo jumps with minimal instruction needed.
2. Altitude of the Jump
Common altitudes: 10,000 – 15,000 feet
The higher you go, the longer the freefall—and the more it costs.
3. Location and Facilities
Premium drop zones near major cities or scenic areas may charge more due to:
- Better aircraft
- Advanced facilities
- Proximity to urban centers
4. Day of the Week
Weekend rates are often higher due to increased demand.
Weekday jumps may be discounted.
5. Add-On Packages
- Photo and video packages
- Group discounts
- Repeat jump discounts
Tandem Skydiving Costs in North Carolina
Tandem skydiving is the most popular entry point for thrill-seekers. It’s safe, beginner-friendly, and gives you the adrenaline rush without the need for formal training. Here’s what to expect cost-wise:
Average Price Range
$210 to $300 per person
Breakdown by Region
Charlotte Area: Around $230–$260
Raleigh-Durham: $220–$275
Outer Banks & Coastal Zones: $250–$300 (premium due to ocean views)
Western NC/Mountains: $210–$250
What’s Included?
- Pre-jump safety briefing
- Tandem harness system and gear
- Plane ride to altitude
- Approximately 30–60 seconds of freefall
- 4–5 minute parachute glide back to Earth
- Certified tandem instructor
Skydiving Video and Photo Packages
You’ll probably want to relive the experience—and share it on social media. Most drop zones offer optional video and photo packages.
Price Range
$80 to $150
Types of Packages
- Hand-Cam Video (mounted on instructor’s wrist): $80–$100
- Outside Video (separate camera flyer): $120–$150
- Combo Packages (photos + video): $100–$150
These prices are in addition to your jump fee. Some drop zones include discounts if purchased in advance.
Discounts and Special Deals
Group Discounts
Save $10–$20 per person with groups of 4 or more.
Larger groups (10+) often receive one free jump for the organizer.
Student or Military Discounts
Valid ID can save you $10–$30.
Birthday or Weekday Specials
Some drop zones offer birthday discounts or lower rates on Tuesdays–Thursdays.
Accelerated Freefall (AFF) Training Costs
If you’re serious about becoming a solo skydiver, AFF (Accelerated Freefall) is the modern training method. It includes classroom instruction, jump training, and progressive jumps from 10,000+ feet.
Level 1 Jump
Cost: $300–$400
Includes classroom instruction (4–6 hours), rental gear, and the jump.
Full AFF Program
- 7–8 jumps over several weeks
- Total cost: $1,800–$2,800 depending on the school
Some North Carolina drop zones offer AFF packages that include all jumps and gear rental in a bundled price.
Solo Skydiving Costs for Licensed Jumpers
If you’re already licensed (e.g., USPA A License or above), you’ll just be paying for the “fun jumps.”
Lift Ticket Costs
$25–$35 per jump
Gear Rental (if needed)
- $20–$40 per jump
- Includes parachute rig, altimeter, helmet, goggles
Jump Ticket Packages
Buy in bulk (10, 20, or more) to save $2–$5 per jump.
Many NC drop zones also offer coaching jumps, formation dives, and canopy courses to help you build skills affordably.
Skydiving License Cost Breakdown (USPA)
To earn your USPA A License, which allows you to jump solo at any certified drop zone, you must:
- Complete 25+ jumps
- Pass written and practical tests
- Demonstrate proficiency in freefall, canopy control, and landing
Estimated Total Cost
$3,000–$4,000 including:
- AFF training
- Gear rental
- Jump tickets
- Coaching
- USPA Membership Fees (~$78 annually)
Some schools offer accelerated training camps that provide everything in one intensive package.
Top Drop Zones in North Carolina & Their Prices
Let’s highlight some of the top skydiving centers in NC and their general pricing:
Skydive Carolina (Chester, near Charlotte)
- Tandem jump: $259
- Video package: $119
- AFF Level 1: $379
- Notable: State-of-the-art facility, full AFF program
Triangle Skydiving Center (Louisburg, near Raleigh)
- Tandem jump: $230–$250
- Video package: $100+
- AFF program: $2,000+
- Notable: Close to Research Triangle, excellent for students
Skydive OBX (Outer Banks)
- Tandem jump: $275–$300
- Video package: $140+
- Notable: Breathtaking ocean views, limited seasonal availability
Skydive East Coast (Southport)
- Tandem: $250+
- Video/Photo: $130
- Notable: Coastal views, small plane operations
Skydive Coastal Carolinas (Southport)
- Tandem jump: $259
- Video combo: $119–$139
- AFF available: Yes
- Notable: Offers skydiving over the Atlantic with beach landings
Additional Costs to Keep in Mind
1. Tipping
Not required but appreciated. Typical range: $10–$20 for instructors, especially for tandem jumps.
2. Reservation Deposits
Many drop zones require a $50–$100 deposit when booking online.
3. Weather Delays
Skydiving is highly weather-dependent. If your jump is canceled, your deposit typically rolls over to a reschedule date.
Is It Worth the Cost?
Absolutely. While the costs might seem high at first, skydiving offers a life-changing experience that few other activities can match. The feeling of flying, the rush of freefall, and the views over North Carolina’s diverse landscapes make it well worth every dollar.
For those who become licensed, the sport becomes more affordable over time, especially with gear ownership and jump packages.
Conclusion
Skydiving in North Carolina offers incredible value, breathtaking views, and world-class instruction. Whether you’re jumping over the coast, the Piedmont, or the Blue Ridge Mountains, the memories you make will last a lifetime.
With tandem jumps starting around $230 and full certification programs available for under $4,000, there’s a skydiving experience in North Carolina for every budget and skill level. Just be sure to plan ahead, ask questions, and choose a USPA-certified drop zone for the safest and most exhilarating experience possible.