Tandem skydiving is one of the most exhilarating experiences you can have, especially for those looking to take the leap into skydiving for the first time. If you’re seeking the ultimate thrill while floating through the sky and taking in breathtaking views, tandem skydiving is the perfect option. It allows you to jump from an aircraft while securely harnessed to a highly trained instructor. The best part? You don’t need any prior experience.
However, with so many incredible locations to choose from in the United States, it can be overwhelming to decide where to make your first jump.
This article highlights the five best tandem skydiving locations in the USA, each offering unique landscapes, stunning views, and top-notch safety. Whether you’re planning to skydive over mountains, coastlines, or sprawling landscapes, these destinations will provide an unforgettable experience.
1. Skydive Arizona – Eloy, Arizona
Why Choose Skydive Arizona?
Skydive Arizona is a mecca for skydiving enthusiasts. Located in Eloy, Arizona, this drop zone is often considered the best place for tandem skydiving in the United States. It’s renowned for its large, well-organized facilities and excellent weather conditions that allow for year-round jumps.
Features:
Stunning Desert Views: Jumping over the vast Arizona desert offers an entirely different perspective on the landscape. The expansive desert vistas are perfect for those who want to experience the beauty of the American Southwest from above.
World-Class Facilities: Skydive Arizona boasts some of the best equipment, staff, and safety protocols in the business. The instructors are seasoned professionals, many of whom are world champions in skydiving.
Year-Round Jumping: Due to Arizona’s mild climate, you can skydive here almost every day of the year. This is a major draw for enthusiasts who want to ensure good weather conditions for their experience.
Skydive Arizona provides one of the most comprehensive tandem skydiving packages in the USA. The experience includes a freefall from 12,500 feet and a scenic glide down to the landing area. For those who want to push the limits, there are also advanced skydiving options available.
Customer Reviews:
Skydivers often rave about the exceptional professionalism and the sense of adventure they get from jumping at Skydive Arizona. The tandem instructors make even the most nervous first-timers feel at ease.
2. Skydive Hawaii – Oahu, Hawaii
Why Choose Skydive Hawaii?
Imagine freefalling while surrounded by the crystal-clear waters of the Pacific Ocean and breathtaking views of Oahu’s iconic beaches and lush green mountains. Skydive Hawaii offers one of the most scenic jumps in the world. If you’re looking to combine adventure with natural beauty, this is the place to be.
Features:
Breathtaking Ocean Views: From the moment you jump, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, Diamond Head, and the island of Oahu. The vivid blues and greens of the island create a truly mesmerizing experience.
Experienced Instructors: Skydive Hawaii’s instructors are well-trained and have thousands of jumps under their belts, ensuring your safety while you enjoy the thrill of the fall.
Perfect Weather: Hawaii’s tropical climate offers perfect conditions for skydiving almost every day. The stable weather ensures your jump will be smooth, and the views will be spectacular.
At Skydive Hawaii, you’ll experience a 12,000-foot drop that gives you about 60 seconds of freefall time. As you descend, you’ll get a chance to take in some of the best island views you can find. The landing is soft, and the instructors are with you every step of the way, making the experience as safe as it is thrilling.
Customer Reviews:
Skydivers love the views, the calm, and clear atmosphere, with many commenting that this jump is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The staff’s professionalism and attentiveness are often highlighted in customer reviews.
3. Skydive Chicago – Ottawa, Illinois
Why Choose Skydive Chicago?
Skydive Chicago is one of the largest and most respected skydiving centers in the Midwest. Located just outside Chicago in Ottawa, Illinois, this drop zone offers some of the most exciting skydiving experiences in the region. Whether you’re a first-timer or an experienced jumper, Skydive Chicago has something for everyone.
Features:
Beautiful Countryside Views: The surrounding rural landscapes of Illinois provide stunning views as you jump from the plane. You’ll see everything from cornfields to small towns during your descent.
Impressive Facilities: Skydive Chicago is well-equipped with a spacious drop zone and modern facilities. The center is known for its safety record and top-notch equipment.
Vibrant Skydiving Community: As one of the biggest skydiving centers in the USA, Skydive Chicago draws a vibrant community of enthusiasts.
It’s a perfect location for those who want to be part of the skydiving culture.
The tandem jump at Skydive Chicago takes place at around 13,500 feet, providing over a minute of freefall. After that, you’ll float down on a canopy to the beautiful Illinois countryside below. The location also offers excellent video and photography packages to capture your once-in-a-lifetime moment.
Customer Reviews:
Customers frequently comment on the outstanding customer service and attention to detail at Skydive Chicago. Many highlight the professionalism of the staff and the overall positive, welcoming atmosphere at the drop zone.
4. Skydive Sebastian – Sebastian, Florida
Why Choose Skydive Sebastian?
Located in Sebastian, Florida, this skydiving center offers spectacular aerial views of the Florida coastline, including the Atlantic Ocean.
Known for its exceptional safety record and beautiful views, Skydive Sebastian is a premier destination for tandem skydiving.
Features:
Coastal Views: The jump offers a bird’s-eye view of the beautiful Florida coastline, including the blue waters of the Atlantic and the long sandy beaches stretching out beneath you.
Expert Instructors: Skydive Sebastian employs experienced instructors who are known for making first-timers feel comfortable while still maintaining the highest safety standards.
Beautiful Weather Year-Round: Florida’s warm climate allows for skydiving throughout the year, with typically clear skies and calm winds providing the best conditions for your jump.
Tandem skydivers here experience a freefall from up to 13,500 feet, giving you around 60 seconds of adrenaline-packed descent. After your freefall, you’ll have a peaceful canopy ride down over Florida’s stunning coastlines, making it a truly unique experience.
Customer Reviews:
Skydive Sebastian receives praise for its excellent staff and incredible views of the coastline. Customers often describe the jump as the ultimate adrenaline rush, with many citing the excellent video and photography options that allow them to relive the experience.
5. Skydive Emporia – Emporia, Kansas
Why Choose Skydive Emporia?
Located in the heart of the Midwest, Skydive Emporia offers a stunning aerial view of the Flint Hills in Kansas. Known for its welcoming atmosphere and safety-focused environment, this drop zone is a great option for tandem skydiving enthusiasts.
Features:
Unique Views of the Flint Hills: One of the main draws of this location is the stunning, rolling hills of the Flint Hills region. The wide-open spaces give you a unique view of the Kansas landscape that you won’t find anywhere else.
Top Safety Standards: Skydive Emporia is committed to maintaining the highest safety standards, which makes it a great option for first-timers.
Small, Intimate Atmosphere: Unlike larger skydiving centers, Skydive Emporia offers a more intimate experience where you can connect personally with your instructor and fellow skydivers.
Tandem skydivers at Skydive Emporia jump from 10,000 feet, enjoying about 40 seconds of freefall. The staff ensures that every detail is attended to, and the experience is tailored to each individual, making it perfect for those looking for a personal touch.
Customer Reviews:
Skydivers often comment on the family-like atmosphere and personal attention they receive. Many also highlight the professionalism and reassuring attitude of the instructors, making them feel comfortable even during their first jump.
Conclusion
The United States offers a range of incredible locations for tandem skydiving, each providing unique landscapes and exceptional service. Whether you choose the desert views of Arizona, the coastal scenery of Florida, or the rolling hills of Kansas, you’re sure to have a skydiving experience that you’ll never forget. From seasoned professionals to first-timers, these five locations offer the best in terms of safety, scenery, and thrill.
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