Looking for an adrenaline rush? Find it in these skydiving, paragliding spots in the Philippines
Skydiving and paragliding are activities that feel like your heart would burst out of your chest at the moment you’re doing it. With the adrenaline pumping from strong gusts of wind and panic from towering heights, these sports would turn your world upside down—or possibly sideways, too.
So, are you ready to dive in, both figuratively and literally? Here are breathtaking must-try skydiving and paragliding spots in the Philippines for adrenaline junkies or those who want to conquer their fears and test the boundaries of their willpower.
Skydive Greater Cebu and Siquijor
This skydiving center is the only USPA (United States Parachute Association) Member dropzone in the Philippines where you can book a tandem skydive or train to become a licensed skydiver with the help of their tandem and accelerated free fall (AFF) instructors.
A tandem skydive denotes that a student skydiver would be harnessed to a USPA instructor during the fall. This would teach the student the basics of skydiving while also having that sense of freedom and joy throughout the process.
They have two locations at the moment where you can enjoy a skydiving experience: Skydive Greater Cebu located in Santa Fe, Bantayan Island, Cebu, and the Skydive Greater Siquijor in Cang-alwang, Siquijor.
For first-time jumpers, you can book their tandem skydive for P19,000 here where you will be asked about your chosen location. As for the tandem skydiving service, you must be 18 years old or above to avail of it. You must also bring a valid ID with photo that states your age.
With regards to the weight requirements, they have a limit of 250 lbs or 114 kg. Those who will go over 200 lbs would have to pay an extra charge of P1,000.
Meanwhile, if you’re committed to becoming a licensed skydiver, check out this link to know more about their prices.
Skydive Philippines - Siquijor Island
Located at the airport of Siquijor, Skydive Philippines lets you choose from a variety of skydiving packages to put your fearlessness to the test.
According to the skydiving service's website, its tandem jump package includes an exhilarating dive from a height between 9,000 to 13,000 feet, plus high-definition video and p photos, for a price of P21,500.
Meanwhile, its first jump course would suit you best if you want to learn more about skydiving. In this course, you will learn your first ground school training along with two tandem jumps for P54,000.
Want to up the ante and challenge yourself? Their accelerated free fall course, which you can avail for P125,000, would be your best bet. It will teach you the basis of skydiving and train you to jump by yourself.
Lastly, you can also enroll in their USPA A-license course, which is a 25-jump program that will help you earn an A-license for P269,000. Skydive Philippines’ maximum weight limit for students who wish to undertake the courses is 100kg.
For more information about booking, you can contact Skydive Philippines via WhatsApp or SMS at +63945-182-1002.
FlyXtreme Adventure Philippines
FlyXtreme Adventure Philippines in Cardona, Rizal offers a variety of recreational activities such as mountain hiking and hot air balloons, among others. But what takes the cake is their paragliding activity where first-timers can soar up to 3,000 feet above ground.
Those who wish to take the flight can book an appointment through their Facebook page and choose from their paragliding services of tandem cross-country ($200 or 11,000 pesos), tandem flight ($70 or 4,000 pesos), and solo pilot training course ($750 or 42,000 pesos).
Paragliding Adventure Philippines
Paragliding Adventure Philippines, situated in Cardona and San Mateo, Rizal, is the place to go for the complete unwinding experience. They offer tandem paragliding where there’s one passenger and one pilot for P3,000 per head on weekdays and P3,500 per head during weekends and holidays.
It is inclusive of the use of paragliding and safety equipment, tandem pilot certified and licensed by the Fédération Aéronatique Internationale, flying site fee, helper, and the 10-15 minutes flight transportation from landing to take off.
Ready to fly? For bookings, reservations, and inquiries, you can message them on their Facebook page or call them at +83915-340-8040.
Nueva Vizcaya Paragliding
Nueva Vizcaya Paragliding is the first tandem flyer in Nueva Vizcaya and the only flying school in Cagayan Valley to be accredited by the Department of Tourism and licensed by the FAI and Philippine Paragliding and Hang Gliding Association.
They will resume offering tandem flights in September, with prices ranging at P3,000 per person for those flying solo or by pair during weekdays. Those who will avail of the service by groups of 3's or 4's on the same days would have to pay P2,800 per person.
On weekends and holidays, flying solo or by pair would cost P3,500 per person, and P3,300 per person for groups of 3 or 4. Simply send them a message on their Facebook page and pay P500 for the reservation fee.
According to Nueva Vizacaya Paragliding's website, the youngest passengers that they had were three to four years of age, with the oldest being 75 years old—so, age doesn’t really matter as long as you can follow instructions like “run,” “stop,” and “leg up”. The minimum weight is 40kg with the maximum being 90kg.
Safety reminders
Skydiving and paragliding are fear-inducing extreme sports so it's necessary to take note of a few reminders before partaking in this stomach-churning adventure.
Remember to wear the correct attire such as the correct jumpsuit (for skydiving) because it would protect you from the cold air, especially since you’re at a high altitude. Check your jumpsuit and beware of possible tears or holes because you need to ensure that no air would enter it. Also, put on a pair of goggles for extra safety.
It’s also important to know the basics. Before your appointment, learn how the harness works or how to open the parachute for your descent. It’s okay to be inquisitive and ask questions when you’re unsure about the process.
Lastly, prepare yourself. Skydiving is an extreme sport for a reason. Not only should you be physically fit to undergo this once-in-a-lifetime experience but also be mentally and emotionally ready. The anxiety would surely kick in, especially if it’s your first time, that’s why it’s important to prepare and strengthen your mental state too.
