Prices verified May 2026 from 50+ US dropzone rate sheets and USPA member data. Updated quarterly.
- Tandem Skydiving: The Best Choice for First-Timers
- Accelerated Freefall (AFF): Your Path to Skydiving Certification
- Skydiving Video & Photo Packages: Capture the Thrill
- Solo Skydiving: Costs After Certification
- How Much Does Skydiving Equipment Cost?
- Discounts & Deals: Saving on Your Skydiving Adventure
- Regional Pricing: Skydiving Costs Across the U.S.
- FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About Skydiving Costs
- Ready to Take the Leap? Book Your Skydiving Adventure Today!
- How Much Does Skydiving Cost?
- How much does skydiving cost per person?
- How much does skydiving cost in different U.S. states?
- How much does a skydiving license cost?
- How much does skydiving cost in Dubai, Hawaii, and Australia?
- How much does indoor skydiving cost?
- How much does skydiving cost as a hobby?
- Why is skydiving so expensive?
- Q: How much does it cost to go skydiving for the first time?
- Q: Is skydiving expensive compared to other adventure sports?
- Q: How much does it cost to go skydiving in Texas?
- Q: How much does it cost to go skydiving in Florida?
- Q: How much does it cost to go skydiving in Ohio?
- Q: What is the cheapest state to go skydiving?
- Quick Tips to Save on Skydiving Costs
Skydiving costs $250–$350 per person for a tandem jump in the United States (2026). First-timers pay this all-in rate, which covers equipment, a certified instructor, and the flight to altitude. Adding a video package brings the total to $350–$550. Getting your full skydiving license through the AFF program costs $1,800–$4,000 depending on location. Solo jumps after certification run just $30–$40 per jump at most US dropzones.
Skydiving prices vary widely based on your experience level, state, jump altitude, and add-ons like video packages. Whether you’re asking how much is skydiving for a first-time tandem jump, what skydiving certification costs, or how much you’ll spend on the sport as a hobby — this guide covers every real-world price with no surprises. We’ve researched rates across 50+ US dropzones in 2026 so you can plan and budget with confidence.
Tandem Skydiving: The Best Choice for First-Timers
Tandem skydiving is the most popular option for first-time jumpers. You’re securely harnessed to a professional instructor, making it safe and accessible.
- Average Cost: $250–$350 per jump in the U.S.
- What’s Included: Training, equipment, and instructor fees
- Why Choose It: Perfect for beginners and those wanting a thrilling experience without prior training
Tandem Skydiving Price Breakdown by Altitude
Altitude | Freefall Time | Average Cost
| 10,000 ft | ~30 seconds | $150–$220 |
| 12,000–13,000 ft | ~45 seconds | $220–$300 |
| 14,000–15,000 ft | ~60 seconds | $280–$350 |
| 18,000 ft (HALO) | ~90 seconds | $350–$500 |
Most first-time jumpers book a 12,000–14,000 ft tandem jump, which is the most common altitude at US dropzones. The price difference between 10,000 ft and 14,000 ft is typically $50–$100 — worth it for nearly twice the freefall time. Weekend vs weekday pricing: Most dropzones charge $20–$40 more on Saturday and Sunday due to demand. Booking a Tuesday–Thursday slot is the easiest way to cut tandem skydiving costs without sacrificing anything.
Tandem jumps offer a controlled environment while still delivering that exhilarating freefall.
Accelerated Freefall (AFF): Your Path to Skydiving Certification
For those looking to pursue skydiving more seriously, the Accelerated Freefall (AFF) course is ideal. This program trains you to jump solo under instructor supervision.
AFF Level-by-Level Cost Breakdown
The AFF program has 8 levels. Here is what each level typically costs at a US dropzone in 2026
AFF Level | What Happens | Typical Cost
Level 1 (First Jump) | 2 instructors jump with you | $175–$250 | |
Levels 2–3 | 2 instructors, practice drills | $130–$175 each | |
Levels 4–7 | 1 instructor, building skills | $100–$150 each | |
Level 8 | Solo jump with coach | $25–$40 | |
17 Solo Jumps (post-AFF) | To reach 25 total for A-license | $25–$40 each |
Total AFF course cost in 2026: $1,800–$3,500
at most US dropzones, with top-tier schools (California, Colorado) charging up to $4,300.
What is included in the AFF course price?
Most AFF packages include: ground school training (4–8 hours), all 8 AFF jumps with instructors, gear rental for every jump, and an official USPA log book. Some dropzones also include the USPA membership fee ($25/year) and the A-license exam fee ($0–$50).
What is NOT included
Your own gear (optional but recommended after 50+ jumps), USPA membership renewal, additional coach jumps if you need to repeat a level (typically $100–$150 per repeat), and packing fees ($5–$10 per jump at some dropzones).
After your A-License
Once certified, solo fun jumps cost $25–$40 per jump at most US dropzones. Many skydivers own their own gear by jump 200 — a full used parachute system runs $2,500–$5,000. The USPA A-License is the minimum requirement to jump at most US dropzones without an instructor. It takes most students 2–4 weekends to complete.
AFF is a significant investment but opens the door to unlimited solo skydives and the potential to become a licensed skydiver.
Skydiving Video & Photo Packages: Capture the Thrill
Memories last longer when captured on video. Many skydiving centers offer professional video and photo packages to preserve your adventure.
- Handcam Packages: $99–$119
- Pro Packages: $179–$229 (includes edited footage and pre/post-jump interviews)
- Benefits: Share your experience with friends and relive the excitement
Adding a media package is a popular choice among first-time skydivers and adventure enthusiasts who want a keepsake.
Solo Skydiving: Costs After Certification
Once certified, skydivers can enjoy solo jumps. Costs here are lower than tandem or AFF courses but require investment in equipment.
- Average Cost Per Jump: $30–$40
- Additional Costs: Gear rental or purchase
- Ideal For: Enthusiasts seeking independence and frequent jumps
Owning your gear can reduce long-term costs for regular skydivers.
How Much Does Skydiving Equipment Cost?
Once you’re licensed, you’ll want your own gear. Renting costs $20–$30 per jump but adds up fast — most skydivers buy their own setup by jump 100–200.
Equipment | New Price | Used Price
Complete parachute system | $7,000–$12,000 | $2,500–$5,000 | | Main canopy only | $2,000–$4,000 | $800–$2,000
Reserve canopy | $1,500–$2,500 | $800–$1,500 | | Container/harness | $3,000–$5,500 | $1,000–$2,500
AAD (safety device) | $1,000–$1,500 | $600–$1,000
Helmet | $200–$600 | $100–$300 | | Altimeter | $150–$500 | $80–$200
Jumpsuit | $200–$500 | $100–$250
Total starter gear cost (used): $3,500–$7,000
Total starter gear cost (new): $9,000–$16,000
The AAD (Automatic Activation Device) is a non-negotiable safety device that automatically deploys your reserve if you’re incapacitated in freefall. USPA member dropzones require it for all solo jumpers under 3,000 jumps. Buying used gear from experienced skydivers is common and safe — just have any used parachute system inspected by a USPA-certified rigger before jumping it ($50–$75 inspection fee).
Discounts & Deals: Saving on Your Skydiving Adventure
Skydiving can be expensive, but there are ways to save:
- Group Discounts: Up to $20 off per person for groups of 10 or more
- Seasonal Specials: Weekday discounts or off-season deals
- Loyalty Programs: Discounts for repeat jumpers
Always check with your local dropzone to find the latest promotions.
Regional Pricing: Skydiving Costs Across the U.S.
Skydiving costs vary by state and location:
| State | Average Tandem Cost | Popular Dropzones | Notes |
California | $179–$299 | Skydive Monterey Bay, Skydive San Diego | Book weekdays to save $30–$50 | | Florida | $149–$285 | Skydive Sebastian, Miami Skydiving Center | Year-round operations; winter is cheapest | |
Texas | $99–$219 | Skydive Dallas, Texas Skydiving (Austin) | Austin dropzones avg $179–$219 | |
New York | $229–$349 | Long Island Skydiving Center | Indoor skydiving slightly cheaper | |
Nevada (Las Vegas) | $199–$299 | Skydive Las Vegas | Premium desert-view experience | |
Ohio | $159–$249 | Start Skydiving (Middletown), Skydive Greene County | Midwest pricing is lower than coasts | |
New Jersey | $199–$279 | Skydive Sussex, Freefall Adventures | Convenient for NYC metro area | | Oregon | $159–$249 | Skydive Oregon (Molalla) | Pacific Northwest scenery | |
Colorado (Denver) | $189–$279 | Mile-Hi Skydiving (Longmont) | High elevation = longer freefall | | Arizona | $169–$259 | Skydive Arizona (Eloy) | World-famous destination dropzone | |
Georgia | $149–$229 | Skydive Monroe, Atlanta Skydiving Center | Southeast pricing competitive | | Washington | $169–$259 | Skydive Snohomish | Stunning Pacific Northwest views |
Prices vary based on altitude, time of year, weekday vs. weekend, and video add-ons. Coastal states (California, New York) average $30–$60 more than Midwest and Southern dropzones.
BASE Jumping vs Skydiving
Cost Comparison BASE jumping (Buildings, Antennas, Spans, Earth) is a completely different — and far more expensive — sport than skydiving. Unlike skydiving, there is no tandem BASE jumping option for beginners. | |
Skydiving (Tandem) | BASE Jumping |
Entry cost | $250–$350 | $15,000–$25,000 (gear)
Training required | None (tandem) | 200+ skydives first
Availability | 400+ US dropzones | No commercial operators
Risk level | Low (supervised) | Extremely high |
BASE jumping requires purchasing your own specialized single-parachute equipment ($15,000–$25,000) and completing a dedicated First Jump Course ($1,500–$2,500) after logging at least 200 skydives. There are no commercial BASE jumping operators offering tandem or student jumps.
FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About Skydiving Costs
Q: What does the cost include?
A: Tandem jumps generally include training, instructor fees, equipment, and sometimes media packages.
Q: Are there hidden fees?
A: Most reputable dropzones clearly list all costs upfront. Extras like video packages, clothing, or souvenirs may be additional.
Q: How can I book a jump?
A: You can book directly on the dropzone website or through Skydive Guides for the best options near you.
Q: What should I wear?
A: Comfortable clothes and closed-toe shoes. Some centers provide jumpsuits.
Q: Is skydiving safe?
A: Skydiving is very safe when conducted under certified instructors and proper procedures.
Ready to Take the Leap? Book Your Skydiving Adventure Today!
Experience the thrill of a lifetime with a professional skydiving jump. Visit Skydive Guides to:
– Compare tandem skydiving prices at 400+ certified US dropzones
– Find AFF certification courses near you and check current 2026 rates
Read our state-by-state skydiving cost guides for Florida, California, Texas, and more – Browse our beginner’s guide to skydiving before you book your first jump
Don’t wait—your ultimate adventure is just a jump away!
How Much Does Skydiving Cost?
Indoor skydiving (wind tunnel flying) costs $60–$120 for a beginner session at most US iFLY locations in 2026. It’s the best way to experience freefall without any altitude, certification, or parachute. | Package | What’s Included | Price | |—|—|—| | First-timer (2 flights) | Gear, instruction, 2x 60-sec flights | $79–$99 | | Discovery (4 flights) | Gear, coaching, 4x 60-sec flights | $149–$179 | | Frequent Flyer (10 min) | No instruction, continuous flight | $99–$129 | **iFLY vs outdoor skydiving cost comparison:** A single iFLY session costs $79–$99. A tandem skydive costs $250–$350. However, iFLY sessions last only 60–120 seconds per flight, compared to the 45–60 second freefall of a 14,000 ft tandem jump — plus the 5–7 minute parachute ride. iFLY has 45+ locations across the US. Find your nearest location at iflyworld.com. Indoor skydiving is ideal for kids (minimum age 3), people with weight/health restrictions that prevent outdoor jumping, and skydivers practicing body position between jumps.
How much does skydiving cost per person?
Answer:
- Tandem Skydive (first-time): $250–$350
- Accelerated Freefall (AFF) Course: $3,452–$4,315
- Solo Jump (after certification): $30–$40 per jump
- Video/Photo Package: $99–$229
Costs vary by location, altitude, and additional services.
How much does skydiving cost in different U.S. states?
| State | Average Tandem Cost | Notes |
| California | $199–$299 | Popular jump zones: San Diego, Monterey |
| Texas | $99–$219 | Discounts for groups of 10+ |
| Florida | $149–$285 | Includes pre-jump training |
| Nevada | Varies | Dependent on dropzone and altitude |
| New York | $250–$350 | Indoor skydiving slightly cheaper |
How much does a skydiving license cost?
Answer:
- USPA A License (after AFF course): $3,452–$4,315 (course included)
- Gear & Certification Fees: $1,000–$2,000 (if purchasing own equipment)
- Solo Skydiving Costs Post-Licensing: $30–$40 per jump
How much does skydiving cost in Dubai, Hawaii, and Australia?
- Dubai: $450–$600 for a tandem jump
- Hawaii: $200–$300 for tandem skydiving
- Australia: $250–$350 for tandem jumps; AFF courses cost more
How much does indoor skydiving cost?
- iFly Indoor Skydiving (U.S.): $60–$80 per session
- Packages: Beginner 2-flight packages $80–$120
- Benefits: Safe, no parachute needed, ideal for first-timers
How much does skydiving cost as a hobby?
- Initial AFF course: $3,452–$4,315
- Average solo jump: $30–$40
- Gear purchase: $1,000–$5,000 depending on quality
- Media package: Optional $99–$229
Skydiving as a hobby requires a significant upfront investment but reduces per-jump costs over time.
Why is skydiving so expensive?
- Instructor training and certification
- Specialized equipment (parachutes, jumpsuits, helmets)
- Aircraft fuel and maintenance
- Safety regulations and insurance
- Media packages and extras
Despite the cost, most jumpers consider the experience priceless.
Q: How much does it cost to go skydiving for the first time?
A: A first-time tandem skydive costs $250–$350 at most US dropzones. This includes all gear, a pre-jump briefing, the flight to altitude (typically 12,000–14,000 ft), the jump itself with a certified instructor, and the parachute landing. Video packages are extra ($99–$229).
Q: Is skydiving expensive compared to other adventure sports?
A: Skydiving is moderately expensive for a one-time experience but competitive with similar adventures. A tandem jump ($250–$350) costs about the same as a helicopter tour, more than a bungee jump ($100–$200), and less than a private yacht charter. As a recurring hobby, it becomes more affordable — solo jumps after certification cost only $30–$40.
Q: How much does it cost to go skydiving in Texas?
A: Tandem skydiving in Texas costs $99–$219 depending on the dropzone and altitude. Skydive Dallas and Texas Skydiving (near Austin) are among the most popular options. Texas dropzones are among the most affordable in the US, with some offering weekday specials under $150.
Q: How much does it cost to go skydiving in Florida?
A: Florida tandem skydiving costs $149–$285. Skydive Sebastian (near Melbourne) and Miami Skydiving Center are top-rated options. Florida is one of the best states for skydiving costs because operations run year-round, keeping prices competitive.
Q: How much does it cost to go skydiving in Ohio?
A: Ohio tandem skydiving costs $159–$249. Start Skydiving in Middletown is one of the highest-volume dropzones in the US and offers consistent pricing. Ohio is typically $50–$80 cheaper than coastal state dropzones.
Q: What is the cheapest state to go skydiving?
A: Texas, Ohio, Georgia, and the Midwest generally offer the cheapest skydiving prices in the US — tandem jumps from $99–$179. Coastal states like California, New York, and Hawaii are the most expensive ($250–$400+).
Quick Tips to Save on Skydiving Costs
- Book group jumps for discounts
- Opt for weekday or off-season jumps
- Look for loyalty programs at your dropzone
- Compare packages and video inclusions
