Phoenix: Tandem Skydiving Experience

If you’ve ever dreamed of feeling the wind in your hair while soaring above the desert landscape, this is your chance. Located at Casa Grande Municipal Airport—roughly halfway between Phoenix and Tucson—this tandem skydiving experience promises an epic adventure with minimal fuss. For around two hours, you’ll be harnessed to a certified instructor, jumping from 10,000 to 12,000 feet, experiencing a freefall of about 35 to 45 seconds, followed by a peaceful parachute glide. The entire activity, from pre-jump instruction to landing, offers incredible views and a rush of adrenaline that sticks with you.

What we particularly like about this experience is how accessible it is for first-timers. No prior skydiving experience is needed, and safety is front and center, with the provider boasting over 25 years of flawless safety record. Plus, your friends and family can watch from the ground, making it a memorable event to share. That said, it’s not a walk-in activity—you’ll need to reserve in advance and meet some basic requirements, like being at least 18 years old and under 210 pounds.

For thrill-seekers who want a taste of the Arizona skyline with a side of heart-pumping excitement, this would be a great pick. It’s especially suited for those who value stunning desert vistas and are comfortable with a bit of adventure. It’s not ideal for children under 18 or anyone uneasy with heights, but for adults seeking an authentic adrenaline rush, it could be a highlight of your trip.

Key Points

• Accessible for Beginners: No experience required, with professional instruction.
• Stunning Views: Enjoy panoramic vistas of Arizona’s desert landscape from high above.
• Safety First: Over 25 years of experience and a perfect safety record.
• Group Friendly: Friends and family can watch from the ground.
• Limited Equipment: Cameras and cellphones are not allowed on the plane, emphasizing safety.
• Flexible Booking: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, with the option to reserve now and pay later.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect on Your Skydiving Day

Planning a skydiving adventure can seem daunting, but this experience aims to keep things straightforward and enjoyable. Your journey begins at Casa Grande Municipal Airport, a well-situated facility conveniently located between Phoenix and Tucson. After a quick check-in, you’ll watch a brief safety and orientation video, which is a good time to get your questions answered and calm any pre-jump nerves.

Once geared up, you’ll meet your instructor—who will be your tandem partner for the jump. All equipment is provided, including harnesses, goggles, and jumpsuits. The aircraft climb to your chosen altitude of 10,000 to 12,000 feet, offering a scenic ascent that’s almost as exciting as the jump itself. During the ascent, you’ll likely be able to look out and appreciate the sweeping views of the Arizona desert—an expanse of rugged mesas, cacti, and distant mountains.

The Jump Itself

When the door opens, the adrenaline kicks in. You’ll step out into the open air, and in a matter of seconds, you’ll experience a freefall at speeds over 125 mph. For most first-timers, that 35-45 seconds of freefall feels like both an eternity and a heartbeat—an intense burst of pure adrenaline that you’ll never forget.

Your instructor handles all the deployment of the parachute, so your role is mostly to savor the moment. The parachute ride lasts about 5-7 minutes, giving you ample time to take in the panoramic desert vistas, with plenty of opportunities to snap photos (though cameras are not allowed on the plane or during the jump, so plan to bring a friend or family member to capture the moment from the ground).

The Descent and Landing

As the parachute gently glides down, you’ll enjoy a peaceful, scenic descent back toward the landing zone. Expect to be back on solid ground within about 2 hours from start to finish, including safety briefings and gear-up.

Detailed Breakdown of the Experience

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The Itinerary

• Check-in and Orientation: About 30 minutes, with a safety briefing and waiver signing. Watching the waiver video is a helpful step in understanding the risks and procedures.
• Gear Up and Boarding: You’ll be fitted with your harness, goggles, and jumpsuit, then boarded onto a small aircraft. The group size is private, so it’s just you, your instructor, and maybe a few other jumpers.
• Ascent to Jump Altitude: The aircraft climbs for roughly 20-30 minutes, providing a chance to enjoy the sweeping views of Arizona’s rugged landscape. The ascent is typically smooth, though some might find the confined space and altitude a bit intense.
• The Jump: The moment of truth—step out of the plane into the open air. The sensation of freefall is described as a rush, with a thrill that’s difficult to match. As one reviewer noted, “We loved the way the instructor handled everything professionally, making it a memorable experience.”
• Parachute Ride and Landing: A calm, scenic glide back to earth, with time to take in the vistas and reflect on the experience. The landing is usually smooth and controlled.

Safety and Equipment

With over 25 years of experience, the provider emphasizes safety. All equipment is included and maintained to strict standards. Your instructor is certified, ensuring a secure tandem experience. No cameras or phones are allowed on the plane or during the jump for safety reasons, but you’ll want to have a ground-based camera or a friend ready to capture your descent from below.

What to Wear and Bring

Dress comfortably—think layers that can handle the wind chill at altitude—and sports shoes, as they are required. Bring a valid ID as proof of age; no cameras or loose objects are permitted on the aircraft, which keeps everyone safe and focused.

Considerations and Limitations

• Weight Limit: The maximum weight is 210 lbs. This is a standard safety measure.
• Age Restrictions: You must be at least 18 years old.
• Duration: The entire process takes about 2-3 hours, so plan accordingly.
• No Cameras or Phones: To ensure safety, these aren’t allowed onboard or during the jump, which might disappoint some wanting photos mid-air.
• Accessibility: The activity is wheelchair accessible, which is a nice touch for those with mobility needs.

Who Should Consider This Experience?

This skydiving tour is ideal for travelers seeking an authentic, adrenaline-fueled adventure in the Phoenix area. It suits those who are comfortable with heights and eager to see Arizona from a unique perspective. It’s perfect for first-timers, given the safety protocols and professional guidance, but not for young children or those with health restrictions.

If you’re after a once-in-a-lifetime thrill combined with breathtaking desert views, this skydiving adventure will deliver—especially if you’re prepared to embrace the adrenaline and the stunning scenery.

The Sum Up

For anyone with a taste for adventure and a desire to see the Arizona landscape from an entirely new angle, this tandem skydiving experience offers a compelling combination of thrill and spectacle. The professionalism of the staff and the safety record provide peace of mind, while the panoramic views of the desert are genuinely unforgettable.

While it’s not a casual activity—given the weight limits and the need for advance booking—it is a rare opportunity to combine awe-inspiring scenery with an adrenaline rush. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply chasing a bucket-list experience, this skydiving adventure is well worth considering.

It’s particularly suited for travelers who want to push boundaries and savor Arizona’s rugged beauty from the sky. If you’re ready to leave your comfort zone and embrace the thrill, this could be the highlight of your trip.

FAQ

Is prior experience required for skydiving near Phoenix?
No. You don’t need any previous skydiving experience. The activity is designed for beginners with professional instruction and safety briefings.

Can friends and family watch me jump?
Yes. Friends and family can observe from the ground, which makes the experience even more memorable for everyone involved.

What should I wear for my jump?
Wear comfortable clothes and sports shoes. Avoid loose objects, cameras, or phones, as they are not allowed during the jump.

Are there weight restrictions?
Yes, the maximum weight limit is 210 lbs, which is standard for safety reasons.

How long does the whole experience take?
Expect about 2 to 3 hours from check-in to landing, including safety briefings, gear-up, ascent, and the jump.

Is the activity accessible for people with mobility issues?
Yes, the activity is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for travelers with mobility needs.

If you’re craving a mix of stunning desert vistas and an adrenaline rush, this tandem skydiving experience is a fantastic way to tick both boxes. Just remember, it’s an adventure that demands respect for safety and comfort, but with the right mindset, it promises one of the most exhilarating highlights of a trip to Arizona.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby