Skydive Spaceland is a tandem skydiving center with multiple U.S. locations

Skydive Spaceland operates drop zones in Florida, Georgia, and Arizona where you can do a tandem skydive — that is, jump attached to an instructor rather than jumping alone. The company has been in operation since the 1990s and handles thousands of jumps per year across its locations. Each drop zone has its own weather patterns, altitude capabilities, and booking schedules, so the specifics of your jump depend on which location you choose.

Tandem skydiving at Skydive Spaceland follows the standard model: you arrive, complete a brief training, board a plane with your instructor, and jump from around 10,000 to 15,000 feet depending on the location and weather. The entire experience from arrival to landing typically takes three to four hours, though weather delays can extend that. You will be filmed during the jump, and video packages are sold separately after landing.

Key Takeaways

  • Skydive Spaceland operates in Florida, Georgia, and Arizona, and each location has different altitudes, pricing, and booking availability.
  • A tandem jump costs between $200 and $300 depending on the location and altitude package you choose, plus optional add-ons like video and photos.
  • You must be at least 18 years old and weigh between roughly 100 and 250 pounds, though weight limits vary slightly by location.
  • Most jumps happen on weekends and clear-weather days, so booking in advance and having flexible dates increases your chances of actually jumping on your chosen day.
  • You will sign liability waivers before jumping, which means you accept the inherent risks of skydiving and cannot sue the company for injuries that occur during a normal jump.

What the jump costs and what is included

A tandem jump at Skydive Spaceland costs between $200 and $300 for the basic package, which includes the jump itself, your parachute, your instructor, and basic equipment rental. The exact price depends on which location you visit and which altitude you choose — jumping from 15,000 feet costs more than jumping from 10,000 feet because the plane burns more fuel to reach that height. Some locations offer discounts for group bookings or off-season dates.

Video and photo packages are not included in the base price. Most locations offer a video package (usually $100 to $150) that includes footage shot by a camera flyer who jumps alongside you, plus edited highlights. Still photos are sometimes bundled with video or sold separately. You decide whether to purchase these after your jump, so you are not obligated to buy them upfront.

Parking is typically free at Skydive Spaceland locations. Some locations charge a small fee for spectators who want to watch from the ground, though this varies. Check the specific location's website or call ahead to confirm what is included and what costs extra.

Age, weight, and health requirements

You must be at least 18 years old to tandem skydive at Skydive Spaceland. There is no upper age limit, though older jumpers should be in reasonable physical health. The company does not require a medical exam, but you will be asked about your health history on a form before jumping.

Weight limits exist because the parachute and equipment are rated for specific loads. Most Skydive Spaceland locations accept jumpers between 100 and 250 pounds, though some locations have slightly different ranges — a few accept up to 260 or 270 pounds. If you are near the upper limit, contact your specific location before booking to confirm they can accommodate you. Being overweight does not automatically disqualify you, but being underweight might, because the equipment needs sufficient mass to function properly.

Pregnancy, recent surgery, heart conditions, and back or joint problems are reasons to skip skydiving or discuss with a doctor first. The intake form asks about these, and your instructor may ask follow-up questions. If you have any doubt, call the location and describe your situation — they will tell you whether jumping is safe for you.

How to book and what to expect on the day

You can book online through Skydive Spaceland's website or by calling your chosen location directly. Online booking usually requires a deposit (often $50 to $100) with the balance due on the day of your jump. Phone booking may allow you to pay in full upfront or split payment. Most locations ask you to arrive 30 to 60 minutes before your scheduled jump time.

On arrival, you will check in, sign liability waivers, and watch a brief training video or receive in-person instruction from staff. This covers body position during freefall, how to breathe, and what to expect during parachute deployment. The training takes 15 to 30 minutes. You will then be fitted with your jumpsuit, harness, and altimeter, and introduced to your instructor.

Weather is the biggest variable. If conditions are unsafe — high winds, low clouds, or storms — your jump will be postponed to another day. Most locations allow you to reschedule at no extra cost, though you may lose your deposit if you cancel on your own. Booking on a weekday or during the off-season (fall and winter in most locations) increases the odds of jumping on your chosen date because there are fewer people ahead of you.

What happens during the jump itself

You will board a small aircraft (usually a Cessna or similar plane) with your instructor, a camera flyer if you purchased video, and other tandem pairs. The plane climbs to your chosen altitude — typically 10,000 to 15,000 feet — over 15 to 20 minutes. At altitude, the door opens, and jumpers exit one pair at a time.

During freefall, you and your instructor fall together for 45 to 60 seconds at around 120 miles per hour. The sensation is intense but not painful. Your instructor controls the jump and deploys the parachute when appropriate. After deployment, you float under the parachute for 5 to 10 minutes while your instructor steers toward the landing zone. Landing is usually a gentle touchdown, though you may land on your feet or your rear depending on conditions and your instructor's technique.

The entire experience from takeoff to landing takes about an hour. After landing, you will debrief with your instructor, collect your gear, and head to the office to purchase video or photos if you want them. Most people are back to their car within two to three hours of arrival.

Liability waivers and what you are agreeing to

Before you jump, you will sign a liability waiver stating that you understand skydiving carries inherent risks — including death — and that you assume those risks. The waiver also says you will not sue Skydive Spaceland or your instructor for injuries or death that result from normal skydiving operations. This is standard in the industry and is legally binding.

The waiver does not protect the company from gross negligence or intentional misconduct — for example, if an instructor deliberately sabotaged equipment or ignored safety procedures. It also does not cover injuries caused by defective equipment or violations of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) rules. But it does mean that if something goes wrong during a normal jump — your parachute opens hard, you land awkwardly, or you experience panic — you cannot hold the company responsible.

Read the waiver carefully before signing. If you have questions, ask the staff to explain any section. You have the right to decline to jump if you are not comfortable with the terms.

Differences between Skydive Spaceland locations

Skydive Spaceland's Florida locations (typically in the central part of the state) operate year-round and handle the most jumps. They offer altitudes up to 15,000 feet and tend to have the most frequent weekend schedules. Georgia locations operate seasonally and may have slightly lower altitudes or fewer jump slots on weekdays. Arizona locations vary by specific drop zone but generally operate year-round with good weather windows in fall and spring.

Pricing is similar across locations but can vary by $20 to $50 depending on local costs and altitude. Video packages and add-ons also differ slightly. Before booking, check the specific location's website or call to confirm current pricing, altitude options, and availability for your preferred date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need any experience or training before booking?

No. Tandem skydiving is designed for first-timers. Your instructor handles all the technical work — you just follow their instructions during the jump. The training you receive on the day covers everything you need to know.

What if I am too scared to jump?

Fear is normal. Most people feel nervous before their first jump. Your instructor will talk you through it and can answer questions. If you decide not to jump after arriving, most locations will refund your payment or let you reschedule. Once you are in the plane, you can still back out, though this is rare.

Can I bring someone to watch?

Yes. Most Skydive Spaceland locations allow spectators to watch from the ground. Some charge a small fee for spectators, while others do not. Check your specific location's policy. Spectators can usually see the plane take off and watch jumpers land, though they cannot go inside the facility.

What should I wear?

Wear comfortable clothes you can move in — jeans and a t-shirt are fine. Avoid loose clothing that might flap or get caught. You will wear a jumpsuit over your clothes, so your outfit does not matter much. Wear closed-toe shoes with good grip. Leave jewelry, glasses, and loose items in your car or a locker.

How long does the whole experience take?

Plan for three to four hours from arrival to departure. This includes check-in, training, gearing up, the plane ride, the jump, landing, and debrief. Weather delays can add time. Arrive early and do not schedule anything when ready after your jump.