How Much Does Skydiving Cost?
Last Updated on January 4, 2024
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker
Leaping from an airplane thousands of feet in the air for an incredible freefall rush seems like a once-in-a-lifetime experience. But between the thrills, have you ever wondered – how much does skydiving actually cost? From tandem jumps to solo licenses, this guide will cover everything you need to know about skydiving prices so you can start planning your aerial adventure.
We’ll look at cost factors like jump types, packages, and location, as well as tips for finding discounts. You’ll see price examples from top drop zones across the country. Whether it’s your first or fiftieth jump, check out these key details on skydiving costs.
Key Takeaways on Skydiving Prices
To recap key points on skydiving costs:
- Tandem jumps run $225 to $300 at most drop zones
- AFF certification costs $1600 to $2500 in total
- Solo licensed jumpers pay $35 to $55 per jump
- Equipment, license fees, and repacks cost $100+ per month
- Discounts, packages, and off-peak rates can save money
- Buying or renting gear costs thousands for a full setup
How Much Does Skydiving Cost?
The cost of skydiving is anywhere between $35 and $500 per jump, depending on the type of jump, your experience, whether you have the needed equipment or you need to rent it, available discounts, and so on.
Skydiving Company | Skydiving Options and Prices |
---|---|
Skydive Chicago | As low as $179.99 for a :30 Second Freefall, $229.99 for a :60 Second Freefall |
Skydive Spaceland Dallas | Prepaid on Weekends: $259; Walk-in on Weekends: $279; Mon-Fri: $249 |
Texas Skydiving | Online Booking: $239; Phone Booking: $259; Group Discounts: $15 Off/Person for 6-9, $25 Off/Person for 10+ |
Skydive Kentucky | With reservation: $245.00; Group of 5+: $235.00; Walk-in: $300.00 |
Tandem Skydiving Prices
For beginners looking to experience skydiving for the first time, a tandem skydive attached to an experienced instructor is the most popular option. Here are typical tandem skydiving prices:
- Weekday: $200 to $250 per person
- Weekend: $230 to $350 per person
This covers your single tandem jump, instructor, parachute rental, photos/video, and required USPA insurance and forms.
Some variables that affect tandem pricing:
- Weekends are busier and cost more at most drop zones
- Larger/heavier jumpers may pay a surcharge
- Extra video/photo packages, t-shirts, etc. cost more
Overall, expect to pay around $225 to $300 per person on weekends for a first jump tandem skydiving experience depending on location. Here are price examples at top US drop zones:
- Skydive Spaceland Dallas: $239 weekends
- Skydive Arizona: $259 weekends
- Skydive Chicago: $299 weekends
- Skydive The Ranch: $225 weekdays, $250 weekends
As you can see, major skydiving centers across the country charge in the $225 to $300 ballpark for tandem jumps. Now let’s look at accelerated freefall prices.
Accelerated Freefall (AFF) Skydiving Costs
Want to learn to skydive on your own? Accelerated freefall (AFF) levels teach solo skydiving skills over several jumps with instructors. Typical AFF prices are:
- AFF Levels 1-3: $300 – $350 per level
- Levels 4-7: $175 – $250 per level
- AFF Certificate: $1600 – $2500 total
This covers your instructor, parachute equipment rental, and required fees. Here are some full AFF package prices:
- Skydive Arizona: $2,339 for 7 levels
- Skydive Midwest: $1,855 for 7 jumps/levels
- Skydive San Marcos: $1,600 total package
At most drop zones, completing all 7 AFF levels and certification costs around $2000 or more. It takes most students 15-25 solo jumps to become licensed after AFF.
You might also like our articles about the cost of becoming a pilot, buying a parachute, or trying bungee jumping.
Solo Skydiving Jump Prices
Once licensed, solo jumpers pay substantially lower rates since you provide your own parachute rig and don’t need hands-on instructors. Typical solo jump rates are:
- Weekdays: $25 to $45 per jump
- Weekends: $40 to $60 per jump
For skydivers with valid licenses, expect to pay $35 to $55 per jump on average. For high altitude jumps from 13,000+ feet, add around $15 to $25 per jump.
Other Common Skydiving Costs
Beyond tandem and AFF jumps, here are other common skydiving rates:
- Gear rental: $25 to $60 per day
- Specialized jumps (high pull, hop n pop, etc.): $25 to $100+ extra
- USPA license fee: $75 per year
- Reserve repack: $50 to $100 every 180 days
- Skydiving license renewal: $40 per year
So for licensed jumpers, budget around $100 per month for miscellaneous gear, fees, and jump costs on top of drop zone rates.
Tips for Saving Money on Skydiving
Skydiving may seem costly, but there are ways to make jumping more affordable:
- Ask about discounts for military, students, first responders, groups or clubs
- Ask about weekday or off-peak specials for slower times of the year
- Buy jump ticket packages for the best bulk rates
- Split costs by skydiving with friends or family
- Consider camping at an on-site skydiving resort to save on lodging
- Shop end-of-season sales for discounted or bundled jump deals
- Rent or buy used gear instead of new equipment
Every dollar saved means more money for even more incredible skydives!
What Does a Skydiving Package Include?
When you pay for a tandem or AFF jump, what do you get? A typical skydiving package includes:
- Aircraft flight to jump altitude
- Instructor for tandems or coach for AFF
- Use of parachute gear and rig
- Landing area access and facilities
- Certificate of completion if in training
- Required association forms and insurance
- Ground preparation and gearing up
- Basic photos or video of the jump
Make sure to confirm exactly what’s included (and any extras you want) when booking. Many centers let you upgrade photo and video packages available for an additional fee.
How Much Does Skydiving Equipment Cost?
Part of the appeal for licensed skydivers is having your own rig and gear. But skydiving equipment costs add up quickly:
- Used rig: $3,000 to $5,000
- New rig: $5,000 to $8,000
- Altimeter: $300 to $500
- Jumpsuit: $300 to $600
- Helmet: $300 to $600
- Audible altimeter: $200 to $350
- Gloves: $50 to $100
Expect to spend $5000 at minimum for a complete setup of quality used gear. Brand new equipment can easily run $8,000 to $10,000+.
The investment is significant, but quality gear keeps you safe and opens up more advanced jump opportunities. Many skydivers buy used gear and upgrade over time.
Final Words
While not an inexpensive hobby, many skydivers feel the thrill is worth every penny spent. And knowing typical prices helps you budget and maximize your experience. Just don’t forget to take a moment during freefall to soak in the incredible sensation!
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