Reviewed · MASPALOMAS DUNES TOURS

Gran Canaria : Skydiving over Maspalomas Dunes

5.0 · 81 reviews 1.5 hours From $352 Operated by iJump Gran Canaria · Bookable on GetYourGuide
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Maspalomas dunes from 3,000 meters is wild. What makes this Gran Canaria skydiving experience stand out is the tandem format and the fact that you are trained step-by-step, so you do not need any previous experience. I like the combo of a short, intense freefall phase and then a calmer parachute ride where you can take in the view. I also really appreciate the clear, organized way the jump is run, with instructors such as Eddie, Tony, and Toby showing up again and again in positive comments. The one drawback to keep in mind is that weather and air traffic can cause delays, so your exact landing time might shift.

You start in Playa del Inglés, get geared up, then travel to the airfield for a panoramic flight focused on Maspalomas. The main event is simple: jump, freefall up to about 30 seconds, open the parachute for a 5-8 minute canopy flight, and land next to the dunes.

Key things I’d prioritize before you go

Gran Canaria : Skydiving over Maspalomas Dunes - Key things I’d prioritize before you go

  • Tandem jump, no skydiving experience needed
  • Jump from 3,000 meters
  • 20-25 minute panoramic flight over Maspalomas
  • Freefall up to about 30 seconds at +200 km/h
  • Parachute flight lasts about 5-8 minutes
  • Gear, instruction, and a certificate are included

Why Maspalomas Dunes Make This Feel Different

Gran Canaria : Skydiving over Maspalomas Dunes - Why Maspalomas Dunes Make This Feel Different
Maspalomas is not just another point on a map. The whole experience is built around landing next to the dunes of Maspalomas, and even the aircraft flight has that same visual focus.

That matters because skydiving is not only about speed and nerves. It is also about what you are looking at when the world tilts sideways. Here, your “target” is a recognizable place, with the dunes guiding your sense of direction right up to landing.

If you are the type who likes memorable, easy-to-picture views, this setup is a big win. You can mentally track what is coming next: up in the aircraft, over the Maspalomas area, then down toward the dunes and Playa del Inglés.

What else is running around Gran Canaria this week

Entering iJump in Playa del Inglés: Check-in That Sets the Tone

Gran Canaria : Skydiving over Maspalomas Dunes - Entering iJump in Playa del Inglés: Check-in That Sets the Tone
Your day starts at iJump in Playa del Inglés at your allocated time. Plan on a quick but important check-in moment: you complete paperwork and get a jump load number, then you keep that handy.

Next comes the human part: a crew member supports you through getting ready. You will receive your jumping gear and a life jacket to wear for the skydive. This is one of the best ways to lower the stress level because you are not improvising anything.

Practical tip: wear comfortable shoes and comfortable clothes. Bare feet are not allowed, so do not assume you can just slip into something casual when you arrive.

The Gear and Harness Fit, Plus What Training Actually Covers

Gran Canaria : Skydiving over Maspalomas Dunes - The Gear and Harness Fit, Plus What Training Actually Covers
Before you board the aircraft, you get fitted with a harness. Then you receive training for the jump, and they give you goggles a few minutes before exiting the plane.

The training is not long, but it is focused. You learn the body position for the exit, what to do during free fall, and how the landing works. You do not need advanced knowledge, but you do need to listen carefully and ask questions if anything is unclear.

I also like the attitude the crew brings here. You are encouraged to ask as many questions as you want, and that helps a lot when your brain is trying to “predict” the moment you feel most unsure about.

The Short Safety Briefing That Helps You Enjoy It

Expect a safety briefing that lasts about 15 minutes. This is the moment where the plan becomes real, because they set the rules for how you will move and what will happen next.

From the comments tied to the experience, the consistent theme is support. People specifically praised guides like Eddie, Tony, and Toby for being friendly and very helpful, which tells me the company is aiming for confidence, not just compliance.

How to use the briefing well:

  • Listen fully the first time.
  • Then ask one or two specific questions about the exit and landing if you need mental anchors.
  • Do not overthink the details, because the instruction is meant to keep you stable and safe with your tandem instructor.

Van Ride to Aeródromo de El Berriel, Plus That Pre-Jump Calm

Once you are done with check-in and gear, you take a van ride for around 15 minutes. On the way, you get scenic views, then you arrive at Aeródromo de El Berriel (GCLB).

This part can feel a little “waiting,” but it is also a buffer. You are transitioning from vacation mode into jump mode, and a short drive helps your body settle in.

It also sets expectations about timing. You might hear that delays can happen due to weather and air traffic conditions. That is not them being vague, it is just the reality of operating in the sky.

Your Aircraft Time: 20-25 Minutes of Panoramic Flying

Before the jump, you fly in an aircraft for a panoramic experience over Maspalomas. The flight time is about 20-25 minutes, and it is exactly the kind of viewing time you want right before you go.

This is when you get the “before” picture. You can look down at the area you are about to land in, and that helps your brain connect the different phases: aircraft, door, freefall, canopy, and ground.

Also, this is a nice pacing choice. If your dream is to do something intense but you still want it to feel structured, having a clear aircraft segment makes the whole timeline easier to handle.

Other ways onto the sand at Gran Canaria

The Jump Sequence: Freefall Up to 30 Seconds, Then Canopy Time

Now for the part you likely came for: the tandem jump from about 3,000 meters.

The exit and freefall

You will experience freefall for up to about 30 seconds. During that phase, speeds reach around +200 km/h. For many first-timers, the surprise is not only how fast it feels, but how quickly it changes to the canopy stage.

Your job is not to “pilot” anything. You are secured and guided. The training you got earlier about body position is there so you stay stable while your tandem instructor controls the jump plan.

Parachute flight over 5-8 minutes

After freefall, the parachute is deployed and you fly under canopy for about 5-8 minutes. This phase often feels like the breath-after-a-sprint part of the experience.

Instead of pure intensity, you can focus on the view and the sensations of floating. And since your landing is next to Maspalomas dunes near Playa del Inglés, that scenery is not random. It is the same theme carried all the way through the jump.

Landing next to the dunes

You land next to the dunes of Maspalomas, by Playa del Inglés. That final moment matters because it turns a wild, disorienting experience into something you can physically place on the island.

After the Landing: Certificate, Optional Photos, and That Same-Day Email

Gran Canaria : Skydiving over Maspalomas Dunes - After the Landing: Certificate, Optional Photos, and That Same-Day Email
Once you land, you return the provided jump gear to the crew. Then you receive your certificate.

If you purchased the video and photos package, you get it by email the same day of your jump. That detail is helpful if you are thinking about sharing the experience quickly, or if you just want a fast “proof” that you did something that feels almost unreal afterward.

If you did not purchase media, you are still walking away with a certificate. So you do not feel pressured to buy extra to have a takeaway.

Price and Value: Is $352 Worth It?

Gran Canaria : Skydiving over Maspalomas Dunes - Price and Value: Is $352 Worth It?
At $352 per person, this is not a casual activity. But skydiving is one of those things where you are paying for more than adrenaline. You are paying for training, equipment, aircraft time, jump execution, and safety operations.

Here is what you get included:

  • Equipment and instruction/training
  • Jump from 3,000 meters
  • Freefall around +200 km/h (up to about 30 seconds)
  • Parachute flight about 5-8 minutes
  • Activity time of about 90 minutes
  • Certificate after the jump

What is not included:

  • Video and photos packages
  • Any weight charge if you exceed the 90 kg threshold

So is it good value? For a first-time tandem skydive with this level of structure and time in the air, I think it is reasonable. You are not buying a “look at the horizon” experience. You are buying a full jump cycle, run by an operator that provides instruction in multiple languages and includes key gear and safety steps.

If you want the video and photos, check the add-on cost before you commit. That is the one area where the total price can shift.

The Weight Rules, Extra Fees, and Safety Boundaries

Read this section closely, because weight rules can be a deal breaker.

  • Maximum weight is 105 kg, subject to evaluation.
  • If your weight exceeds 90 kg, there is an additional charge of 50€.
  • If at check-in your actual weight is more than 3 kg above your declared weight, the operator reserves the right to refuse the jump. In that case, the booking is treated as a cancellation by you and you are asked to cancel the reservation through GetYourGuide.

This is one of the clearest examples of how safety and fairness are handled. You can help your own odds by being accurate with your declared weight ahead of time.

You should also know the activity is not suitable for:

  • Children under 9 years
  • Pregnant women
  • People under 30 kg
  • People diving up to 24 hours prior
  • People over 104 kg (230 lbs)

And a small comfort rule: bare feet are not allowed.

Languages, Timing, and How to Plan Your Day

Instruction is available in Spanish, German, and English. That matters a lot if you want to understand the briefing fully, because this experience relies on simple body-position cues and timing.

Duration is listed as about 1.5 hours, and it can feel like a half-day activity depending on how the schedule and weather line up. Also, delays can happen due to weather and air traffic conditions, so build in flexibility.

What to bring:

  • Passport or ID card
  • Comfortable shoes
  • Comfortable clothes

Who This Tandem Skydive Really Fits

This is a great fit if:

  • You want a first skydiving experience without prior training
  • You like structured safety briefings and clear guidance
  • You want a memorable Gran Canaria adventure focused on Maspalomas dunes
  • You are comfortable following instructions quickly and trusting your tandem instructor

It may feel like the wrong choice if you are:

  • In one of the listed “not suitable” categories
  • Worried about meeting weight rules accurately
  • Not comfortable with waiting if weather or air traffic pushes timing around

Also, if you are someone who likes to avoid extra costs, decide about the video and photo package before you arrive. The core experience is already complete with equipment, training, aircraft flight, and the jump cycle.

Should You Book This Gran Canaria Skydiving Over Maspalomas?

I would book it if Maspalomas is on your itinerary and you want one big, authentic adrenaline moment with real instruction attached. The format is built for first-timers, and the freefall plus canopy split gives you intensity, then recovery, then a view-heavy finish.

Do it if you value organization and support. The repeated praise for guides like Eddie, Tony, and Toby is a strong sign that the operator is running this with a friendly, coached approach.

Skip or postpone if you are close to any safety limits, especially weight requirements, or if you know you cannot handle schedule shifts. And if you plan to buy media, sanity-check the video and photos option so there are no surprises.

If you’re ready to challenge yourself and you want a story you will still love telling in a year, this is a very solid choice.

FAQ

How high is the skydiving jump?

The jump is from 3,000 meters high.

How long does the experience last?

The activity is about 1.5 hours total.

Do I need prior skydiving experience?

No. This is a tandem skydive with instruction, so previous skydiving knowledge is not required.

What parachute flight and freefall time should I expect?

You get freefall for up to about 30 seconds, followed by a parachute flight of about 5 to 8 minutes.

What weight limits and extra charges apply?

The maximum weight is 105 kg. If you exceed 90 kg, there is an additional 50€ charge. If your actual weight at check-in is more than 3 kg above your declared weight, the jump may be refused.

Is video and photos included?

Video and photos packages are not included. If you purchase them, they are sent to you by email the same day as your jump.