Free-falling from the sky sure doesn’t sound like a regular idea for a fun time, but sometimes you get moments of “What the hell, let’s just do it!” and you find yourself booking a trip to do just that.

If you’re curious about this adrenaline-charged activity of a lifetime, welcome to my space! 👋 Here, you’ll find more details about Skydive Dubai, including costs, preparation, and everything that happened. I’ll try to take you through the steps so you really get a sense of the WHOLE experience!

Feel the adrenaline rush while skydiving in Dubai

How does free-falling until you reach a certain altitude, gliding in the air, and landing safely on the ground sound to you? Cool, no?

Well, that’s exactly what you can expect from skydiving, and it’s honestly one of the most enjoyable activities I’ve EVER tried in this lifetime.

Since I’m not one to practice this extreme sport regularly, I availed of Skydive Dubai’s tandem skydiving package. This is the best option for most first-timers because no previous experience is required 😉 There will just be an expert instructor who will do all the work for you. It saves anyone the trouble of hesitating from the nerve-wracking jump and opening of the parachute. Because hey, what if you faint?

Booking the Tandem Skydive package (with costs)

I won’t dwell too much on the decision-making process of jumping out of a plane. If you’re here researching, I take it that you’re already halfway there.

Skydive Dubai lets you choose between the Palm Jumeirah Dropzone and the Desert Campus Dropzone. Plus, you can reserve your adventure 1 to 3 months in advance! I had to book mine a day before because there was heavy rain and flooding when I came to visit, and I wasn’t sure I’d even be able to do it until the last minute!

Anyway, if you have a thrill-seeking friend, you can purchase tandem gift certificates online – available for both dropzones.

Okay, let’s get to the specific deets…

Palm Dropzone

I have no other words other than “WOW!” because seeing the stunning archipelago of artificial islands will always be memorable. The views from above are not limited to the coastline scenes, either. You’ll find the iconic skylines nothing less than fantastic!

Package Rates:

• Tandem skydive + medical insurance only (no photos or video included): AED 2,449
• Tandem skydive + medical insurance, standard video and photos: AED 2,749
• Tandem skydive gift voucher with medical insurance, standard video & photos: AED 2,749
• Additional one-minute Instagram highlight reel: AED 150
• Selfie-view & add-on: AED 250

Desert Campus Dropzone

The next dropzone will take you above the desert landscape. While this one is devoid of skyscrapers, you will still surely appreciate the raw space and sun-lit sands, and focus on the pure sensation of flight.

Package Rates:

• Tandem skydive with medical insurance only (no photos or video included): AED 1,899
• Tandem skydive with medical insurance, standard video & photos: AED 2,199
• Tandem gift voucher with medical insurance, standard video & photos: AED 2,199
• Additional one-minute Instagram highlight reel: AED 150
• Selfie-view add-on: AED 250

A dedicated camera flyer will jump out of the plane before you to capture every breathtaking moment of your activity! The high-res files will also be delivered to your inbox within 48 hours. In my case, it only took a day. Super fast!!

Note: The add-ons are only available when you purchase a tandem skydive with the standard video and photos.

Accepted Payment Methods:

• Debit cards
• Visa, MasterCard and American Express credit cards
• UnionPay cards
• Cash (UAE dirhams only)
• Alipay
• WeChat
• UPI (Unified Payments Interface)

ALSO READ: I Traveled to Dubai After a Natural Disaster (Here’s What Happened)

Cost Breakdown

I availed the Palm Jumeirah Dropzone with the regular standard video and photos, and skipped the Instagram highlight reel add-on. Simple editing wasn’t an issue, and I get to save on the additional cost! I also thought the selfie add-on wasn’t necessary, and it turned out to be the right decision. That’s because I ended up getting so many meme-worthy shots of the experience, and I caaaaaan’t imagine what it would be like if a camera were right up my face!! HAHA. Ultimate blooper reel for sure.

All in all, I spent roughly AED 2,654 (PHP 42,815.42), including food and transport.

Skydive Dubai Palm Dropzone: AED 2,599 (the package was AED 150 cheaper back in Apr 2024 vs. today’s rate)
Careem to and from hotel: AED 55
Careem and Dinner (JBR Beach): FREE thanks to my jumpmate who treated me!

Even with those savings, the activity itself wasn’t cheap, so it definitely took time to prepare financially. If you ask me now, I’d still say it was worth every dirham. Expect to spend at least AED 2,850 overall if you plan on availing the same package now. You can also save more by clicking this deal.

What to expect

Arrival and Registration

Remember that the time indicated in your booking confirmation email is ONLY your arrival time; it might take minutes or even hours before you’re asked to board the plane. Still, I arrived early to chill and peoplewatch before my scheduled jump.

First things first — find a counter to seal your fate (kidding – to register!)

The staff are friendly and reassuring, which helps calm those pre-jump jitters. They will check whether you’ve filled out the waiver online because you can’t proceed without it. It covers the agreement not to sue the company in case things don’t work out for you — whether it’s having items stolen from your locker or the more grave injuries from skydiving. We don’t want any of that.

Once cleared, you will need to get both your weight and BMI measured as part of the requirements for a tandem skydive. The physical requirements (determined using BMI) are as follows:

Female
Weight: 90kg or less & BMI: 27.5 or below

Male
Weight: 100kg or less & BMI: 30.0 or below

If you pass the requirements with flying colors, then you’ll be sent to the waiting area. I was given a pager right after that, and I quickly went upstairs. It was my first time coming to this kind of facility so I didn’t have any expectations, but happy to share that it was really nice and well-maintained!

You’ll also find a little cafe in case you need a shot of courage. (Or not? You don’t want to upset your tummy!)

As for me, I found it more entertaining to stay on the outdoor terrace because that’s where you can spectate the skydivers jumping before you.

You have the full view of those in the bus heading for the runway, skilled instructors descending on the landing area panorama, as well as fellow daredevils who recently completed the experience and were all giddy about it. Later, it’ll be my turn 🤪

Boarding time!

I almost leaped in excitement as soon as the pager beeped. That was the signal for me to go downstairs and meet my tandem instructor! I had to contain my feelings, though, because you will be asked to leave your stuff in the locker area first.

Then came the briefing where we learned about the proper stance for exiting the plane and during the freefall, plus other safety measures. As with any adventure sport, you can’t totally eliminate the element of risk. But rest assured that Skydive Dubai isn’t taking anyone’s safety lightly. They use a state-of-the-art gear with an automatic activation device (AAD). This device is responsible for deploying the parachute automatically in the unlikely event that your instructor is unable to do so. The aircraft are meticulously maintained as well. As for their pool of skilled instructors, they are not just exhibitionists! They underwent extensive selection, training, and certifications. The instructor paired with me was formerly active in the military and was also used to jumping out of planes. So this activity is basically a piece of cake for him.

Note: Females who aren’t too comfortable getting paired with a guy may request a female instructor. But be prepared for a longer waiting time, as it might depend on staffing and availability on the day.

Anyway, back to the briefing story. It was quicker than expected, and I was being fitted into a tandem harness in no time! After that, you’ll be called to do a pre-skydive interview. You need to state your name, where you’re from, and how you’re feeling. There’ll be a follow-up after the jump, and the difference between the two is always entertaining to watch later (especially if you were super nervous to begin with).

I still had to wait a bit more after the interview, but there’s a TV that displays all the groups in the queue, so it’s easier to track your jump time. Once we saw our names, we walked straight to the bus that would take us to the runway.

Back then, I really couldn’t remember feeling anything but excitement! The sun was shining and the weather was perfect again. I also enjoyed the company of the group I’m with — some tech guys, a brave mom being fully cheered on by her kids, and fellow tourists who are looking for something new to try.

I boarded the aircraft (I was the first one to do so) after the pre-boarding safety check, and my instructor and videographer trailed behind.

Pro tip: if you’re nervous, board early — the ones who go in last will be the first to jump out of the plane! 😅

I muttered a short prayer for everyone with me before being fully consumed by excitement for what’s to come. For now, we’re on the runway, but we’ll land back at the same location, and bucket lists will be checked! 🫶

The aircraft was kind of a tight space, and I remember clearly seeing the faces of the people next to me. So many different emotions, but there’s definitely the anticipation. In between encouraging smiles and good lucks, I also squeezed myself really closely to my seatmate because I kept sliding from my seat. (mental note: I blame the leggings. Lol!)

Can I just say… the plane ride was also unforgettable ‘cos you already get a lovely view of Dubai!

All about the jump

As we were about to reach the correct altitude for jumping out of the plane, I was asked to sit on my instructor’s lap. This was the protocol so he could secure all the connection points between my harness and his. My life would be in his hands for a few minutes after all. Gotta make sure everything’s good! He then gave me goggles and a quick refresher on the whole procedure.

Once the lights turn green, there’s no time to second-guess. The door opens, you slide to the edge of the plane, the wind roars, and before you even process it… you’re OUT. What I thought was just adrenaline turned out to be pure wind in my face. And yes, everything happened sooo so fast, and there was no “Are you sure?” prior to my Call of Duty moment.

The feeling was just so craaaaaazy! I mean… it was almost two years ago, but I still remember it vividly. My mind froze for a split second as if caught between disbelief and awe, and it definitely took its time processing that I was falling through the sky. I wasn’t scared then, but to be honest, you’d be more preoccupied about HOW to breathe through the powerful wind.

The freefall lasts about 60 seconds, and it will feel longer than that. You’re just going down and down the exhilarating abyss — the world becoming both fast and impossibly still. Halfway through, my jump leader instructor deployed the parachute, and there was a sharp, strong tug that yanked us back up.

It was the most surprising and scariest part of the whole experience. Heck, it was the single, most stressful thing I’ve ever felt. The videographer also hurriedly deployed his parachute, and the next thing you know, he’s set to land.

Once the rush of freefall faded, I found myself hovering above a view so surreal it almost didn’t feel real. The whole city pulsed with life below, and it was so beautiful I couldn’t stop smiling.  

The instructor also gave me control of the parachute and told me I could glide it however I wanted to. But nobody told me that steering the parachute feels like being on a rollercoaster you’re controlling yourself. That should have been part of the safety briefing!! Haha. It made me dizzier than the freefall! I still ended up doing it a couple of times before settling for a chill glide. At one point, we spotted a cruise ship, and I joked about steering toward it (I really did lol). However, my instructor laughed shortly after, then took back the reins for a safe descent.

Post-jump energy

Landing was smoother than expected, but just remember to keep your legs up when instructed. The videographer was there waiting for me to see my post-jump reaction and to hear a few comments about the experience. I kept smiling the whole time.

My thoughts in a nutshell: I hope everyone gets to experience this. I’m pretty sure I came back to the Philippines having enough happy hormones to last me a week.

Real talk: was it worth the hype?

To be honest, I didn’t even think about skydiving until my good friend posted and told me about it. She kept gushing about how awesome it felt, so I was literally inspired and influenced to do the same. In her words, “it made me feel so alive,” and my curiosity just went through the roof.  

When it was finally my turn, the reality of it hit differently. Even now, I don’t think I’m giving that experience enough justice through this story. It was just sensory overload. It’s you getting caught somewhere between panic and awe.

I also keep saying this for a lot of situations but — there’s just something about being high above the ground that puts everything in perspective. From that height, the world feels grand and endless. Skydiving allows you to see the world differently, and you quite literally come back to earth feeling changed. It was only then that I understood what my friend meant. The experience was like food for the soul. ☺️

Would I recommend it?

My answer is 99% YES…. and I’ll leave the 1% to your free will!

I also like to believe that this kind of experience isn’t reserved for the adrenaline junkies. As cheesy as it sounds, anyone can fly (with a pro instructor, of course). You don’t have to worry about the technical stuff; your only job is to enjoy the moment. When I did it, I took comfort from the fact that the person I was attached to has successfully jumped over a thousand times.

So yes, skydiving is probably for anyone who wants to push themselves to the limit and see where courage will take them. You’ll find support here, from the facility staff to the crazy bunch you’ll be grouped into.

Tell you what — there was a mom in our group who cried before jumping. She even thought about staying behind. But when I saw her again later, she had the proudest smile on her face, and her previous hesitations were already replaced with “I want to do it again!” I guess that says a lot about how this activity makes you feel! It’s so… transformative.

If you are coming to Dubai for this, I suggest booking it for the first half of the trip. This gives you flexibility to reschedule, should you need to, in case of bad weather.

ALSO READ: Female Traveler in Dubai: What I Packed, Prepped, and Learned From My First Solo Overseas Trip

Tips for first-time jumpers

1. Dress comfortably and appropriately for your skydive. It’s already a given to go for athleisure wear. Women should also refrain from wearing sleeveless tops, collared shirts, crop or low-cut tops, as well as any boots or heeled shoes.
2. Apart from your wallet, your passport is the only thing that you shouldn’t forget before coming to the facility. It’s mandatory to bring a valid government ID (National ID, passport, driver’s license, etc.) to present at the registration counter, and you won’t be allowed to skydive without it.
3. Don’t starve yourself. You don’t want to get nauseous, but you also don’t want to have an empty stomach while skydiving, or else you might be too light-headed! Eat normally and hydrate a few hours before your jump. You can take oatmeal, yogurt, eggs and toast, or even a smoothie!
4. If you’re taking a leap of faith, then it’s valid to wish for emotional support. You can definitely take your friends or family with you here! The facility has a waiting area, and they can enjoy their time at the cafe or the outdoor viewing deck.
5. Pay close attention to your instructor and the safety video seriously. While your tandem instructor does most of the work, your cooperation is still needed to ensure not just a fun time, but also a safe one!
6. Exiting the plane definitely took me by surprise. Not to mention, the freefall and the scenic view will literally take your breath away. Please don’t make the same mistake I did. Haha. Try to breathe properly! It also helps to smile normally and to look ahead so your mouth doesn’t flap around that much. Thank me later.

ALSO READ: What They Don’t Tell You: Skydiving Is Derpy GoPro Faces at 125 mph

Skydiving in Dubai wasn’t just about falling

It was also about learning to let go and enjoying the moment.

If you made it to the end of this article, this is me giving you a sign to go for it! Fear fades faster than you think — and once you make it out of the plane, it’s pure fun.