Tenerife: Acrobatic Paragliding Tandem Flight

The main attraction here is not simply floating above Tenerife. It is the final acrobatic show, when your pilot adds wingovers and deep spirals to a flight that begins calmly over the south coast. I like the clear safety setup, with a briefing, certified instructors, proper equipment, and insurance included. I also like the chance to ask for a brief turn at the controls.

The main consideration is motion sickness. The regular flight is often smooth, but the tricks create strong forces and can feel like an amusement-park ride. Tell your pilot before takeoff how much action you want, and remember that the flight itself lasts 10 to 20 minutes, not the full two-hour booking window.

Key points at a glance

• Acrobatics come at the end: Your pilot saves wingovers and deep spirals for the final part, when the glider is losing altitude.
• Big south-coast views: Look for Barranco del Infierno, Roque del Conde, Playa de las Américas, and the Atlantic below.
• A proper safety briefing: You receive a harness, helmet, equipment, and instructions before takeoff.
• Pickups cover the resort zone: Transport is available from Costa Adeje, Playa Paraíso, Callao Salvaje, Playa de las Américas, and Los Cristianos for the 10:00 a.m. flight only.
• Photos cost extra: The photo package is €35, while the photo and video package costs €45.
• Weather controls the schedule: Poor conditions mean a rescheduled flight when another time or day is possible.

What kind of paragliding experience is this?

This is a tandem flight with an acrobatic finish, not a quiet sightseeing ride from start to finish. You sit in a harness attached to the pilot, who controls the glider and talks you through the process. The early part is designed to let you settle into the air and enjoy the view.

Later, the pilot performs freestyle maneuvers. These include wingovers, where the glider banks from side to side, and deep spirals, which create a much sharper turn and more noticeable G force. The exact routine depends on the weather and the pilot’s judgment.

That distinction matters when you choose this activity. If you want nothing more than a peaceful glide, ask for a standard tandem flight instead. If you want a short burst of aerial action above Tenerife, this version gives you more than the usual scenic outing.

The operator describes the activity as suitable for beginners. You do not need previous flying experience, and the pilot manages the technical work. Your job is to listen carefully, follow the takeoff instructions, sit comfortably, and communicate clearly about the level of action you want.

Meeting at Playa de la Enramada

The stated meeting point is the Playa de la Enramada parking lot, in front of the Jardín Caleta Hotel. This is also the usual landing area, although the pilot can choose another landing point if the weather requires it.

That parking-lot detail is worth noting. One person found the meeting location less obvious because it was not clear from the booking voucher that the rendezvous was in a parking area. I would save the exact meeting details on your phone before you leave, and allow enough time to find the hotel and parking lot without rushing.

Pickup and drop-off are available in Costa Adeje, Playa de las Américas, Playa Paraíso, Callao Salvaje, and Los Cristianos. Los Cristianos pickup is limited to the 10:00 a.m. flight. Pickup times vary according to the day’s schedule, so check your confirmed time rather than assuming the same departure pattern every day.

The full activity takes about two hours. That includes meeting up, transport when arranged, safety preparation, waiting for suitable conditions, the flight, and landing. The airborne part is shorter, usually 10 to 20 minutes.

Getting ready for takeoff

Before you leave the ground, the instructor explains how to move during takeoff and what to expect in the harness. You receive a helmet and the necessary flying equipment, and jackets are available if the air feels cool.

Wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes. A windbreaker, sun hat, sunscreen, and water are useful, too. The instruction to wear secure shoes is especially practical because takeoff and landing involve your feet, not a seated launch from a platform.

You should not carry a phone or camera during the flight. That may disappoint anyone hoping to film the whole adventure, but it keeps your hands free and removes loose items from the harness area. The pilot handles the photography if you purchase one of the media packages.

The weight limit is 105 kilograms. This is a firm safety limit tied to the glider’s certification, so check it before booking. The activity is not suitable for children under six, pregnant women, people with mobility impairments, or unaccompanied minors.

The first minutes in the air

The takeoff is followed by a seated flight in the harness. Your pilot guides you through the early part and points out the views from above. You may see Barranco del Infierno, Roque del Conde, Playa de las Américas, and the coast around Costa Adeje.

This first portion is where you can enjoy the contrast between Tenerife’s dry southern slopes, resort towns, ravines, and open sea. The height gives you a broad view that is impossible to get from a beach promenade or road lookout.

Paragliding is generally described as calm and stable, without the enclosed feeling of a roller coaster or the vertical drop of a ride. Some days include gentle turns in rising air currents to extend the flight. These turns are not the same as the acrobatic routine, but they can still affect anyone prone to motion sickness.

If you know that boat rides, spinning rides, or amusement-park attractions upset your stomach, prepare accordingly. The practical advice is to use the same motion-sickness medicine you would take for a car journey, following your own doctor’s guidance. Tell the pilot if you feel unwell instead of trying to tough it out.

Asking to handle the glider

You can ask your instructor to let you take a turn piloting the glider. This is a short, supervised opportunity, not independent flying. The pilot remains responsible for the aircraft and can decide what is suitable for the conditions.

I like this option because it gives the experience a little more substance than simply sitting back. You feel how small control inputs affect the glider, then hand the controls back and return to enjoying the view.

If you prefer a completely hands-off ride, you can simply remain seated and let the pilot do the work. The activity is designed for beginners, so there is no pressure to control the glider.

The instructors speak Spanish, English, French, and Italian. The multilingual setup is useful during safety instructions, since understanding the takeoff procedure and the pilot’s directions matters more here than on a routine sightseeing excursion.

The acrobatic finish

The tricks normally come during the last part of the flight. The pilot performs wingovers and deep spirals before bringing the glider down. This timing is practical: the maneuvers lose altitude, so they are saved for the approach portion rather than used at the beginning.

The force can be strong. One useful comparison places the action somewhere between an amusement-park Viking ship and a short extreme roller-coaster ride. That gives you a better idea of the experience than calling it simply thrilling.

You can tell the pilot before takeoff if you want a stronger routine, a milder version, or no acrobatics. Communication is important because comfort levels vary widely. Someone who enjoys spinning rides may want more action, while someone who becomes sick easily may prefer to spend the flight looking at the coast.

The instructor is not performing tricks for their own sake. The maneuvers are carried out within the limits of the glider, the weather, and the passenger’s safety. If wind or other conditions are not right, the flight may be changed or rescheduled.

Landing at Playa de la Enramada

The usual landing is on Playa de la Enramada. You return to the ground safely after the pilot reduces altitude and guides the glider toward the beach.

The landing location can change with the weather. That is normal for an air activity, and it means you should not treat Playa de la Enramada as an absolute guarantee. If the pilot chooses another suitable location, follow the instructions and expect the day’s transport plan to adjust as needed.

Once you are back on the ground, the activity is not the place for a quick personal video recap during the flight. Your own phone must remain behind or securely stored. This is also when the optional media package becomes useful if you want a record of the experience.

Are the photo packages worth the cost?

Photos are not included in the $165 price. The pilot takes 70 to 100 images from different angles during the flight and also provides one special mountain photo with the equipment.

The photo package costs €35. The Media Premium Package costs €45 and includes all photos, three to five in-flight videos, short clips of your takeoff preparation, and the mountain photo.

At a difference of only €10, the premium package is the stronger value if you want video as well as still images. The basic package makes more sense if you mainly want proof of the flight and do not care about short clips.

The extra cost is also tied to the hands-free rule. Since you cannot safely use your own phone or camera in the air, buying the media package is the practical way to bring home visual memories. Still, €35 for photos is not a minor add-on, so decide before the flight rather than feeling pressured at the end.

Is $165 fair for two hours?

The $165 price covers the tandem flight, safety briefing, helmet, harness, equipment, liability insurance, accident insurance, and eligible pickup and drop-off. It does not include the photo or video packages.

You are paying for a short flight rather than two continuous hours in the air. The rest of the time covers preparation, transport, waiting, and landing. That is normal for a weather-dependent activity, but it is important when comparing this with other Tenerife excursions.

The value is strongest if you want both a scenic flight and a burst of acrobatics. A plain coastal flight might suit you better if you mainly want a quiet aerial view and do not care about wingovers or spirals.

The company’s communication has been praised for clear information before the activity, including email and WhatsApp contact. Punctuality, a straightforward meeting point, and professional instructions also matter here because a late or confusing start would take the shine off a short flight.

Safety, weather, and comfort

Overfly Tenerife provides a full briefing and uses certified, experienced instructors. The activity includes liability and accident insurance. You are informed throughout the flight, and the instructor remains in control.

Weather is the key variable. If conditions are unsuitable, the flight is rescheduled for another day or time when possible. This is not a promise that you can fly in every kind of wind or cloud, but it protects you from being pushed into a poor-weather flight.

A jacket can be requested for cooler conditions. You should still bring a windbreaker, since the air feels different once you are away from the beach. Sun protection remains important because there is little shade in the air.

The maximum weight is 105 kilograms, and the minimum age is six. Pregnant women and people with mobility impairments should not book this experience. Unaccompanied minors are not allowed.

Who will enjoy this most?

This is a good match for a first-time flyer who wants a clear introduction with an extra shot of adrenaline. You do not need to know how to paraglide, and you can ask questions throughout the activity.

It also suits couples or small groups with different comfort levels, provided everyone tells the pilot what they want. One person can enjoy the view and a mild flight while another asks for a more active finish, subject to the pilot’s judgment and the conditions.

I would be cautious if you are very prone to motion sickness. The standard portion may feel smooth, but wingovers and deep spirals are not gentle sightseeing turns. If you are unsure, discuss it with the instructor before takeoff.

This is also not ideal if you want a long, relaxed flight. The airtime is 10 to 20 minutes, and the acrobatics shorten the altitude quickly. The experience is brief but concentrated.

Should you book the Overfly Tenerife flight?

Book it if you want Tenerife views with a real adrenaline section, not just a quiet glide. The strongest reasons are the experienced instruction, the clear safety process, the chance to request a supervised turn at the controls, and the choice between a calmer flight and a more forceful finish.

Before booking, confirm your pickup time, note the Playa de la Enramada parking-lot meeting point, and check the 105-kilogram weight limit. Decide in advance if you want the €35 photo package or the €45 photo and video package.

My practical verdict: this is a good-value choice for a short, memorable aerial activity, especially if the words wingovers and deep spirals sound exciting rather than alarming. If they make your stomach turn just thinking about them, choose a gentler tandem flight instead.

FAQ

How long does the full activity take?

The experience lasts about two hours. The actual tandem flight lasts approximately 10 to 20 minutes, depending on weather conditions.

How much does the activity cost?

The price is $165 per person. Photos and videos are not included.

Where is the meeting point?

Meet at the Playa de la Enramada parking lot, in front of the Jardín Caleta Hotel.

Is pickup included?

Pickup and drop-off are included from Costa Adeje, Playa de las Américas, Playa Paraíso, Callao Salvaje, and Los Cristianos. Los Cristianos pickup is available only for the 10:00 a.m. flight, and pickup times vary.

What views can I see during the flight?

Your pilot can point out Barranco del Infierno, Roque del Conde, Playa de las Américas, and views of Tenerife’s south coast and the sea.

Do I need previous paragliding experience?

No. The activity is suitable for beginners, and a certified instructor guides you through the briefing, takeoff, flight, maneuvers, and landing.

What languages do the instructors speak?

Instructors speak Spanish, English, French, and Italian.

What should I wear and bring?

Bring comfortable clothing, closed-toe shoes, a windbreaker, sun hat, sunscreen, and water. Jackets are available on request.

Can I use my phone or camera during the flight?

No. Phones and cameras are not permitted during the flight. You can purchase photos or a photo and video package instead.

What happens if the weather is unsuitable?

The flight is rescheduled for another day or time when possible. Safety comes first, and the pilot may also choose a different landing location if conditions require it.