SILVER 1000m paragliding tandem flight above South Tenerife

The best part of this South Tenerife paragliding flight is the quiet change from mountain slope to open air. You run a few steps with your pilot, the hillside falls away, and suddenly you are floating above Costa Adeje, with the Atlantic below and the island spread out behind you. The flight usually lasts 30 to 40 minutes, though the weather decides how high and how long you stay up.

I like the hotel pickup in an air-conditioned Mercedes Vito, which saves you from finding the takeoff site on steep roads. I also like the calm, safety-first approach of pilots such as Simon, Lucas, Enrique, Martino, and Luke, who explain the beeping instruments, air currents, takeoff, and landing as you fly. The main drawback is that the flight depends on good weather, and photos and video cost extra.

Key points before you book

• Takeoff at roughly 330 meters: You launch from the southern Tenerife hills, not from a tall building or cliff.
• Thirty to 40 minutes in the air: Your pilot searches for rising warm air to extend the flight when conditions allow.
• Possible beach landing: The usual goal is La Caleta beach, though the landing point depends on wind and flight conditions.
• Pickup from the main resort area: Collection is offered between Los Cristianos and Callao Salvaje, with the activity ending back at the meeting point.
• Optional aerobatics: Some pilots may offer turns or simple tricks near the end, but only with your agreement.
• Maximum weight of 100 kilograms: You must also be able to take part without reduced mobility, and children must be over four.

From Costa Adeje to the mountain takeoff

The experience begins with pickup from your accommodation or another agreed point in the main South Tenerife resort area. That covers the stretch between Los Cristianos and Callao Salvaje, including Costa Adeje, where the stated meeting point is at Urbanizacion Poligono 9, 15.

The ride up is part of the practical appeal. You travel in an air-conditioned Mercedes Vito, rather than arranging your own taxi to an unfamiliar hillside. The drive also gives the team time to explain what will happen, what you need to do during takeoff, and how the flight and landing work.

This is a private activity for your group, not a large shared excursion. That matters if you are nervous, since the attention stays with your party and your assigned pilots. The vehicle may include several people from your booking, but the activity itself is described as private.

Once you reach the launch point, the crew fits your harness and helmet. A GoPro camera is also attached for the flight. Bring sports shoes and sunglasses. Shoes and sunglasses can be borrowed if needed, but proper footwear is the better choice for a short run on uneven ground.

The takeoff requires cooperation, not athletic skill

Takeoff is usually quick, but it is not a passive ride. Your pilot gives you clear instructions, then you take a few steps, walk faster, and keep moving as the glider catches the wind. The pilot manages the canopy and timing. Your job is to follow directions and keep going until you are airborne.

Warm conditions can make the launch more demanding. One flight took place when the takeoff point reached about 40 degrees Celsius, and the pilot waited for wind from the right direction rather than rushing the start. That is exactly the kind of patience I want from a paragliding operator. A delayed launch is far better than forcing a poor one.

You might feel a brief burst of nerves as your feet leave the ground. Then the harness takes your weight and the experience becomes calmer. The pilot helps you settle into a comfortable seated position, where you can look around rather than focus on the equipment.

If you are anxious about heights, tell the pilot before takeoff. The team is used to first-time flyers, and several pilots are praised for explaining each step and keeping the mood light. You do not need previous paragliding experience.

What the 30 to 40 minute flight feels like

From the air, southern Tenerife looks different from the resort streets below. You see the coast, the slopes, the built-up areas of Costa Adeje, and the Atlantic opening out beyond them. The views are the main reason to choose this activity over a more conventional sightseeing tour.

Your pilot flies the paraglider and keeps up a running explanation. You may learn why the instrument beeps, how warm and cool layers of air affect the glider, and how the pilot uses rising air to stay aloft. This turns the flight into more than a scenic ride. You get a basic sense of how the aircraft works while you watch the island pass below.

The advertised launch height is roughly 1,000 feet, or 330 meters. The height you reach during the flight can vary. If thermals are present, your pilot may use those rising columns of warm air to climb above the takeoff point and extend the flight. If the conditions are less favorable, the ride may be more of a smooth glide toward the landing area.

That weather dependence is worth understanding before you pay. A paragliding flight is not a fixed mechanical attraction with an exact route. Wind direction, temperature, and air movement shape the experience. A flight may be shorter or land somewhere other than La Caleta if safety requires it.

The pilots sometimes offer a few turns or aerobatic movements near the end. Enrique asked before adding acrobatics, and other flights included similar tricks. If you want a quiet scenic ride, say so. If you like a little motion, confirm that you are happy to try it.

Some participants may also get a short chance to handle the controls under instruction. This is not guaranteed, so do not book expecting a self-piloting lesson. The main experience remains a tandem flight, with the pilot in charge.

The approach to La Caleta and the beach landing

When conditions allow, the flight heads toward the soft sands of La Caleta beach. The final glide gives you time to look down at the coastline and listen to the Atlantic as you approach the landing area.

Landing is managed by your pilot, but you still have a simple role. You will be told how to position yourself and when to stand. Several flights are praised for smooth, upright landings, which is especially reassuring if this is your first time in the air.

The activity ends back at the meeting point, with transport included from the South Tenerife pickup area. The total experience takes about two hours, but the exact schedule can shift with weather, launch timing, and transport. Do not book a tight restaurant reservation immediately afterward.

How safe and personal is the operation?

Airsports Tenerife emphasizes instruction, equipment, and liability insurance. You receive a harness and helmet, and the pilot handles the canopy throughout the tandem flight. The pilots named in the supplied information include Simon, Lucas, Enrique, Martino, and Luke, though you should not assume a specific pilot unless the company confirms one.

The strongest point here is communication. The pilots explain what is happening before takeoff and continue talking during the flight. That helps you understand the sounds and movements instead of wondering if something is wrong.

The activity is suitable for most people, including children over four, but the maximum passenger weight is 100 kilograms. It is not suitable for people with reduced mobility. You should also be comfortable walking and taking a few quick steps at takeoff.

The company can cancel when the weather is poor. In that case, you are offered another date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations made inside that window are not accepted, so keep the weather policy in mind when arranging other holiday plans.

The GoPro question: useful, but not included

A GoPro is supplied during the flight, but the footage and photographs are not part of the base price. They are available to purchase afterward. One stated price is €30, while the experience price itself is listed as $156.19 per person.

This is the clearest value issue. The flight includes transport, equipment, insurance, and the flying itself, but you should not assume the camera package is included. If your budget is tight, decide in advance if you are happy to leave without the footage.

The company does not generally attach a visitor’s loose camera to its selfie stick because of the risk of dropping it over built-up areas. A personal camera may be allowed if it is chest-mounted or attached to a selfie stick with a proper backup safety cable, but the operator must approve the setup.

For the supplied footage, the company says its pilots use GoPro 8, 10, or 11 cameras. The quality should therefore be reasonable, though one participant felt the footage was not worth the extra charge. My advice is simple: treat the video as an optional souvenir, not part of the flight’s core value.

Is $156.19 a fair price?

At $156.19 per person, this is not a budget activity. The price makes more sense if you value the full package: resort-area pickup, transport up the mountain, all flying equipment, insurance, a private group arrangement, and a long tandem flight of up to 30 to 40 minutes.

It is also a good fit if you do not want to arrange separate transport to a launch point. The Mercedes Vito pickup removes one of the more awkward parts of the day.

The total value drops if you expected photos and video to be included. Add the optional media cost before booking, especially if you are buying the experience as a birthday present or for a family group. Children over four can take part, which may make the price worthwhile for a family looking for one shared highlight, but the weight and mobility rules still apply.

The high satisfaction rate and 5 out of 5 score from 42 ratings suggest a reliable experience, but I would not use that alone to make the decision. The real question is whether you want a scenic flight, a little adrenaline, and a weather-dependent schedule. If yes, the package is reasonably complete. If you only want a quick thrill at the lowest price, compare alternatives carefully.

Who should book this flight?

I would recommend it to first-time flyers who want a guided introduction rather than a technical course. The pilots explain the process, handle the glider, and let you settle into the air at your own pace.

It suits couples, families with older children, and small private groups. It also makes a memorable birthday present, especially if you choose to buy the camera package afterward.

You should think twice if you dislike heights, cannot walk or run a few steps at takeoff, exceed 100 kilograms, or need a fully accessible activity. You should also leave room in your schedule because the flight may be moved or delayed if the weather is unsuitable.

Bring sports shoes, sunglasses, and a willingness to follow instructions. Wear clothing that allows comfortable movement, though no special technical gear is listed as necessary.

Should you book Airsports Tenerife?

Book this flight if you want to see southern Tenerife from above and like the idea of a real, wind-powered flight rather than a fixed amusement ride. The best features are the 30 to 40 minutes in the air, the patient takeoff procedures, the informative pilot commentary, and the chance of reaching La Caleta beach.

I especially like the included pickup and the personal attention from pilots such as Simon, Lucas, Enrique, Martino, and Luke. Just budget separately for photos and video, and accept that the weather controls the route and timing.

For a first tandem flight, this is a strong choice. For anyone seeking a guaranteed schedule or an all-inclusive media package, check the details carefully before paying.

FAQ

How long does the paragliding experience last?

The full activity takes approximately two hours, including pickup, transport, preparation, flight, landing, and return to the meeting point. The flight itself usually lasts 30 to 40 minutes.

How high is the takeoff point?

The flight begins from roughly 1,000 feet, or 330 meters. Your pilot may climb higher if suitable thermal updrafts are available.

Where does the flight land?

When conditions allow, the flight glides toward the soft sands of La Caleta beach. The landing location can depend on the weather and wind.

Is pickup included?

Yes. Pickup is offered within the main South Tenerife resort area between Los Cristianos and Callao Salvaje. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

Are photos and GoPro video included?

No. A GoPro is used during the flight, but the photographs and video footage are available to purchase separately.

What should I bring?

Bring sports shoes and sunglasses. The company can lend these items if necessary, but your own suitable footwear is preferable.

Can children take part?

Children over four can take part, provided they meet the other participation requirements. The maximum passenger weight is 100 kilograms, and the activity is not suitable for people with reduced mobility.