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- The freefall: Drop for up to 60 seconds at over 200 km/h from 15,000 ft.
- The view: Look out over the Whitsunday Islands and reef-fringed waters, then glide for 5 to 7 minutes under canopy.
- The ease: Tandem jumps need no experience. Your instructor handles the exit, parachute, steering, and landing.
- The finish: Weather and wind permitting, some jumps end with a beach landing.
- The season: Jump between June and September and you may spot migrating humpback whales below.
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Skydiving in Airlie Beach at a glance
Skydiving in Airlie Beach is done as a tandem jump with a licensed instructor. Here's a quick overview:
- Jump altitude: Up to 15,000 ft (~60 seconds of freefall) or up to 8,000 ft (10 to 20 seconds).
- Experience type: Tandem skydive (no experience needed).
- Views: Whitsunday Islands, Coral Sea, and the mainland coast.
- Drop zones: One dedicated drop zone at Whitsunday Airport in Flametree.
- Photo & video: Available as add-ons.
- Solo / AFF training: Not offered on these tickets.
- Indoor skydiving: Not available in Airlie Beach.
Find your best skydiving experience in Airlie Beach
Why skydiving in Airlie Beach is worth it
What to expect on the day
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Check-in & briefing
Check in at the Whitsunday Airport terminal in Flametree with your booking confirmation. You'll be weighed, complete a digital waiver, and meet your instructor. They walk you through the jump sequence and simple body positions, so you know each step before you board. Arrive at your check-in time, as late arrivals can lose their slot.
Gear up
Put on a jumpsuit, harness, and goggles. Your instructor adjusts the fit and double-checks every strap before you leave the terminal. Store phones, watches, and jewelry in the lockers, as personal cameras and phones can't go on the aircraft. Wear your own closed lace-up shoes.
Flight ascent
Board a turbine aircraft and climb for around 15 to 20 minutes. Take in the coastline and islands as you rise, and use the time to settle in. You reach up to 15,000 ft on the longer jump, or up to 8,000 ft on the shorter one.
The jump & freefall
Exit the aircraft together, securely attached to your instructor. Freefall lasts up to 60 seconds from 15,000 ft (10 to 20 seconds from 8,000 ft), reaching over 200 km/h. Your instructor controls your body position and stability throughout, so you only need to arch and enjoy it.
Parachute glide
The parachute opens around 5,000 ft, and the rush of freefall turns quiet. Enjoy a calm 5 to 7 minute glide over Shute Harbour, Funnel Bay, and the islands. Your instructor steers, and may offer gentle turns if conditions allow. In June to September, look down for humpback whales.
Landing
Your instructor guides the approach and tells you when to lift your legs, so you slide in smoothly and stay upright or seated. Most jumps land on the airfield grass at Whitsunday Airport. Beach landings are possible when wind and tide allow, and the safety officer decides each morning.
Photos & videos
Handicam photos, or photos and video, are available as add-ons, and your instructor records them on a wrist-mounted camera. Footage is usually delivered digitally or on a USB drive soon after landing. Personal GoPros aren't allowed for safety, so book a package if you want footage.
Know before your Airlie Beach tandem skydive
- Tandem instructors hold Australian Parachute Federation (APF) ratings and stay attached to you for the whole jump.
- Flights operate on turbine aircraft under Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) rules.
- Parachute systems include an Automatic Activation Device (AAD) designed to deploy the reserve if needed.
- Your instructor manages the exit, freefall, parachute deployment, steering, and landing.
- Staff check your gear and give a safety briefing before every jump.
- Staff monitor the weather constantly and pause flights when conditions aren't safe.
- The drop zone is at Whitsunday Airport, 12 Air Whitsunday Road, Flametree, about 8 to 10 minutes' drive from Airlie Beach Main Street.
- Parking is free at the terminal, about 50 m from the entrance.
- A Whitsunday Transit bus stop is a short walk from the terminal.
- Hotel transfers from Airlie Beach accommodation are usually available. Confirm your pickup time 24 hours ahead, and expect pickup 30 to 40 minutes before check-in.
- Lockers, restrooms, and The Hangar Café & Bar are on site, and friends and family can watch the landings from the café.
- Arrive on time, as late arrivals can lose their slot.
- Operating hours shift with the season, so check your ticket for your check-in time.
- Early morning jumps usually offer calmer air, clearer skies, and fewer weather holds.
- June to September is typically the driest period, and humpback whales may be visible below.
- Plan 3 to 4 hours in total, from check-in to departure.
- Waiting 45 to 90 minutes between check-in and boarding is normal, and it can run longer in school holidays.
- Allow extra time for weather holds, and avoid tight plans straight after your jump.
- Wear fitted activewear or comfortable casual clothes, and avoid loose fabric that flaps in freefall.
- Flat, closed lace-up sneakers are compulsory. Sandals, thongs, slip-ons, boots, and heels aren't allowed.
- Remove loose jewelry and watches, and tie back long hair.
- Glasses can stay on, as the goggles provided fit over them.
- Phones and cameras stay in the lockers, as they can't go on the aircraft.
- The minimum age is 16. Guests aged 16 and 17 need written guardian consent.
- Weight is checked at check-in. Surcharges apply from 94 kg and are paid on site.
- The maximum is around 115 kg, subject to safety officer assessment.
- You need enough flexibility to lift your legs for landing.
- Skydiving isn't allowed during pregnancy, and isn't recommended for heart, spine, or neurological conditions.
- Guests with mobility impairments or prosthetics should contact the operator before booking.
- Wait at least 24 hours after scuba diving before you jump.
- Jumps depend on wind speed, cloud ceiling, and visibility.
- Tropical rain bands and low cloud can pause flights, and delays are normal.
- If weather stops your jump, it's usually rescheduled or refunded under your ticket's terms.
- Book early in your trip so you have spare days if a jump moves.
- The landing area, airfield or beach, is chosen each morning based on wind and tide.
- Keep your schedule flexible on the day.
Helpful tips before your skydive
- Skydive before you scuba dive. Wait at least 24 hours after a dive before you jump.
- Skip alcohol and eat lightly. Have a light meal about an hour before, not a heavy one or an empty stomach.
- Tell the team about injuries or conditions. Mention surgeries, injuries, or medical concerns at check-in.
- Book early in your trip. Weather holds happen, and a spare day makes rescheduling easy.
- Choose a morning slot. Mornings generally bring calmer conditions and shorter waits.
- Check age and weight limits first. Weight is checked on site and surcharges apply from 94 kg.
- Book photos and video in advance. Personal cameras and phones aren't allowed on the aircraft.
- Plan several hours on site. Waiting between check-in and boarding is normal, often 45 to 90 minutes.
- Arrive on time. Late arrivals can lose their slot.
Frequently asked questions about skydiving in Airlie Beach
Skydiving here takes place at Whitsunday Airport in Flametree, about 8 to 10 minutes from Airlie Beach Main Street. Expect views of the Whitsunday Islands, Coral Sea, and mainland coast during the freefall and glide.
The 15,000 ft tandem skydive is the most popular pick for first-timers, with up to 60 seconds of freefall. The 8,000 ft jump is shorter, at 10 to 20 seconds. Add a photo or video package if you want souvenirs.
Morning slots usually have lighter winds and clearer skies. June to September is typically the driest period, and humpback whales pass through then. Weather can still shift, so keep your schedule flexible.
The drop zone is 8 to 10 minutes' drive from Main Street, with free parking on site. You can also take a Whitsunday Transit bus or use a hotel transfer where available. Confirm pickup times 24 hours ahead.
Skydive operations here run from a single dedicated drop zone at Whitsunday Airport in Flametree. Your choice is between the 15,000 ft and 8,000 ft jumps, plus optional photo and video add-ons. Both jumps launch from the same airfield.
Tropical rain bands, low cloud, and gusty winds can pause flights. Book a morning slot when conditions are usually calmest. Schedule your jump early in your trip and allow flexibility for delays.
Yes, if you want to keep the memory. You can't film with your own camera, so an add-on is the only way to capture the islands and the jump itself. Book in advance for the best availability, and choose photos and video if you're celebrating a milestone.
Tickets include your tandem jump, harness and gear, safety briefing, and instructor guidance throughout. Photo and video packages are optional add-ons. Check your ticket for details on transfers and other inclusions.
Allow 3 to 4 hours from check-in to departure. That covers weigh-in, briefing, gear-up, a 15 to 20 minute flight, the jump, and landing. Peak school holidays and weather holds can add waiting time.
Policies depend on your ticket, so check the cancellation terms before booking. If weather stops your jump, rescheduling or a refund is usually available. Contact your booking channel as soon as plans change.
No. Tandem skydiving needs no experience or fitness training. Your instructor manages the exit, freefall, parachute deployment, flight path, and landing. You only need to follow the pre-jump briefing, lift your legs for landing, and enjoy the ride.
Freefall feels like strong, fast airflow rather than dropping. It lasts up to 60 seconds from 15,000 ft. The parachute then opens, the noise fades, and you glide quietly for 5 to 7 minutes over the coast.
Your instructor controls steering and landing. If conditions allow, they may offer gentle turns during the 5 to 7 minute glide. They'll tell you when, and how, so just follow their guidance and enjoy the view.
Tandem instructors hold Australian Parachute Federation ratings. Parachute systems include an Automatic Activation Device (AAD) designed to deploy if needed. Staff monitor weather constantly and pause flights when conditions aren't safe.
The minimum age is 16, and guests under 18 need guardian consent. Weight surcharges apply from 94 kg and are paid on site. The maximum is around 115 kg, subject to safety officer assessment.
Skydiving isn't allowed during pregnancy and isn't recommended for guests with heart, spine, or neurological conditions. Guests with mobility impairments should contact the operator before booking. Speak to a doctor if you're unsure.
Wear fitted activewear and flat, closed lace-up sneakers. Sandals, thongs, boots, and heels aren't allowed. Remove loose jewelry and tie back long hair. Goggles are provided, and they fit over glasses.
No. Personal cameras, phones, and GoPros aren't allowed on the aircraft or during freefall under aviation safety rules. The operator's Handicam photo and video packages are the way to get footage.
Flights pause for rain, low cloud, or strong winds. Your jump is usually rescheduled to another slot or refunded under your ticket's terms. Keep your schedule flexible on the day.
No. The flight path covers the Whitsunday Islands, mainland bays, and coastal waters, but not Whitehaven Beach or Heart Reef directly. For Heart Reef views, pair your jump with a scenic flight from the same airport.
Sometimes. Beach landings depend on wind and tide, and the safety officer chooses the landing area each morning. Most jumps land on the airfield grass, so treat a beach landing as a bonus.
Not on the same day. Wait at least 24 hours after your last scuba dive before you jump, because of decompression sickness risk. Plan your skydive first, then book your reef dive afterwards.
