Sky Diving.

A tandem skydive is where you are securely attached to a qualified and experienced tandem skydiving instructor throughout the entire jump. Your instructor takes care of the technical aspects, including the aircraft exit, parachute deployment and landing, allowing you to enjoy the incredible experience without needing any previous skydiving experience.

No experience or training is required. Before your tandem skydive, your instructor will provide a safety briefing and explain the correct body position for exiting the aircraft, freefall and landing. Once you're securely harnessed to your instructor, you can concentrate on enjoying the adventure.

Tandem skydiving experiences around Cairns are available from heights of up to 14,000 and 15,000 feet, depending on the experience you book. The higher the jump altitude, the longer your freefall experience before your instructor deploys the parachute.

A tandem skydive from 14,000–15,000 feet can provide approximately 60 seconds of exhilarating freefall. You'll experience speeds of up to around 200 kilometres per hour before your tandem instructor deploys the parachute and you begin your scenic descent.

Once your instructor deploys the parachute, you'll slow down considerably and enjoy a much more relaxed descent. The parachute ride generally lasts around 5–7 minutes, giving you time to take in the spectacular views of the coastline, tropical islands, rainforest and Coral Sea. Your instructor controls the parachute and prepares for landing.

There are several tandem skydiving options in the Cairns region. Popular experiences include jumps near Innisfail, approximately one hour south of Cairns, and tandem skydives at Mission Beach. Each location offers a different experience, from spectacular coastal scenery to the excitement of landing on a tropical beach.

Yes! Selected tandem skydiving experiences offer the option of landing directly on a tropical Queensland beach. Mission Beach skydives include a beach landing, while some Innisfail-area jumps offer an optional beach landing at Kurrimine Beach. Beach landing availability and additional charges depend on the experience you select.

The minimum age for the tandem skydiving experiences listed on Visit Cairns is generally 16 years. Participants under 18 must have the required written permission from a parent or legal guardian. Age requirements can vary between operators, so check the conditions of your selected skydive before booking.

Yes. Weight restrictions apply to tandem skydiving because of aircraft limitations, harness sizing and safety requirements. Some Cairns operators have a maximum permitted weight of 115kg, with additional surcharges applying to participants weighing approximately 95kg or more. All participants are weighed at check-in, and the final decision rests with the operator's safety team.

Certain medical conditions, previous injuries, recent surgeries and mobility limitations may affect your ability to participate in a tandem skydive. You should advise the operator of any relevant medical conditions before booking. If you are unsure whether you are fit to skydive, seek medical advice and discuss your circumstances with the operator before confirming your reservation.

Wear comfortable clothing suitable for the tropical weather and secure, enclosed footwear such as sneakers or running shoes. Avoid sandals, thongs, loose accessories and anything that could become dislodged during freefall. Your operator will supply the necessary tandem skydiving equipment, including the harness and goggles.

Yes, you can generally wear glasses or contact lenses during a tandem skydive. Skydiving goggles are provided and can usually be worn over prescription glasses. Let your instructor know before the jump if you wear glasses or contact lenses so they can ensure your goggles fit comfortably and securely.

Yes! Photo and video packages are available with many Cairns tandem skydiving experiences. Your jump can be captured using a camera worn by your tandem instructor or a dedicated camera operator, depending on the package offered. It's a fantastic way to capture your aircraft exit, freefall, parachute descent and landing so you can relive the experience afterwards.

Tandem skydiving is weather-dependent, and your jump may be delayed or rescheduled if wind, rain, cloud cover or visibility makes conditions unsuitable. Your operator will monitor the weather and make the final decision based on safety requirements. If your jump is cancelled by the operator due to unsuitable weather, they will explain the available rescheduling or refund arrangements.

Yes, you can enjoy both experiences during your Cairns holiday, but you must plan the timing carefully. Due to medical and altitude-related restrictions, tandem skydiving operators generally require at least 24 hours between scuba diving and your scheduled skydive. If you're planning a Great Barrier Reef diving trip as well, it's best to schedule your skydive first or leave the required interval after your last scuba dive.