Skydiving at the Grand Canyon from 16,000 feet

Skydiving at the Grand Canyon – Freefall from 16,000 feet

This skydive at the Grand Canyon – South Rim allows you to experience freefall from 16,000 feet, one of the highest altitudes offered for a tandem skydive in the United States. The experience begins at the USPA-affiliated drop zone, where you are welcomed by a certified tandem instructor. Before boarding, a pre-flight briefing explains body position, aircraft exit, and the instructions to follow during freefall and landing. This preparation makes it possible to approach the jump in a structured setting, with no prior experience required.

Airplane climb and freefall above the South Rim

The airplane climb lasts about 15 to 20 minutes, the time needed to reach exit altitude. During the ascent, you can observe the desert plateaus of Arizona and the outline of the Grand Canyon South Rim, easily recognizable from the air. Once at altitude, the door opens and the jump begins. Freefall lasts between 40 and 50 seconds at high speed before the parachute opens. The tandem instructor ensures stability and fully manages the jump, your only role being to enjoy the experience and the view.

Canopy control and descent above the Grand Canyon

This option includes an extreme package that allows the participant to briefly take the parachute controls under the instructor’s supervision. You learn how to steer the canopy and feel how the parachute reacts during the descent. Depending on weather conditions, the instructor may take back control to ensure an appropriate flight path to the landing area or to perform a faster descent if you wish to experience additional sensations. The entire descent offers a clear view of the Grand Canyon terrain before a smooth landing on the drop zone next to the takeoff runway.

Photos, video, and tandem skydive organization

The skydive includes photo and video recording using a high-definition wrist-mounted camera operated by the instructor, with the images delivered on a USB drive along with professional editing. It is necessary to plan for half a day on site, as jumps depend on weather conditions. Companions are allowed to watch the jump from the designated ground viewing area.