Zanzibar skydiving usually means a tandem jump with a certified instructor from an airstrip near the north coast, a short free fall, and a gentle canopy flight that ends on a sandy beach, often Kendwa.
You get a safety briefing, a fit of harness and goggles, and a short training on the body position and hand signals before you board.
The instructor handles the exit and most of the technical work, and all is left for you is to experience the free fall while securely attached.
Our Zanzibar skydiving trips come packaged with nice photos and video so you can relive the fall without trying to hold a camera.
People choose this activity for two clear reasons. First, the view: turquoise ocean, white sand and patchwork reefs make a dramatic foreground for a single free-fall. Second, the format: a full, vivid experience that fits into one morning and leaves you with a precise memory. If you like controlled risk and a strong sensory story, a tandem skydive over Zanzibar gives both.
Zanzibar Skydiving is an enticing adventure that starts with one clear choice: you step onto a plane, you feel the climb, and then you decide if you will let go. The Zanzibar Skydiving is unforgettable and deeply rewarding because on that decision and on the stunning views and awe that follows.
If you want spectacle, a short, sharp rush, and a story that begins with the words I jumped over the island, this is the day for you.
Pickup and arrival: the operator collects you at your hotel or you meet at a central point near the north coast.
Briefing and gear: you get a calm training session, a harness fit, and a short rehearsal of the in-air body position and hand signals. Expect 20 to 40 minutes of ground prep.
Plane ride: a short scenic ascent gives a preview view. The trainer describes the exit and what to expect in free fall.
The jump: you exit with your instructor. Free fall lasts tens of seconds, followed by a canopy flight that drifts you gently back to a prepared beach or landing field. Typical packages include an edited video and photos.
You leave tired in a good way, with a precise memory and usually with photos that capture the moment. We keep group sizes manageable so each jump gets focused attention.
Below I list the main launch points and what each gives you, plain and practical.
We stage jumps from the north because the airstrip access and the coastline give clear, photogenic landing zones. Kendwa is a common meeting point for our guests who want to finish on wide, white sand and offer easy transfers to northern hotels. If you want a short transfer and a beach landing, this is the convenient choice.
If you need private bookings that let pilots choose slightly altered flight lines so you see different coastal angles. If you want photos that show Mnemba or specific headlands, book a private slot and tell us which coastline you prefer.
This is designed for people willing to add time and cost, Pemba-linked flights sometimes appear in extended packages most preferably the honeymooners or anniversary makers. These runs push into more remote vistas and can feel more solitary. They cost more and require a longer logistics plan, but the scene changes enough to make it feel special.
Pick a morning slot on a clear day. Early windows give calmer winds and a more predictable canopy flight. Zanzibar’s dry months make scheduling easier and put the sea in its most photogenic mood.
Generally, the rule of thumb is; If you plan a holiday, aim for the long dry season when we run full schedules and the weather rarely scrambles flights. We sometimes cancel or reschedule when winds rise, so an early slot and a flexible morning help.
Book the first boat or flight slot of the morning
Wind typically builds through the day. An early slot reduces cancellations and keeps your canopy ride calmer. If something forces a reschedule, you still have the rest of the day to adapt.
Buy the video package if you want a clean memory
It is hard to both hold a camera and enjoy a tandem jump. Most we offer professional video and stills. The cost adds up, but the footage often proves worth it because you keep the moment without having struggled to film it.
Wear light layers and secure shoes
A thin long-sleeve top and closed shoes work best. Loose clothing flaps and distracts. Shoes should fasten snugly; sandals jump off too easily and do not protect feet during boarding or landing.
Tell the us about medical or mobility issues before you book
If you have recent surgeries, heart concerns, or pregnancy, we will require a medical clearance or decline the jump. Be direct about health. That keeps you safe and avoids an awkward last-minute check.
Trust the instruction and relax into the position
Tandem instructors go through the exit and free-fall position in detail. Your job is to follow their cues and to breathe. Lean back when they say, keep your legs relaxed, and let the harness do the work.
Bring a small tip for your instructor and the ground crew
If the crew helps with luggage, offers a smooth landing, and hands you video, a modest tip feels appropriate. They often rely on small gratuities as part of income.
Plan your logistics around the jump
If you have a sunset dinner or a long drive later, schedule the jump early so you return relaxed. You might want a shower and a nap before evening plans.
Check cancellation and weather policies
Ask about refunds and reschedules. Good we offer clear options when conditions force a change. That matters because safety decisions sometimes mean you go another day.
Do I need prior skydiving experience?
No. Tandem skydiving is not hard, its very beginner friendly even for first timers. You jump attached to an instructor who handles the technical parts. Short training gets you ready.
How high do you go and how long is the free fall?
Typical jumps run from around 10,000 to 12,000 feet. Free fall lasts roughly 30 to 60 seconds depending on altitude and exit method, followed by a canopy glide of several minutes. Exact numbers depend on the operator and the package.
Is Skydiving in Zanzibar safe?
We use certified instructors, modern rigs, and safety procedures that reduce risk. Skydiving has built-in risk, but reputable centers maintain strict checks, redundancies, and gear maintenance. Ask the operator about instructor qualifications and equipment checks before you jump.
Will I land on the beach?
For many Zanzibar skydiving trips, we plan beach landings at Kendwa or similar wide sand areas. A beach landing is part of the appeal and is handled by trained staff who set the landing approach. Confirm the landing zone when you book.
How much does a tandem jump cost?
Prices vary by operator, extras like video, and season. Expect a mid-hundreds price range for a standard tandem with photos and video available as add-ons. Ask for a full price list before you book to avoid surprises.
Can children do it?
Age and weight limits apply. Many times, we set minimum ages around 16 with parental consent and maximum weights for safe harness fitting. Check the our policy for precise limits but it’s important to just send us an inquiry instead.
What happens if the weather is bad?
We reschedule or refund when conditions make a jump unsafe. Safety comes first. Ask about the provider’s cancellation policy before you commit.
How should I prepare mentally?
Read the brief, ask calm questions, and focus on the training. Many jumpers say the nervous climb is sharper than the exit. Breathe steady, listen, and trust your instructor.
Stay in Zanzibar, relax on sugar-white beaches, then fly to Serengeti or Nyerere for big cats, returning to sunset dhows and spice markets; you enjoy safari action with beach downtime with the experts.
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