Before you choose
What you need to know about this experience
A tandem paragliding flight is a flight in which you sit in front of a qualified pilot who controls the paraglider. You do not need any experience. In Tenerife, the most common flights take off from the mountains above Costa Adeje and land by the sea; there are also high-altitude flights from Izaña, over Teide National Park.
This page helps you choose between the main take-off sites, understand the weight and age requirements, and know what to ask the pilot.
At a glance
| Aspect | What to expect |
|---|---|
| What it is | Tandem flight with a qualified pilot |
| Previous experience | Not needed |
| Usual take-off sites | Taucho and Ifonche (south, above Adeje); Izaña (about 2,200 m, National Park) |
| Usual landing sites | La Enramada beach (La Caleta) in the south; Puerto de la Cruz or Güímar from Izaña |
| Flight time | About 15–25 minutes on standard flights in the south; 30–45 on long flights or from Izaña |
| Total duration | About 2 hours including transfers and preparation |
| Requirements | Maximum weight and minimum age; they vary by company |
| Weather | The wind decides; flights are rescheduled if conditions are not right |
| Price | Depends on the take-off site, the duration and the extras |
Main take-off sites
| Take-off | Approximate altitude | What you see | Suits you if… |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taucho | About 800 m | The ravines of Adeje and the south coast | First flight, shorter |
| Ifonche | About 1,000–1,100 m | The ravines of Adeje and Fañabé, the sea | First flight or a slightly longer flight |
| Izaña | About 2,200 m | Teide, the sea of clouds, the Orotava or Güímar valley | You want the highest and longest flight |
The pilot chooses the day’s take-off site according to the wind. Taucho and Ifonche do not work equally well with every wind direction.
What happens
- Pick-up in your area or meeting at an agreed point.
- Drive up to the take-off site by vehicle.
- Explanation of the equipment, the take-off run and the landing.
- Flight in tandem.
- Landing on a beach or designated landing area.
- Return to the meeting point.
Usual requirements
They vary by company. On the offers reviewed:
- Maximum weight between about 90 and 100 kg, and sometimes a minimum weight.
- Minimum age from about 6–8 years; some offers set a maximum age.
- Good physical condition to take a few running steps on take-off.
- Closed shoes and warm clothing, especially for Izaña.
Always confirm the requirements before asking for a flight.
Who it suits
- Anyone who wants to see the island from the air with no previous experience.
- People looking for a short adventure activity.
- Gifts and special occasions.
Who it may not suit, and what to weigh up
- Exceeding the maximum weight set by the company.
- Back, knee or ankle problems: take-off and landing require a few running steps.
- Pregnancy or heart problems: mention it beforehand.
- Tendency to feel sick: flights with turns can make you feel sick; ask for a calm flight.
How to choose well
- Does the pilot hold a tandem licence? Ask about their qualification and their third-party and passenger insurance.
- Which take-off site, and how long is the flight?
- What weight and age are accepted?
- Are pick-up and return included?
- Photos and video included or extra?
- What happens if the wind does not allow flying? Rescheduling or refund?
- A calm flight or one with manoeuvres?
What is usually included and what to check
| Item | Usual practice | Check |
|---|---|---|
| Qualified pilot and equipment | Included | Licence and insurance |
| Helmet and harness | Included | — |
| Transfers | Common | Pick-up area |
| Photos and video | Usually an extra | Price |
| Rescheduling due to wind | Usual | Conditions |
Safety
- Follow the pilot’s instructions on take-off and landing.
- Wear the helmet properly fastened.
- Do not fly if you feel unwell that day.
Weather and time of year
- The wind is in charge: if it is not safe, the flight is rescheduled.
- In the south, conditions are usually stable for much of the year.
- Izaña: it is cold, and the flight depends on the sea of clouds and the wind at altitude.
Price: what it depends on
We do not give a reference figure: most offers are sold through intermediaries and combine transfers, duration and extras in different ways.
The price depends on:
- The take-off site: flights from Izaña are usually more expensive.
- The length of the flight.
- Photos and video.
- Pick-up.
What to bring
- Sturdy closed shoes.
- Warm clothing, especially for Izaña.
- Sunglasses with a strap.
- A camera at your own risk, if the pilot allows it.
Alternatives and how to compare them
| If you are looking for… | Best option |
|---|---|
| Flying over the sea towed by a boat | Parasailing in Tenerife |
| Seeing Teide from above without flying | Teide excursion with cable car |
| Vertical adventure on rock | Guided climbing in Tenerife |
| Abseiling in ravines | Canyoning in Tenerife |
Frequently asked questions
Do you need experience for tandem paragliding?
No. The pilot controls the flight; you just follow their instructions on take-off and landing.
How long is the flight?
About 15–25 minutes on standard flights in the south and 30–45 minutes on long flights or from Izaña.
Is there a weight limit?
Yes, usually between about 90 and 100 kg depending on the company.
Can children fly?
Yes, from the minimum age and weight set by the company.
What happens if it is windy?
The flight is rescheduled or cancelled if it is not safe.
Where do you land?
In the south, usually on La Enramada beach in La Caleta. From Izaña, near Puerto de la Cruz or Güímar.
Can you record the flight?
Many pilots offer photos and video as an extra.