Rottnest Island: Tandem Skydive & Beach Landing WA

Summary

Skydive above Rottnest’s blue water and sandy shorelines

You’ll board a small plane over Rottnest Island, jump tandem with an expert instructor, freefall with wild ocean views below you, then float under parachute before landing right on the sand. Every moment feels raw and real — from check-in jitters to laughing when your feet finally hit the beach.

What’s the experience like?

We shuffled onto the little plane at Rottnest Island airstrip, harnesses clinking and hearts thumping. My tandem instructor, Pete — big grin, hands steady — checked my straps again and cracked a joke about “not losing any shoes today.” The propellers drowned out most of my nervous chatter. As we climbed higher, Perth faded into a smudge behind us, and the island below looked like someone had spilled turquoise ink everywhere. I could smell sunscreen from the guy in front of me (he was sweating more than I was), and honestly, I started to wonder if I’d chicken out at the last second.

The door slid open and suddenly there was just wind and that weird metallic airplane smell. Pete yelled something — maybe “ready?” or maybe “let’s go!” — but it was lost in the roar. We tipped forward and bam: freefall. It’s not like falling in a dream; it’s loud and cold and your cheeks flap around (nobody tells you that part). For those 60 seconds or so, Rottnest Island skydiving is just sky, salt air, and this wild sense of being nowhere for a bit. Then the parachute snapped open with a jolt that made me laugh out loud. Pete pointed out the reef shapes below as we drifted down — he said you can sometimes spot dolphins but I was too busy trying to keep my mouth closed from grinning.

Landing on the soft sand was almost gentle after all that noise up there. There were some kids watching us come down — one waved at me like I’d done something heroic (maybe I had?). My legs felt wobbly but good. Later we watched someone else land while eating chips on the beach; their instructor did a little hop at touchdown that made everyone clap. Still not sure if I’ll ever get used to how quiet everything feels after you land.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Tandem skydive over Rottnest Island

• Check in and complete paperwork
• Receive safety briefing
• Take off in plane to altitude
• Experience up to 66 seconds free fall
• Enjoy 5 minute parachute ride
• Land on Rottnest Island beach

Top questions

How long is the freefall during Rottnest Island skydiving?

The freefall lasts up to 66 seconds before the parachute opens.

Do you land on the beach after skydiving at Rottnest?

Yes, you land directly on one of Rottnest Island’s beaches.

Is there a weight limit for tandem skydiving here?

The standard weight limit is 95 kg; those up to 110 kg may be approved with advance notice.

What age do you have to be to skydive in Australia?

The minimum age is 16 years old; under 18s need a parent or guardian present.

Is transport included for Rottnest Island tandem skydive?

No hotel pickup is included; public transport options are nearby.

What happens if weather cancels my skydive?

Skydiving is weather dependent; call ahead on your jump day for updates or rescheduling info.

What’s included

Your day includes full safety briefing and paperwork at check-in, all necessary gear for your tandem skydive over Rottnest Island with an experienced instructor, APF membership coverage for your jump, plus that soft beach landing right by the water before you wander off barefoot into the sand.