Algarve: Tandem Skydive 15,000ft Over Coastline Views

Summary

Skydiving over Algarve’s wild coast with expert guides and real adrenaline

You’ll feel your heart pound as you gear up at Portimão airfield before soaring high above the Algarve for a 15,000ft tandem skydive with an expert instructor. After a short briefing and scenic flight, experience one minute of freefall before gliding gently back to earth — finishing with a jump certificate in your hand and probably a grin you can’t shake off.

What’s the experience like?

I honestly didn’t think my legs would shake that much just from putting on a jumpsuit, but there I was at the Aerodromo Municipal de Portimão, watching the clouds drift over the Algarve coastline. The air smelled like sun-warmed tarmac and something sharp — maybe nerves? Our instructor João grinned when he handed me the goggles. “You’ll want these,” he said, and I realized my hands were sweating through the fabric already.

The briefing was quick — maybe ten minutes — but somehow it stuck in my head better than any school lesson ever did. João kept it simple, even cracked a joke about his own first jump (“I screamed louder than you will, promise!”). Then we waited our turn, watching other people land with these wild grins plastered on their faces. The plane itself was loud and cramped, but as we climbed higher over the Algarve I caught flashes of turquoise water and red rooftops way below. It felt weirdly peaceful for something so… vertical.

I won’t lie: the second they opened that door at 15,000 feet, every logical part of my brain wanted to stay put. But João just nodded — “Let’s go!” — and suddenly we were out in open air. Freefall is nothing like a rollercoaster; it’s louder, colder, and somehow quiet inside your own head at the same time. For one minute I couldn’t tell if I was laughing or screaming (maybe both). Then the parachute snapped open and everything slowed down: I could see fishing boats near Portimão, smell salt on the wind. We floated down so gently I almost forgot how fast we’d been falling.

Landing felt like waking up from a dream you’re not quite ready to leave behind. My knees were wobbly but João high-fived me anyway — “You did it!” They handed me a little certificate with my name on it (which still makes me smile when I find it in my backpack). If you’re thinking about a tandem skydive in Portugal, this is where I’d do it again… though next time maybe I’ll try not to close my eyes at the start.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Tandem skydive from 15,000 feet

• Check in at the airfield
• Attend jump procedure briefing
• Gear up and board plane
• Enjoy scenic flight to altitude
• Freefall for one minute
• Parachute descent to airfield
• Receive commemorative jump certificate

Top questions

How high is the tandem skydive in Algarve?

The tandem skydive takes place from 15,000 feet (about 4,600 meters).

Is previous skydiving experience required?

No previous experience is necessary for this tandem skydive.

Where does the Algarve skydiving activity start?

The activity starts at Aerodromo Municipal de Portimão in Portugal.

How long is the freefall during the skydive?

The freefall lasts about one minute before parachute deployment.

Is there an age or weight limit for this skydiving experience?

The minimum age is 16 (with parental consent for under 18s); weight limit is 100 kg (flexible up to 110 kg with assessment).

What does the skydiving package include?

Your package includes all equipment (jumpsuit, goggles), an expert instructor, and a jump certificate.

Are there public transportation options nearby?

Yes, public transportation options are available near the airfield.

Is this skydiving activity wheelchair accessible?

Yes, wheelchair access is available at this location.

What’s included

Your day includes all required skydiving equipment like jumpsuit and goggles, a short orientation session with your instructor at Portimão airfield, your tandem jump from 15,000 feet above Algarve’s coastline, plus a commemorative certificate after landing — sunglasses too if you add video footage to your booking.