Tenerife: Tandem Paragliding Flight & Free Pickup

Summary

Soaring above Tenerife’s coast with laughter, wind & a gentle landing

You’ll meet your local guide in Costa Adeje for pickup before heading into Tenerife’s hills for your tandem paragliding flight. After gearing up and a quick briefing, you’ll soar silently over beaches and villages with an experienced instructor — maybe even try steering yourself. Land softly on La Caleta beach and carry that feeling home with you.

What’s the experience like?

Antonio showed up at our hotel in Costa Adeje with this easy grin and a van that smelled faintly like sunscreen and coffee. He cracked a joke about my nervous hands — “Don’t worry, everyone’s hands do that before flying.” I liked him right away. The drive up through the hills was quiet at first, but then he started pointing out the banana plantations and telling us how the wind changes everything here, even people’s moods. I didn’t expect to feel so calm by the time we reached the takeoff spot.

The harness felt snug, not tight, and the helmet made me look like an awkward mushroom (my partner laughed). You get this little safety talk — nothing dramatic, just enough to make you trust these guys have done this a thousand times. And then suddenly you’re running and your feet aren’t on the ground anymore. The air up there is cooler than I thought it’d be; it smells like salt and something green I can’t quite place. Antonio pointed out La Caleta below us, his voice somehow steady despite the wind. He asked if I wanted to try steering for a minute — honestly, my hands shook but I did it anyway.

The silence surprised me most. It’s not really silent — there’s wind in your ears and distant waves, but it feels private up there. At one point Antonio just let me sit with it, no talking. We circled over the beach where some kids waved up at us (I waved back; they probably couldn’t see). Landing was softer than stepping off a curb. Sand under my shoes again felt almost strange after floating for so long.

I still think about that view — how small everything looked, how big it felt inside my chest. If you’re even half-curious about tandem paragliding in Tenerife, just go for it. You’ll laugh at yourself later for hesitating.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Tandem paragliding flight experience

• Pickup by Mercedes Vito
• Drive to take off location
• Equip harness, helmet, and GoPro
• Receive briefing on flight procedures
• Take off and begin flight
• Pilot assists with harness comfort
• Enjoy pilot commentary during flight
• Glide towards landing area
• Land softly on La Caleta beach

Top questions

How long does the tandem paragliding flight last?

The flight lasts between 10 to 25 minutes depending on weather conditions.

Is hotel pickup included for this paragliding experience?

Yes, free pickup is included within Costa Adeje.

What is the takeoff altitude for this flight?

The takeoff point is at 800 meters (about 2650 feet).

Can children participate in this activity?

Yes, children above age 4 can join if they meet safety requirements.

Will I be able to control the paraglider during the flight?

You may have a chance to try steering under close guidance from your instructor if you wish.

Where does the flight land?

If conditions allow, you’ll land on the soft sands of La Caleta beach.

Is specialized equipment provided?

All necessary paragliding equipment including harness and helmet is provided.

Are there any health restrictions?

This activity isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or cardiovascular issues.

What’s included

Your day includes free pickup within Costa Adeje, all necessary paragliding gear like harness and helmet, liability insurance, transport in an air-conditioned vehicle up to takeoff, plus guidance from experienced instructors throughout your tandem flight experience.