Fethiye: Babadağ Tandem Paragliding Flight over Ölüdeniz

Summary

Fly tandem from Babadağ for epic views of turquoise Ölüdeniz

You’ll ride up Babadağ Mountain from Fethiye with your pilot, then run straight into open sky above Ölüdeniz Beach on a tandem paragliding flight. Feel cool mountain air on your face as you float over turquoise water, with all equipment included and optional video memories waiting at the end. That first step? You’ll remember it.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the way the sun hit the side of Babadağ Mountain — kind of golden, but not in that dramatic movie way, just real and warm on my face as we climbed out of Fethiye in this van full of nervous laughter. Our pilot, Cem, kept cracking jokes about Turkish coffee being stronger than gravity. I tried to look cool but my palms were sweaty gripping the harness before we even got to the top. You can see the blue strip of Ölüdeniz Beach far below, almost unreal. It’s only a 30-minute drive up, but it feels like you’re leaving regular life behind with every turn.

Standing at the takeoff spot (they pick it depending on wind — ours was 1700 meters), there was this weird mix of silence and wind flapping the parachutes. Cem checked everything twice, then suddenly we were running together toward nothing and—honestly—I forgot to breathe for a second. Then we were flying. The air felt cold and thin against my cheeks, but I could smell pine somewhere below us. The view is so wide it’s hard to focus; turquoise water, little boats like dots, and people waving up from the sand (I waved back even though they couldn’t possibly see me). Cem pointed out Butterfly Valley off to one side and told me stories about pilots coming here since the ‘90s—he said Babadağ is famous for how close it is to the sea, less than five kilometers from summit to sand.

I didn’t expect how peaceful it would be up there—just wind and this slow floating feeling. Unless you ask for “rollercoaster” moves (which I did… once), then it’s all spins and whoops and your stomach flips inside out. Cem laughed when I tried to say “teşekkürler” after landing—probably butchered it—and handed me an espresso while he transferred my flight video onto a USB stick. My legs were shaky but in a good way. Even now, sometimes when I close my eyes I can still feel that drop in my stomach right before we lifted off.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Tandem paragliding flight over Ölüdeniz

• Pick up by air-conditioned bus
• Drive to optimal takeoff location
• Pilot briefing before takeoff
• Enjoy 30-45 minute paragliding flight
• Land in front of office
• Optional: Receive flight photos and videos
• Enjoy Italian coffee at store

Top questions

How long does the tandem paragliding flight last?

The flight lasts about 30-45 minutes depending on weather conditions.

Is pickup included for the paragliding tour in Fethiye?

Yes, pickup is included with air-conditioned buses from Fethiye to Babadağ Mountain.

What altitude do you take off from at Babadağ?

The takeoff location varies between 1200m, 1700m, 1800m, or 1900m depending on weather.

Do I need any experience for tandem paragliding over Ölüdeniz?

No experience is needed; experienced pilots guide you through everything.

Are photos or videos included in the paragliding experience?

You can purchase a Flight Recording Package; pilots transfer your photos/videos after landing.

Is lunch or food provided during this activity?

No lunch is provided, but you’re offered Italian handmade coffee after landing if you get the video package.

Is this suitable for people with health issues?

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

Where do you land after flying over Ölüdeniz Beach?

You land right in front of the company office near Ölüdeniz Beach after your flight.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup by air-conditioned bus from Fethiye up Babadağ Mountain, all necessary equipment like paraglider, harness and helmet provided by your pilot, plus optional video/photo transfer if you choose the recording package—and a strong Italian coffee at their shop while you wait for your footage after landing back near Ölüdeniz Beach.