How Much Does It Cost to Skydive?

How much does it cost to skydive? At Skydive Arizona in Eloy, a standard tandem jump costs $259, or $388 with the photo and video package. You can start with that first jump and see where it takes you. If you decide to keep going, here’s how to plan for training and gear at your own pace.

Here’s the breakdown, from your first tandem to the ongoing costs of life as a skydiver.

Tandem Skydiving Costs: Your First Jump

For most people, a tandem skydive is the first taste of this wild sport we love. At Skydive Arizona, you’ll pay $259 for your first tandem. Flash a student or military ID, and you’ll knock it down to $239. Groups of 10–19 pay $239 per person, and groups of 20 or more pay $219 each. Group payment is due two weeks in advance. You’re paying for professional instruction, top-notch gear, and the satisfaction of having your first jump immortalized in Instagram-worthy video and photos (if you add that package, of course).

Where the money goes:

• Pre-jump training and a briefing on what to expect during exit, freefall, canopy flight, and landing.
• A rated tandem instructor who stays connected to you throughout the jump.
• Use of a complete tandem system, including the passenger harness, main and reserve canopies, and an automatic activation device (AAD).
• A flight to 13,000 feet in one of our twin-engine turbine aircraft.
• About 50 to 60 seconds of freefall, followed by a guided canopy flight and landing.

Media is optional and priced separately: photos are $115, video is $115, or the combined photo and video package is $129. With the combined package, a standard tandem comes to $388. Check our current skydiving prices before booking, as rates are subject to change.

Photo by Mike McGowan

Learning to Skydive: The Cost of a Skydiving License

Hooked after your first tandem? Welcome to the skies! The next step is getting your A license, the ticket to skydiving solo and with other people. Adventures In Skydiving offers our Accelerated Skydiving Program (ASP), with a few pricing options to fit your budget and commitment level:

• Economy Package: Pay upfront and save 10%, totaling $4,199. This includes 24 jumps (21 instructional and 3 solo), a packing class, your A License exam, and free bunkhouse lodging at Skydive Arizona.
• Phased Package: Split the program into two phases at $4,432 (still a 5% discount). Phase 1 costs $2,400, and Phase 2 is $2,032.
• Pay-As-You-Go: Prefer to spread out your payments? You can pay per jump as you progress, but you won’t have the package discount. Individual jumps are $86 for solo jumps, $196 for single-instructor or coach jumps, and $309 for a two-instructor jump. Ground school and other fees are separate.

What’s included? The program provides instruction and equipment for your training jumps. The package prices exclude the prerequisite tandem, $60 non-refundable ground school booking fee, $190 tunnel session, and USPA membership and license fees. Starting with a standard $259 tandem, the Economy route totals $4,708 before USPA fees or repeat training. See our current pricing page for the latest rates and program details.

USPA requires at least 25 jumps plus the required skills and exams for an A License. Our package includes 24 jumps after your prerequisite tandem, which must have been completed within the previous year. Everyone learns at their own pace, so leave room in your budget for any extra training you may need.

Skydiving Gear Costs: Container, Canopy, and Accessories

Once you’re licensed, you can explore owning your gear as you get to know what works for you. A new custom rig can be sized for you, but fit and features depend on the system you choose. Have an instructor and rigger help you assess your options. At our onsite gear store Square 2, you can explore rentals, get measured for a brand new rig, or check out our range of helmets, altimeters, and swag.

Here’s the breakdown. Gear prices below are current manufacturer or retailer examples, not Square 2 quotes; your chosen configuration and any taxes, shipping or assembly will affect the total:

1. Container: This is the backpack-like structure that holds your main and reserve canopies, as well as the deployment system. For example, United Parachute Technologies lists a Vector 3 sport container at a $3,950 base price. Options such as a Skyhook cost extra; the canopies and AAD are separate purchases.
2. Main Canopy: Your main parachute is one of the core pieces of your setup. A Performance Designs Sabre3 is currently listed at about $2,990. Think of it as your primary mode of transportation back to earth, and choose it with your instructor’s guidance.
3. Reserve Canopy: This is your backup parachute, sized for your weight and compatible with your container. A PD Reserve is currently listed at about $1,720.
4. Other Essentials: Budget separately for a helmet and altimeter, then allow for a jumpsuit and smaller accessories. Ask Square 2 for a quote based on what you need.
5. Automatic Activation Device: We highly recommend the use of an automatic activation device like a Cypres. Current CYPRES 2 examples run from around $1,400 for the changeable-mode model or $1,550 for the Speed model on UPT’s price list. Choose the appropriate model with your rigger.

Buying used gear is an option and can save you thousands. Before you use it, have your local parachute rigger inspect its condition and check with your instructor that it suits your skill level.

Pro Tip: Plan for maintenance costs. In the U.S., a synthetic reserve must have been packed by a certificated rigger within 180 days before use. Ask your rigger for current repack pricing, and budget for line replacement or other repairs as the equipment wears. Depending on your line type, you might need to replace them more often (we’re looking at you, HMA).

What Does It Cost to Skydive Regularly?

As you continue jumping, regular time in the air helps you maintain your skills and build on what you’ve learned. If you make 100 jumps a year, the standard $38 lift ticket means $3,800 a year for jump tickets, or $3,700 at the $37 cash rate. Qualifying teams and individual bulk-ticket buyers have separate rates and conditions. Want to really level up? Skills camps and boogies (skydiving festivals) offer more ways to progress and are worth including in your budget:

1. Camps and Training: These specialized events focus on freefly, canopy piloting, or formation skydiving. Check the coaching and event details for registration fees and what is included. Budget for jump tickets separately whenever they are not part of the quoted price.
2. Travel Costs: Many skydivers hop from one drop zone to another, chasing perfect weather or unique events. Budget for airfare, rental cars, and food on the road. You can also keep things local and enjoy getting to know the jumpers at your home drop zone.

The community is a huge part of the draw. Skydiving events are as much about socializing and networking as they are about jumping out of planes.

A Year of Skydiving: A Sample Budget

What might a year of jumping look like for you? Here’s a sample budget for a licensed skydiver making 100 jumps with their own gear. It’s one possible plan, and you can adjust it to the jumping you want to do. Jump tickets use our standard rate; the other rows are planning allowances, not quoted prices. The camp allowance covers coaching or registration beyond those 100 jumps.

This example excludes initial training and gear purchases, USPA membership, equipment rental, and any jumps beyond the 100 shown. Use these allowances as a starting point, then adjust them to your plans. Experienced jumpers with the necessary qualifications may earn money from work jumps, but that income is not part of this budget.

You don’t have to plan for everything at once. Start with the next step that interests you. Once you have your own gear, jumping close to home at a drop zone like Skydive Arizona can help keep travel costs down.

Is Skydiving Worth the Cost?

For many of us, the best part is having a place we look forward to coming back to. There’s the excitement of a jump, of course, but also the people you get to know along the way. Whether you’re here for one tandem or hoping to earn your license, we’re happy to help you understand the costs and decide what comes next.

Your first jump might be something you’ve wanted to do for years. We’d love to share that moment with you, and hear what you think when your feet are back on the ground. Will you be one to continue this adventure with us?