Cairns: Tandem Skydive Experience over Reef & Rainforest

Planning a trip to Cairns and considering an adventure that will truly get your heart pounding? The Tandem Skydive Experience over Reef & Rainforest offered by Skydive Australia is one of those bucket-list activities that promises breathtaking sights and an adrenaline rush all in one. While we haven’t done it ourselves, we’ve gathered enough feedback and details to give you a thorough look at what to expect from this popular tour.

What makes this experience stand out? First, the stunning aerial views of the Great Barrier Reef and UNESCO-listed rainforests are hard to beat. Second, the fact that no previous skydiving experience is needed makes it accessible for most travelers craving a new thrill. On the flip side, a potential consideration is the cost of extras like photos and videos, which can add up quickly.

If you’re someone who loves breathtaking scenery and craves unique adventures, this skydiving experience would suit you well. It’s perfect for first-timers, adventure travelers, or anyone wanting to tick off an ultimate thrill in their Cairns itinerary.

Key Points

• No experience needed: Tandem jumps are designed for beginners, with full safety briefings.
• Spectacular views: Get aerial glimpses of the Great Barrier Reef and lush rainforests.
• Professional guides: Highly trained instructors make safety and comfort a priority.
• Value for money: At around $250, it offers a memorable experience with an option for photos and videos.
• Duration: About 3 hours total, including lesson, flight, and jump.
• Weather dependent: Good weather is essential; cancellations are possible but fully refundable.

What to Expect from the Cairns Tandem Skydive Experience

This adventure is designed to thrill while keeping it as accessible and safe as possible. The process begins with a concise 15-minute safety briefing and instructions that prepare even first-timers for what’s ahead. From there, you’ll board a plane that takes off from Cairns, ascending to up to 15,000 feet (4,572 meters), positioning you high above one of the world’s most stunning natural landscapes.

Surrounding Cairns are the Atherton Tablelands, the Daintree Rainforest, and the Coral Sea – and you’ll get a clear view of all of these from the sky. As you peer through the small airplane window, you’ll notice the vibrant patchwork of green rainforests, the blue shimmer of the reef in the distance, and perhaps even some of the offshore islands like Fitzroy and Green Island. The views alone are worth the price, as many reviews highlight.

The Jump Itself: A Thrilling Free Fall

Once your instructor opens the aircraft door, you’ll step out into the void—secured securely in a tandem harness with your experienced guide. The free fall from 15,000 feet lasts about 60 seconds, but it feels like mere moments of pure adrenaline, with many reviewers describing it as the “best part” of the experience. Expect to reach speeds of about 200 km/h, with the wind rushing past.

Several reviewers mention feeling “safe at all times,” thanks to the professionalism of the guides. One user said, “Sam was amazing! He made sure I was calm throughout and the entire trip from takeoff to the jump to the landing was perfect.” The instructors prioritize safety while ensuring you feel confident and excited.

Parachuting Down: The Float and the View

After the adrenaline-packed free fall, the parachute is deployed, and you begin a gentle descent back toward Earth. The float down offers time to absorb the scenery, with many describing it as a peaceful, almost meditative moment. You’ll glide over the lush rainforest canopy, and if luck is on your side, you might even see the reef in the distance.

Photography & Video Packages

Most jumpers choose to purchase photos and videos to relive the moment. While these extras come at an additional cost (around A$179), many reviewers say it’s well worth it. One even mentioned that “the instructor captured the whole experience on camera,” making their memories last forever. Keep in mind, you can’t bring your own camera during the jump, so the professional footage is the best way to preserve the experience.

The Itinerary Breakdown

While the main event is the jump itself, the tour includes several key elements that add to the overall value.

Start with a safety briefing—a crucial step that ensures even total beginners understand what to expect. The briefing covers safety gear, jumping procedures, and what to do during the free fall and parachute float.

The flight to altitude takes just around 15 minutes, but during this time, you’ll get an overhead view of Cairns, the Daintree Rainforest, and the Atherton Tablelands. The airplane provides windows on both sides, so you can take in the scenery as you climb.

The jump is the highlight—falling at 15,000 feet, with views of the reef and rainforest that many say are unforgettable. Once the parachute opens, you’ll enjoy a tranquil glide that allows you to take photos, soak in the scenery, and reflect on the experience.

Landing is straightforward and gentle, with guides helping you sit up and walk away comfortably. Many reviewers mention how surprisingly smooth and safe it feels, thanks to the experienced guides.

Post-jump options include picking up professionally taken photos and videos. Several travelers appreciated how quickly they could get their memories—some arriving at the drop zone just an hour after landing to pick up their footage.

The Logistics: Timing, Group Size, and Costs

This tour lasts roughly 3 hours, which includes the safety briefing, flight, jump, and return to Cairns. It’s a manageable chunk of time, especially considering the impact of the experience.

Group size is limited to 20 travelers, allowing for personalized attention and a less crowded atmosphere. Many reviews praise the professional and friendly attitude of the staff, emphasizing safety and comfort.

The price of approximately $250 per person might seem steep at first glance. However, when you factor in the included safety equipment, the thrill of a 15,000-foot jump, and the personalized certification, it’s a solid value—particularly for an adventure of this intensity. Keep in mind that extras like photos and videos will increase the total cost, but many reviewers felt these were well worth the expense for the memories they captured.

Transportation options include a meeting point at 11 Spence St in Cairns. Some travelers appreciated the convenience of pickup options, but be aware that delays can happen due to weather or other logistical factors.

Safety and Practical Considerations

Skydiving is inherently risky, and this tour emphasizes safety with trained instructors and all necessary equipment. Travelers should be in moderate physical condition and are advised that weights over 242 pounds (110 kg) may require a surcharge. The minimum age is 16, with under-18s needing parental consent.

Weather plays a crucial role—if conditions aren’t favorable, your jump may be canceled or rescheduled with a full refund. It’s wise to keep your schedule flexible on the day of your jump.

One review noted, “You need to be flexible: the idea is to bend neck back at the start and flex body and knees.” Also, you’ll need to empty your pockets and remove necklaces for safety reasons, and personal cameras are not allowed during the jump.

Most travelers find the cost of photos and videos comparable to the jump itself, which can be a surprise but is often considered a worthwhile investment for the souvenirs.

Authentic Experiences from Other Travelers

Multiple reviews highlight the professionalism and friendliness of the staff. One reviewer said, “The crew is super professional and makes you feel at ease,” while another described how their instructor, Victor, “made me feel safe and the experience incredible.” Many mention that guides are not just safety experts but also engaging and personable, helping to calm nerves in first-timers.

Several travelers commented on the stunning scenery—even those who thought the views might be limited were impressed by the overall spectacle. One review noted, “The free fall is the best part,” and others appreciated the peaceful glide afterward, describing it as “surreal” or “mind-blowing.”

While most praise the value for money, a few found the photo and video packages pricey but still worth it for the quality of the footage and professional editing.

The Sum Up

If you’re hunting for an adventure that combines stunning scenery, professional guidance, and a serious adrenaline rush, this Cairns tandem skydiving experience checks all boxes. It’s ideal for first-timers who are eager to try something daring but worry about safety, thanks to the excellent instructor-to-jumper ratio and comprehensive briefings.

The views of the Great Barrier Reef and rainforests make this more than just a jump; it’s a chance to see the natural beauty of Tropical North Queensland from a perspective few ever get to experience. While the costs for photos and videos can add up, many say it’s money well spent to remember this once-in-a-lifetime moment.

This trip is best suited for those with moderate fitness, a sense of adventure, and an appreciation for spectacular scenery. It’s a perfect addition to any Cairns itinerary for travelers looking to tick off a major bucket list item—and come away with stories to tell for years.

FAQ

Do I need experience to do this skydiving tour?
No. This tandem jump is designed for beginners, with full safety instructions and a trained instructor guiding you every step of the way.

How high will I jump from?
You’ll leap from up to 15,000 feet (4,572 meters), giving you plenty of time in free fall to enjoy the adrenaline rush.

What’s included in the price?
The cost covers the safety equipment, your qualified instructor, and a personalized dive certificate. Photos and videos are optional extras.

How long does the whole experience take?
About 3 hours in total—this includes the safety briefing, flight, jump, and return. The actual free fall is about a minute long.

Can I bring my own camera?
No, for safety and safety gear reasons, you cannot take your own camera during the jump. Video and photo packages are available for purchase.

What about the weather?
Good weather is essential. If conditions are poor, your jump may be canceled or rescheduled, but you’ll receive a full refund or alternative date.

What is the group size?
The maximum is 20 travelers, providing a more personal and less crowded experience.

Are there weight restrictions?
Yes. There’s a maximum weight limit of 242 pounds (110 kg); surcharges may apply for those over 207 pounds (94 kg).

In the end, this skydiving tour offers a fantastic opportunity to see Cairns from a whole new perspective, blending natural beauty with the thrill of flight. Whether you’re seeking an unforgettable adventure or a story to share for years, it’s an experience worth considering—just be prepared for the costs of extras and the weather dependency.