Skydiving in Iceland (Ultimate Guide)
Skydiving in Iceland is a thrilling experience that offers a unique perspective of the country’s stunning landscapes. With its glaciers, volcanoes, and mountains, Iceland provides an ideal backdrop for an adrenaline-pumping adventure. Skydive Iceland is the only active skydiving center in the country, located in the small town of Hella on the south coast, just…
Skydiving in Iceland is a thrilling experience that offers a unique perspective of the country’s stunning landscapes. With its glaciers, volcanoes, and mountains, Iceland provides an ideal backdrop for an adrenaline-pumping adventure. Skydive Iceland is the only active skydiving center in the country, located in the small town of Hella on the south coast, just 95 km from Reykjavík.
At Skydive Iceland, tandem jumps are available for those who want to experience the thrill of freefalling with the safety of an experienced instructor. For those who want to take their skydiving to the next level, USPA AFF courses are also offered. The center operates a Super Caravan aircraft, which can take up to 18 skydivers to an altitude of 4,000 meters. During the flight, skydivers can enjoy a stunning view of the Icelandic landscape, including glaciers and volcanoes.
It’s important to note that weather can be a factor in skydiving in Iceland, especially during the winter months. However, Skydive Iceland’s knowledgeable and professional staff are committed to ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all skydivers. With its breathtaking views and thrilling experience, skydiving in Iceland is an adventure not to be missed.
Table of Contents
- Why Iceland is a Great Place for Skydiving
- Tandem Skydiving in Iceland
- Solo Skydiving in Iceland
- The Best Time to Go Skydiving in Iceland
- Conclusion
Why Iceland is a Great Place for Skydiving
Iceland is a great place for skydiving due to its unique location, stunning views, and thrilling experiences. Here are some reasons why you should consider skydiving in Iceland:
Location
Iceland is located between North America and Europe, making it a convenient destination for travelers from both continents. Moreover, Iceland’s location on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge gives it a unique geological setting with active volcanoes, glaciers, and mountains.
Aircraft
Skydiving in Iceland is done from a turbine aircraft, which is a fast and reliable aircraft that can take you up to 13,500 ft above sea level. This means you can enjoy a longer freefall and more time to admire the stunning view.
View
Skydiving in Iceland offers a breathtaking view of the country’s natural wonders, including glaciers, volcanoes, and the coast. You can even see the capital city of Reykjavik from the sky.
Thrill
Skydiving in Iceland is a thrilling experience that will get your adrenaline pumping. The feeling of jumping out of a plane and freefalling at high speed is an unforgettable experience that will leave you feeling exhilarated.
Hella
Hella is a small town located on the south coast of Iceland, and it is home to the only active skydiving center in Iceland. Skydive Iceland offers tandem jumps, AFF and IAD courses, and welcomes experienced jumpers from all over the world.
Akureyri
Akureyri is a city located in the north of Iceland, and it offers a different skydiving experience than Hella. Skydive Akureyri offers jumps over the stunning mountains and fjords of north Iceland, providing a unique and unforgettable experience.
South Iceland
Skydiving in South Iceland offers a different perspective of the country’s natural wonders, including the famous Eyjafjallajokull volcano and the stunning glaciers. It is a great option for those who want to experience Iceland’s natural beauty from a different angle.
In conclusion, Iceland is a great destination for skydiving due to its unique location, stunning views, and thrilling experiences. Whether you choose to jump in Hella, Akureyri, or South Iceland, you are sure to have an unforgettable experience that will leave you wanting more.
Tandem Skydiving in Iceland
One of the most popular ways to experience skydiving in Iceland is through tandem jumping. Tandem skydiving is a great option for those who want to experience the thrill of skydiving without having to go through extensive training. Skydive Iceland, located in Hella, offers tandem jumps with experienced instructors who are USPA rated skydiving instructors.
Skydive Iceland uses a Super Caravan plane to take jumpers up to the desired altitude. The plane is safe and comfortable, and the views from the plane are stunning. During the flight, you can see the Icelandic coast and the beautiful landscape of the south of Iceland.
Before the jump, you will receive a thorough briefing from your instructor. They will explain the equipment and the jump process, and answer any questions you may have. Once you are ready, you will board the plane and take off for your thrilling adventure.
During the jump, you will be securely attached to your instructor, who will guide you through the experience. You will freefall for around 30-40 seconds, reaching speeds of up to 120 mph, before the parachute is deployed. You will then enjoy a peaceful, scenic ride down to the landing area.
Skydive Iceland offers video and photo packages so you can relive your experience and share it with your friends and family. They also offer tours and helicopter rides for those who want to see more of the Icelandic landscape.
The Icelandic Parachute Association regulates all skydiving in Iceland, ensuring that all operators are professional and knowledgeable. Skydive Iceland has a great safety record, and their instructors are experienced and trained to ensure that your tandem jump is a safe and thrilling experience.
Tandem skydives with Skydive Iceland start at ISK 46,900 ($370) and can be booked online or by phone. They operate year-round, but note that the winter months can be quite cold, so dress warmly. Reviews of Skydive Iceland are overwhelmingly positive, with many describing the experience as thrilling and unforgettable.
Solo Skydiving in Iceland
Skydiving in Iceland is an unforgettable experience for any adventure enthusiast. While tandem skydiving is the most popular option, experienced skydivers can also enjoy solo skydiving in Iceland.
Solo skydiving in Iceland requires a USPA A license or equivalent, and the jumpers must have at least 200 jumps. The landing area is located near the dropzone, so jumpers need to be able to control their landing accurately. The landing area is a flat, grassy field, which is well-maintained.
The winter months in Iceland can be harsh, and the weather can be unpredictable. However, many experienced skydivers prefer jumping during the winter months because of the stunning views of the snow-capped mountains and glaciers.
South Iceland is the perfect location for solo skydivers. The dropzone in Hella, located on the south coast of Iceland, is the only active skydiving center in Iceland. It is only about 95 km from downtown Reykjavík, making it easily accessible for skydivers visiting Iceland.
Skydivers can also take advantage of the AFF courses offered by FFF – Skydive Iceland. The courses are designed to teach skydivers the necessary skills to become an independent skydiver. The AFF courses are conducted by experienced instructors who are USPA rated skydiving instructors.
In conclusion, solo skydiving in Iceland is a unique experience that should not be missed by any experienced skydiver. The stunning views of the mountains and glaciers, the well-maintained landing area, and the experienced instructors make it a safe and unforgettable experience.
The Best Time to Go Skydiving in Iceland
Skydiving in Iceland is an exhilarating experience that is best enjoyed during certain times of the year. The weather in Iceland can be unpredictable, so it’s important to plan your skydiving adventure accordingly. Here are some tips to help you choose the best time to go skydiving in Iceland:
Weather
The weather in Iceland can be quite unpredictable, but the best time to go skydiving is during the summer months (June-August). During this time, the weather is generally mild and there are longer daylight hours, which means more time for skydiving. The winter months (November-February) can be quite cold and dark, which can make skydiving less enjoyable.
Tandem Skydives
Tandem skydives are the most popular type of skydive in Iceland. This is where you jump out of a plane with an instructor who is attached to you. Tandem skydives are available year-round in Iceland, but the best time to do them is during the summer months when the weather is milder.
Tandem Jumps
Tandem jumps are similar to tandem skydives, but they are done from a lower altitude. This type of jump is ideal for those who are new to skydiving and want to experience the thrill of freefall without the commitment of a full skydive. Tandem jumps are available year-round in Iceland.
Solo Skydiving
Solo skydiving is only available to experienced skydivers who have completed a certain number of jumps. If you are an experienced skydiver, you can enjoy solo skydiving in Iceland year-round.
Winter Months
While the winter months in Iceland can be cold and dark, they can also be a great time to go skydiving. During the winter months, the Northern Lights are visible in Iceland, which can make for a truly magical skydiving experience. However, it’s important to note that the weather can be quite unpredictable during the winter months, so it’s important to check the forecast before booking your skydiving adventure.
Overall, the best time to go skydiving in Iceland is during the summer months when the weather is mild and the days are longer. However, if you are an experienced skydiver or want to see the Northern Lights, the winter months can also be a great time to go skydiving. Just be sure to check the weather forecast before booking your adventure.
Conclusion
Skydiving in Iceland is an unforgettable experience that offers breathtaking views of glaciers, mountains, and islands. With a variety of dropzones and aircraft available, there are plenty of options for both experienced jumpers and first-timers.
Skydive Iceland, located in Hella, is the only true skydiving aircraft in Iceland, and offers tandem skydives, USPA AFF courses, and flight tours around nearby extreme volcanoes. Their experienced instructors are USPA rated, ensuring a safe and thrilling experience for all.
Icehopp, a unique skydiving event that took place in Iceland in 2023, attracted skydivers from 15 countries who jumped from aircraft a total of 912 times. This event showcases the growing popularity of skydiving in Iceland and the excitement and adventure it offers.
While skydiving in Iceland can be a bit more expensive than in some other locations, it is well worth the investment for the stunning views and unique experience. And with the country’s commitment to safety and regulation, you can feel confident in the quality of your experience.
Overall, skydiving in Iceland is an incredible opportunity to see the country from a different perspective and experience the thrill of freefalling through the sky. Whether you’re an experienced jumper or a first-timer, Iceland is a destination that should be on your skydiving bucket list.
