For anyone who wants an adrenaline moment on a beach holiday, a tandem skydive over the north of Zanzibar is hard to beat. After a short briefing and training session, you fly in a light aircraft to 10,000 feet, about 3,000 metres, and leave the plane strapped to an experienced instructor. Free fall lasts up to about thirty seconds, at speeds of up to around 200 kilometres an hour, before the parachute opens for a quiet descent of five to ten minutes over reefs, palms and the turquoise Indian Ocean. The landing is on a white-sand beach near the Kendwa Rocks bars, so the adventure ends with a drink within sight of the sea. It is one of the most popular activities in Zanzibar, rated 5.0 from more than a thousand reviews. The whole experience takes about two hours, so it fits into a morning without wasting a beach day.
How it works
You arrive at the skydive centre for a briefing, safety training and fitting of the harness, then fly to altitude with your instructor and cameraperson if you have booked photos. The aircraft climbs for a scenic flight over the coast, the door opens and you exit in tandem. The operator says participants are typically 18 or older, with 16 and 17-year-olds allowed with parental consent, and the page describes a free photo and video package while the pricing section mentions an extra fee for edited footage, so confirm exactly what you are paying for.
What you see
On a clear day the view runs from the north-western beaches to the channel that separates Unguja from the mainland, with the sandbanks and reefs picked out in shades of blue and green. Under canopy the instructor lets you steer for a moment, then lands you on the beach. Jumps depend on the weather, and wind or cloud can delay or move your slot, so avoid booking it on your last day.
Making the most of it
Eat lightly beforehand, drink water, wear comfortable clothes and trainers, and tell the team about any health problems, back or heart conditions, injuries or medication. Weight and fitness limits apply, so ask when you book. Do not drink alcohol before the jump. If you do not want to jump yourself, friends can watch from the beach and take photographs.
Book a morning slot in the dry season for the best visibility, and give yourself a day or two of buffer in your itinerary in case the weather forces a reschedule. It pairs well with the quad adventure or a Kendwa sunset sail.
What to expect
The experience
A briefing and training session, a scenic flight to 10,000 feet, a tandem jump with up to thirty seconds of free fall and a beach landing.
Best time
Clear dry-season mornings, with a spare day in your schedule for weather delays.
How long
About two hours from briefing to landing.
Tips
Eat lightly, wear comfortable clothes and trainers, report any health conditions, and confirm the photo and video price.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Thrill-seekers staying on the north coast who want a once-in-a-lifetime view of the island.
- Families
- Age limits apply, with 18 the usual minimum, so this is for teenagers only with consent and for adults.
- Couples
- A shared adrenaline moment that ends with a beach drink at sunset-bar country.
- Pair with
- A Kendwa sunset dhow cruise or the quad adventure on a different day.
- Time needed
- A morning, with a buffer day for weather.
Good questions
How high is the skydive?+
The jump is from about 10,000 feet, roughly 3,000 metres, with up to thirty seconds of free fall.
Where do you land?+
The landing is on a white-sand beach near the Kendwa Rocks bars on the north coast.
What is the age limit?+
Jumpers are typically 18 or older, and those aged 16 and over may jump with parental consent. Confirm with the operator.
Are photos included?+
The operator describes a photo and video package, but its pricing mentions an extra fee for edited footage, so check before paying.
What if the weather is bad?+
Jumps depend on conditions and can be delayed or rescheduled, so avoid booking on your last day.
