Gainesville Skydiving: Your Closest Tandem Jump Adventure!
Tandem skydiving is the quickest and easiest way to introduce yourself to the exhilarating world of freefall! For Gainesville residents, students, and faculty from the University of Florida (UF) and Santa Fe College (SFC) seeking an unparalleled thrill, Skydive Palatka offers an unforgettable tandem skydive experience just a short, scenic 40-mile drive southeast. Easily accessible via SR-20 or SR-26 (University Avenue), we're thrilled to share this incredible adventure with you.
After completing essential paperwork and a comprehensive safety briefing, you'll be paired with one of our highly experienced instructors. During your 20-minute ascent to 10,500 feet, prepare to soak in panoramic views of Central Florida's expansive landscapes. Take in the unique beauty of Florida's lush terrain, winding St. Johns River, and distant lakes, making us the premier choice for your first skydive near Gainesville.
Before your exit, you'll be securely attached to your instructor, ready to launch into the rush of freefall! Experience an exhilarating 60 seconds of 120+ mph freefall, followed by the smooth deployment of your parachute. From there, you can easily converse with your instructor, take the controls (if you wish!), or simply marvel at the views as your instructor guides you to a comfortable, controlled landing.
TANDEM PRICING
FOR GROUPS OF 1-2: $220 / Jumper
FOR GROUPS OF 3-4: $210 / Jumper
FOR GROUPS OF 5+: $195 / Jumper
ADDITIONAL SERVICES:
Video & Photo ($99 / Jumper)
Handcam ($70 / Jumper)
Combo Package ($134/Jumper)
REQUIREMENTS // for legal and safety reasons
To ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for all participants, please review the following requirements:
Age: You must be at least 18 years old to sign the required paperwork. Please bring valid government-issued identification.
Health: You must be in general good health.
Substance Consumption: You may not consume any alcohol or drugs that cause impairment within 8 hours prior to jumping.
Harness fit: You must be able to safely fit in the tandem passenger harness.
Weight Limit: A maximum limit of 230 lbs. is imposed for the safety of our instructors
You will be weighed when you arrive for your appointment, there is a charge of $1/ lb for any individual over the 230 lb weight limit. Instructors must approve each individual.
Why choose US?
Great safety record for more than 20 years
Family friendly atmosphere
Conveniently located just 40 miles southeast of Gainesville, FL
Proudly serving the University of Florida and Santa Fe College communities, with many Gators and Saints choosing us for their first jump!
REQUIREMENTS // for legal and safety reasons
Need to be at least 18 years old to sign paperwork, bring government identification.
You must be in general good health
You may not consume alcohol within 8 hours prior to jumping
You must be able to safely fit in the tandem harness
Jumpers weighing more than 230 lbs. will pay $1 for each lb. over, if approved
Please see our FAQs page for more information on preparation, expectations, and scheduling your tandem skydive.
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Skydive Palatka is located on the Kay Larkin municipal airport in Palatka, FL at 4015 Reid St. Palatka, FL 32177. We are in the heart of north central Florida and are approximately an hour east of Gainesville
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Dress for the weather and wear athletic-type clothing with closed toe shoes. Please be prepared to leave valuables on the ground.
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Not necessarily, but we do honor our reservations before walk-ins.
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Typically you will be on your way home within 2 hours of your appointment time. However, weather conditions may delay your jump, and you should be prepared to spend 4 hours at the dropzone. If you are concerned about the weather, give us a call before you head over, (386) 328-0606.
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Typically, 230lbs is the maximum weight assuming an average body composition. The decision is made on a case-by-case basis. We want to make sure that no one's safety (you or our instructors) is compromised, and we reserve our right to refuse service to anyone. There is a charge of $1/ lb for anyone over the 230lb weight limit. If you have questions, feel free to give us a call or send an email.
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We will do our best to accommodate your group, however, please bear in mind that your request may extend your wait time.
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Most people do not get that feeling as there is very little acceleration when leaving the plane and getting to terminal velocity. What you will notice is the amount of wind hitting your face and the thrill of jumping out of a plane!
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Yes, breathing in freefall is possible and we all do it! It may feel strange breathing with 120+ mph wind rushing past you, but your instructor will be able to put your fears to rest and help you "breathe easy."
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Tipping is never expected but always appreciated!
If you have any questions regarding your ability to skydive, then please do not hesitate to contact us.
For your safety and that of our instructors, Skydive Palatka reserves the right to refuse service to any person.
Great organization and staff. From the first phone call with Mariah to our landing with Andrew and Angelo, the experience was amazing. Our group and family of spectators felt welcomed and appreciated. The instructors were great. They were very knowledgeable and made us feel safe and secure.
I highly recommend Skydive Palatka.
-Patrick C.