There aren’t many places in the world that can boast of the kind of natural beauty that can be found in and around the tropical paradise of Cairns, Australia. There’s the Daintree Rainforest, Barron Gorge National Park, the mountain town of Kuranda, and, of course, the Great Barrier Reef. The largest coral reef on the planet and one of the seven natural wonders of the world, the Great Barrier Reef can be seen all the way from space!

Speaking of which, one great way to take in all of Cairns’ natural beauty at once is to jump out of an airplane from either 7,500 feet or 15,000 feet up in the air and freefall for 60 seconds into a relaxing parachute drift during which time you’ll be able to marvel at one of our planet’s most lush eco-systems.

Oh, and to top it off, you’ll be landing right in the sand on a tropical beach, and there’s no reason you can’t go for a swim once you’ve received your skydiving certificate! Don’t wait, book your skydiving tour in Cairns, Australia today!

Here's everything you need to know about skydiving, one of the most exciting outdoor activities in Cairns.

Where is the best spot to go skydiving in Cairns?

Mission Beach

The best spot by far to go skydiving in Cairns is on Mission Beach. Mission Beach is just a short drive away from Cairns and it is an absolute perfect drop zone for skydiving.

On your way down from your 15,000 foot jump you’ll get a breathtaking view of the surrounding rainforests, mountains and of course, the Great Barrier Reef. Then you’ll land right in the sand on a gorgeous tropical beach, and once you’ve obtained your skydiving certificate, there’s nothing stopping you from going for a swim!

How much does skydiving in Cairns cost?

Skydiving in Cairns will cost you anywhere between AUD 200 and AUD 300. That price includes the flight during which you’ll get a beautiful view of the Mission Beach landing site, an experienced guide, all the necessary equipment, and of course an exhilarating 60 second jump from 15,000 feet in the air!

For an additional fee, you can also get a photo and video package documenting your adventure to make sure you’ll be able to relive the magic whenever you please.

How long will skydiving in Cairns take?

The entire skydiving experience will take between 3 and 4 hours, and there are normally three time slots available: one at 8 am, one at 12 am, and one at 1 pm. To guarantee a specific time of day, make sure to book in advance and verify your meeting time with the package provider.

In some cases, all the morning slots have to fill up before the afternoon slots become available, so you may need to specify with your provider directly if you’d like to go later on in the day.

What will my day skydiving in Cairns look like?

You’ll start by meeting at one of the zones designated by the event coordinators. You’ll then receive an introductory talk with your skydiving support team and designated jump master where they’ll run through the basics with you, answer any questions you might have, and fit you for your gear.

After that, you’ll jump in the plane and begin the climb up, up, up, until you’ve reached 15,000 ft! Then it’s a 60-second freefall followed by a pleasant 5-7 minute float to your designated drop zone. In that time, take in the splendor of the rainforest, the mountains, and of course, the Great Barrier Reef, which you should be able to see all the way from the plane!

Do I need experience with skydiving?

No experience is necessary for booking a skydiving package in Cairns, as training and equipment are both provided on site.

However, there are some other things to take into consideration. There are no children under 12 allowed, and children between the ages of 12 and 18 need to be accompanied by an adult. Pregnant women and people with pre-existing medical conditions should also consult their doctor before booking.

Finally, there is a maximum personal weight of 110kg allowed, and anyone who weighs over 95kg may be charged a weight surcharge.

What is provided by the organizers?

When you go skydiving in Cairns, you’ll be provided with a personal guide and skydiving expert who will instruct you before your jump.

You’ll also be provided with all the necessary safety equipment, including comfortable goggles which fit over both glasses and contact lenses. Upon completion of the jump, you’ll receive a skydiving certificate.

There is also a shop with food available on site. Transfers to and from Cairns are included in some packages, though not all of them.

When is the best time to go skydiving in Cairns?

The best time to do anything in Cairns is between the months of May and September, which are actually the winter months in Australia. That’s because during the summer temperatures can get incredibly hot and sticky, and it rains all the time.

If you go in the winter, you’re more or less guaranteed clear skies and perfect skydiving conditions. The only downside is that winter is high tourist season, so you’ll want to book well in advance to make sure you can reserve your spot.

Travel Tips

Children under 12 won’t be allowed to skydive in Cairns, and anyone under the age of 18 must have written consent from a parent or legal guardian to take part in the activity.
Make sure to wear comfortable shoes and comfortable clothes. Jeans and high heeled shoes aren’t permitted.
There are specific weight requirements for skydiving in Cairns. Make sure to check with your provider beforehand to see if you qualify. In most cases, anyone who weighs between 95 and 115 kg will be charged a fee, with 115 kg being the maximum weight allowed.
There are also some medical conditions that are restricted. Make sure to check with your provider and your doctor before you decide to go skydiving!
There’s no guarantee that a camera will be provided, so make sure to bring your own just in case.

Skydiving tours in Cairns