On ground level, the Spanish capital overflows with activity. Charming cafes, world-class museums and historical landmarks offer a glimpse into the city's rich history. And as the capital of Flamenco and the home of the infamous bullfighting, Madrid is full of passion and energy.

But for an entirely new perspective, one that shows off the diverse cityscape as well as the charming countryside and small towns nearby, you need to take to the skies. If high-adreniline thrills are on the menu, look no further than skydiving tours in Madrid.

As you embark on a thrilling freefall from dizzying heights of up to 13,000 feet, you'll be treated to amazing views of Ocaña, Toledo and the Tajo River, over which most of the jumps take place.

Here's all you need to know about skydiving, one of the most exhilarating adventure activities in Madrid.

What are the best skydiving tours in Madrid?

The countryside surrounding Madrid is home to some of the best skydiving destinations in Europe, making it an ideal location for thrill-seekers and adrenaline junkies.

Whether you're a first-timer looking to conquer your fears or an experienced skydiver who wants to become certified to jump solo, there's a tour that will suit your level and preferences.

Let's take a look at the most popular options in further detail below:

Tandem skydiving jump from 4,000 meters in Madrid

Ideal for first-time and beginner skydivers, a tandem jump means that you're strapped to an experienced instructor who will take care of all of the technical aspects of the jump, so you can simply enjoy the experience.

After a safety briefing and some training, you'll take off from Ocaña's small airport in a custom-built plane that will climb to 4,000 meters (about 13,000 feet) over scenic Toledo.

As you tumble from the plane with your instructor, you'll reach speeds of up to 120 km/hour before the parachute opens and you can relax and enjoy a slow descent back to earth. When airborne, you'll be treated to lovely views of the rolling countryside below, including the Tajo River and picturesque small towns.

The entire experience takes about an hour, including about a minute of freefall and up to 5 minutes of parachuting.

Budget tandem skydiving from 3,000 meters in Madrid

A more affordable option for tandem skydiving is this 1-hour experience, also located at Ocaña airport.

After a brief training session, you'll be taken up to 3,000 meters where you will jump in tandem with an experienced instructor. You'll freefall at speeds of up to 120 km/hour for about 25-30 seconds before the parachute opens and you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Toledo region for up to 4 minutes.

This package is cheaper that most simply due to the lower height of the jump and quicker duration of the freefall — but rest assured the thrills are still the same!

Madrid skydive with video and photo package

Given that skydiving in Madrid is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, it's only natural to want to capture every moment of it.

That's where the external video and photos option comes in. For an additional cost (usually around €400 total), a professional videographer will jump with you and document your entire skydiving adventure from start to finish.

This means that you can relive the adrenaline rush over and over again with high-quality footage and photos of your jump. While there are a few options to choose from, most flights take off from Ocaña with a drop height of 4,000 meters.

Complete Madrid skydiving certification course

Designed for those looking to become certified skydivers, this course is a comprehensive training program that covers all aspects of the sport.

Over the course of usually 4 days, you'll learn about equipment, safety procedures, parachute control and more from the licensed, experienced instructors.

You can expect a full day of theory as well as 7 complete jumps over the length of the course. Once it's all done, you'll be given an internationally-recognized certificate that allows you to jump all over the world.

How much do skydiving tours in Madrid cost?

The price of a skydiving tour in Madrid can vary greatly depending on the type of experience you choose, but starts from as little as €200 per person.

The cheapest option is typically a 3,000-meter budget tandem jump, which starts at €200 per person. Tandem jumps from heights of 4,000 meters usually start at €285 per participant, with slightly more time in freefall and parachute.

If you want to capture your jump with video and photos, you can expect to pay between €365 and €415 per person, depending on the jump package. Finally, if you want to become a certified skydiver, you can expect to pay upwards of €1995 for a complete 4-day course for one person.

Generally speaking, you can find slightly cheaper prices during the "low season".

What is included?

Every skydiving tour in Madrid should include the necessary equipment such as a jumpsuit, goggles, and parachute. Tandem jumps will also include the instructor who will be attached to you for safety during the jump, who will control the parachute and guide you during the freefall.

Some packages may also include video and photo packages, which are definitely worth considering if you want to capture this unforgettable experience. For a skydiving course, all of the training materials, equipment, practice dives and licensed instructors are included in the price.

Transport to the airport is not usually included, so it's important to arrange your own transportation or contact the company ahead of time to see if they can accommodate you.

Where does it start?

The majority of skydiving tours in Madrid start at the Ocaña airport, located around 80 km south of Madrid's city center, on the outskirts of the Toledo region. The drive here takes about 50 minutes. Once you arrive, you'll meet your instructor and receive a briefing before boarding the plane.

Transport is usually not included. However, some tour companies may offer transportation from Madrid to the airport for an additional fee, but it's always best to check with the company beforehand.

How long does it last?

The entire experience of a skydiving tour in Madrid can range from 1 to 3 hours, depending on the package chosen. This includes the training and briefing, as well as flight time.

The actual freefall itself lasts around 30 seconds (3,000 meter jumps) to 1 minute (4,000 meter jumps) with around 4-5 minutes of parachuting time.

Is it wheelchair friendly?

Unfortunately, due to the physical nature of skydiving, it is not wheelchair friendly. However, since tandem jumps involve an instructor doing the majority of the technical work, some tour companies may be able to accommodate those with special needs or disabilities.

It's best to contact the company in advance to discuss your unique circumstances.

Is it safe?

Skydiving tours in Madrid are safe, as they provide expert guides and safety equipment. These excursions are not suitable for pregnant travelers or those with heart conditions or other serious medical concerns. If in doubt, check with the tour provider before booking.

Are children allowed?

Children aged 16 and above can join skydiving tours in Madrid as long as they comply with the weight limits (minimum of 45 kilograms and maximum of 100 kilograms) and present a parental authorization signed by the two parents.

When is the best time for a skydiving tour in Madrid?

The best time for skydiving tours in Madrid is during spring (from April to June) and fall (September to November). During these periods, the weather is generally pleasant, with mild temperatures and clear skies, providing ideal conditions for skydiving.

Summers in Madrid can be very hot, which might be uncomfortable, especially when wearing the necessary skydiving gear. Winter months are colder and might have unstable weather, with the potential for rain and even snow, making skydiving less predictable and possibly less enjoyable or even not feasible.

What happens in case of bad weather?

Skydiving tours in Madrid will be canceled if weather conditions are unsuitable, and you can reschedule your trip or get a refund.

Which other adventurous activities can be done in Madrid?

Travel tips

Select a skydiving company with positive reviews, proper certifications, and a strong safety record.
Acknowledge and understand the inherent risks involved with skydiving.
Ensure you’re in good health and physical condition to participate in skydiving.
Consider getting travel insurance that covers extreme sports.
Madrid’s weather can be unpredictable; always check the forecast close to your skydiving date.
Wear comfortable, snug-fitting clothing and closed-toe shoes. Avoid loose or dangling jewelry.
Bring necessary identification and arrive early to accommodate for pre-jump training and preparations.
Stay hydrated and avoid overeating before the jump.

Skydiving in Madrid