REVIEW · TENERIFE
High Performance Paragliding Tandem Flight in Tenerife South
Book on Viator →Operated by Overfly Tenerife · Bookable on Viator
One flight, and Tenerife feels brand new. This tandem experience has you gliding over Costa Adeje with a real instructor, flying up to about 1,000 meters (weather-dependent) and choosing how much you want to be involved.
I like that you can either let your instructor fly or take the controls yourself, which makes it feel personal even if it’s your first time. I also love the human touch: Felix and Ines (and even Jan in the mix) communicate clearly and keep you calm, so you’re not just strapped in and sent off.
One consideration: you can get cold up there, so plan to layer up and bring a windbreaker, even if the beach area feels warm.
In This Review
- Key highlights to know before you go
- Soaring above Costa Adeje: what this flight is really like
- How high will you fly?
- The pre-flight moment at Overfly Tenerife
- Gear and safety: the part that matters most
- Who pilots: instructor hands or you at the controls
- The view route: what you might spot from above
- Takeoff points: 700 meters vs 1,000 meters
- Pickup and timing: how the South Tenerife logistics work
- What the meeting point means for you
- What to wear: the cold air checklist that saves your day
- Photos and videos: plan for the extra cost
- Price and value: is $157.28 a fair deal?
- Best times to book (and why you should plan early)
- Weather happens: what to expect if plans shift
- Who this is perfect for (and who should think twice)
- Should you book this paragliding flight?
- FAQ
- FAQ
- How long is the whole experience?
- How long is the actual paragliding flight?
- Do I need prior paragliding experience?
- Can I choose to pilot the paraglider?
- How high will we fly?
- Where is pickup available?
- Is pickup available from Los Cristianos?
- What should I wear?
- What are the age and weight limits?
- What happens if weather is bad or I need to cancel?
Key highlights to know before you go
- Choose your role in the cockpit: relax while your instructor pilots, or take the controls with guidance.
- Weather-based takeoff points: flights start from either 700 meters or 1,000 meters depending on conditions.
- Real aerial views of Tenerife: you may fly past key landmarks like Barranco del Infierno, Roque del Conde, and Playa de las Américas.
- Beginner-friendly, not just beginner-advertised: you’ll get harness/helmet setup and step-by-step takeoff guidance.
- Small group size: capped at 8 travelers, which keeps things organized.
- Pickup is built into the plan: offered across parts of Costa Adeje and nearby areas.
Soaring above Costa Adeje: what this flight is really like
This is high-performance tandem paragliding over Tenerife South, designed for big views and a more dynamic ride than a slow, sightseeing float. Your instructor handles the technical side, but you still get choices. You’ll be up in thermal currents and higher air, so the experience feels like actual flying, not just a quick skydrop.
The flight itself is short on paper—25 to 30 minutes—but it’s long enough to feel the change in angle, speed, and the way the coastline opens up below you. Your overall time commitment is about 2 hours, including prep and transport.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Tenerife.
How high will you fly?
You’re told you can be up to 1,000 meters (about 3,000 feet) depending on weather. That weather part matters. On some days you’ll start from one takeoff point (700 meters), and on other days it’s the higher option (1,000 meters), chosen for safest, best conditions.
In plain terms: if the wind and thermals cooperate, you get more height and stronger glide. If conditions are different, your team adjusts the plan.
The pre-flight moment at Overfly Tenerife
Your experience centers around a meeting point at Avenida de Las Gaviotas (Av. de Las Gaviotas, 38679, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain). If you’re staying in the Costa Adeje area, pickup is part of the deal, and it keeps you from having to figure out parking and timing on your own.
From the moment you arrive, the flow is practical. You’ll be fitted with safety equipment (harness and helmet) and briefed on takeoff. Then you’ll be guided through what to do and when to do it, so you’re not guessing with your hands and feet while excitement does gymnastics in your chest.
Gear and safety: the part that matters most
You get all homologated safety equipment plus liability insurance. That’s not just fine print. It’s what lets you focus on enjoying the ride rather than worrying if the setup feels proper.
The harness and helmet fit is your first clue that this company expects real flying. Listen to the instructor during the checks. If something feels off, say so right away.
Who pilots: instructor hands or you at the controls
This is one of the best features for first-timers because you get an option, not a lecture. You can choose to sit back and enjoy, with your instructor doing the piloting the whole time. Or you can take the controls with instruction, which adds that extra layer of confidence because you’re not just a passenger.
Even if you’re not steering, you’ll still feel the difference between calm air and stronger thermals. On higher-energy days, the glider can feel more alive. That’s where good coaching pays off.
The view route: what you might spot from above
Your flight takes you over Tenerife’s striking areas, and the route depends on conditions. What you’re aiming to see includes Barranco del Infierno, Roque del Conde, and Playa de las Américas.
Even if you’ve seen these names on a map, seeing them from the air is a reality check. Roads look thinner. Coastlines curve more dramatically. And valleys can feel like channels carved into the island.
When visibility is good, you also get a sense of scale—where your beach day ends and the terrain starts rising. That’s one reason this is worth doing early in your trip planning, not as an afterthought you tack on when the schedule is already tight.
Takeoff points: 700 meters vs 1,000 meters
The team has two takeoff locations, and which one you use is based on weather. One is at 700 meters and the other at 1,000 meters, and the choice is about safety and making sure you get the best conditions for flight.
Why should you care? Because height changes the ride. Higher starts usually give more time to settle into the air and find your rhythm with the instructor’s plan. It can also influence how dramatic the view feels in those first minutes when you’re getting used to the sensation.
Also remember: this activity requires good weather. If the weather is adverse, the operator may reschedule or cancel.
Pickup and timing: how the South Tenerife logistics work
Pickup is offered from the Costa Adeje area and nearby locations, and it’s included in the price. The listed pickup zones include Playa de las Américas, Costa Adeje, Playa Paraíso, and Callao Salvaje.
There’s one detail to plan around: pickup in Los Cristianos is available only for the 10am flight because of traffic later in the day. If you’re staying near Los Cristianos and you want pickup, choose the 10am time slot and keep your morning calm.
What the meeting point means for you
Your official start is at the meeting point on Avenida de Las Gaviotas, and the activity ends back there. That means you’re not getting dropped off in some remote spot and walking back.
Also, the meeting area is near public transportation, which helps if you’d rather not rely on a hotel shuttle that might run late.
What to wear: the cold air checklist that saves your day
Paragliding air can be cold. That’s not “maybe cold.” It can surprise you. Dress in comfortable clothes and bring a sweater or jacket, plus a windbreaker.
Use sports shoes or sneakers. You’ll want stable footing during equipment handling and at launch. Sun protection also makes sense, because the sun can still feel strong even when the air is cooler, so consider sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
If you tend to get motion sickness easily, you can bring anti-sickness medication since the ride can involve shifting sensations.
Photos and videos: plan for the extra cost
You can purchase photos and videos. They’re not included. Still, this is a moment you might want captured, because the view and angles change quickly once you’re up.
One review highlighted the value of having the pilots take lots of visuals, especially on a first-time flight. If you like having proof for family and friends, budget a little extra for the media package.
Price and value: is $157.28 a fair deal?
At about $157.28 per person, you’re paying for more than a thrill. You’re getting a guided tandem flight, homologated safety equipment (harness and helmet), liability insurance, and transportation from your pickup zone plus transport to and from the takeoff and meeting point.
You also get English instruction. And the group cap of 8 helps keep attention focused on safety and timing, not mass production.
Is it a bargain? Not really. But it’s also not a “pay for the marketing, then DIY the rest” situation. When the company handles the gear, the briefing, and the flight plan, the price makes sense for many people who want a real flying experience without learning everything first.
Best times to book (and why you should plan early)
On average, this experience is booked about 11 days in advance. That tells me two things. First, people often schedule it after they settle into their Tenerife plans. Second, popular time slots can move, especially if weather affects flight days.
So you’ll have better odds if you book early enough that a reschedule, if needed, doesn’t crush your other plans.
You’ll also receive confirmation at booking, and you’ll bring photo ID on the day. It’s a small step that prevents delays.
Weather happens: what to expect if plans shift
This is weather-dependent by design. If conditions aren’t right, the operator can reschedule the flight for another day or time, or cancel it.
The good news is that if cancellation happens due to poor weather, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund. That flexibility reduces the stress of booking an outdoor activity in a place where coastal conditions can change.
Who this is perfect for (and who should think twice)
This fits beginners very well. The difficulty is described as beginner-friendly, and you’re guided through takeoff and the experience. Even if you’re nervous at the start, you’ll have a trained instructor doing the heavy lifting.
It also suits people who want a bit of agency. The option to pilot the glider is a standout for anyone who doesn’t want to feel like they’re just along for the ride.
The main limits are practical: the passenger weight can’t exceed 100 kilograms, and the minimum age is 6 years. If you’re bringing someone under 18, they must be accompanied by a guardian.
Should you book this paragliding flight?
If you want a first-time-friendly way to fly over Tenerife without learning equipment and theory, this is a strong choice. You get structured instruction, homologated gear, and a short but intense flight window where the island looks totally different than from the road.
Book it if you’re willing to dress for cold air and you understand the weather clock runs the show. Skip it if you’re trying to squeeze this in on a single fixed date with zero flexibility.
If you do book, pick a time that lets you be calm and on time at the meeting point, and don’t treat it like a quick photo stop. This is an actual flying experience, and it’s worth showing up ready to pay attention.
FAQ
FAQ
How long is the whole experience?
The total duration is about 2 hours.
How long is the actual paragliding flight?
The flight time is typically 25 to 30 minutes, depending on weather.
Do I need prior paragliding experience?
No. It’s beginner-friendly, and your instructor will guide you step by step.
Can I choose to pilot the paraglider?
Yes. You can either let your instructor do the piloting or choose to pilot the glider with guidance.
How high will we fly?
You can fly up to about 1,000 meters (around 3,000 feet), depending on weather conditions.
Where is pickup available?
Pickup is included for Playa de las Américas, Costa Adeje, Playa Paraíso, and Callao Salvaje.
Is pickup available from Los Cristianos?
Yes, but only for the 10am flight due to traffic later in the day.
What should I wear?
Wear sports shoes or sneakers and bring a windbreaker. A sweater or jacket is important because it can get cold during the flight.
What are the age and weight limits?
The maximum passenger weight is 100 kilograms. The minimum age to fly is 6 years, and children under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian.
What happens if weather is bad or I need to cancel?
If adverse weather occurs, the operator can reschedule or cancel the flight, and you’ll be offered another date or a full refund. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
