Indoor Skydiving: The Ultimate Skydiving Adventure Without a Plane
If the idea of leaping from an airplane feels a little too extreme, then maybe this adventure is for you. Indoor skydiving recreates the freefall sensation of real skydiving—without parachutes, planes, or heights. It’s safe, beginner-friendly, and one of the most exciting weekend adventure ideas for families, groups, or holidaymakers.
A Quick History of Indoor Skydiving
Indoor skydiving was born in the late 1970s with the invention of vertical wind tunnels. At first, these tunnels were used for military training, giving paratroopers a way to practice freefall in a controlled environment. By the 1990s, the concept had gone mainstream, with commercial tunnels opening around the world. Today, facilities like iFLY indoor skydiving make it possible for anyone—kids, adults, and even seniors—to experience human flight safely.
Where Can You Try It?
You’ll find indoor skydiving experiences in many major cities worldwide. Popular locations in North America, Europe, and Asia. Many venues are part of larger entertainment complexes, so you can easily combine flying with shopping, dining, or other family adventure activities. In the UAE, there are well known providers both in Dubai and Abu Dhabi who offer indoor skydiving, just pop onto our website or app to find which is closest to you!
Do You Need Any Skills?
Here’s the best part: indoor skydiving for beginners requires no prior experience. Before your first flight, an instructor will teach you everything you need to know. The key skills are simple:
- Relax and have fun – staying loose helps you float better.
- Basic body position – arms and legs in the right spot keep you stable.
- Follow instructions – your coach will use hand signals inside the tunnel.
No parachutes, no jumping, no fear of heights. Just pure adrenaline in a completely safe environment.
What to Wear: The Indoor Skydiving Dress Code
When you arrive, you’ll be given a special flight suit, helmet, and goggles. Underneath, wear comfortable clothes like a t-shirt and athletic pants. Closed shoes—trainers or sneakers—are best. Avoid jewellery, scarves, or loose laces, and if you have long hair, tie it back. This simple indoor skydiving dress code makes sure you’re safe and ready for flight.
What to Expect on a Typical Flight
A standard indoor skydiving experience lasts about 1–2 hours in total, though your actual tunnel time is usually 2–4 minutes per round. Don’t worry—those minutes feel like an eternity when you’re flying! Here’s how it usually works:
- Check-in and briefing – meet your instructor and get safety tips.
- Gear up – suit, helmet, goggles, and earplugs if needed.
- Training – learn body positions and hand signals.
- Take flight – step into the wind tunnel and soar!
Debrief – your coach gives feedback, and you can book extra flights if you’re hooked.
What to Wear: The Indoor Skydiving Dress Code
When you arrive, you’ll be given a special flight suit, helmet, and goggles. Underneath, wear comfortable clothes like a t-shirt and athletic pants. Closed shoes—trainers or sneakers—are best. Avoid jewellery, scarves, or loose laces, and if you have long hair, tie it back. This simple indoor skydiving dress code makes sure you’re safe and ready for flight.
What to Expect on a Typical Flight
A standard indoor skydiving experience lasts about 1–2 hours in total, though your actual tunnel time is usually 2–4 minutes per round. Don’t worry—those minutes feel like an eternity when you’re flying! Here’s how it usually works:
- Check-in and briefing – meet your instructor and get safety tips.
- Gear up – suit, helmet, goggles, and earplugs if needed.
- Training – learn body positions and hand signals.
- Take flight – step into the wind tunnel and soar!
Debrief – your coach gives feedback, and you can book extra flights if you’re hooked.
Why Indoor Skydiving is Worth It
Indoor skydiving combines excitement, safety, and accessibility.
It’s an unforgettable way to try something new—perfect for birthdays, group outings, or simply ticking an item off your bucket list. For those searching for safe adventure activities or unique things to do on holiday, indoor skydiving is hard to beat.
So next time you’re planning a weekend or holiday outing, head to your nearest tunnel and take flight.
You’ll walk away grinning, guaranteed.
