A Guide To Oludeniz Paragliding in Fethiye, Turkey! [UPDATED FOR 2024]

Dreams Of Taking The Leap: Paragliding in Oludeniz

In the years since our last visit, a lot of things had changed, we had taken up climbing and we’d done a lot of adventure sports. Climbing made us comfortable at heights and we would regularly travel around the UK doing it as well as highlining (like tightrope walking but on slack webbing and at height).

We had also just been on an incredible trip to Switzerland where we did some extreme canyoning (jumping, sliding and abseiling off huge cliffs in a canyon), a 2000ft high Via Ferrata unguided as well as white water rafting and finally paragliding in view of the Eiger! So it just seemed like a no-brainer that on this visit we would finally be Paragliding in Oludeniz!

READ MORE: See Our Guide To Interlaken here

So here we were, back in the little Turkish town we knew so well, surrounded by friends we’d made over the years and now with Shorty’s Dad and Step Mum living here. The time to tick this long-standing bucket list item was now!

We’d already had an incredible time returning to Turkey, finally making it to Istanbul as well as exploring the unworldly landscape of Cappadocia on foot as well as in a hot air balloon, so paragliding in Turkey would be the icing on the cake of our return!

READ MORE: See Our Hot Air Balloon Experience Here

Extreme sports enthusiasts on the trip of a lifetime backpacking around the world stood at the bottom of the mountain with enough money, time and contacts to make it happen whenever we wanted!! This was it, we were going paragliding in Oludeniz!

A Complete Guide To Paragliding In Oludeniz

So, after doing it twice and also having personal family and friends in the area we’ve put together a comprehensive guide for those looking to do the same. We know many people want to give it a go but have some apprehensions and questions about the Fethiye paragliding beforehand. So we’re here to put your fears to bed and make this amazing life experience a reality for you too!

Here you will find a breakdown of the frequently asked questions such as insurance, safety, Oludeniz paragliding price, photos, what to wear when to do the jump and a walk through the experience.

How high is paragliding in Oludeniz?  Did you know this is the highest tandem Paragliding spot in the world? The Oludeniz paragliding height is 1957m (6000 ft) and is constantly voted as the world’s best place to paraglide!

Booking Your Paragliding – Where To Go, Prices & What’s Included

Booking a Fethiye paragliding trip is REALLY easy to do in either Hisaronu or Oludeniz (The two main tourist villages in the area) as it is one of the main things to do here. Even if you are anywhere in the area it’s easy to organise.

Where Should I Book From

You have a few options when it comes to booking your Fethiye paragliding trip.

When travelling in the peak season (Summer) we recommend alway booking in advance as there are only so many slots available, but if you do come in the shoulder season then you are fine to book last minute.

Photos/ Videos are never included in the paragliding in Turkey price as they are sorted out between you and your pilot afterwards. (More on that later!)

This is the best way to be sure you have all the information, you know which company you are booked with and what is included.

But it might not be the best way to get the best paragliding in Turkey price unless you haggle a little. It’s also good if you have any specific questions you want to ask about the Fethiye paragliding, though most companies will be open to talk in the hopes of a sale anyway!

There are loads of companies/ shops where you can book various different tours and trips. Most of these are pretty reputable but it is worth asking around for the most reliable. This is where you might get the best Paragliding in Oludeniz price but be cautious!!

If you plan on booking other excursions or trips then you might be able to barter them down for a discount on the Fethiye paragliding if you buy everything from the same place.

Just be sure to check who you are actually booked with for the paragliding if you want a specific company and be clear on what is included. Sometimes if you barter them down they stick you with a cheap company!!!

Booking online might work out a touch more expensive as you can’t barter but it means your money is better protected in case your jump doesn’t go ahead or you want to cancel.

 Online bookings are also easier to book before you travel or without having to be pestered on the street! You can even book whilst still at home so no need to worry if you will get a slot!

Online booking usually all come with hotel transfers included as standard and you can also read honest reviews on the experience beforehand!

Which Is The Best Paragliding Company In Oludeniz?

Pretty much all the companies in Oludeniz are a good choice because all are regulated and have experienced pilots. Given the number of companies, and the number of flights going off the mountain each day, accidents are very rare.

But do be wary of the super cheap outfits as they often launch from a lower point to avoid National Park entrance fees and taxes!!

Two of the oldest and most trusted companies on the beach are Sky Sports Paragliding and Gravity if you want extra peace of mind. Reaction and Focus are also two good companies to consider also.

We flew with Gravity for our second time and with a personal friend the first time.

Though we enjoyed both experiences it was nice to see how the larger companies operate and how smoothly they deal with the high volume of customers. We found them to be professional and efficient.

Are Photos / Videos Included & How To Get Them

Be aware that when you book your flight the price will almost certainly not include a photo/ video package.

This is because these are arranged separately between you and your pilot who makes a separate commission from selling these. This means your pilot isn’t just giving the photography lip service, but expect them to put a bit of effort into getting cool shots and angles!

Photos will usually come on a CD or pen drive. It’s worth checking these on another computer before you leave town. You can also get them straight onto your phone too if you like.

Expect to pay between £20 – £40 (225 TL – 450 TL) for photos and videos depending on which package you go for. Pricey but in our opinion worth the money to capture your Fethiye paragliding experience.

Our Favourite Backpacks

Osprey Fairpoint/ Fairview

We’ve used the Osprey Fairpoint/ Fairview for all our backpacking adventures over the past 5 years and highly recommend them!

The main area of the pack opens like a suitcase, which is great for using packing cubes to keep everything organised and they even come with a detachable day pack!

> Fairpoint: Buy It Here

> Fairview: Buy It Here

How Much Does It Cost To Do The Fethiye Paragliding?

The average cost of paragliding in Oludeniz is £70 – £100 (790 TL – 1128 TL) 

As mentioned above photos and videos cost between £20 – £40 (225 TL – 450 TL) depending on the package you choose.

Overall with photos expect the Fethiye Paragliding price to be around £140 Each 

Go ahead and try to barter or get some great package deals but always be wary of the flights being too cheap as you might end up with a company that cuts corners or flys from the lower unofficial jump point! The Fethiye Paragliding price with a reputable company is what it is because they have a higher level of professionalism.

The Fethiye Paragliding price does tend to go up every few years, when we first did it we paid around £50 in 2016!

A good thing to know is that here in Oludeniz and Hisaronu you can pay in GBP (£) because of the high number of British tourists and often you get a better rate if you do.

Are Transfers Included? 

Usually, hotel transfers from Hisaronu, Ovacik and Oludeniz (And potentially Fethiye/ Calis, Kabak) are included but they will need to be arranged and you should always double-check when you book your Tandem paragliding in Oludeniz.

However, sometimes the transfers are not included or you might have to pay a little extra depending on where you are staying and who you book with. Always check this and if in doubt get yourself down to the shop/ offices of the actual paragliding company you are booked to fly with. They are usually in Oludeniz near or on the front strip.

What is it Like Paragliding In Turkey

 What Is The Bus Ride Up The Mountain Like?

The ride up the mountain will take about 40 minutes from the beach and is generally pretty relaxed and scenic despite the reputation it might have. However, the last steep section can be quite stressful for those who are nervous on mountain roads but I’ve never heard of a crash up here!

Paragliding in Turkey: What The Flight Is Like

As you arrive at the top of the mountain and close to the take-off point you will be allocated a pilot, usually randomly. This gives you time to get to know them a little and have a chat. They will answer any questions about the Fethiye paragliding you have as they get you ready in your gear for the jump.

The Take Off

Before doing the Babadag paragliding I imagined the take-off to be different than it was!

Your canopy is laid on the ground and your pilot will lift it into the air behind you before turning towards the exit. This is when you will both run as the canopy fills with air and eventually lifts you right off your feet. Don’t worry about running out of the runway, you will be running in the air before you know it!!

The Oludeniz paragliding take-off runway is now paved and the take-off is an easy and quick process. You might have to wait in a bit of a queue at the top with your canopy on the ground and someone in front of you takes off first.

Occasionally if the wind changes you might have to pick your gear up and move to the other runway on the other side of the mountain. But this is just the pilots knowing what they are going through and reading the conditions!

What It Feels Like In The Air

As soon as you are airborne your pilot will slide you back into your seat.

The initial area around the top of the mountain can be a little turbulent as you first set off and you might hear the wind in your canopy, but soon you will be floating off high above the sea and everything will be calm!

The whole experience in the sky is very relaxed and peaceful, your pilot will guide you out over the water and back over the land to see the mountains, villages and of course the famous Blue Lagoon.

During the first part of the flight, you do feel quite high, which is no surprise really given that the mountain is an incredible 1,969m (6460ft) above sea level and you actually initially rise up because of the warm air currents!

If you like your pilot will ask if you want to do some “tricks” whilst you’re over the ocean. This consists of some spins and turns which can be quite thrilling. But these are optional and can make you feel a bit dizzy! They might also let you have a go at the controls too which is a fun thing to try when doing the Fethiye paragliding.

Is It Scary?

I can’t say how everyone’s experience will be but we didn’t find it particularly scary though my sister-in-law did! The general consensus amongst people who have done it is that it isn’t that scary!

I would say the build-up is where you get nervous and anxious with all the waiting. The take-off is a bit heart-racing as the ground just falls away below you, you feel the canopy take you and you do feel very high!

But all in all the Fethiye paragliding experience is very calm. Once out over the sea, you’re just basically sitting there floating above the world for 30 mins just taking it all in! It’s a beautiful experience!

What The Landing Is Like?

Landing is also nothing to worry about and is really easy!

Your pilot will let you know when you are coming in and you will start doing smaller turns and head towards the designated landing area along the beach.

There will be a crew from your company waiting at the bottom to assist as well. But you come in quite steady and your pilot pulls up as you near the ground insuring a soft landing. All that is expected from you is to lift your feet up so they touch down first and put them down once told to do so.

Advice For Those Thinking Of Paragliding In Turkey/ Things You Should Know

Safety Concerns

One of the main questions that come up is how safe is the Fethiye paragliding.

Paragliding by its very nature is an extreme sport with huge risks and consequences if things go wrong. But thousands of people go paragliding in Oludeniz each year and accidents are rare given the numbers

One of the benefits of paragliding in Oludeniz is that the industry here is very well-developed and has been going on for a number of decades. With the area being a huge tourist destination the government is keen to keep people as safe as possible and year after year even more safety measures are put in place.

That being said, the sport is inherently risky and you can never be 100% sure an accident won’t happen, just like anything we do in life and that’s part of the thrill! However, the pilots carry reserve canopies and radio devices too.

Crashes have and do happen here and you might hear of them, but almost all of these are from inexperienced single riders and not professional tandem riders.

Insurance Information

Another important question that crops up is insurance for your Fethiye paragliding trip.

Your paragliding company will have some insurance that will generally cover you for an accident and medical cover whilst in Turkey. (This is included in the Fethiye Paragliding price)

What isn’t covered is repatriation, for that you will need your own insurance.

Be sure to check what activities your normal travel insurance covers as most regular travel insurance WILL NOT cover paragliding as it is an extreme sport.

You can take out single-day policies with many insurers to cover you for just the day you will do your jump.

We recommend SafetyWing for travel insurance.

Safety Wing Travel Insurance

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What Time Of Year Should I Visit

Oludeniz and Hisaronu are popular beach resorts mostly for British holidaymakers and so the summer months are the most popular and expensive but it does close down over the winter. Fethiye city however is open and normal year-round.

Although the region is generally temperate all year round the mountains are often covered in snow over the winter. This means the tandem paragliding season is from Spring to Mid Autumn.

Over the summer the conditions are at their most ideal and consistent with the warm air making it easier to stay in the air longer and also providing a more pleasant experience. However, you might find these times popular and you might want to book ahead.

What Should I Wear When Paragliding in Oludeniz

 During the majority of the paragliding season, the weather here is lovely and warm, even at the top of the mountain.

If the weather is cool then your pilot will provide you will a flying suit/ jacket if necessary.

Just be sure to wear something comfortable!

The most important thing is to wear comfortable flat shoes, ideally, trainers that are tied securely! This is essential for both take-off and landing!

Is There A Weight Limit/ Height Restrictions/ Age Limits for Paragliding in Oludeniz?

The standard weight limit for Paragliding in Oludeniz is 110kg (242.5 lbs / 17.3 Stone) for Sky Sports and 100kg (220.5 lbs / 15.7 Stone) for most other companies.

As far as we are aware there is no upper or lower limit in height for Paragliding Oludeniz.

There doesn’t seem to be much of an age limit either, most companies advertise that they have “flown passengers from 4 to 84 years old” though consent from parents is usually needed for children to do the Babadag paragliding.

Can I Take My Own Camera or Phone Paragliding in Oludeniz?

Whilst being processed in the offices before you set off to do the Fethiye paragliding you will be asked to hand over anything that could be a potential hazard. This includes things like phones/ keys/ wallets etc. These will be placed in a locker for you to collect later.

If you must bring some items up you can arrange for your pilot to place them in their pack so they are safe or you could leave them with friends/ family waiting for you on the beach.

One disappointment might be the loss of your phone or camera to take your own photos of your Babadag paragliding experience. You should speak to the company before to be clear on what they allow to be taken up. Sometimes the issue is health and safety, other times it’s the pilot wanting to be sure you will buy their photos!

To avoid this issue be sure to find a way to secure your phone or camera to you using a lanyard and speak to the pilot before so they know and also reassure them you also want their photos too!!

Can I Back Out Of Paragliding in Oludeniz if I Don’t Want To Do It!?

Yes, you can back out at any point and even right at the top, you can get back in the bus to come down. My sister-in-law’s boyfriend did just that the second time we went paragliding in Turkey!

However, the companies are very unlikely to refund you especially if you back out at the last minute!

It’s best to be pretty sure you will do the Babadag paragliding when you book or try to cancel well in advance. Booking online gives you a better chance of getting a refund for the Fethiye paragliding trip.

Getting To Oludeniz/ Fethiye/ Hisaronu

How to get to Oludeniz

Oludeniz is a popular beach resort on the south coast of Turkey close to the city of Fethiye. Another village called Hisaronu is also close by and popular with tourists and is just up the road.

Fethiye is just 40 mins away by Dolmus (Local buses that are like minibuses). The Dolmus runs regularly every 15 mins and costs 6 TL / £0.80 / $1.00

Fethiye is a small harbour city which in itself is a beautiful place to visit. it’s well connected to the rest of the country with buses running from the “Otogar” (Bus station in Turkish) to Istanbul, Ankara, Antalya, Marmaris, Cappadocia and further regularly.

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Flights to the Region

The closest airport is Dalaman which is around 1.5 hours away. Flights here from the UK are frequent during the holiday season but stop during the off-season.

Most people on holiday here take a transfer but they are quite expensive for the budget traveller.

The best way is to make your way to Fethiye and take one of the coaches from the Otogar (bus Station). Kamil Koc, Pamukkale and Metro Turizm run them and the cost is between 10 TL / £1.30 / $1.65 – 20 TL / £2.60 / $3.30 and it takes between 40 mins and 1.15 hrs.

There is also the Havas bus service that is run in partnership with Turkish Airlines though anyone can use it as well as the Muttas bus. These cost around 10 TL / £1.30 / $1.65 each way. Be sure to ask at the information desk in the airport to be pointed in the right direction.

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If you are wanting to travel here during the off-season when Dalaman is often closed or has limited services then the other major airport is over in Antalya which is a bigger city.

Antalya is significantly further and it takes about 2-3 hours in a car. The best way to get here would be to take a bus from Antalya city to Fethiye and continue from there, thankfully there are a few that run each day and they are pretty cheap.

Where To Stay

If you’re a backpacker or just like to generally steer away from the touristy resorts then Oludeniz or Hisaronu are probably not for you!

For us we have a strange relationship with these places, they’re generally the epitome of the type of travelling we hate but having gone here on holidays as kids and having family and friends here we have a bit of a nostalgic love for them! But even we can’t stand two weeks of it and would rather stay in Fethiye or Calis!

Oludeniz / Hisaronu

The obvious place for paragliding in Turkey is in Oludeniz itself or the similar town of Hisaronu just up the road.

These two towns are very much British Holiday areas and if you’re looking for “cheap” accommodation and Turkish culture you’ll be hard-pressed. However, they are good if you want a “proper holiday” and a convenient spot from which to paraglide.

Generally between the two Oludeniz is more expensive as it is right on the beach and Hisaronu is slightly cheaper and is situated in a more mountainous location. Both are easily accessible on the regular and cheap public Dolmus bus. Nightlife in each town is pretty bustling each night and there are lots of great restaurants of all different cuisines.

Hisaronu is a better option if you want to rent an apartment for your stay whereas Oludeniz is home to more all-inclusive hotels.

Ovacik

Another place to check out is the small village of Ovacik close by but just outside of Hisaronu. This area is a lot quieter but close enough to take advantage of the amenities in Hisaronu.

Kabak/ Faralya

Kabak is along the coast from Oludeniz and beyond Butterfly Valley. This area is a bit of a secret spot and has some really nice hotels overlooking the bay from above and some great hippy-type hotels and hostels down on the small beach. There aren’t many amenities here and it’s a little awkward to get to but it’s quiet and peaceful and has a much more international vibe.

Fethiye

Fethiye is a small city not far from the Oludeniz/ Hisaronu area and is one of the cheapest places to stay around here. Here you will get to experience more authentic Turkish culture in this working harbourside city. Hotels, hostels, guest houses and apartments are much cheaper here and there are plenty of great restaurants and bars in the city that are not touristy and instead are filled with friendly locals. Fethiye does have a beach over at Calis …

Calis

Calis is just on the outskirts of Fethiye and is considered to be the main beach for the city. This area does have a small tourist development but has also kept its local charm. It’s an ideal compromise between the city and the beach and is generally reasonably priced with a good mix of international and local restaurants and bars. It is also home to a small ex-pat community.

Find More Accommodation Options Here

Other Things To Do In And Around Oludeniz After The Fethiye Paragliding

Take a boat trip around the various islands and coves

Visit the amazing Butterfly Valley on a boat trip

Hike part of the Lycian way and see the incredible coastline of the area

Visit the beaches and hippy hideaway area of Kabak

Explore Saklikent Gorge on a Jeep safari

Take a road trip to the incredible landscape of Pamukkale 

Visit the awe-inspiring ancient Greek city of Ephesus

Wander around the old city of Fethiye, its harbour, ancient tombs and hillside fortress

Discover the ruins of Kayakoy ghost town

Have a traditional Turkish bath

Go on a boat trip over to the Greek island of Rhodes

Go SCUBA Diving in the warm waters of the Turkish coast

Visit the Dalyan Turtle Beach & Mud Baths 

Go on a quad bike adventure in the mountainous region outside the city

Have You Ever Done Something So Amazing As Paragliding In Oludeniz!?

Let us know what your experience was if you’re been paragliding here or anywhere else, we’re always on the lookout for new spots! Are you thinking about giving it a go?

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