Paragliding in Oludeniz: Everything You Need To Know

What if I told you that one of the most unforgettable experiences in Turkey doesn’t happen on land—but thousands of feet above it? 

Paragliding in Oludeniz is a bucket list experience you just have to do when exploring the Turkish Riviera! This is your chance to launch off a mountain and glide over one of the most iconic coastlines in the world.

But if you’re anything like I was, you’re probably wondering: Is it safe? Will I freak out at the edge? What’s it actually like up there? I totally get it. I have a fear of heights and was quite hesitant, too.

But here’s the thing—my husband is kind of obsessed with all things flying (he’s a helicopter pilot, after all), so this was at the very top of our bucket list when planning our trip to Turkey. In fact, it’s the whole reason we added the charming town of Kas to our itinerary.

In this post, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about paragliding in Oludeniz. From what to expect during the experience to tips on safety, what to wear, how to book, and with what company.

If you’ve ever wanted to conquer your fears, embrace a once-in-a-lifetime thrill, or simply see the gorgeous turquoise coast from above, Oludeniz is the place to do it. (It’s the paragliding capital of the world, after all!)

Is Paragliding in Ölüdeniz Worth It?

Absolutely, paragliding in Ölüdeniz is worth every adrenaline pumping second—and then some. 

The moment you lift off from the mountain and soar into the sky, you’re greeted with a spectacular panoramic view of the Blue Lagoon, the sparkling Mediterranean, and rugged green hills that stretch as far as the eye can see. You can even see several of the Greek Islands off in the distance.

Although it’s quite the adrenaline rush, it’s also a humbling experience with a quiet serenity I just didn’t expect.

I think paragliding is one of the purest, most exhilarating ways to experience flight. And I should know because being married to a pilot, I’ve experienced it just about every way possible. 

It gives you a sense of freedom that’s hard to put into words. Definitely a memory that will stay with you long after your feet touch the ground. I can promise you that!

Is Paragliding in Oludeniz Safe?

You may be wondering—is paragliding in Ölüdeniz actually safe? 

And you’re probably thinking… hanging from tent-like fabric at several thousand feet sounds dangerous. Right?

But here’s the reassuring truth: paragliding ranks among the safest aerial sports you can try. In fact statistics show tandem flights are 15 times safer than driving.

When you go tandem with a certified professional pilot, you’re suspended by at least 30 strong lines, plus a reserve parachute ready for emergencies. 

The main risk comes during take-off and landing (basically, running is the most dangerous part). So, operators require closed-toe, secure shoes (no flip-flops!). Just know that your pilot is trained to manage all the what if scenarios, and they won’t hesitate to adjust or cancel the flight if conditions aren’t just right. 

That said, it’ll always carry some degree of adventure-risk, as with any exciting activity. This isn’t the place or time to cut corners and book a cheap tour: stick with a seasoned, reputable operator with experienced instructors. 

And remember, weather rules the day, not you. If the wind’s off or picking up, your pilot will reschedule. All that preparation ensures that when you take off, you’re doing it with real peace of mind.

What To Expect Paragliding in Oludeniz

If you’re wondering what actually happens from the moment you book to the second your feet touch the ground again, this section breaks down every step of paragliding in Oludeniz. From the pickup to the landing, here’s exactly what to expect so you can feel fully prepared (and totally pumped) for your flight.

Don’t be nervous!

The Pickup

The excitement kicks off when you meet your guide at a designated pickup spot in Oludeniz. From there, you’re taken to a nearby parking area where you’ll be introduced to your pilot—your new best friend for the next hour. After a quick briefing and waiver signing, they’ll walk you through what to expect, answer any last-minute questions, and get you pumped for your flight. 

The Drive Up The Mountain

You’ll hop into a van with about six other soon-to-be flyers, plus a pile of giant bags packed with paragliding gear. The drive winds up the steep, curvy hillside that hugs the coast, taking you to the launch pad high above Oludeniz. It’s a bit of a squeeze, and the guides may even scoop up a few solo flyers trying to hike their way up, but the energy in the van is electric—everyone’s buzzing with excitement and the guides keep things light and fun the whole way up.

Getting Ready for the Flight

Once you reach the top, the van parks near the launch site and your pilot gets right to work. They’ll walk you through the final instructions, fit you securely into your harness, and begin laying out the canopy on the ground behind you. 

While you wait your turn, you’ll have front-row seats to watch other paragliders take off—it’s equal parts nerve-wracking and thrilling, and builds the anticipation.

The Jump 

The “jump” was honestly way easier than I imagined—there’s no actual jumping involved. Just a few running steps down a gently sloped concrete slab, and before you even realize it, you’re floating. Seconds after takeoff, your pilot will tell you to lift your knees as they slide the seat of the harness under you, cradling you into a surprisingly comfortable position. It all happens so fast, and suddenly—you’re flying.

The Tandem Flight

Once you’re airborne, your pilot controls the glider using handles called air brakes, allowing for a smooth and steady flight. 

The ride is dead quiet, slow, and almost surreal as you drift over the turquoise coastline and take in jaw-dropping views of the Blue Lagoon and beyond. 

Your pilot will have a GoPro on a selfie stick, capturing epic photos and videos of your experience from every angle. At some point, they’ll hand over the controls so you can get a feel for steering the glider yourself—it’s both thrilling and empowering. 

Toward the end, things get really exciting when they ask if you want an “easy,” “mild,” or “wild” finish. I picked mild (and screamed like a girl – lol), while my husband, of course, chose wild—and his flips and spins were next level. I highly recommend you choose “easy” if you get motion sickness in the slightest! “Mild” caused my stomach to flip flop 100 times worse than the worst roller coaster I’d ever been on. 

The Landing

The landing was surprisingly smooth—no jolt, no hard impact. We touched down gently, took just a couple of quick steps forward, and the canopy settled to the ground behind us. 

Then came that rush of realization: I actually did that. It’s a mix of disbelief, pride, and pure exhilaration. 

Where to Book the Experience?

If you’re a planner like me and prefer to have everything booked in advance, I highly recommend using Viator—that’s who we booked with, and the whole experience was seamless. They partner with reputable local operators and offer free cancellation, which gave us peace of mind in case the weather didn’t cooperate or it got canceled for any reason.

 Another great option is Get Your Guide, which also features top-rated paragliding experiences in Oludeniz. But if you’d rather keep things flying by the seat of your pants style, you can easily walk along the beach in Oludeniz and find plenty of tour companies offering tandem flights on the spot.

Best Time For Paragliding in Oludeniz

Paragliding in Oludeniz is available year-round, but the best time to go is during the spring and summer months when the weather is warm, skies are clear, and flying conditions are at their best. We flew in April and had gorgeous views with plenty of sunshine, but the air up high was definitely chilly—so be sure to dress in layers. 

What to Wear Paragliding

Even if it’s sunny and warm on the coast, once you’re up in the sky, the air is way colder, so dressing appropriately is key. 

Wear long pants and a long-sleeve top. I wore joggers and a zip-up jacket and was glad I did. 

If you’re bringing your phone, make sure you have a zippered pocket to keep it secure during the flight or they won’t let you take it!

I also recommend packing a pair of lightweight gloves—my hands were freezing, and thankfully, my pilot lent me his. 

Closed-toe shoes with laces or fasteners are a must since you’ll need to run during takeoff—no slip-ons or sandals allowed. 

Sunglasses are a great idea too, but make sure they have a strap to keep them from flying off mid-air.

Tips For Paragliding in Oludeniz

To help you make the most of your experience, here are a few tips for paragliding in Oludeniz. From safety to what to pack, these quick pointers will make sure your flight is a success!

Safety First

Safety starts with choosing a reputable, certified paragliding company—don’t just go for the cheapest option. Make sure your tour company has experienced pilots and good reviews. Dress comfortably in secure, weather-appropriate clothing to ensure you can move easily during takeoff and stay warm in the air.

Travel Insurance

If you’re planning on paragliding or doing any other adventure sport during your trip, you really should get travel insurance and make sure your plan covers this sport. Not all standard policies include adventure activities, so double-check the fine print or consider adding a sports coverage upgrade. 

Age, Weight, and Height Limits

Most paragliding companies in Oludeniz follow a typical weight range of 35 kg (77 lbs) to 100 kg (220 lbs) to ensure flight stability and safety. There’s usually no strict age or height limit for tandem flights, but the kiddos should be mature enough to follow instructions. When in doubt, check directly with your tour company.

Taking Photos

Leave your camera at the hotel because you’re not allowed to bring your own. The pilot will have a GoPro on a selfie stick and capture amazing photos and videos throughout your flight, and at the end, they’ll just AirDrop the footage straight to your phone. Of course, it comes at a cost (we paid $20 USD), but the memories are more than worth it.

My Experience Paragliding in Oludeniz Turkey

What surprised me right off the bat was that they didn’t make us wear helmets the whole time—but they did. I only wore the helmet for take-off, and then they removed it. They didn’t put it back on for landing, either. Which definitely confused me and made me a little nervous. 

As someone with a fear of heights, I’m always looking for ways to challenge myself and push past those limits. The only moment that fear really kicked in was during the first minute after takeoff. They say you don’t get vertigo while paragliding, but I actually did feel a little dizzy and nauseous at first—not the stomach-dropping kind of fear, more like a brief wave of disorientation. Thankfully, it passed quickly once we floated away from the ledge.

After that, it was pure magic. The views were so breathtaking, the air so still and quiet, that all the nerves melted away. It was peaceful, humbling, and so much more than just an adrenaline rush. I honestly enjoyed every moment and wished it could’ve lasted longer. 

When we landed, I was just buzzing and couldn’t believe I just did that. Definitely one of the most exhilarating things I’ve ever done. And yes, we absolutely toasted the experience with a celebratory drink on the beach—you have to after doing something that epic.

How To Get To Oludeniz

We were based in Kas during our time on the Turquoise Coast, and getting to Oludeniz was super easy. It’s just about an hour’s drive, and we took a taxi there and back without any hassle. 

The closest airport to Oludeniz is Dalaman Airport (DLM), located roughly 36 km (22.5 miles) away, which takes about 54 minutes by car. You can find several nonstop flights to Dalaman from Istanbul, making it an easy option if you’re flying in from other parts of Turkey. 

But if you’re coming from Cappadocia, be warned—the flight options to Dalaman are pretty limited and not ideal. We found it much easier to fly to Antalya from Cappadocia, then drive to Kas and base ourselves there. Definitely check flight routes before locking in your itinerary.

Where To Stay in Oludeniz

If you’re planning to spend a night or two in Oludeniz, I’ve rounded up two standout hotels that would be at the top of my list. I’ve also included the charming boutique hotel we stayed at in Kas, in case you decide to follow our full Turkish Riviera itinerary.

Best Oludeniz Hotels:

Sundia Exclusive By Liberty Fethiye (Adults Only) – If you’re after a peaceful, adults-only stay with gorgeous views and top-notch service, this is the place. It’s right on the beach, the pool is dreamy, and it’s just a short drive from the paragliding takeoff spot. This would be my first pick if I were staying in Oludeniz.

Sundia By Liberty Ölüdeniz –  This hotel is right in the heart of Oludeniz, just a few minutes’ walk from the beach and all the local paragliding operators. It’s got a fun, relaxed vibe with spacious rooms and a great pool area. If you want to stay close to the action, this is the place.

Our Hotel in Kas

Payam Hotel – This charming boutique hotel in Kas was one of our favorite stays in Turkey. It had everything we were looking for: stunning sea views, a central location just steps from town, and hands down one of the best Turkish breakfasts we had on our trip. Our room was spotless and airy, with a private balcony and Jacuzzi—perfect for soaking in those golden Mediterranean sunsets. It felt like affordable luxury, and honestly, we couldn’t have asked for a better home base.

Does your adventure take you beyond Oludeniz? If so, check out these other guides to help you pick the perfect stay:
👉 The 7 Best Cave Hotels in Cappadocia for a Fairytale Stay
👉 Where to Stay in Kas for First-Time Visitors
👉 Where to Stay in Istanbul For First-Time Visitors + Best Hotels

That’s a Wrap

Paragliding in Oludeniz is one of those once-in-a-lifetime adventures that truly lives up to the hype. It’s definitely an experience you’ll be talking about for years to come. 

I hope this guide gave you everything you need to feel confident and excited for your own flight. And if you’re planning a bigger trip around Turkey, don’t forget to grab my free Turkey Travel Planner—it makes planning easy peasy and helps you map out the perfect adventure.