If your idea of fun includes flying over some of the most beautiful scenery in the world, then this may be for you!
One of the most amazing experiences you will ever have is paragliding in Oludeniz, Turkey.
Flying from the Babadag Mountain straight to 0 m and almost landing on the beach is a truly extraordinary experience.
About paragliding in Oludeniz
Oludeniz, located in southwestern Turkey, is one of the top places in the world for paragliding and offers the best paragliding in Turkey.
The stunning Oludeniz bay, with crystal-clear waters and lovely sandy beaches, is a magnificent backdrop to your flight.
The Babadag Mountain, from which you take off, is also a beautiful sight. Soar over the picturesque landscape and enjoy the incredible views below.
It’s well known that the best paragliding in Turkey is right here in Oludeniz, near Fethiye.
The Babadag Mountain is one of the main attractions for paragliders, as it offers a great starting point for your flight.
The takeoff is at an altitude of almost 2000 meters, from where you glide down to 0 meters, making for a thrilling experience. However, this is definitely not something for the faint of heart!
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History of paragliding in Oludeniz
The Oludeniz paragliding experience has a long and exciting history.
The first recorded tandem flight in Oludeniz was back in 1992. At that time, the equipment used was not as good as today’s equipment, but the pilots could still enjoy the incredible views and fly through the air with ease.
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Why Oludeniz is so popular for paragliding
Paragliding in Oludeniz grows in popularity each year and ranks globally among the top paragliding spots. This is partly due to the incredible scenery below and the safe and reliable pilots and equipment.
So it makes sense that such big crowds soar over the picturesque landscape every day and enjoy this spectacular experience right in Oludeniz.
Our paragliding experience
Paragliding in Oludeniz was one of the best experiences of our life! We loved it so much that we’ll be looking into paragliding in some other places as well.
So this will definitely not be our last time flying.
Even though I (Arijana) love heights and adventurous activities, I have to admit that I was a bit scared at first. Not of the flight itself but the taking off.
The day before our flight, we went to the top of the Babadag mountain and observed others flying. Taking off seemed so scary when we saw it, as you basically have to run off the mountain.
It was even scarier once we realized that our company was taking us up to an even higher take-off spot than the one we had observed a day before. However, it was not scary at all! We did a few steps, and we were already up in the air!
On the other hand, Matej is a bit more uncomfortable with heights, but even he had an incredible time and felt just fine as soon as we took off.
So, the scariest moment is just the takeoff, but only because you don’t know what to expect. But, as soon as you start flying, you’ll be just fine.
The flying itself is also much more comfortable than we previously thought. You’re sitting in a comfortable seat of sorts that feels more like an armchair (so crazy!). The whole time you’re gliding through the air, which feels like you’re a bird. It’s impossible to describe that feeling.
BUT THAT’S NOT ALL!
You can do acrobatics while tandem paragliding
Yes, that’s right!
Of course, you have to spice things up a bit. 😀 We read that the pilots can do some amazing acrobatics while paragliding in tandem with you, so we didn’t hesitate to ask for some almost right at the beginning (I told you I love adrenaline activities).
They can perform stunts and tricks while you enjoy the views and the adrenaline rush. You soar through the air and experience the thrill of free flight as your pilot shows off their skills.
Both of us enjoyed these so much and couldn’t recommend you more to (at least) try it once.
During the whole flight, the pilot makes sure you’re feeling good and relaxed and that you get some amazing photos and videos of your experience.
If you’re a couple or a family, they can even fly next to one another. That’s how we got this fantastic photo (one of our all-time favorites).
Try controlling the parachute yourself!
One of our favorite memories will also be flying ourselves. We got a chance to control the parachute for a bit, and it felt incredible!
How to choose the best company for paragliding in Oludeniz
There are several famous companies for paragliding in Oludeniz. These companies offer top-of-the-line equipment and experienced pilots who will ensure that your flight is safe and enjoyable.
Some of the most popular companies for paragliding in Oludeniz include:
- Reaction
- Fly Oludeniz
- SkySports
- Gravity Paragliding
- Skywalkers
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Who we chose to fly with and why
You won’t make a mistake by choosing any of these top paragliding companies in Oludeniz, as they all offer pretty much the same things.
However, we decided on Reaction Paragliding as we especially loved the photos on their Instagram account. They also provide the option of choosing the pilot you want to fly with (if they’re available, of course).
Also, I love that they have a female pilot as well, always cool to see that.
The price of paragliding in Oludeniz
Paragliding prices in Oludeniz are set at the beginning of every season. We noticed that the prices are slowly going up each year.
The final price also depends on the entry fee to Babadag mountain (where the take-off point is) and the pilot association decisions. That’s why you should do your research before getting there.
The price for the 2021 season was between $80 and $140 (depending on the period of the year and the company). We were there towards the end of the season (end of October), so we got a discount and paid $80 per person for a flight with Reaction Paragliding, plus an additional $20 for the photos and videos.
Travel tip: Check the online prices, and also feel free to call them directly and see if there’s any discount available.
Why should you NEVER go for the cheapest deal
These kinds of activities have set prices for a reason. The prices are set based on entrance fees to the mountain, skilled pilots with years of experience, and quality equipment.
If you opt for the cheapest option, especially if it’s much cheaper than others, there is a big chance you’ll be flying from improvised take-off points instead of official ones at the Babadag mountain, from a lower height, with often amateur pilots and not-so-good equipment.
Paragliding is the kind of activity where you depend on your pilot. You want to be with someone skilled enough to react appropriately if something goes wrong.
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Is paragliding safe?
Paragliding is a safe activity since you employ a top-of-the-line gliding parachute that can withstand extreme circumstances.
You can count on the experienced pilots that everything will go as planned.
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What is included in the price of paragliding
What’s included in the price of paragliding depends on the company. So make sure to check with them before booking your flight.
With Reaction Paragliding, we had the following things included:
- free pick-up service in Fethiye (but we decided to come with a car directly to the office)
- transfer to the take-off point on Babadag mountain
- mountain entrance fee
- health insurance
- professional pilot
- all the necessary equipment (including helmet)
- windproof jacket (available on request)
- taxes
You can also use their drop-off shuttle that goes every 2 hours.
Are photos and videos included in the price?
No, usually, photos and videos aren’t included in the flight price.
You need to purchase them separately from the pilots. We would highly recommend paying extra for these as many companies don’t allow your own filming equipment for safety reasons.
Travel tip: If you ask them beforehand, they may allow you to take your own filming equipment, but only if strapped to your body. We got this option, but at the last minute chose to leave everything at home as we just wanted to enjoy our flight carelessly. We’re so happy we did this, as we got amazing photos (a few 360 ones as well!) and videos without stressing about them ourselves.
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How long is the paragliding flight in Oludeniz?
The paragliding flights in Oludeniz are usually around 25 minutes long but can be shorter or longer depending on the weather conditions.
So you have to keep that in mind and not get frustrated if it ends up being shorter.
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The best time to go paragliding in Oludeniz
The best time to go paragliding in Oludeniz is between June and September.
Paragliding season in Oludeniz starts in April and lasts till November, while the high season is between June and September.
They fly throughout the whole day, and you can choose which time suits you the best. We went in the morning, the perfect time for stable glides and great photos.
Midday can be great for longer flights, and late afternoon can offer that beautiful sunset glow (although we noticed it could get quite hazy at that time, too!).
Whichever time you choose, you’ll be embarking on a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Book your spot for paragliding in advance
Booking paragliding in advance is especially important if you’re doing it in the high season.
It’s recommended to book at least three days in advance. You can do it online or directly at one of the paragliding company offices in the center of Oludeniz (close to the beach).
Also, you don’t want to leave this activity for the end of your trip. Schedule it on the first days you’re there as this is weather-dependent activity, and if weather conditions aren’t good, they will cancel all the flights.
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What to wear for paragliding
Make sure to wear comfortable, sporty clothes (not dresses or skirts) and closed-toe shoes on your paragliding flight. Shorts are fine in summer months, but in the shoulder seasons, longer clothing is more suitable.
Long pants are mostly recommended so that if you have a tiny bit harder landing, you don’t scrape your legs/knees. Of course, that won’t happen to you, but just in case, you know. 🙂
Sunglasses are also super useful!
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How the process of paragliding in Oludeniz looks like
Here’s a simple explanation of the paragliding process:
1. Book a paragliding flight online or on the spot
2. Get to the office on time
Wait for the pick-up transport or meet directly in the office (make sure to be on time).
3. Check-in and fill in the paperwork.
Before you go on a paragliding flight, they will need your consent.
4. Departure to the Babadag take-off point.
It will take 30-40 minutes to get there, and the paragliding company arranges it.
5. 5-10 minutes of preparations, and off you go. 🙂
6. Fly above one of the most beautiful sceneries in the world.
7. After landing, follow your pilot back to the office
The pilot will show you the photos and the videos you can buy (this step may be a bit different depending on the company).
8. And that’s it! You did it! You just flew above Oludeniz!
How to get to the paragliding spot in Oludeniz
From Fethiye, you can take a dolmuş (minibus) to Oludeniz almost every 10 to 15 minutes. The ride takes about 30 minutes, and the cost is about $1.
You can also rent a car and drive to Oludeniz yourself.
The starting point of most companies is right in the town of Oludeniz, on the main tourist street going towards the beach.
If you would like to observe the paragliders taking off, read our article about the Babadag Cable Car for more information about it.
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Final thoughts
If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush and want to experience some of the most beautiful scenery in the world at the same time, then paragliding in Oludeniz, Turkey, is your go-to destination.
Would you go paragliding?
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