Paragliding Tandem Flight in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

The best part of this tandem paragliding flight is the view: you rise above Las Palmas, look across Playa de las Canteras, and return to the same general takeoff area. You do not need training, and the pilot handles the glider while you enjoy the air.

I like the careful weather checks and the included photos. I also like the small maximum group size of nine, plus round-trip transport from a central location. The main catch is that wind controls the schedule, and one past flight ended with a minor injury after a hard landing, so this is an adventure activity, not a gentle sightseeing ride.

Key details before you book

• Fly over Las Palmas: The route gives you a high view of the capital and Playa de las Canteras, with flights reaching roughly 200 to 300 meters according to the experience details.
• About 20 minutes in the air: That is enough time to settle into the harness, enjoy the coast, and take photos without committing to a long half-day outing.
• Alfredo and Alex lead flights: Alfredo contacts you by WhatsApp up to 24 hours before the activity to confirm the time and exact meeting point.
• Weather sets the timetable: Flights require wind between 15 and 30 kilometers per hour. Bad conditions mean a new date or full refund.
• Photos are included: You can buy the flight video separately for an additional €20.
• Plan for active participation: You must run at takeoff, follow instructions, avoid loose items, and weigh no more than 100 kilos.

Taking off from Los Giles

Your meeting point is the Los Giles Viewpoint on C. Almudena in the Los Giles area of Las Palmas. This is not a city-center launch pad. You meet near the hilltop, where the instructors prepare the equipment and check the conditions before deciding if the flight can go ahead.

Round-trip transportation from a central location is included, but you should still watch your WhatsApp messages closely. The exact flight time and meeting details may change with the wind. Alfredo is listed as the contact pilot, and he sends an update about 24 hours before the activity. That flexibility matters here because a fixed departure time is less important than finding a safe launch site.

The approach to some launch points may involve rough roads. If you drive yourself, take the warning seriously: one note advises that not every car is suited to the uneven access roads. Public transport is nearby, but the supplied details do not specify a particular route or walking distance, so confirm the final meeting instructions before setting out.

At the hill, your instructor explains the activity, safety procedures, and takeoff technique. You also complete an information sheet and can ask questions before putting on the equipment. This briefing is useful for first-timers because the strange part is not the flying. It is knowing when to run, when to sit back, and how to move with the pilot.

What a 20-minute tandem flight feels like

Paragliding here uses a flexible, lightweight wing with no motor. You and the pilot share a two-person harness system, and the glider rises through the force of the wind. You do not steer the aircraft or need previous flight experience.

The launch requires some leg movement. You will be told when to run, and the pilot manages the wing as it fills with air. One person described the run from the cliff as the most nerve-racking moment, followed quickly by the realization that everything was under control. That is a fair warning: the first few seconds can feel more dramatic than the rest of the flight.

Once airborne, the experience is usually quiet and smooth. The pilot looks after the flight path while you look down at Las Palmas and the coast. You may float rather than feel the sudden drops associated with some amusement rides. The flight is listed at about 20 minutes, though the actual time can vary with wind and air currents.

You may also have the option of paying for an extended flight. Ask the pilot what is possible on the day, since weather and wind determine how long the glider can remain in the air. A longer flight may appeal if this is a major holiday goal, but the standard session already gives you a proper first taste of paragliding.

The view over Playa de las Canteras

The selling point is the angle. From the air, Playa de las Canteras becomes part of a broad coastal view rather than just a beach promenade. You can see the capital from above, with the shoreline providing an easy point of reference as the pilot guides the glider.

The takeoff area around Los Giles also gives you a hillside perspective before you leave the ground. On a clear day, the combination of hill, city, and coast makes the flight feel tied to Las Palmas rather than like a generic adventure activity placed anywhere.

The views do depend on the launch location. If the wind is wrong at the planned point, the team may move several kilometers along the coast to find safer conditions. That happened for one flight, which then went ahead from a different site with views over the northern shore. This is good operational judgment, but it means you should treat the advertised viewpoint as a guide, not a rigid promise.

Bring a warm layer even if the beach feels hot. At around 200 meters, the moving air can feel cool, and one useful tip is to wear long pants and sturdy shoes. Choose sportswear or other comfortable clothing that lets you move easily for takeoff.

Safety, instructors, and the small-group setup

The instructors are the strongest part of the experience. Alfredo is repeatedly described as calm, clear, and reassuring, while Alex and Alberto are also named as pilots who explain the process and adjust plans when conditions change. One instructor, Alejandro, is described as having 34 years of paragliding experience.

That range of names suggests you may not fly with Alfredo on every departure. The important point is to note the pilot’s name when you receive the WhatsApp message and ask any questions before arriving. Communication before the activity is a recurring strength, particularly when wind changes the meeting point or timing.

Insurance is included, as is the flight equipment. You must complete the required information and follow the instructor’s directions. You also cannot carry items that could fall from the harness. Leave loose phones, hats, jewelry, and similar objects behind unless the operator specifically provides a secure way to carry them.

The activity is intended for people in good health with no leg mobility restrictions. The maximum weight is 100 kilos, the recommended minimum age is 14, and minors need a parent or guardian present to give consent. It is not recommended during pregnancy, and you must not take part under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

The overall safety record described by the available feedback is reassuring, but you should keep your expectations realistic. One family reported that a 14-year-old had cuts after an instructor made a hard landing. The cuts were cleaned, and she received another turn, but the incident is worth noting. Paragliding is controlled and carefully managed, yet it still involves a launch, changing air, and a landing on your legs.

Photos included, video at extra cost

Photos are part of the package, which is a real plus. You can enjoy the flight without trying to hold a phone, and the operator can capture the experience from the air. Several people also received videos, but video is an optional purchase for an extra €20 per person.

If the photos matter to you, ask how and when they will be delivered. The supplied details confirm that photos are included, but they do not explain the delivery method or exact number. The same applies to video, so clarify whether you receive digital files and when you can decide to buy the video.

Keep your hands free during the flight. Aside from safety, this makes the experience more relaxed. You can look around, talk with the pilot, and take in the unusual sensation of being carried by the wind rather than distracted by camera work.

Is $128.55 good value?

At $128.55 per person, this is not a cheap beach activity. It is also not an all-day tour. You are paying for roughly 20 minutes in the air, instructor time, transport, equipment, insurance, and photos.

I think the price makes sense if paragliding is a bucket-list experience and you want a guided first flight rather than a basic lesson. The included transport and insurance remove some extra costs, while the photos give you a lasting record. The value is weaker if you mainly want a long sightseeing outing or if you are unsure about the takeoff.

The optional video adds another €20, so budget for that only if having moving footage matters to you. If your schedule is tight, book with some flexibility. The operator may need to shift the activity because of wind, and the standard cancellation terms allow a full refund only when you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.

The experience is booked, on average, about 31 days ahead. That is a useful clue for busy holiday periods. Reserve early, but avoid placing it on the final morning of your trip. A weather cancellation can be moved to another day, and you need spare time to use that option.

Who will enjoy this flight most?

This suits adults, teenagers aged 14 and older, families with active children, and anyone who wants a first paragliding experience without taking a course. You need enough leg mobility to run at takeoff and land as instructed. The activity also suits people who prefer a short, focused adventure rather than a full-day excursion.

It may be a good birthday treat. A family used it for a 60th birthday, and another family booked it for a 14th birthday. The pilot’s calm explanations help if you are excited but nervous.

I would think twice if you dislike heights, have trouble running, need a fixed timetable, or cannot accept the possibility of postponement. The flight itself may feel peaceful, but the launch is active and the weather can change the plan. Also check the 100-kilo limit before paying.

Practical tips for a smoother day

Wear sturdy shoes, long pants, and a warm jacket. Comfortable sportswear is best, and anything loose that could fall must stay behind.

Do not drink alcohol before the activity, and arrive ready to listen. The briefing is short but important. You are not expected to know how to paraglide, but you are expected to follow the pilot’s instructions.

Keep your phone and other valuables secure. Ask about the included photos and optional video before takeoff, not while you are preparing to run.

Watch for Alfredo’s WhatsApp message up to 24 hours before the activity. The exact time and location may change, especially if the wind is too strong or too weak at Los Giles.

The acceptable wind range is listed as 15 to 30 kilometers per hour. If conditions fall outside that range, the flight may be canceled for safety. You can then choose another date or request a full refund.

Should you book the Las Palmas paragliding flight?

Book it if you want a memorable view of Las Palmas, like the idea of a peaceful flight after a lively takeoff, and can keep your schedule flexible. The experienced pilots, included insurance, transport, and photos make the package easy for a first attempt.

I would not book it as your only plan for a tightly scheduled day. Wind may change the launch site or cancel the flight, and the activity requires a short run and a proper landing. For an active person in good health, though, this is a strong way to see Playa de las Canteras from an angle you cannot get from the beach.

FAQ

How long is the paragliding flight?

The standard tandem flight lasts approximately 20 minutes. An extended flight may be available, depending on the conditions and the option selected.

Do I need previous paragliding experience?

No. The instructor provides the briefing, equipment, and flight guidance. You only need to follow the instructions during takeoff and landing.

Where does the activity begin?

The listed meeting point is Los Giles Viewpoint, C. Almudena, 65, 35018 Los Giles, Las Palmas, Spain.

Where does the activity finish?

The activity ends back at the meeting point.

Is transportation included?

Yes. Round-trip transportation from a central location is included.

Are photos included in the price?

Yes. Photos are included. A flight video is available for an additional cost of €20 per person.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The flight may be moved to another date or canceled with a full refund. Flights are not carried out when wind speeds are below 15 kilometers per hour or above 30 kilometers per hour.

What is the maximum weight?

The maximum weight per customer is 100 kilos.

What is the minimum age?

The recommended minimum age is 14. Minors must attend with a parent or guardian who can give consent.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

You can receive a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted for a refund.