Paragliding Tandem Flight in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

The best part of this tandem paragliding flight is the setting: you rise from Los Giles and look down over Las Palmas, with Playa de las Canteras stretching along the coast. The glider has no motor, so your flight depends on the wind, your pilot’s judgment, and the flexible wing above you.

I like the small maximum group of nine, which keeps the operation personal, and I like that photos, insurance, and round-trip transport are included. The main thing to keep in mind is that weather controls the day. If the wind is below 15 km/h or above 30 km/h, the flight may be postponed or canceled.

Key points to know before you book

• About 20 minutes in the air: Enough time to settle in, enjoy the views, and get a real sense of free flight.
• Launch from Los Giles: The takeoff area gives you a broad view over Las Palmas and the north coast.
• Experienced named pilots: Alfredo, Alex, Alberto, and other instructors handle the flight and explain each step.
• Photos included: You can buy the flight video separately for an additional €20.
• No previous experience needed: You follow the pilot’s instructions while the pilot controls the glider.
• Weather sets the schedule: A canceled flight can be moved to another date or refunded in full.

Flying above Las Palmas without a motor

This is not a powered aircraft ride. You and your instructor sit in a two-person harness beneath a lightweight, flexible wing. The glider takes off, flies, and lands through the pilot’s handling and the movement of the air.

That makes the experience quieter and more exposed than a plane ride. You hear the wind and see the coast from a wide, open viewpoint. The published flight time is about 20 minutes, though the actual time in the air depends on the day’s conditions.

The route centers on the capital and Playa de las Canteras. From above, you get a different sense of Las Palmas than you do from street level. The beach, city, and coast sit together in one broad view, while the launch point on the mountain gives you height before the flight even begins.

You do not need to know how to steer or operate the glider. The instructor manages the flight, while you follow simple directions for takeoff, seating, and landing. That makes this a good introduction for someone curious about paragliding but not ready to learn solo.

Los Giles is the start of the adventure

The listed meeting point is Los Giles Viewpoint at C. Almudena, 65, 35018 Los Giles, Las Palmas. The activity returns to the meeting point after the flight, and round-trip transportation is included as part of the experience.

When you arrive, the instructor takes you to the launch area and explains how the activity works. You will receive safety information, complete the required information sheet, and have time to ask questions. The team also provides the needed equipment, so you do not need to bring paragliding gear.

The takeoff is the part that may make your pulse rise. You run with the pilot’s instructions as the wing catches the air, then your feet leave the ground. One account described this as the most nerve-racking moment, followed by a flight that felt safe and enjoyable. That is a useful way to think about it: the first few seconds can feel dramatic, but the rest is generally about sitting back and taking in the view.

The launch access may involve rough roads. If you are meeting the team by car, use a vehicle that can handle the route, and follow the pilot’s directions about the exact meeting point. The launch location can change when wind conditions make another site safer.

What the 20-minute flight feels like

Once airborne, you are attached to the instructor in the tandem harness. The pilot does the work of controlling the wing, checking the air, and deciding how to manage the flight. Your job is to listen, stay calm, and enjoy the view.

The most praised part of the experience is the sense of safety created by the instructors. Alfredo is often the main contact and sends flight details and weather updates by WhatsApp around 24 hours before the activity. Alex and Alberto have also led flights, and the team is described as friendly, professional, and clear with instructions.

The flight can feel peaceful rather than extreme. You are not falling straight down, and there is no engine noise. The wing carries you over the coast while the pilot uses the available air. On some days, improved thermal conditions may allow extra time or even a second short flight, but you should not treat that as guaranteed.

You can choose an extended flight if conditions and availability allow. Ask about the extra option before takeoff, since the standard experience is advertised at approximately 20 minutes.

The views are the main reward. You may see Las Palmas, Playa de las Canteras, and the north coast from an angle that is impossible to get from the promenade. The height also changes the scale of the city. One flight account placed the experience around 200 to 300 meters above the ground, though your actual height depends on the site and weather.

Safety comes first, but the activity still has limits

The operator provides insurance and safety equipment, and the pilot gives instructions before you fly. The weather rules are not a minor footnote. Wind below 15 km/h may not provide suitable conditions, while wind above 30 km/h can make a flight unsafe. The team can also move the launch site when conditions are better elsewhere.

If poor weather cancels the activity, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. This is helpful, especially if your holiday schedule is tight. Still, do not book this as your only plan for a fixed departure day. A cruise passenger with just one day on the island had the flight canceled because of strong wind and received a full refund, but could not reschedule.

The maximum weight is 100 kilos. You should have good health, no leg mobility restrictions, and be able to follow the instructor’s directions. The activity is not recommended during pregnancy. The recommended minimum age is 14, and anyone under 18 must go with a parent or guardian who can give consent.

A past flight did involve a minor crash that caused cuts to a 14-year-old participant. The injuries were cleaned and disinfected, and the young participant received another turn. This is an outdoor air sport, so the normal risks do not disappear simply because an instructor is present. The strong safety record and professional approach are reassuring, but you should book only if you accept that takeoff and landing carry some physical risk.

What to wear and what to leave behind

Wear comfortable clothing, preferably sportswear. Sturdy shoes, long trousers, and a warm jacket are sensible choices. Even in warm Gran Canaria weather, air movement at altitude can feel cool.

Do not carry loose objects that could fall during the flight. That includes anything not firmly secured to your body or clothing. The equipment and harness limit what you can hold, so keep your belongings simple.

You must not take part under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This is both a safety issue and a condition of participation. You need to hear and follow the pilot’s instructions clearly from the first step to the landing.

Photos are included, video costs extra

Photos are included in the listed price, which is a useful touch because you cannot easily photograph yourself while attached to the pilot. The instructors take pictures during the activity, giving you a way to remember the flight without trying to manage a phone in the air.

Video is not included. If you want the flight video, the extra cost is €20. If recording your first flight matters to you, ask the team about the video before or after flying so you know what is available and how it will be delivered.

The photos also make the package more valuable than a bare flight ticket. You are paying for the pilot, equipment, insurance, transport, and the experience itself, but the included images add something you can share afterward.

Is the $128.55 price good value?

At $128.55 per person, this is not a low-cost sightseeing ride. It is a specialist activity requiring an instructor, tandem equipment, insurance, weather planning, transport, and a small operating team.

I think the price is fair if you want a real first paragliding experience rather than a short photo stop. The included photos help, and you avoid paying separately for equipment or insurance. Round-trip transport also matters if you do not want to work out how to reach Los Giles and return afterward.

The value is less clear if you are unsure about the takeoff or have only a narrow window in Las Palmas. The flight is weather dependent, and the standard time is approximately 20 minutes. You also need to pay another €20 for video.

The strongest reason to book is the combination of city views and an actual free-flight experience. You are not simply riding up to a lookout. You take off from the mountain, float over the coast, and land back near the launch area. For a birthday, a family milestone, or a long-held bucket-list goal, that can justify the cost.

How the timing and communication work

The published hours show a Monday slot from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, but the exact flight time and meeting point are confirmed by WhatsApp. Alfredo is listed as the contact, with phone number 0034 688478865. Expect a message about 24 hours before the activity.

That message matters because wind can force a change. The group may go to another launch point a few kilometers along the coast when the original site is too windy. This flexibility has allowed some flights to continue under safer conditions, though it can also mean that the plan you first imagined changes.

Book at least a day ahead if possible. This experience is typically reserved about 31 days in advance, so last-minute space may be limited, especially during busy holiday periods. Confirmation is provided at booking, but you should still watch for the WhatsApp update before setting out.

Free cancellation is available until 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes inside that window are not accepted for a refund. Poor weather is handled differently: if the operator cancels, you can reschedule or receive a full refund.

Who will enjoy this flight most

This suits you if you want a first paragliding flight with an instructor, enjoy wide coastal views, and can keep your schedule flexible. It also works well for families with older teenagers, provided the minor is at least 14 and accompanied by a parent or guardian.

You should be comfortable with a brief running takeoff, a mountain launch, and the possibility of feeling cool in the air. You do not need athletic experience, but you do need leg mobility and enough health to follow instructions.

It may not suit you if you cannot tolerate a weather change, need a guaranteed departure at a precise time, or want a long full-day activity. The flight itself is short, and the strongest part of the visit is the view and the free-flight sensation rather than a long itinerary.

The small group size is another advantage. With no more than nine people, the activity should feel less like a large adventure-sports queue and more like a guided session. Exact waiting time depends on the day’s conditions and group arrangements.

Should you book the Los Giles paragliding flight?

I would book this if you want a memorable view over Las Palmas and are ready to accept the practical limits of air sports. The instructors, included insurance, included photos, and weather refund policy make it a sensible first flight, while the option of an extended flight gives you some flexibility.

Before paying, check your weight, age, mobility, clothing, and holiday schedule. Leave room for a weather change, keep the day’s plans flexible, and confirm the WhatsApp message from Alfredo or the assigned pilot.

Book it for the experience of floating above the coast, not simply for a guaranteed timetable. If that trade-off works for you, this is one of the more distinctive ways to see Las Palmas.

FAQ

How long is the paragliding flight?

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

Do I need previous paragliding experience?

No. You fly in tandem with an instructor and receive information and safety instructions before takeoff.

Where does the activity start?

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?

Round-trip transportation from a central location is included. The exact meeting and flight point can be confirmed by WhatsApp before the activity.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If the flight is canceled because of weather, you can reschedule for another day or receive a full refund. Flights may not operate when wind speeds are below 15 km/h or above 30 km/h.

What is the maximum weight?

The maximum weight is 100 kilos per participant.

What age is recommended?

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

Are photos and videos included?

Photos are included. A video of the flight can be purchased separately for an additional €20.