Skydiving in Atlanta: Where to Jump, What to Expect, and How to Get Started

Thinking about skydiving near Atlanta, Georgia? Whether you live in the city or you’re visiting and want a serious adrenaline rush, Atlanta is a practical home base for several popular drop zones within a short drive.

This guide walks you through where to skydive near Atlanta, what it’s like, how much it typically costs, safety basics, and how to prepare so you know exactly what to expect.

Is There Skydiving In Atlanta?

There are no full-scale skydiving drop zones inside the dense urban core of Atlanta. For safety and airspace reasons, most operations are based at smaller regional airports outside the city.

For someone staying in Midtown, Downtown, Buckhead, or around Hartsfield-Jackson, that usually means a drive of 45–120 minutes to the nearest skydiving centers.

However, these nearby locations are set up to serve Atlanta-area jumpers, and most people treat it as a half-day or full-day trip from the city.

Major Skydiving Options Near Atlanta

Below is a general overview of common types of Atlanta-area skydiving locations. Names and ranges are for orientation, and drive times are approximations from central Atlanta.

Outdoor Skydiving Drop Zones (Tandem & Licensed Jumpers)

Most people starting out will choose a tandem skydive at a dedicated drop zone outside Atlanta. These facilities are typically based at regional airports and serve the entire metro area, including:

• North and Northwest of Atlanta (often popular with people in Marietta, Kennesaw, Alpharetta, and Roswell)
• South and West of Atlanta (often convenient from the airport area, College Park, Newnan, or Douglasville)
• East of Atlanta (accessed from Decatur, Stone Mountain, and Conyers areas)

To find current options, many Atlanta residents:

• Search for “skydiving near Atlanta GA” or “tandem skydiving Atlanta”
• Filter for drive time, reviews, years in business, and safety record
• Call ahead to confirm availability, weight limits, age requirements, and pricing

Because businesses, names, and offerings can change, it’s wise to verify location and services directly with the operator before making plans.

What a Typical Skydiving Day Looks Like for Atlantans

If you’re driving out from Atlanta for a tandem skydive, your day usually follows this kind of outline.

1. Getting There from Atlanta

Plan for:

• 45–120 minutes of drive time depending on the drop zone and traffic.
• Extra buffer if you’re driving during weekend mornings or rush hour on I‑75, I‑85, I‑20, or the Perimeter (I‑285).

Tip: 🚗 Arrive early. Many centers ask you to show up 30–60 minutes before your scheduled time.

2. Check-In and Waivers

Once you arrive, you will typically:

• Check in at the office or hangar
• Present ID
• Complete waivers and liability forms
• Weigh in (to confirm you meet their weight requirements)
• Make any video/photo selections if offered

3. Safety Briefing and Gear-Up

Most first-time jumpers receive:

• A brief ground training explaining body position, exit from the plane, free fall, and landing process
• A chance to ask questions about what you’ll feel and what to do
• Gear fitting:
  • Harness
  • Goggles
  • Jumpsuit (sometimes optional, depending on weather and operator)

You’ll be paired with a licensed tandem instructor who stays attached to you for the jump.

4. Plane Ride Up

The plane ride to altitude often takes 15–25 minutes. You’ll:

• Sit on benches or the floor alongside other jumpers
• Watch altimeters climb (common tandem altitudes are around 10,000–14,000 feet)
• Get final reminders on body position and exit

You generally jump with your instructor directly behind you, controlling the exit, free fall, parachute deployment, and landing.

5. Free Fall and Parachute Ride

Typical sequence:

• Exit the plane with your instructor
• Experience free fall for around 30–60 seconds (varies by altitude and conditions)
• Feel the parachute open
• Glide down under canopy for about 5–7 minutes, often with a chance to:
  • Look around the surrounding landscape and distant Atlanta skyline on clear days (depending on direction and distance)
  • Chat with your instructor
  • Possibly try gentle turns if they allow it

6. Landing and Post-Jump

You’ll usually land back at or near the same airport:

• Follow your instructor’s instructions: lift legs, slide in, or stand up landing depending on conditions
• Return to the hangar
• Remove gear and, if purchased, pick up your video or photos (or get details on digital delivery)

Expect to spend 2–4 hours total at the drop zone on a normal, smooth-weather day. Weather delays can extend this significantly.

Tandem Skydiving vs. Learning to Skydive Solo Near Atlanta

For most people, tandem skydiving is the first step. But if you plan to jump regularly, you may want to train to become a licensed skydiver at a drop zone that offers training programs.

Tandem Skydiving (Most First-Timers)

• Best for: One-time experience, gifts, checking off a bucket-list item
• Instructor stays attached to you from takeoff to landing
• Short, focused training on the ground
• You participate, but the instructor handles critical safety actions

Solo Training Programs (AFF or Similar)

Some Atlanta-area drop zones offer Accelerated Freefall (AFF) or similar progression programs:

• Multiple training levels with ground school, free fall practice, and canopy skills
• You jump with instructors beside you instead of attached, then gradually take on more responsibility
• Goal is usually to meet requirements for a skydiving license recognized by national governing bodies

If this interests you, ask local operators:

• Whether they offer formal training courses
• How many jumps are required
• Whether you can start as a tandem student and then transition into a full training path

Typical Costs for Skydiving Near Atlanta

Prices vary by operator, altitude, day of the week, and whether you add a video package, but Atlanta-area first-timers generally see:

• Tandem jump base range: Often in the low-to-mid hundreds of dollars per person
• Video/photo packages: Frequently an additional fee, sometimes tiered (hand-cam vs. outside camera, photos only vs. photos + video)
• Repeat jump or weekday discounts: Some places may offer lower rates on weekdays or for groups

To budget realistically:

• Check current pricing directly with the drop zone
• Ask what is included (e.g., gear, training, any fees)
• Ask about refund or reschedule policies in case of weather issues or delays

Safety Basics and What to Look For

Skydiving is an inherently high-risk activity, but reputable Atlanta-area operations work within established safety frameworks and follow structured procedures.

When comparing options, many Atlantans focus on:

1. Experience and Credentials

Consider asking:

• How long the drop zone has been operating
• Whether they follow common industry standards and guidelines
• What level of experience their instructors typically have (for example, number of jumps or years instructing)

2. Equipment and Maintenance

You can ask staff:

• How often parachute systems are inspected and repacked
• Whether their rigs use automatic activation devices (AADs) or similar safety backups
• How they maintain their aircraft and what type they use

3. Weather Policies

Weather in and around Atlanta can be unpredictable, especially with:

• Summer thunderstorms
• Low clouds and fog
• Stronger winds at altitude

Ask:

• What conditions will cause them to delay or cancel jumps
• How they handle rescheduling due to weather
• How long you may be expected to wait on-site if weather is “on hold”

4. Customer Orientation

Look for:

• Clear, direct explanations of risks and procedures
• Staff who are willing to answer questions calmly and thoroughly
• Consistent emphasis on safety over rushing

Who Can Skydive Near Atlanta?

Each skydiving center sets its own policies, so always confirm directly. Common requirements include:

• Minimum age: Often 18 years or older for tandem skydives (with valid government-issued photo ID)
• Weight limits: Centers frequently have maximum weight thresholds, sometimes with additional considerations based on body shape and how the harness fits
• Physical condition: You typically need to:
  • Move your arms and legs freely
  • Follow instructions clearly
  • Tolerate the plane ride, free fall, and landing

If you have health questions or medical concerns, it’s generally recommended to speak with your own healthcare professional in advance, then discuss any limitations with the drop zone before booking.

Indoor “Skydiving” Around Atlanta

If you want the feeling of free fall without jumping from a plane, you can look for indoor skydiving tunnels in or near metro Atlanta.

These vertical wind tunnels:

• Use powerful fans to suspend you in a column of air
• Provide brief training and professional instruction
• Are popular for:
  • Family outings
  • Corporate events
  • Practice time for experienced outdoor skydivers

They’re often located in suburban shopping or entertainment areas within a 20–40 minute drive from central Atlanta, depending on traffic. Search terms like “indoor skydiving Atlanta” can help you find current options and exact locations.

Planning Your Skydiving Trip from Atlanta

To make your jump day go smoothly, here are some practical steps tailored to Atlanta-area conditions.

1. Pick a Time and Season

• Spring and Fall: Often popular for milder temperatures and clearer skies
• Summer: More heat and possible afternoon thunderstorms
• Winter: Cooler and sometimes crisper views, but you’ll want warmer clothing

Morning jumps can sometimes be less affected by Atlanta’s afternoon storm patterns, though this varies by day.

2. Arrange Transportation

From the city, your main options are:

• Driving your own car or a rental
• Rideshare services (check distance and cost—some drop zones are far enough that returns may require planning ahead)

Ask the operator about parking, any special entry gates, and how to find their building once you arrive at the airport or complex.

3. What to Wear from Atlanta to the Drop Zone

Most drop zones recommend:

• Comfortable clothes: Athletic wear, jeans or shorts that are not too loose
• Closed-toe shoes with secure laces (like sneakers)
• Layers if it’s cooler; it’s usually colder at altitude than on the ground in Atlanta

Avoid:

• Loose jewelry
• High heels or sandals
• Anything that can easily fly off (scarves, hats without tight fit, etc.)

4. Food and Hydration

• Eat light, normal meals before heading out; going on an empty stomach or being overly full can both be uncomfortable
• Drink plenty of water, especially in Georgia’s warmer months
• Ask the operator if they sell snacks or drinks on-site or if you should bring your own

Weather and Airspace Considerations Around Atlanta

Skydiving centers near Atlanta operate in a busy regional airspace and have to account for:

• Nearby commercial traffic from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
• Military and private aircraft using various regional fields
• Weather fronts and storm systems that can move quickly across North Georgia

Because of this, last-minute delays, holds, or cancellations are common anywhere in the region. When planning:

• Build in flexible timing
• Avoid scheduling something critical immediately after your expected jump time
• Bring patience and something to do if there’s a weather wait

How to Choose a Skydiving Center Near Atlanta

When comparing Atlanta-area options, it often helps to:

1. List potential drop zones within a drive you’re comfortable with.
2. Call each one and ask:
   • What is your tandem price, and what does it include?
   • What are your age and weight policies?
   • How long have you been in operation at this location?
   • Do you follow standard national skydiving guidelines?
   • What is your weather and rescheduling policy?
3. Consider:
   • The clarity and thoroughness of their answers
   • How comfortable you feel with their approach to safety and communication
   • The drive time from your part of Atlanta (Midtown vs. Gwinnett vs. Southside, etc.)

Practical Next Steps for Atlantans Ready to Jump

If you’re serious about skydiving near Atlanta, a straightforward approach is:

1. Decide whether you want an outdoor tandem jump or an indoor wind tunnel experience (or both).
2. Use location-based searches (for example, “tandem skydive near Atlanta GA” or “indoor skydiving Atlanta”) to find current options in a 1–2 hour radius.
3. Call to:
   • Confirm availability on your preferred dates
   • Ask about requirements, pricing, and weather policies
   • Book your time slot
4. Plan your transportation, clothing, and schedule with enough flexibility for possible delays.

With realistic expectations about drive time, weather, and scheduling, Atlanta is a convenient jumping-off point—literally—for both first-time and aspiring skydivers who want to experience free fall within reach of the city.