An Honest Look at iFLY San Francisco Bay: First Time Flyer Experience
If you’ve ever dreamed of feeling the rush of skydiving but aren’t quite ready to leap out of a plane, then iFLY San Francisco Bay might be just what you’re looking for. This indoor skydiving adventure offers a safe, controlled way to experience the sensation of freefall, and it’s suitable for a wide range of ages and skill levels. We’ve come across a handful of reviews that make it clear this activity appeals to both the thrill-seeker and the family looking for something memorable.
Two things we really like about this experience are the professionalism of the instructors and the surprisingly authentic feeling of freefall. From what we’ve read, the instructors do a great job of guiding you through each step, making newcomers feel confident and safe. Plus, the 2-minute flight, especially when you add the option to go higher for just a bit more money, can really give you a taste of what actual skydiving might feel like—without jumping out of a plane.
A possible consideration is that the flight time is relatively short—about 2 minutes—though many feel that the quality and safety make up for it. If you’re expecting a long, extended flight, you might find this experience more compact than you’d like, but for most, it’s enough to satisfy curiosity and give a pretty realistic adrenaline hit.
This experience tends to work best for those who are comfortable in new environments, can follow instructions easily, and appreciate a bit of adventure—whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned skydiver wanting to practice body positions indoors. It’s also a good pick for families or groups wanting a fun, memorable day of flying without the risks and costs of actual skydiving.
Key Points
- Authentic sensation: Many reviewers say the indoor freefall feels surprisingly real.
- Expert guidance: The instructors are praised for being knowledgeable and supportive.
- Value for money: With a 2-minute flight and gear included at $120, it’s a cost-effective alternative to actual skydiving.
- Additional options available: Upgrading to higher flights for an extra $20 adds to the experience.
- Safe for most: Suitable for many, but not for those over 300 lbs, pregnant women, or with certain health conditions.
- Family friendly: Kids over 3 can participate, making it a fun outing for families with older children.
What to Expect from Your Indoor Skydiving Adventure
When you arrive at the iFLY facility in Union City (just a short drive from San Francisco), you’ll check in and get prepared for what’s basically a crash course in flying. The check-in process is smooth, but arriving 10-15 minutes early is wise so you can get suited up without feeling rushed.
Once inside, you’ll receive a training session from an instructor who will teach you how to control your body inside the wind tunnel. This session is essential, especially if you want to maximize your flight time and truly get a feel for how to position yourself in the air. It’s a personal coaching moment that makes all the difference, especially for first-timers.
You’ll then gear up with the provided flight suit, goggles, earplugs, helmets, and shoes. The process is straightforward, and the gear is designed to keep you comfortable and safe. The venue boasts multiple large fans that create winds up to 185 mph (around 300 kph)—more than enough to simulate the sensation of freefall.
The actual flight lasts about 2 minutes, which doesn’t sound like much, but it’s enough to really give you the adrenaline rush and a sense of flying. Many reviewers mention that the experience feels very close to real skydiving, especially if you opt for the higher flight option which adds a few extra minutes and height. For example, Tiffany from the U.S. mentioned it “feels close to the real deal,” especially if you add the extra $20 for the higher flight.
The safety measures are reassuring, with extensive instructions and professional assistance throughout. The fans are powerful but well-controlled, and the staff ensures everyone is comfortable and correctly positioned before the flight.
The Experience: From Check-In to Flying
Your journey begins with check-in, where a friendly staff member guides you through the process. Once you’re suited up, the instructor will take you through a quick training session—covering body positions, hand signals, and safety tips. This prep work is especially helpful because it boosts your confidence, making the freefall feel less intimidating.
When it’s your turn to fly, you’ll step into the pressurized stage area. The indoor wind tunnel is a large, open space where you’ll be suspended by powerful fans. Don’t worry—safety is a priority, and the environment is designed for both fun and security. The wind is always at a perfect speed, so you don’t need to worry about weather conditions or clothing layers.
The actual freefall is exhilarating. As you float in the air, you’ll get a sense of weightlessness that’s hard to replicate outside of an aircraft. The instructors will help you with different body positions that control your movement, so whether you’re just trying to stay upright or perform a simple trick, you’ll be guided every step of the way.
Many reviewers have expressed how much they appreciated the personal assistance from instructors. Lais from Brazil called her experience “amazing,” especially noting how much fun she had with her instructor Rick. This personal touch makes the activity accessible even if you’re unsure about flying on your own.
After your flight, you’ll have a chance to relax, chat about your experience, and maybe even consider purchasing photos or videos of your flight. However, note that these extras are not included in the base price, which keeps the initial cost more manageable.
Analyzing the Value
At $120 per person, this experience offers a lot of bang for your buck—especially considering the detailed guidance, gear, and the actual flight time. While it’s not a full skydiving jump, it captures the essence at a fraction of the cost. The option to go higher for an extra $20 is a nice touch, giving those who want a more intense experience a chance to extend their adrenaline rush.
It’s worth noting that the activity is non-refundable, so it’s important to be sure of your interest before booking. Also, the experience lasts for about 1.5 hours, which includes check-in, gear-up, training, and flying. That makes it a solid half-day activity or a fun addition to a day of sightseeing.
For families or groups, the experience can be quite enjoyable, especially considering the fun and safe environment. Just be aware of the age restrictions—children under 3 aren’t allowed, and certain health conditions or physical limitations (like hard casts or recent shoulder dislocations) might prevent participation.
Who Will Love This Experience?
If you’re a thrill-seeker curious about skydiving but hesitant to jump out of a plane, iFLY San Francisco Bay offers a safe, supervised way to get a taste of that sensation. It’s perfect for first-timers, solo travelers, or even small groups looking for a memorable activity. The detailed instruction and safety protocols make it approachable for most, but if you have significant health concerns or are over the weight limit, it’s best to check with the staff beforehand.
Families with older children and teenagers will find it an exciting outing, especially since it’s safe and engaging. Those who love tech, adventure, or simply want to tick “I’ve flown indoors” off their bucket list will also find this worth trying. While it might not satisfy someone looking for a long, immersive flight, the authentic feeling and professional guidance make it a worthwhile experience.
More Great Tours NearbyFAQs
Is the experience suitable for children?
Yes, children over 3 years old can participate, though younger children are not allowed. It’s a fun activity for older kids and teens.
How long does the whole activity last?
The total duration is around 1.5 hours, including check-in, gear-up, training, and flying.
What should I bring?
Just your passport or ID card. All necessary gear, like flight suits and helmets, are provided.
Can I upgrade my flight?
Yes, for an extra $20, you can go higher, which adds more time and height to your flight.
Is this activity safe?
Yes, safety is prioritized with professional instructors, safety gear, and controlled wind conditions.
What if I weigh more than 260 lbs?
Participants weighing between 260-300 lbs will be evaluated by staff at check-in and may not be able to fly.
Are there any health restrictions?
Flyers with recent shoulder dislocations, hard casts, or hard prosthetics that cannot be removed should not participate.
Can I buy photos or videos?
Yes, but these extras are not included in the main price. You’ll have the option to purchase photos or videos after your flight.
What is the cancellation policy?
This activity is non-refundable, so plan accordingly before booking.
Where is the meeting point?
You’ll meet at iFLY San Francisco in Union City, located at 31310 Alvarado-Niles Rd.
iFLY San Francisco Bay: First Time Flyer Experience
Final Thoughts
If you’re after a safe, thrilling, and surprisingly authentic flying experience without the logistical and financial hurdles of skydiving out of a plane, this indoor skydiving session at iFLY is a solid choice. It’s well-suited for those new to indoor flying or anyone wanting a quick adrenaline boost. The professional guidance and safety measures ensure that everyone can enjoy the thrill, even if it’s their first time.
While the flight time isn’t lengthy, the overall experience packs in enough excitement and skill-building to make it worthwhile. Plus, the friendly staff and positive reviews suggest you’ll be in good hands. Whether you’re sharing it with friends, family, or flying solo, this activity makes for a memorable, fun-filled day that’s both accessible and exhilarating.
In the end, this indoor skydiving experience is a fun way to challenge yourself, conquer fears, or just enjoy the sensation of flying. It’s perfect for adventure lovers who appreciate safety and professionalism, making it a memorable highlight of any trip around the San Francisco Bay Area.
You can check availability for your dates here: