Tandem Paragliding in Ölüdeniz, Fethiye, Turkey

If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing the stunning landscapes of Turkey’s coast from a bird’s eye view, a tandem paragliding experience in Ölüdeniz might just be what you’re looking for. While I haven’t done this flight myself, I’ve gathered enough details to help you decide if it’s worth your time and money. From what I can tell, it’s a pretty popular choice among thrill-seekers and sightseeing lovers alike.

What immediately jumps out is the reputation of the pilot—Captain Ceyhun Aksoy, with over 20 years of paragliding experience, is a major selling point. Then there’s the scenic 30-minute flight over the mountains and the coastline, which promises some stunning views. But, as with any adventure sport, there are a few considerations to keep in mind, like the weather dependency and the fact that it’s not wheelchair accessible.

This tour seems well-suited for those who want a safe, professional experience with great scenery, and who are comfortable with a bit of altitude. If you’re after an adrenaline rush combined with picture-perfect vistas, this could be a memorable highlight of your trip to Fethiye. That said, it’s not for everyone—particularly if you have mobility restrictions or are wary of flying.

Key Points

• Experienced Pilot: Over 20 years of paragliding expertise ensures safety and professionalism.
• Scenic Flight: About 30 minutes in the air over Ölüdeniz and Ludenas, offering incredible views.
• Convenient Pickup: Includes air-conditioned transportation from the meeting point.
• Booking Ease: Usually booked 8 days in advance with flexible cancellation options.
• Tour Duration: Approximately 2 hours from pickup to return, making it a manageable half-day activity.
• Price Point: $169 per person, which is reasonable considering the experience and scenery.

What You Can Expect from the Experience

The adventure kicks off with a pickup from your meeting point in Ölüdeniz, where an air-conditioned vehicle whisks you off to the mountain launch site. The drive itself, about 20 minutes, offers a glimpse of the landscape unfolding around you—mountains, coastline, and lush greenery. Once at the take-off point, your pilot will give you a brief safety briefing and explain what to expect during the flight.

The highlight, of course, is the 30-minute flight. Imagine gently gliding over the mountains, feeling the wind in your face, and soaking in panoramic views of the turquoise coast and the surrounding scenery. The sensation is often described as freeing and exhilarating, yet surprisingly peaceful. Many reviews echo this sentiment, with one traveler calling it “harika bir uçtu” (a wonderful flight) and mentioning they felt like a bird while soaring above the landscape.

Because the experience is with a seasoned pilot, you can relax and focus on the sights instead of worrying about safety. The pilot, Captain Ceyhun, has a reputation for being friendly and professional—his experience shines through in the smoothness and confidence of the flight.

Once back on the ground, you’re typically returned to the meeting point in Ölüdeniz. While the tour doesn’t include photos or videos, many participants find this to be a minor downside, considering the quality of scenery and the thrill of the moment itself.

The Itinerary and Its Highlights

The itinerary is straightforward but thoughtfully designed. The initial pickup in Ölüdeniz is quick and efficient, allowing you to settle into the experience without unnecessary delays. The drive up the mountain is scenic in itself, and you’ll get a sense of the landscape that you’ll be flying over.

After a brief safety briefing, it’s all about the flight. Your pilot will attach you to the paraglider, and then you’ll take off from the mountain. The actual flying part lasts about 30 minutes, which is a good length to take in the views without feeling rushed. The flight is smooth and stable, thanks to the skill of your pilot, and offers ample opportunity for photos (if you choose to bring your camera).

The views during the flight are what make this experience shine. You’ll see Ludenas from above, with its charming houses and lush surroundings, and the broader coastline of Fethiye. Many reviewers mention that the experience feels quite safe despite the altitude, especially with a pilot like Ceyhun who exudes confidence and friendliness.

The Value of the Experience

At $169 per person, this paragliding tour offers a solid value considering the duration, scenery, and level of professionalism. The inclusion of transportation, the scenic drive, and the expertise of an experienced pilot all add up to a memorable adventure. The fact that it’s booked most often about 8 days in advance indicates good demand, which often correlates with quality.

People often consider whether such an experience is worth the cost — and in this case, many say yes. The photo/video aspect isn’t included, which might be a downside if capturing the moment is important to you. However, the scenic vistas are so breathtaking that most travelers find they cherish the memory even without extra footage.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This flight is ideal for those who crave a combination of adventure and scenery and are comfortable with heights. It’s suitable for most travelers, given the moderate duration and the professionalism of the pilot. However, it’s worth noting that it’s not wheelchair accessible, so travelers with mobility restrictions should consider this.

If you’re traveling with someone who’s nervous about heights but still wants to see the landscape from above, knowing they’re in experienced hands can make all the difference. It’s also a good choice for first-time paragliders, as the briefings prepare you well for a safe flight.

Downsides or Considerations

While most reviews are glowing, the experience does depend heavily on weather conditions. Poor weather can cancel or reschedule flights, so flexibility in your plans might be needed. Also, since photos and videos are not included, if capturing the moment is important, you’ll need to bring your own camera or smartphone and be comfortable holding it during flight.

Lastly, the experience isn’t wheelchair accessible, which limits accessibility for some travelers. If you have mobility issues, it’s worth considering other sightseeing options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the flight safe?
Yes. The tour is led by Captain Ceyhun Aksoy, who has over 20 years of experience. The safety briefing helps ensure you’re well-prepared, and the equipment is maintained to professional standards.

How long is the flight?
The actual paragliding flight lasts approximately 30 minutes, offering plenty of time to enjoy the views and relax in the air.

What’s included in the price?
The price covers the scenic 30-minute flight, pickup, and transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle to the launch site and back. Photos or videos are not included.

Can I cancel if the weather is bad?
Yes, weather-dependent cancellations are common. You can get a full refund or reschedule, as the policy allows free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Is this suitable for children or families?
The description doesn’t specifically mention children, but most paragliding experiences are generally for adults or older teens comfortable with heights. It’s best to check with the provider if you have younger children.

How far in advance should I book?
Most people seem to book about 8 days ahead, suggesting spots fill up fairly quickly, especially during peak seasons.

Are there any physical requirements?
The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and participants should be able to handle the brief walk and climb to the take-off point. No other specific requirements are mentioned.

What’s the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours before the experience for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded, so plan accordingly, especially for weather-dependent schedules.

This paragliding experience in Ölüdeniz offers a blend of thrill, scenery, and professionalism that many travelers find invaluable. If you’re after a memorable way to see Fethiye from above — and don’t mind a bit of altitude — it’s definitely worth considering. Just keep in mind the weather and accessibility considerations, and you’ll likely have a flight to remember.