Alanya: Tandem Paragliding with Hotel Pickup

REVIEW · ALANYA

Alanya: Tandem Paragliding with Hotel Pickup

  • 4.71,371 reviews
  • 2 hours
  • From $77
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Operated by Payless Turizm · Bookable on GetYourGuide

If you want sea views with an adrenaline hit, this is it. You’ll launch from a cliff about 500 meters above sea level, then glide with a tandem pilot over Alanya’s coastline and land on the golden sands of Cleopatra Beach. It’s a morning activity that mixes easy guidance on the ground with real sky time overhead.

What I really like is the hands-on safety orientation right before launch. Your pilot gives you the briefing, fits the gear, and helps you feel confident fast. I also like the “I can’t believe this is happening” factor of the landing right on Cleopatra Beach, so the end feels as scenic as the start.

One thing to consider: you’ll need to plan for a little extra cost and time on the day. There’s an added €20 take-off point entry fee, photos/videos are extra, and the whole schedule can stretch from 40 minutes up to a couple hours depending on timing and weather.

Key highlights at a glance

Alanya: Tandem Paragliding with Hotel Pickup - Key highlights at a glance

  • Cliff launch, right over Cleopatra Bay for big sky-and-sea views
  • Tandem flight with certified pilots and a clear, calming pre-launch run-through
  • Gentle landing on Cleopatra Beach with crews waiting on arrival
  • Hotel pickup available across Alanya to skip the taxi scramble
  • Pilot camera + optional photo/video purchase after your flight
  • Extreme mode is possible if you want more thrills

Cleopatra Bay from 500 Meters Up: The Real Wow Factor

Alanya: Tandem Paragliding with Hotel Pickup - Cleopatra Bay from 500 Meters Up: The Real Wow Factor
The best way to describe Alanya tandem paragliding is: it’s a front-row seat to the coast. From up high, you stop thinking about logistics and start noticing how Alanya’s shoreline folds into bays, then opens into sandy stretches. The colors are striking because the scenery is so varied in a small area—beach, water, and the cliffs above.

Your tandem flight happens above Cleopatra Bay, and that location matters. Cleopatra Beach is one of Alanya’s most recognizable spots, so landing there gives you a finished feeling that most flights don’t. You don’t just “end somewhere.” You return to a place you’ve probably walked past before, now from above.

Time in the air depends on conditions. The info you’ll get includes a flight length that’s roughly around 15 minutes up in the air, and the overall activity runs much longer because of transfer and waiting. In practice, that means you should treat it as a “short flight with big impact,” not a long sightseeing tour. If you’re expecting a 60-minute sky cruise, adjust your expectations. If you’re here for a bucket-list rush, you’re in the right lane.

Also, don’t underestimate the first moments. Reviews and the flight format make it clear there’s an adrenaline spike right after you launch. Your pilot is managing everything, but you’ll still feel that quick change from cliff edge to air. The upside: you’re not alone in figuring out what to do. Your pilot will prompt where to look and when, especially during the moments where they want to capture photos.

You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Alanya.

Hotel Pickup, Morning Transfers, and Finding the Right Spot

This is built for convenience. With the hotel pickup and drop-off option selected, you avoid the typical taxi dance and get driven from your Alanya hotel to the take-off area. The transfer is planned for the morning, and you’ll receive an approximate pickup time after booking.

That said, take the “pickup” part seriously. One review specifically noted a mismatch where pickup wasn’t where expected and the person ended up going to the paragliding office on their own. I’d treat that as a prompt to do two simple things:

  • Confirm your exact pickup instructions ahead of time.
  • If your pickup is optional, ask what happens if your driver can’t locate you.

If you’re the type who likes zero surprises, arrive early at the pickup point. The guidance is to be at the main hotel entrance about 10 minutes before pickup time, and drivers wait no longer than 5 minutes after the scheduled time. That doesn’t mean the service is “bad.” It just means you don’t want to be late and start your day stressed.

If you don’t have pickup, the meeting point is to look for the Payless Paragliding sign at the provider’s office. There are also references to pirate-paragliding logos on the vehicles outside hotels, so keep an eye out for consistent branding when you’re waiting.

The Briefing That Makes Nervous Flyers Relax

Alanya: Tandem Paragliding with Hotel Pickup - The Briefing That Makes Nervous Flyers Relax
Before you run, you’ll get an introductory session with your pilots. This is where the experience is most “adult,” in a good way. You don’t just get strapped in and launched. You get a short, practical explanation of what’s happening and what you’ll do during the flight.

Expect your pilots to walk you through:

  • How the gear works
  • Safety basics in plain language
  • What to do as you prepare at the cliff edge

The pilots are described as fully certified and experienced, and the tone from many accounts is consistent: they’re focused on safety while keeping things friendly. Names you might hear include George (often referenced as the director who organizes and explains), plus pilots like Hikmet, Mecit/Megit/Mejid, Hukumet, and others. Even if you don’t get the same person, the approach seems the same: calm confidence and step-by-step guidance.

If you have a fear of heights, this kind of briefing is especially important. The best part is that it doesn’t ignore your nerves. It works around them. You get instruction, then you move forward one clear step at a time: stand where you’re told, run with your pilot, and then let the sky do the rest.

One detail to remember: you’ll be coached about looking and positioning during the flight, especially for photos. One review even noted that you’re not always allowed to just chill and stare straight down the entire time. That’s not a downside if you’re aiming to enjoy and be guided. It’s just something to know: you’ll be prompted to look at different angles.

Gear, Shoes, and the Rules Before You Fly

Alanya: Tandem Paragliding with Hotel Pickup - Gear, Shoes, and the Rules Before You Fly
The take-off moment is physical, so prep matters. The guidance is to wear comfortable shoes with good grip. Sneakers or boots are recommended. Avoid flip-flops or slippery soles, because you’ll be moving quickly at the end of the cliff edge.

Bring:

  • Comfortable clothes
  • Sunglasses
  • Water

And there’s one “nope” rule: cameras aren’t allowed. Your pilot will handle photos (and you’ll be able to preview them after). That’s part of why they can keep you focused on flying instead of juggling gear.

Also, plan for an open-air feel during the flight. One review joked about being open-air if you’re scared. Even with the reassurance, you should understand what you’re signing up for: wind, height, and a lot of visual input. If you’re sensitive to cold, wear layers you can tolerate, because you’ll be up there and exposed.

What I like about the equipment-and-brief style here is that it reduces decision fatigue. You don’t have to guess what to do. You show up with decent shoes and basic gear, then the team does the technical part.

Running Off the Cliff: What the Flight Feels Like

The “run and lift” moment is the heart of tandem paragliding. You’ll start at the take-off site above Cleopatra Bay, then run toward the edge together with your pilot. The launch isn’t something you’re expected to control. Your pilot leads; your job is to follow instructions and keep your body positioned correctly.

In the air, you’ll glide over the coastline and sandy beaches. You’ll get a bird’s-eye view that makes Alanya’s shape click instantly. This is one of those experiences where the scenery is doing the teaching. When you’re high above, you understand why the bay looks the way it does and how the coastline curves.

For many first-timers, the emotional arc goes like this:

  1. Nervous spike right before launch
  2. Surprise relief once you realize you’re safe and guided
  3. Big calm as the gliding starts
  4. A final rush when you’re back near Cleopatra Bay and landing approaches

Some pilots appear to offer different energy levels during the flight. Reviews mention people asking for an extreme ride, and that the team can adjust intensity based on comfort. I’d treat that as an option to ask about on the day, not a promise for everyone.

Don’t worry about missing the perfect angles. Your pilot has a camera, and you’ll be able to review photos and videos after your landing. You may still be prompted to look in specific directions for the shots, but you’re not “disconnected from the moment.” You’re still in the sky; they’re just making sure you get the memories.

Landing on Cleopatra Beach and the Photos You’ll Probably Want

Alanya: Tandem Paragliding with Hotel Pickup - Landing on Cleopatra Beach and the Photos You’ll Probably Want
Landing is supposed to be smooth, and there’s a team waiting at Cleopatra Bay to help with a safe, steady finish. The experience shifts from adrenaline to relief fast, then you’re back on sand with the coastline all around you again.

After landing, you’ll preview the pilot’s photos (and video, if you choose it). Photos/videos are listed as not included, so you’ll decide on the day whether to purchase. Several reviews say the image packages can be pricey, with at least one person mentioning around 100€ for photos and videos. I can’t tell you what you’ll pay, but I can tell you to budget something if you want the full souvenir set.

One practical tip: decide your budget before you sit down to browse. It’s easy to get swept up by that “wow, I’m in the sky” feeling. Then suddenly you’re holding a credit card. If you want just a few shots, ask what packages include, and compare before you buy.

And one more note: since cameras aren’t allowed, these photo purchases are the only way you’ll have a record unless you plan ahead with a workaround through the operator (not stated here). So if you care about souvenirs, factor that into the true cost.

Price and Value: Is $77 a Good Deal?

Alanya: Tandem Paragliding with Hotel Pickup - Price and Value: Is $77 a Good Deal?
At about $77 per person, this looks like a clear value play for Alanya’s top “wow” activity—especially because it’s tandem and includes training, equipment, coffee/tea, and full insurance.

Here’s the real value math:

  • You’re paying for a certified pilot, tandem gear, and a full safety workflow.
  • You also get coffee/tea at the start, and a guided process from pickup to landing.
  • The main extras are predictable: €20 take-off point entry fee and the optional photo/video package.

So the “true” cost is more than the base price, but it’s not a surprise fee if you read carefully. Still, multiple accounts mention people missing the €20 entry fee until the day. I’d take that as a cue to plan for it in advance, so you don’t get hit with a last-minute line item while you’re excited and already committed.

Also, duration matters for value. The listing range is 40 minutes to 2 hours, but the actual flight is much shorter. You’re paying for an experience with a huge emotional payoff, not for long airtime. If you want a long guided nature tour, this isn’t it. If you want a “sky moment” you can remember forever, the price-to-feel ratio is strong.

Who This Tandem Flight Suits Best (and Who Should Skip It)

This is a great fit if you want:

  • A first-time adventure that doesn’t require prior experience
  • A guided, safety-first activity
  • A short, intense thrill paired with spectacular coastal views

It’s not for everyone. It’s listed as not suitable for:

  • Children under 7
  • Pregnant women
  • People with mobility impairments
  • People over 264 lbs (120 kg)
  • Hearing-impaired people

If you’re afraid of heights, don’t automatically rule it out. Many people in the accounts highlight that the pilots reassured them, explained steps, and helped them manage nerves. But if you’re dealing with severe vertigo or medical limitations, follow the suitability rules and talk to your doctor instead of trusting bravado.

If you’re traveling as a couple or a group, this also works well because you’ll meet other people at the office and in the waiting area. It’s social without being chaotic, and you can share the “did you feel that” moments right after landing.

Weather and Rescheduling: What to Expect If It Gets Windy

Paragliding depends on conditions. If weather isn’t right, flights may be cancelled and you’ll get a full refund or reschedule for the next possible date. That’s standard for this kind of outdoor experience.

What I suggest: if you have flexibility, treat this as a must-do, but don’t schedule it as your one single activity on a tight timeline. If you’re staying just one day, consider booking early in your trip window so you have backup options.

Should You Book Payless Turizm’s Alanya Tandem Paragliding?

Yes, you should book if your goal is a high-impact, beginner-friendly thrill over one of Alanya’s most famous beaches. The combination of certified pilots, clear pre-launch coaching, and a landing right on Cleopatra Beach makes this feel like more than a quick stunt. It’s a full experience day, even though the flight itself is relatively short.

Book with extra care if:

  • You want the cheapest possible souvenir plan (photos/videos cost extra)
  • You didn’t plan for the €20 take-off point entry fee
  • You’re relying 100% on hotel pickup and want zero ambiguity (confirm pickup instructions carefully)

If you’re ready for wind, height, and big coastline views, this is one of the best ways to see Alanya from a totally different angle. Bring solid shoes, listen to your pilot, and enjoy the moment you finally realize you’re flying.

FAQ

Do I need prior paragliding experience?

No. The activity is described as suitable with no prior experience required, and you’ll receive an introductory session before flight.

How long is the tandem paragliding flight?

The flight time is described as approximately 15 minutes, but the overall activity duration is 40 minutes to 2 hours depending on timing and weather.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included only if you select the pickup option. If pickup is not selected, you’ll use the office meeting point.

Where do I meet the provider if I’m not picked up?

Look for the Payless Paragliding sign at the activity provider’s office.

Is there an extra fee at the take-off point?

Yes. A take-off point entry fee of €20 is listed as not included.

Are photos and videos included?

No. Videos and photos are not included. Your pilot uses a camera, and you can preview photos after, then purchase them at an extra cost.

Can I bring my own camera?

No. Cameras are not allowed.

What should I bring with me?

Bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, water, and comfortable clothes.

What about weather cancellations?

Your flight may be cancelled due to bad weather. In that case, you’ll get a full refund or reschedule for the next possible date.

Who is this not suitable for?

It’s not suitable for children under 7, pregnant women, people with mobility impairments, people over 264 lbs (120 kg), and hearing-impaired people.

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