Tandem Paragliding in South Tenerife: Two Flights Compared

How the two Tenerife paragliding flights compare

I'm a hiker, not a skydiver. When I started guiding in Tenerife more than a decade ago, paragliding seemed like something only crazy people did. But in May 2024, a client challenged me: "Alejandro, how can you recommend flights if you've never tried them?" He had a point. So I booked two tandem flights in the same week to compare them. The result surprised me.

Both flights take off from Taucho, 850 meters above Costa Adeje, and land at Playa de la Enramada. The difference is in the details: the exact takeoff altitude, the flight duration, the pilot and the equipment. And believe me, those details matter more than you'd think.

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I did the first flight with the most popular option in the south: a tandem from Taucho with 20 to 25 minutes of flight time and a beach landing. I booked it through Paragliding flight Tenerife South and the experience was smooth from check-in onward. The second was a similar flight, also from Taucho, but with a different approach to duration and type of pilot.

Paragliding flight Biplaza Tenerife South: the experience

I arrived at the meeting point in Costa Adeje at 12:30. The team picked me up in a van and we drove up the TF-51 to the takeoff area in Taucho. The pilot, a 38 year old Canarian with more than 2,000 flights behind him, explained everything to me while he set up the paraglider. "You're going to run toward the cliff, don't stop until I tell you," he said. It sounded easier than it was.

The takeoff was the most intense part. You run toward the edge, the wind fills the wing, and suddenly your feet stop touching the ground. The thermal lifted us 400 meters in 90 seconds. Below, the TF-1 looked like a gray thread and Costa Adeje looked like a toy town. We flew in circles with a couple of buzzards that ignored us completely. The silence, broken only by the wind in the wing, was hypnotic. We landed on the beach 22 minutes later. My legs were shaking for 10 minutes.

This flight is ideal for anyone who wants the safest option with the most reviews (849 reviews, a 4.97 rating). The pilot was experienced and the equipment was in excellent condition. But if you're looking for something longer or with more maneuvers, it might leave you wanting more.

Why the second flight almost won me over

Three days later I repeated the experience. Same takeoff spot, same type of flight, but with a different pilot and an approach more focused on duration. This second tandem offered 25 to 30 minutes of flight time, with more time to enjoy the views and, if the wind allowed, a gentle maneuver or two.

The difference was subtle but real. The pilot let me take the controls for a few minutes. Feeling how the paraglider responded to my movements was a thrill. Also, with more time in the air, I could appreciate the coastline better: from Puerto Colón to Los Gigantes, with La Gomera in the background. The landing was just as smooth, but this time I didn't shake. I already knew what to expect.

If you're the type who wants to squeeze every second out of the experience, you'll like this flight more. But keep in mind: the duration depends on the wind. On calm days, both flights last practically the same amount of time. It's not a guaranteed difference.

Paragliding flight Biplaza Tenerife South: the experience

I also booked the second option through Viator, at Paragliding flight Tenerife South. The process was identical: pickup, drive up to Taucho, safety briefing. But the pilot was younger and had a more relaxed style. "We have good thermals today, let's enjoy it," he said. And that's how it went.

We flew west, following the coastline. From the air, the cliffs of Los Gigantes look even more impressive. The pilot pointed out a pod of dolphins near the coast, something I hadn't seen on the first flight. We landed 28 minutes after takeoff. It felt like I'd had more time to take it all in.

For someone who has never flown before, either option works. But if you know for sure you want the longest flight possible, ask when booking. Some operators offer 30 minute tandems, others 20 minute ones. The price difference is usually minimal.

The moment I made my decision

After both flights, I sat on a bench along the Costa Adeje seafront with a beer and thought: which one would I recommend to my clients? The answer depends on the person.

For a first flight, especially if you're a bit nervous, the first tandem is well suited. Experienced pilots, impeccable equipment, a fair duration. It won't overwhelm you. For someone who has already flown before or who wants the maximum duration, the second flight wins by a small margin. But the difference isn't as big as the operators want you to believe.

My personal recommendation: book the earliest flight you can (9:00 to 10:00 AM). The wind is more stable in the morning and there's less chance of cancellation. Also, the views are clearer. And if you can, do it at the start of your vacation. That way, if the wind doesn't cooperate on a given day, you have room to reschedule.

Paragliding is, without a doubt, excellent value for adrenaline in Tenerife. For less than what a whale watching tour costs, you get 20 to 25 minutes of real flight time. But it depends on the wind, and nobody controls that. That's why I insist: book ahead and leave yourself a few days of margin.

What I wish I had known before going

Here are the lessons I learned from these two flights, which I now share with every client who asks me about paragliding:

• Wind is everything. If the wind blows above 30 km/h along the coast, the flight is canceled. There are no exceptions. That's why I recommend booking at the start of your trip.
• Clothing matters. Wear closed shoes (no flip-flops), long pants, and a windbreaker jacket. It's cooler up top, and the wind during the flight makes it colder.
• Don't eat too much beforehand. A light breakfast is fine, but a full stomach and thermals don't mix well. I say this from experience.
• Photos and videos cost extra. Most operators offer a photo/video package for around an additional 20 to 30 euros. Ask before flying if you want to take the memory home with you.
• Don't be afraid of heights. It sounds like a cliche, but the feeling of flight is gentler than it seems. There's no free fall like in skydiving. It's more like floating.
• The landing is on the beach. Wear footwear you can easily take off if you land near the water. It's not common, but it happens.

One last thing: if you travel in winter (December to February), the Atlantic water is at 18 to 19°C. It's not cold, but after the flight, if you feel like a swim, you might prefer to wait until sunset. That said, the views from the air in winter are clearer because there's less haze.

To finish, a tip from a local guide: after the flight, go eat at a guachinche in the north. Ask any Canarian and they'll tell you where. The set menu (10 to 14 euros with wine included) offers excellent value on the island. And if you have time to spare, the natural pool at Garachico (El Caletón) is well suited for a quiet afternoon. Arrive before 9:30 AM to find parking.

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If you still can't decide, here's a quick table with the key differences:

In summary: both flights are excellent. The first is safer for those who have never flown. The second offers a bit more if you already know what you're looking for. But neither will disappoint you. The important thing is to take the leap. Literally.