Dropzones in Philippines

Discover the best skydiving locations in Philippines. Connect with fellow jumpers and explore new heights.

About Skydiving in Philippines

Skydiving in the Philippines: A Tropical Guide to Jumping Over Paradise

The Philippines, an archipelago of over 7,000 islands, presents a uniquely stunning backdrop for the ultimate adventure sport: skydiving. With its mix of pristine beaches, volcanic mountains, and azure waters, exiting an aircraft over this country offers a visual spectacle unlike almost anywhere else on Earth. For adrenaline seekers planning a trip, the Philippines is quickly cementing its status as a must-visit location for both first-time tandem jumpers and seasoned professionals. Currently, the country hosts a small but thriving skydiving community, boasting 7 registered dropzones where adventurers can experience the freefall of a lifetime.

If you are considering adding the Philippines to your skydiving bucket list, understanding the local context, conditions, and safety requirements is crucial for a smooth and unforgettable experience.

Why Skydive Over the Philippine Archipelago?

Skydiving is inherently exciting, but the location elevates the experience from a thrill ride to a profound connection with the landscape. The Philippines excels in offering this enhanced perspective. Unlike landlocked dropzones, jumps here frequently provide a stunning vista of coastlines, coral reefs, and island chains receding into the horizon.

The prevailing tropical climate is another major draw. Warm temperatures year-round mean jumpers rarely have to worry about excessive cold, making for comfortable days at the dropzone. This environment creates opportunities for high-altitude jumps where you are guaranteed to see the contrasting geography—from urban sprawl to untouched jungle—before a soft landing near the coast.

The Skydiving Experience: What to Expect

Whether you are seeking a one-time bucket-list thrill or starting your journey toward becoming a licensed skydiver, certified centers across the Philippines cater to both demographics.

Tandem Skydiving: Your First Leap

For first-timers, tandem skydiving is the standard entry point. This involves being securely attached to a highly experienced, certified instructor who manages all aspects of the jump, from exit to deployment and landing. This minimizes training time and allows the student to fully absorb the 30 to 60 seconds of freefall and the subsequent canopy ride.

Key factors that contribute to safety in the Philippines are the high standards generally adopted by established centers:

Certified Instructors: Operations typically employ instructors certified by major international bodies, such as the United States Parachute Association (USPA) or equivalent FAI-recognized organizations.
Modern Equipment: All reputable centers use modern, rigorously maintained gear featuring a dual parachute system (main and reserve).
AAD Usage: Automatic Activation Devices (AADs) are standard on all tandem rigs and student equipment, serving as a crucial last line of defense by automatically deploying the reserve parachute if altitude and speed criteria are met.

Accelerated Freefall (AFF) Training

For those interested in pursuing the sport professionally, several centers offer the Accelerated Freefall (AFF) program, allowing students to learn solo freefall skills. By adhering to international training standards, the jump programs in the Philippines provide a reliable pathway to gaining a skydiving license, all while training in a spectacular environment.

Essential Regulations for Licensed Skydivers

While the Philippines does not impose many unique, complex equipment restrictions similar to, say, the wingload limits found in certain European countries, licensed skydivers (fun jumpers) visiting the country must be prepared to meet stringent international safety standards adopted by local operations. These standards are generally aligned with USPA Basic Safety Requirements (BSRs).

#### Required Documentation and Licensing

Before being cleared to jump your own gear, you must:

Present a valid skydiving license (USPA, FAI, or equivalent international license).
Show a current logbook with proof of recent jumps.
Non-current jumpers (those who have not jumped within a specified period) will likely be required to undergo a refresher training jump with an instructor or coach.

#### Equipment Requirements

The most critical regulation adopted by virtually all fun-jumper programs is the use of safety devices:

Automatic Activation Device (AAD): A functional AAD is mandatory for all licensed skydivers jumping their own gear.
Reserve Parachute: Your reserve parachute must have been inspected and repacked by a certified rigger within the preceding six months. Dropzones will strictly check the currency of the reserve seal.
Gear Check: All foreign rigs require a mandatory safety check by the dropzone's resident or consulting rigger before being approved for use.

#### Airspace and Operational Rules

Jump operations adhere to strict altitude and visual rules for safety:

Minimum Deployment Altitude: Licensed skydivers holding an A-License or students typically have a required deployment altitude of 3,000 feet AGL (Above Ground Level). Experienced jumpers with C- or D-licenses may be permitted lower altitudes, but 3,000 feet is the standard baseline for lower-level licenses.
Camera Restrictions: If you are planning to film your jump, most dropzones enforce a rule that only jumpers with a significant number of freefall jumps—often 200 jumps or more—are permitted to wear a camera or filming device. This rule is in place because handling cameras can be a major distraction for less experienced jumpers during emergency procedures.

Timing Your Tropical Skydive: Weather and Seasons

The Philippine climate dictates the optimal skydiving season. Like any tropical locale, weather conditions are the primary reason for jump delays and cancellations.

The Best Time: Dry Season

The ideal time for skydiving in the Philippines aligns with the Dry Season, generally running from December through to May.

During these months, the country experiences stable, pleasant weather with less rainfall, lower humidity, and more predictable conditions—all essential for maximizing jump opportunities.
Temperatures are comfortably warm, typically ranging from 24°C to 34°C (75°F to 93°F). January and February are often cited as the best months, offering slightly cooler temperatures before the intense heat of March and April sets in.

The Challenging Time: Wet Season

The Wet Season typically occurs from June to October. While jumps still happen, this period carries a higher risk of:

Typhoons and Tropical Storms: These can cause severe, multi-day cancellations. The risk is highest between July and September.
Increased Cloud Cover: Excessive cloud cover often prevents jumps, as pilots require clear visual access to the landing area and for air traffic separation.

Planning your trip during the Dry Season drastically increases your chances of getting several jumps in without significant weather hold interruptions.