Floating off Tenerife gets you fast.

You’ll do a tandem paragliding flight with a professional pilot, either launching near Teide National Park from about 2,200 meters above sea level or riding an adrenaline-style route from the cliffs above Martianez Beach in Puerto de la Cruz.

I love how well organized this feels: you meet at Martianez Adventures, get your gear, then hop into a van for a straightforward ride to the launch. I also like the way pilots manage the experience for different comfort levels, from calmer glides to more thrilling flying when conditions allow.

The main thing to consider is weather. If conditions aren’t good for tandem flight, your flight can be changed to another day or cancelled, and you’ll need enough physical ability to run during takeoff.

Key things you should know before you book

• Two distinct flights: Teide National Park (higher, longer) or Martianez Beach cliffs (closer, punchier)
• Small groups (up to 4), so you spend more time with your pilot and less time waiting around
• Pro tandem pilots who adjust the ride, keeping safety front and center
• Beach landings with a smooth van return to Puerto de la Cruz
• Strict limits like a 95 kg max weight and no flights for people with certain health conditions

Two flights, two vibes: Teide National Park vs Martianez adrenaline

This is not a one-size-fits-all paraglide. You basically choose between two different experiences, both tandem, both with the same big payoff: Tenerife from above.

The exclusive Teide National Park flight is the headliner for pure altitude. You start at roughly 2,200 meters above sea level, which is why people call it a bucket-list ride. You drive about 1 hour by van to reach the launch area, then the flying time typically lands around 25–35 minutes depending on wind and weather. The finish is a landing on a beach, followed by transport back to Puerto de la Cruz.

Then there’s the adrenaline flight based near Puerto de la Cruz. Instead of going deep into Teide National Park, you launch above the cliffs of Martianez Beach. The van transfer is short, about 10 minutes, and the flight is usually 20–30 minutes. It’s a great option if you want something shorter that still feels intense, especially if you’re already in the Puerto de la Cruz area and want to keep the rest of your day open.

If you’re trying to pick one, think like this: go Teide if you want maximum height and that sky-filling perspective; go Martianez if you want less driving time and a more local-feeling thrill.

Meeting at Martianez Adventures and getting your gear sorted fast

Your day starts at the paragliding center in Puerto de la Cruz (look for the Google business Martianez Adventures). After you arrive, the team gets you ready with a bag of essentials. You’ll be provided with the equipment you need, including a helmet, jacket, long trousers, and gloves.

You’ll also get basic guidance before the flight. It’s practical stuff: how to prepare for takeoff, what to expect in the air, and how landing works on the beach. People who are nervous about heights often breathe easier once they understand what the pilot is doing and why. The pilots are experienced at reassuring first-timers without turning the flight into a lecture.

One small but important note: cellphones aren’t allowed. If you want photos, ask ahead how your flight recording works, and consider what you’ll be wearing and holding so you’re not juggling devices when it’s time to fly.

The drive matters: van transfers, timing, and motion-sickness reality

You’re not just showing up and running to a launch point. You’ll do van transfers, and they affect how the day feels.

For Teide National Park flights, expect about 1 hour of driving to the launch area. Reviews mention that the road ride can be long and twisty, and if you get car sick easily, you might want a motion-sickness plan before you go. For the Martianez adrenaline flight, the van ride is much shorter at about 10 minutes.

Also keep timing flexible. Flights run in the morning, midday, and evening, so you’ll want to choose based on your comfort with weather changes (more on that later). Many people find that an evening flight can be extra special because the light is softer and the coast looks unreal.

What to bring is simple and useful:

• Sunglasses
• Comfortable shoes

You’ll be on your feet during takeoff, especially for the initial run. You don’t need to be an athlete, but you do need to be able to move.

What you’ll see in the air: Tenerife’s valleys, clouds, and the coastline

The flying itself is where this experience justifies its place on your Tenerife plan. From the sky you get a view that makes the island’s geography click.

For the Teide National Park option, you’re launching high enough to rise above what’s below. People describe flying through or near cloud layers, with the sun setting turning the moment into something they’ll remember for years. From up there, you get sweeping views over the Orotava valley and the Teide area, and on clear days the scenery can stretch far. The flight ends down at sea level on a beach, which gives you that satisfying sense of gravity switching from fear to fun.

For the Martianez Beach cliffs option, the big visual payoff is the quick switch from coastal scenery to open sky. You launch from above the ocean-side and get a strong sense of Puerto de la Cruz from a different angle. Because it’s closer to town, the landing area feels like it’s right in the middle of Tenerife’s everyday life, and that makes it feel more immediate.

One extra detail that adds fun: many flights include low passes where you fly near hotels and terraces. People on the ground sometimes cheer as you glide by, which makes the landing feel like a shared moment instead of a private thrill.

The takeoff and landing: adrenaline without the chaos

Here’s what you can realistically expect for takeoff. Tandem paragliding still involves you doing your part. You’ll need to be in good physical condition, and you should be able to run during takeoff. The pilot handles the wing and the main flight controls, but you still need to move when the launch starts.

If you’re nervous, it helps to know that this setup is designed to be managed. Several flights have included less-than-ideal conditions where pilots adjust and repeat steps, like restarting the launch if there’s not enough breeze. On the other hand, when things line up, it can feel surprisingly smooth: a sprint, a shift of weight, and then a calm glide where you stop thinking about the ground and start watching the world open.

Landing is also part of the experience. The goal is a safe, controlled touchdown on a beach. After that, your job is basically done. The team brings you back to the start point in Puerto de la Cruz.

Safety and pilot style: the difference between scary and confident

The consistent theme here is that safety is taken seriously, and the pilots are good at making you feel safe.

In the reviews, names like Lucas and Lukas show up a lot as pilots who explain things clearly and keep you comfortable. Other pilots like Mathias/Matthias, Adrian, Gaston, and Jezus also appear, and the pattern is the same: clear guidance, professional handling, and a calm atmosphere even for first-timers.

You’ll likely notice that pilots adapt to your preferences. Some people get more exciting maneuvers; others end up with a more relaxed glide. That’s the advantage of tandem paragliding with trained pilots: you can share the sky without forcing yourself to be an expert.

Who should do this tandem paraglide (and who should skip it)

This activity has clear limits, and you should respect them because they exist for a reason.

Not suitable if you:

• are pregnant
• have back problems
• are over 70 years
• exceed 95 kg
• have mobility impairments
• are under 12 years

Also plan based on your comfort level. If heights make you panic, you can still consider it, but only if you’re willing to trust the briefing and work with the pilot during takeoff. The pilots are used to nervous first-timers, and the flight often turns from fear into calm quickly. Still, it’s not a low-key activity.

Who this suits best:

• couples, friends, and small groups who want a memorable Tenerife experience
• people who want the views without doing any gear setup
• anyone who loves a clear “before and after” moment: on the ground, then suddenly you’re floating

If you’re traveling with people who might get motion sick, consider the longer Teide transfer carefully.

Price and value: what $165 buys you on Tenerife

At about $165 per person, this isn’t a casual add-on, but it also isn’t overpriced for what you’re getting.

You’re paying for:

• a tandem flight with a professional pilot
• all the needed safety gear (helmet, jacket, long trousers, gloves)
• insurance
• and the transfer from Puerto de la Cruz

The flight time is also meaningful. You’re not looking at a 5-minute stunt. Depending on the option, you’ll be in the air for roughly 20–35 minutes, and the Teide version adds the big element of height and longer time in the sky.

Video is not included as a freebie. If you want videos, they’re an extra 30 euros. You’ll likely still want to ask what filming options are available so you don’t end up surprised by what’s included versus add-on.

Overall, for the altitude (especially Teide), the pro piloting, and the simple logistics from Puerto de la Cruz, this tends to feel like good value compared with many “high-impact” activities that require more effort from you or offer less actual flight time.

Weather changes: when Tenerife says not today

Tenerife weather can shift fast, and this provider builds the plan around that reality. If conditions are not good for tandem flight, your flight can be changed to another day or cancelled during the process.

This is not a dealbreaker, but it does affect how you schedule your week. If you’re only in town for one tight day, you’ll want a little buffer. If you can keep your schedule flexible, you’re much more likely to end up flying.

The fact that flights happen in morning, midday, and evening helps too, because you’re not stuck with a single departure time. If wind direction or clouds make one slot less safe or less fun, the team can shift timing.

Should you book this Tenerife tandem paragliding?

Book it if you want a true sky experience from Tenerife that’s designed for first-timers, runs with a small group size, and gives you real flight time instead of a short thrill.

Skip it if any of these apply: you’re outside the health/age/weight limits, you can’t run for takeoff, you’re dealing with major back issues, or you can’t handle the idea that weather might reschedule you.

If you’re unsure between the two options, here’s the quick decision rule: choose Teide National Park for maximum height and that high-altitude feeling; choose Martianez Beach if you want a shorter transfer and a more local adrenaline flight above Puerto de la Cruz.

FAQ

Where do I meet for the paragliding flight in Tenerife?

You’ll meet at the paragliding center in Puerto de la Cruz, listed on Google as Martianez Adventures.

What are the two flight options, and how are they different?

There are two tandems. The Teide National Park flight launches at about 2,200 meters above sea level and typically includes a longer van transfer of about 1 hour, with a flight time of about 25–35 minutes. The Martianez Beach adrenaline flight launches above the cliffs of Martianez Beach, includes about a 10-minute van transfer, and typically lasts about 20–30 minutes.

How long is the activity from start to finish?

The total duration is listed as 1–3 hours. The actual flight time depends on conditions and the option you choose (about 25–35 minutes for Teide, or about 20–30 minutes for Martianez).

Is the tandem flight video included?

No. Videos are available for an extra cost of 30 euros.

What is included in the price?

The price includes the tandem flight, a professional pilot, all necessary equipment, helmet/jacket/long trousers/gloves, insurance, and transfer from Puerto de la Cruz.

What are the limits for who can participate?

You must be able to run during takeoff and not exceed 95 kg. It’s not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, people over 70, people with mobility impairments, and children under 12.

If you tell me which dates you’re in Tenerife and whether you prefer Teide height or the shorter Martianez flight, I can help you choose the best timing (and what to do if weather changes).