Tandem paragliding above ionian sea syvota

REVIEW · SYVOTA

Tandem paragliding above ionian sea syvota

  • 5.04 reviews
  • 1 day
  • From $112
Book on GetYourGuide →

Operated by Stavros natsikos · Bookable on GetYourGuide

Traveller rating 5.0 (4)Duration1 dayPrice from$112Operated byStavros natsikosBook viaGetYourGuide

One look down makes your brain grin. Tandem paragliding over the Ionian Sea above Sivota and Plataria turns a simple flight into a real sense-of-place moment, and I like that the experience is designed as an easy first step. You’ll get time learning the takeoff basics with your instructor team, then move into the air with certified pilots.

Here’s the main thing to keep in mind: your ride is short on purpose, with an average flight time of about 15 minutes that can shift depending on wind and conditions.

Key Things You’ll Be Glad You Know

Tandem paragliding above ionian sea syvota - Key Things You’ll Be Glad You Know

  • Takeoff practice before you lift off so you understand what’s happening.
  • A two-person glider near twice the size of a solo setup, built for tandem stability.
  • About 15 minutes in the sky on average, influenced by wind and flight conditions.
  • GoPro Hero filming with an SD card provided, with an optional extra charge for the camera.
  • Sivota and Plataria coast views from above the west coast of Epirus.
  • English-speaking instructor and private group for a more personal feel.

Tandem Paragliding Over Sivota and Plataria: What You’re Really Buying

Tandem paragliding above ionian sea syvota - Tandem Paragliding Over Sivota and Plataria: What You’re Really Buying
Tandem paragliding here is not about mastering the sky. It’s about getting the sensation fast, with pros handling the tough parts, while you focus on staying comfortable and present.

For your money, you’re paying for a full in-the-field setup: a briefing, seat positioning, takeoff practice, then a flight over the Ionian Sea with a tandem glider designed to carry two people. If you want a “wow” experience without a multi-day learning curve, that’s the core value.

I also like that this flight is tied to real coastline geography. You’re flying above the west coast of Epirus, with Sivota and Plataria down below. That matters because the scenery is not just open water. You’ll see that coastline shape and the contrast between sea and land—exactly the kind of view that makes paragliding feel like more than just adrenaline.

From Meeting Point to Flight: How the Setup Keeps It Simple

Tandem paragliding above ionian sea syvota - From Meeting Point to Flight: How the Setup Keeps It Simple
Your experience starts at the tour meeting point with a briefing on takeoff and what to expect. Then you adjust your flying seat position—small movements now make a big difference later. Think of it as getting your body in the right place so you can relax once you’re in the air.

Next comes the hands-on part: you practice taking off. This is the “intro” element in action. Instead of jumping straight from ground to sky, you go through the motions with the team. It’s one of those practical decisions that lowers stress, because you’re not guessing how things will feel when momentum builds.

Once you’re ready, you launch into flight over the sea. The pacing is calm. You’re not doing anything solo here. Your job is to follow instructions, stay balanced, and enjoy.

The Two-Person Glider: Why Tandem Feels Different Than Solo

Tandem paragliding above ionian sea syvota - The Two-Person Glider: Why Tandem Feels Different Than Solo
This tandem glider is specially designed to carry two people, and it’s near twice the size of a regular solo paraglider. That size difference isn’t just technical trivia—it’s part of why tandem flights tend to feel more stable and manageable.

In plain terms: the larger tandem wing gives the system the ability to support you, while the pilot handles control. When you’re a first-timer, stability is what you’re really looking for. You want the kind of setup where your nervous system can catch up to what your eyes are seeing.

You’re also not strapped into a random seat. Seat position is adjusted before takeoff, so you can feel comfortable in the harness arrangement. I like this because it reduces the most common first-time problem: fidgeting once things start happening.

Above the Ionian Sea: What That 15-Minute Flight Feels Like

Your flight lasts about 15 minutes on average, though wind and other flight conditions can affect timing. That variability is normal in outdoor flying. It’s not a flaw in the operation—it’s how the sky works.

During the flight, you’ll be up above the blue waters of the Ionian Sea, with views over the region’s coast. You’re not just looking at water. You’re watching shoreline details change as height increases—curves of coast, the sense of distance, and how the sea texture looks from above.

If you’re hoping for a little extra excitement, this is worth knowing: some pilots may add some thrilling maneuvers when conditions allow. That can make the flight feel less like a smooth ride and more like a guided adventure. Still, the experience is structured as an easy introduction, so you’re not going to be thrown into anything reckless.

And yes, there’s a bit of what people describe as an almost goddess-level feeling—standing (or sitting) in the air with the coast below and the wind in your face. It’s that mix of freedom and awe.

Filmed Footage and the GoPro Hero Detail That Changes the Value

One of the smartest perks here is the filming setup. Your team films your flight with a GoPro Hero camera, and after the flight you’re issued an SD card containing your video to take home.

There’s also an optional add-on: a GoPro Hero camera is extra for 10 euros. That can matter if you’re trying to budget tightly and still want high-quality footage. The good part is that video is part of the plan, not a last-minute scramble.

From a value standpoint, take-home footage is what turns a short experience into a longer memory. A flight like this is brief, so capturing it is a practical win. You’ll also be able to replay it later and show family without trying to explain everything with words.

Certified Pilots and the Meaning of an Easy Intro Flight

The team you fly with is made up of experienced and certified pilots. That’s the whole point of a tandem setup: you’re in the air because the pilot knows how to manage wind, stability, and safe flight behavior.

The experience is positioned as an easy introductory tandem flight for first-time flyers. The key is that you’re not learning on your own. You’re learning what you should expect—takeoff basics, seat position, and how the process builds from practice to real flight.

I also like that the instructor team is English-speaking. In a flight setting, clear communication matters. You don’t want to be piecing together instructions mid-launch.

As for safety confidence, the structure helps: briefing first, then seat adjustment, then practice takeoff, then flight. It’s step-by-step rather than jump-scare adventure.

Price and Value: Is $112 a Good Deal for 15 Minutes?

At $112 per person, this isn’t a long “stay out all day” activity. It’s a focused, premium outdoor experience with a clear outcome: a tandem flight above the Ionian Sea, with take-home video included.

Here’s why it can still feel like good value:

  • You’re paying for certified piloting plus a larger tandem wing designed for two.
  • You’re paying for the time and attention it takes to brief you, adjust your seat, and coach takeoff practice.
  • You’re getting video you can take home. That changes the economics of a short flight because you’re not just buying a moment—you’re buying the record of it.

The flight time is average 15 minutes, not a guarantee of a longer ride. But if your goal is a first paragliding experience and you want to keep the day flexible, shorter can actually be better. You get the thrill without turning the whole trip into logistics.

Weather, Wind, and Timing: The One Variable You Can’t Ignore

Wind plays a major role in paragliding, and here it directly affects flight duration. If winds are stronger or flight conditions shift, the average time in the air can change.

So when you plan your day, treat this as a weather-driven activity. Be ready to go with the flow. If you’re the type who schedules your entire trip down to the minute, this is where you’ll want margin.

The upside: the team is already trained for these variables. You’ll be guided through the process, and your pilot will choose the safe conditions for the flight.

Who This Fits (and Who Should Skip It)

This activity is not suitable for:

  • children under 7
  • pregnant women
  • people afraid of heights
  • people with epilepsy
  • people over 264 lbs (120 kg)
  • people with high blood pressure
  • people with recent surgeries
  • people with low level of fitness

That list isn’t there to be dramatic. It’s there because paragliding involves physical effects and environments that can be risky for certain bodies and conditions. Even if you feel okay on the ground, the combination of wind, altitude sensation, and quick movement during takeoff and landing can be more intense than you expect.

Who I think should go:

  • first-time adventure travelers who want a guided introduction
  • people who can follow instructions and stay comfortable during short, fast-changing moments
  • travelers who want sea-and-coast views without spending days learning the sport

Who might struggle:

  • anyone with a strong fear of heights
  • anyone whose health conditions make outdoor exertion and altitude-related sensations a problem

What to Bring for a Comfortable Flight Day

The right packing helps you feel calm and reduces fiddly moments when you’re preparing for takeoff.

Bring:

  • comfortable shoes
  • sunglasses
  • comfortable clothes
  • weather-appropriate clothing
  • closed-toe shoes

I also suggest wearing clothing that won’t make you tug and adjust constantly. During briefing and practice takeoff, you’ll want to settle in quickly and not fight your outfit while your team is getting everything set.

Should You Book Tandem Paragliding Above the Ionian Sea Near Sivota?

If you want a first paragliding experience with a clear safety structure, this is a strong option. The big reasons to book are the combination of certified pilots, takeoff practice built into the process, and the bonus of take-home video on an SD card.

I would especially consider it if your trip includes Sivota or Plataria and you want a view that’s hard to replicate from land. You get a “from up here” perspective that makes the coast feel bigger and more personal.

But if you’re worried about heights, have medical limitations listed as not suitable, or you’re hoping for a long floating ride, this one may not match your expectations. Short and weather-driven is the deal here.

If that sounds like your style, book it. Then bring comfortable shoes, listen carefully during the briefing, and enjoy the sea from a place most people only imagine.

FAQ

How long is the tandem paragliding flight?

The flight lasts about 15 minutes on average, depending on wind and other flight conditions.

Is there takeoff practice before the flight?

Yes. After a briefing about takeoff, you adjust your seat position and then practice taking off before you’re ready to fly.

What views will I get during the flight?

You’ll fly above the Ionian Sea with views from the Sivota and Plataria area, on the west coast of Epirus.

Is filming included, and do I get the footage to take home?

Your flight is filmed with a GoPro Hero camera, and after the flight you receive an SD card with video footage to take home.

How much is the GoPro Hero camera option?

The GoPro Hero camera option is extra for 10 euros.

What’s the activity’s language?

The instructor is English.

Who is this activity not suitable for?

It’s not suitable for children under 7, pregnant women, people afraid of heights, people with epilepsy, people over 264 lbs (120 kg), people with high blood pressure, people with recent surgeries, and people with low level of fitness.

What’s the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Scroll to Top

Find your next flight

Cliff launches, alpine thermals and coastal soaring, off the mountains and the coastlines that fly best.