How Much Does Skydiving Cost? A Guide to Prices for NJ, Philly & NYC Jumpers
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Key Takeaways
‘How much does it cost to go skydiving?’ Is a question that’s undoubtedly crossed your mind if you’ve considered embarking on your first skydive. In short, a tandem skydive costs around $300, getting licensed to skydive solo is in the ballpark of $4k, and each full altitude skydive costs about $30 for licensed jumpers.
Is skydiving worth the money? Absolutely! In the grand scheme of things, the cost of skydiving is minuscule for what you’re gaining in return. It’s a life changing experience! There are multiple factors that go into play when determining how much it costs to do a parachute jump. Let’s break down what you can expect when you’re searching for “skydiving NJ”, “skydiving NYC”, and “skydiving Philly” prices. (We get it, we use the internet too!)
Tandem Skydiving Cost Breakdown
What is a good price for first-time skydiving? A tandem skydive under $300 is a good deal! Our tandem skydiving prices* are represented below.
* As of September 2025; please refer to our tandem pricing page for the most up-to-date information.
Factors that alter the price:
- Are you reserving online or walking-in? Reserving online will save you money.
- Are you jumping on a weekday or the weekend? Jumping on a weekday, when there is generally less demand, will cut down on costs.
- Are you part of a group, a member of the military, or a student? We are happy to offer discounts!
- Are you purchasing a media package? Opting for a photo and video package is well worth it, but it does add to the cost.
What’s included in the price of a tandem skydive?
Tandem skydiving is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and the price reflects that investment! Many people neglect to think about the skydiving operation as a whole when they’re focused on their jump. Factors that go into determining the cost of a skydive include compensation for the pilot, professional tandem instructor, experienced videographer, wear and tear on the gear and airplane, and aviation fuel.
How long does skydiving last?
Isn’t skydiving pretty short? Why is it pricey? You’re right, from exit to landing, skydiving lasts about 5 to 7 minutes. But keep in mind, something doesn’t need to be long for it to be worthwhile. Think about your marriage ceremony or accepting a diploma as you walk across the stage! These experiences are not necessarily long in duration, but they sure make lasting impressions on your life.
AFF Training & A License Certification Costs
Learning to skydive requires that you take a course called Accelerated Freefall Progression – typically referred to as AFP or AFF. The AFP / AFF skydiving cost is in the $4,000 range. AH! What!? Yeah, that price tag may knock your socks off, but it’s well worth it. Here’s a quick look at what’s included in the cost* of training and A License certification at Skydive Cross Keys:
- Ground school: $135
- AFP training jumps: ~$2,290
- Coach jumps: ~$630 (plus gear rental)
- Solo jumps: ~$420 (plus gear rental)
- Gear rental: $40/jump or $80/day
- USPA fee: $98 for new membership and $43 for the USPA A License
- A License check dive: $100 (plus gear rental)
Why do some of those prices reflect a bit of wiggle room? Because every student is different! Each jump requires certain skills to be achieved, and everyone’s learning curve varies. Repeating a level here and there isn’t uncommon!
* As of September 2025; please refer to our pricing page for the most up-to-date information.
Licensed Skydiver Costs: Skydiving Gear
Tandem skydivers and those learning to jump solo don’t need to buy their own equipment, but licensed jumpers often choose to in order to avoid the cost of renting. Many newly licensed jumpers opt to rent gear from their dropzone while they’re figuring out what gear they want. However, per-jump or daily rental cost can accumulate quickly!
Here’s a quick breakdown of the skydiving equipment costs associated with getting some new basic skydiving gear:
Skydiving Gear Must-Haves:
- Container and RSL: ~$2,500 – ~$5,000
- Main parachute: ~$2,000
- Reserve parachute: ~$2,000
- Automatic Activation Device (AAD): ~ $1,000
- Skydiver helmet: ~$100 – ~$800
- Altimeter: ~$250 – $500
Skydiving Gear Nice-to-Haves:
- Audible altimeter: ~$200 – ~$400
- Jumpsuit: ~$100 – ~$800
- Parachute goggles: ~$50 – ~$100. (Necessary if using an open-face helmet)
Skydiving gear cost can significantly decrease by buying used gear, and no, that’s not as sketchy as it may sound. Many people opt to buy the majority of their gear used – from containers to canopies and jumpsuits. The most important thing when buying used gear is to have it checked by a trusted parachute rigger!
How Much Does It Cost To Skydive In The US When You’re Licensed?
In the States, licensed skydivers pay around $30 to $36 per full altitude skydive! Here at Skydive Cross Keys, licensed skydivers with their own gear pay $30 per jump. Yes, it’s a big drop from that of a tandem skydive! Skydiving is known for having a large upfront investment that quickly pays itself off through the incredible experience of advancing in the sport.
Is skydiving on your radar? Book now! Please feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns – we can’t wait for you to jump with us!