Paragliding in Side 1 experiences

Side paragliding is a tandem flight experience that includes transportation from Side or Manavgat to the flying area in Alanya. During the flight, a professional pilot sits behind the passenger in a separate harness beneath a two-person paragliding wing.

The pilot controls the canopy, chooses the flight route and manages both take-off and landing. Passengers therefore do not need any previous training or paragliding experience.

A typical programme includes hotel pickup, transportation to Alanya, a pre-flight briefing, a mountain transfer to the launch site, a tandem flight, landing on Cleopatra Beach and the return journey to your hotel.

Where Does Paragliding from Side Take Place?

Maxtoria’s Side paragliding flight does not take place directly above Side. Guests are collected from hotels in Side or Manavgat and driven along the coast to the flying base in Alanya.

The flight normally begins from a mountain launch approximately 650–700 metres above Alanya. Pilots may use a different launch site depending on wind direction, weather and operational conditions.

During the flight, passengers can see Alanya Castle, the historic peninsula, the harbour, the Taurus Mountains and Cleopatra Beach. The experience finishes with a landing directly on the beach.

What Is Tandem Paragliding?

Tandem paragliding is a flight made by a professional pilot and a passenger using a wing designed for two people. The pilot and passenger wear separate harnesses that are connected to each other and the canopy.

The pilot manages the wing, flight direction, height and landing approach. The passenger must listen to the safety briefing, run when instructed during take-off and follow the pilot’s directions when approaching the landing area.

A tandem flight is an introductory experience rather than a training course. It does not qualify the passenger to fly a paraglider independently.

Can First-Time Flyers Join?

Yes, first-time flyers can join a Side tandem paragliding tour. Tandem flights are designed to allow passengers with no previous training to experience paragliding with a professional pilot.

Before take-off, the pilot explains how to run, when to sit back in the harness and how to position your legs during landing. The passenger does not need to control the wing.

You must be physically able to take several running steps during take-off and understand the pilot’s instructions. Always disclose any health or mobility concerns before booking.

How Does a Side Paragliding Tour Work?

A Side paragliding tour usually begins with pickup from your hotel. The exact collection time is confirmed after booking and depends on your selected flight session and accommodation location.

A typical programme includes:

1. Pickup from your hotel in Side or Manavgat

2. Transfer to the flying base in Alanya

3. Registration and pilot assignment

4. Pre-flight safety briefing

5. Preparation of the helmet and harness

6. Mountain drive to the launch site

7. Running take-off with the pilot

8. Tandem flight above the Alanya coastline

9. Landing on Cleopatra Beach

10. Viewing optional photographs and videos

11. Return transfer to your hotel

The schedule may change according to wind, traffic, demand and operational conditions.

How Long Is the Side Paragliding Flight?

A Side to Alanya paragliding flight normally provides approximately 15–25 minutes in the air. The current Maxtoria programme lists an average flight time of around 20 minutes.

The exact airtime cannot be guaranteed. Wind speed and direction, thermal activity, visibility and the pilot’s safety assessment all affect how long the flight lasts.

A flight may last longer when the conditions are favourable or end sooner when the wind changes. The professional pilot makes the final decision regarding the route and duration.

How Long Does the Complete Side Paragliding Tour Take?

The current Side paragliding activity on Maxtoria is listed as approximately three hours. Hotel pickup and drop-off times may vary depending on your accommodation, traffic and waiting time at the flying base.

The displayed starting time is normally the activity time rather than the hotel pickup time. Your transfer may begin earlier, and the return journey starts after the flight programme has finished.

When planning the rest of your day, allow additional time for the journey between Side and Alanya and for possible weather-related delays.

How Are Side Paragliding Prices Determined?

Side paragliding prices depend on the pickup area, selected flight package, pilot option, season and availability. Round-trip transportation between Side and Alanya can also affect the overall package price.

Factors that may influence the price include:

• Hotel pickup from Side or Manavgat

• Tandem flight with a licensed pilot

• Flight equipment and helmet

• Insurance

• Take-off area entry fee

• Special pilot options

• Professional photographs and videos

• Season and availability

Prices can change during the year. Enter your preferred date and participant information on the booking page to view the current rate.

What Is Included in a Side Paragliding Tour?

The Maxtoria Side paragliding package includes round-trip hotel transfers from designated Side and Manavgat areas, a tandem flight with a licensed pilot, flight equipment, a helmet, a safety briefing, insurance and the take-off area entry fee.

Professional photographs and videos recorded during the flight are not included in the standard price. You can review the footage after landing and purchase it separately if you wish.

Food, drinks and personal expenses may also be excluded. Check the “Included” and “Not Included” sections before confirming your reservation.

Is the Transfer from Side to Alanya Included?

Yes, round-trip transfers from designated hotels in Side and Manavgat to the Alanya flying base are included in the Maxtoria Side paragliding tour. After the experience, the vehicle takes passengers back to the Side region.

Your exact pickup time is arranged according to the selected session and hotel location. Hotels outside the standard transfer area may require a meeting point or a separate transfer arrangement.

Enter your hotel name and location accurately during booking so that transfer coverage can be confirmed.

Is There an Age Limit for Side Paragliding?

Yes, age requirements apply to Side paragliding tours. The current Maxtoria programme sets the minimum flying age at six. However, the adult, child and infant ticket categories shown during booking do not automatically indicate that every passenger can fly.

Children must be able to understand the instructions, run during take-off and fit the flight equipment correctly. Parental or legal guardian consent may also be required for participants under 18.

Confirm the child’s age and suitability with the operator before booking.

Is There a Weight Limit for Side Paragliding?

Paragliding operators may apply minimum and maximum weight limits because the combined weight of the pilot and passenger must be suitable for the wing and current wind conditions.

The permitted range is not identical for every operator. Some tours have fixed limits, while others allow the pilot to decide after considering the passenger’s weight, equipment and weather.

You must provide accurate weight information when booking. Passengers outside the permitted range may be refused participation for safety reasons.

Is Paragliding Safe?

Paragliding is an adventure activity with inherent risks and should never be described as completely risk-free. Safety depends on the pilot’s training and judgement, equipment condition, weather, site procedures and how closely the passenger follows instructions.

During a tandem flight, a licensed pilot controls the wing and decides whether conditions are suitable for take-off. Flights may be delayed, shortened or cancelled when conditions are unsuitable.

Passengers should disclose their weight and health information accurately and follow every instruction during take-off and landing.

Who Should Not Go Paragliding?

The Side paragliding tour is not suitable during pregnancy or for travellers whose mobility prevents them from running during take-off or following landing instructions.

People with heart conditions, uncontrolled high blood pressure, epilepsy, serious respiratory conditions or back and spinal problems should consult a healthcare professional and inform the operator before booking.

Participants must be able to complete a short run, sit in the harness and understand the pilot’s instructions. The professional pilot and operator make the final decision regarding participation.

Can People with a Fear of Heights Go Paragliding?

People with a fear of heights may still be able to join a tandem paragliding flight, but the decision depends on their personal comfort level. Paragliding does not involve a freefall. Once the canopy rises, the experience becomes a controlled glide.

Tell your pilot if you feel nervous. You can request a calm flight without sharp manoeuvres, provided the conditions allow it.

Do not feel pressured to fly. If anxiety may cause panic or prevent you from following instructions, reconsidering participation may be the safer choice.

Are Photographs and Videos Taken During the Flight?

Yes, the pilot or flying team can record photographs and videos during the flight using an action camera. Passengers can usually review the footage after landing and purchase it separately.

Professional photographs and videos are not included in the standard Side paragliding price. Package prices and delivery methods depend on the flying centre’s current policy.

For safety reasons, personal phones, cameras and selfie sticks may not be allowed in the air. Plan to leave loose and valuable items with the ground team.

What Should You Wear for Side Paragliding?

Wear comfortable clothes that allow you to move freely and closed sports shoes that fit securely. Flip-flops, sandals and shoes with slippery soles are unsuitable for the short running take-off.

Useful items include:

• Closed, securely fastened sports shoes

• Comfortable trousers or shorts

• A top that allows easy movement

• A light jacket during cooler months

• Sunglasses with a secure strap

• Sunscreen

• Water

Avoid loose scarves, unsecured hats, hanging jewellery and other items that may be caught by the wind.

How Does the Weather Affect Paragliding?

Wind direction and speed, visibility, clouds, rain and thermal activity determine whether a paragliding flight can operate. If conditions are unsuitable, pilots may delay the launch, use another suitable take-off point or cancel the flight.

A confirmed booking does not guarantee take-off at an exact time. The group may need to wait at the flying base or launch site for safer conditions.

When weather prevents the flight, rescheduling, cancellation or refund options are applied according to the terms of the selected tour.

How Do You Book a Side Paragliding Tour?

To book a Side paragliding tour, select your date, preferred session and number of participants. You can then enter your hotel information so that the transfer arrangements can be confirmed.

Review the available times, current price and included services on the Side Paragliding Adrenaline Flight Over Alanya with Transfer page.

Provide accurate age, weight and health information before booking. For more preparation advice, read the tandem paragliding guide and the Antalya paragliding guide.

You can also compare paragliding tours in Alanya or explore all activities in Side when planning the rest of your holiday.