Paragliding in Ölüdeniz: a first-timer's guide
Ölüdeniz is one of the best-known paragliding spots in the world, and the reason is simple: Babadağ. Launch areas at up to 1,900 metres open straight onto the sea, and the flight ends on the beach next to the famous Blue Lagoon. This guide walks a first-timer through the whole experience.
Where do you launch, and where do you land?
Flights launch from areas at 1,700–1,900 m on Babadağ; pilots choose the launch that suits the wind that day. You fly over the Blue Lagoon, Butterfly Valley and the coastline, and land on the Ölüdeniz beach strip — so the flight starts on a mountain and ends at a beach café, with no return trip to plan.
Do you need experience?
No. Commercial flights are tandem: your pilot manages the wing, the launch and the landing, while you sit in the front harness. All that is asked of you is to run a few steps at take-off. If you want to know exactly how a flight unfolds, read how tandem paragliding works.
How do you choose an operator?
The right question is not "who is cheapest" but "who am I flying with". Look for a licensed business, flights flown under insurance, pilots with tandem qualifications and equipment that is checked before every flight. Airflow Travels is a TÜRSAB-licensed operator and flies only in suitable weather, with experienced tandem pilots — the full approach is described in the safety and licence section.
When should you come?
The season generally runs from April to October. Summer offers the most flying hours; spring and autumn are quieter, with conditions that vary more from day to day. Morning flights are usually calmer; afternoon thermals make flights livelier. Whenever you come, the final decision always belongs to that day's weather — that is part of the sport.
How do you book?
Send the booking form or write to us on WhatsApp with your dates and group size; we reply to agree a suitable day and time. The exact meeting point and time are confirmed on flight day, based on the weather.