Double parachute flights in Rio de Janeiro

Rio makes sense from above.

This double paragliding flight takes you from São Conrado up to the famous Pedra Bonita ramp, so you can see beaches, mountains, and big Rio landmarks from the air. I like that it is set up to be simple and beginner-friendly, with a certified instructor and a very short in-air moment that still feels huge.

My two favorite parts are the pilot setup and the photo and video side of the experience. With Ighor Ferreira, a CBVL-accredited professional with more than 5,000 flights and 20+ students trained, you get a calm, safety-first flight approach, plus a high-definition GoPro video. And if you want extra footage, there is also the possibility of a 360 camera recording your flight.

One consideration: the flight depends on good weather, and you will also need to budget extra cash for a compulsory insurance fee of 132 Reais, which is not included in the package price.

Key things to notice before you book

• CBVL-accredited pilot, Ighor Ferreira, plus a safety-first style that helps even if you are uneasy about heights
• Pedra Bonita takeoff from São Conrado, a launch spot that gives Rio-wide views
• GoPro high-definition video, with possible 360-degree footage for a more immersive recap
• Emergency parachute and harness included, so you are not guessing about safety gear
• Transport is included, so you only worry about showing up, not figuring out the ramp

A sky-high look at Rio, starting in São Conrado

This experience is all about timing and views. You meet at Av. Pref. Mendes de Morais 1502 in São Conrado, and you will get transported from the meeting point to the takeoff ramp. The whole outing is about 2 hours 30 minutes, but the actual flight time is roughly 10 minutes, on average.

That combo matters. You get a quick, concentrated “wow” moment without turning your day into a production. And because you launch from the São Conrado area toward Pedra Bonita, you are set up to look down on the coastline and the rugged mountain shapes that make Rio feel different from other coastal cities.

It also helps that the activity runs daily, with operating hours from 7:30 AM to 3:00 PM (based on the listed schedule range). If your Rio itinerary is flexible, you can usually pick a time that fits your morning or early afternoon plans.

Meet your pilot: Ighor Ferreira and the calm, safety-first tone

The biggest reason this trip gets recommended is not the gear or the drone-style videos. It is the way the flight is taught and managed in the air.

Ighor Ferreira is described as CBVL-accredited, with over 5,000 flights, and he has trained more than 20 students. That kind of experience is exactly what you want for tandem flying, where you are leaning on the instructor to manage timing, posture, and smooth flight control.

From the flight vibe described, the approach is consistently calm. People who were nervous about heights report that they were eased into it, with clear explanations and a quiet flight that did not feel chaotic. That matches what you want to hear on day one in Rio: that you do not need to fight fear alone, you just need a competent guide running the plan.

There is also a “you stay comfortable” element that shows up in how instructors talk you through the experience. In the air, the pilot focuses on posture and reminds you about small positioning details. If you tend to tense up when things get windy or when you look down, that guidance can make a real difference in how enjoyable the flight feels.

And yes, the instructor is also described as friendly and professional, including being polite and attentive before takeoff. In short, you should not feel like you are signing up for risky fun. You are signing up for a managed adventure.

Ramp time at Pedra Bonita: gear, harness fit, and the quick briefing

What you bring matters less than what is provided. This experience includes harness, helmet, and an emergency parachute. That is not a small detail. Tandem paragliding still feels thrilling, but having the safety equipment included means you can focus on the experience instead of second-guessing what you are wearing or how you will be secured.

You will also be assigned a level 4 instructor. The important part of that for you is expectation setting. A higher training level usually means more consistent procedures for checks and launch readiness.

The schedule also gives you a clue about pacing. Because your flight duration is about 10 minutes and that includes transportation to the Pedra Bonita ramp, you should expect the day to run like this: meet, get sorted with the gear, go to the ramp, launch when conditions are right, then return to the meeting point.

One other detail I appreciate is that this is a private activity. Only your group participates. That tends to reduce awkward waiting time and can make the pre-flight moment feel less rushed, because you are not trying to share attention with a long line of strangers.

The 10-minute tandem flight: what you will actually see

This is the part that sells the whole thing. You are strapped into the harness, and the instructor handles the takeoff and flight control. Your job is mainly to relax, follow posture guidance, and enjoy the view.

The view is the headline. You get panoramas of beaches, mountains, and iconic sights like Pedra da Gávea and Christ the Redeemer from above. That “from above” piece is why paragliding is so different from a city bus tour or even a viewpoint. You are not looking at Rio as a map. You are seeing it as a living scene, with ridgelines, coastlines, and the way neighborhoods press toward the water.

You should also know that the flight is described as quiet and not especially scary when guided well. People who said they were afraid of heights emphasized that the experience was relaxing, not a panic test. The vibe is often: gentle air, a sense of freedom, and a smooth glide where you get to take it in rather than constantly react.

Wind and comfort are always part of flying, of course. But because the pilot is experienced and focused on safety first, the flight feels more like a guided ride than a jump into uncertainty.

GoPro and optional 360 camera: how the memories are captured

One of the more practical reasons people love this experience is that it tries to document the flight in a way that feels “watchable” later, not just shaky phone footage.

The package includes high-definition video with GoPro. That means you should leave with a clean recording of your flight, which is helpful if you want to share it later or if you know you will be too busy staring out the harness to remember what you looked like in the moment.

There is also the possibility of having your flight recorded by a 360 camera. The 360 format is perfect for tandem paragliding because it captures the feeling of turning your head and seeing everything at once. Even if you think you will be too busy flying to enjoy videos, you might find that the footage becomes the easiest souvenir from the whole trip.

This is one place where the package adds real value. Many outdoor activities sell the thrill, then forget the memory part. Here, the media is built into the experience.

Price and value: what $198.99 really covers

The listed price is $198.99 per person, and the experience includes paragliding, emergency parachute, harness, helmet, level 4 instructor, and transportation from the flight club meeting point to the ramp.

It also includes the “enjoy” part in the sense that the experience is structured end-to-end, not just the moment of flight.

Now for the cost you must plan for. The fee and compulsory insurance is 132 Reais, and it is not included in the vacation package. So your true out-the-door cost will be your base price plus that 132 Reais.

Is it worth it? In most cases, yes, if you value three things:

• a professional CBVL-accredited pilot with tons of flying experience
• safety gear included (helmet, harness, emergency parachute)
• built-in video that captures the flight cleanly

If you are hoping for a bargain on the same day you want the best conditions, there is a tradeoff. But when the flight is weather-dependent, you are really paying for reliable setup and a guided experience that can be enjoyed without stress.

Weather and timing: the one variable you cannot control

This is a weather-based activity. It requires good weather, and if it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. That means you should not lock it into the one day you absolutely cannot rearrange.

The operating window runs through the day, from 7:30 AM to 3:00 PM, so you likely have flexibility. If you are staying close by, that helps. If you are far across town, build in buffer time to get to São Conrado and return without rushing.

Also, this is booked on average about 8 days in advance, which suggests it can fill. If you have a short Rio trip, plan ahead. Early booking increases your chances of getting a slot that matches your schedule.

One more practical point: the meeting point is near public transportation. That is good news if you want to reduce taxi costs or avoid last-minute traffic stress.

Who this double-flight is best for

This tour says most travelers can participate, and the way instructors are described makes it especially promising if you have never flown before.

It is also a good pick if:

• you want a high-impact experience without a full half day of commuting
• you are a little nervous about heights and want an instructor who explains what to expect
• you care about photos and video being part of the experience, not an afterthought
• you prefer a private setup for your group

People also mention having fun with the adrenaline level while knowing safety stayed central. That is a sweet spot for many visitors: thrill, but controlled thrill.

If you are extremely motion sensitive, you might still want to consider how you react to wind and movement. Flying is not the same as being on solid ground, so discomfort is possible for some people. The good sign here is that instructors are described as attentive to calmness and posture.

Should you book this double parachute flight in Rio?

Book it if you want a short, well-run aerial experience with serious safety basics and media that captures what you see. With Ighor Ferreira, a CBVL-accredited pilot and the consistently calm, professional coaching style mentioned, this is the kind of activity that turns first-time flyers into believers.

Skip it only if:

• you cannot shift plans if weather cancels or changes timing
• you do not want to deal with the extra 132 Reais compulsory insurance fee
• you are unsure about being strapped into harness gear in open air, even with an experienced instructor

If you do book, go in with one mindset: trust the process. Show up, get fitted, listen to the safety guidance, then enjoy the feeling of Rio spread out beneath you, with Pedra da Gávea and Christ the Redeemer making surprise appearances from a viewpoint most tourists never get.

FAQ

How long is the paragliding experience in Rio?

The full experience lasts about 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.). The actual flight lasts about 10 minutes on average.

Where do we meet, and does the activity end nearby?

You meet at Av. Pref. Mendes de Morais, 1502 in São Conrado, Rio de Janeiro, and the activity ends back at the meeting point.

Is the flight private or shared with other people?

It is private for your group, so only your group participates.

What is included in the price, and what is not included?

The package includes paragliding, emergency parachute, harness, helmet, level 4 instructor, transportation to the take-off ramp, and video. Not included is the fee and compulsory insurance of 132 Reais.

Is the activity offered in English?

Yes, the experience is offered in English.

What happens if weather is not good?

This activity requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.