Paragliding in Ölüdeniz (Everything You Need to Know Before You Fly)

Ölüdeniz, famously known as the Blue Lagoon, offers one of the most beautiful aerial views in Turkey. This spectacular coastal town in Fethiye is perfect for paragliding, as the Blue Lagoon lies at the foothills of Babadağ Mountain.

Ölüdeniz (Blue Lagoon) is a protected natural park and a popular beach in Fethiye. The panoramic view of the crystal clear turquoise waters curving into the land in an unusual form that is frequently seen on posters and booklets.

But seeing it with your own eyes is a truly amazing experience. Paragliding from the Babadağ Mountain, you can enjoy the breathtaking view of this turquoise gem from above.

In case you aren’t already convinced, here is why you should try paragliding in Ölüdeniz and what you need to know before the launch.

Flying Into An Unforgettable View

Nature has been more than generous in offering Fethiye some of its wonders. Hence, the town promises spectacular coastal panoramas framed by all shades of blue and green.

The perfectly still waters of the lagoon are spread under your feet like a perfect painting. And the white foams of the waves in the Belcekız beach lace the turquoise waters of the endless sea.

And flying into this view is made possible for all, thanks to the majestic Babadağ Mountain and the professional paragliding services. You can experience this incredible sensation even if it’s your first time paragliding.

The 6,460-foot Mt. Babadağ provides an excellent launching point for paragliders. People from all around the world come to Fethiye to fly over the Mediterranean, feeling the breeze on their faces.

The paragliding tours take you to the mountaintop for a half-hour fly that will land you on Belcekız beach. With its coves, long sandy beaches, and glittering waters, the Gulf of Fethiye lay beneath you as you glide through the air. You can spot the harbors, the sails, and the islands –even the Greek ones on a clear day.

Safety First

This might be the first time you’re considering paragliding. And it’s natural to have your doubts. But you don’t need to worry about safety, as the paragliding services take every precaution to ensure a safe flight.

No experience is necessary for paragliding in Ölüdeniz. Even if you’ve never tried paragliding before, you can fly safely and enjoy the view without worrying about where the winds will take you.

The minimum age limit varies according to the paragliding tour company; some companies fly anyone over the age of 4, whereas some set the age limit to 13, 16, or 18.

You’ll not be allowed to fly if you have any known heart conditions or circulatory problems. There’s also a maximum weight limit of about 100-110kg (220-242.5lb) for tandem flights.

Again, the maximum weight depends on the company and the gears they use. But if you weigh less than 110kg (220lb), you are good to go.

Before heading off for your tandem flight, make sure you wear a pair of closed, sturdy shoes (like camp shoes or trainers). If you do not have any with you, you should contact your tour operator beforehand so they can arrange a proper pair for you.

The Tour

The standard paragliding tours last about 3 hours, including the drive to the Babadağ mountain and the 20-40 minutes tandem flight.

Once you book a tandem flight from one of the trusted agencies, such as Skywalkers, Hanuman, Deep Blue Travel, Evergreen, or Intersky travel agencies, you’ll be met at your hotel and head out on a 40-minute drive to the top of Mount Babadağ.

Your ride to the mountain will be a modern safari truck. You can ease your mind by asking about the flight on the way to the mountain top, the guides will do their best to calm first-timers down, and the experienced crew will make you feel safe.

There are three different take-off areas on the mountain, two at 1800 meters (~5905 feet) and one at 1960 meters (~6430 feet). Your pilot will choose the most suitable point for take-off depending on the weather conditions at the time.

When you reach the mountain top, you’ll get a briefing from your instructor about the tandem flight. You’ll be instructed on what to do and not to do in the air and informed about all necessary safety precautions.

Then you’ll be provided with the gear, a helmet, appropriate boots if necessary, and a flying suit if the weather is cold. The parachute is connected when you are ready to fly.

You’ll fly with an experienced, certified pilot who will maneuver in the sky to make sure you get the most of your experience. Typically you’ll fly side-by-side and close together, making for better pictures of you and your group in the air.

You can just sit back, relax, enjoy the breathtaking view, and take many selfies to immortalize your experience. Your pilot will make sure you don’t get bored during the flight if you let him/her.

Pilots usually perform twists, turns, and other tricks in the sky after getting your permission. They will even help you get the best pictures of you with the fascinating view for an extra fee.

Flights are available five times a day, and you can choose the time of your flight:

• 8:30 am - The first flight is at 08:30 am, with the morning light and clear air offering the best opportunity for stunning photos.
• 11:00 am - The second flight of the day is usually the longest due to thermal activity. It lasts about 40 minutes.
• 1:30 pm - The weather conditions might be a bit stronger during the third flight. The weather gets a bit hazy and misty, so it might not be the best time for photography, but the take-offs and landings are easier.
• 3:30 pm -  The thermal activity is weaker during the fourth flight of the day. This ensures a smoother flight, but you might feel hot during the summer days.
• 5:45 pm - If you opt for a sunset glide and take the 5:45 pm flight, you can take some incredible photos in the evening light. The last flight of the day is perfect for sunset photography as well as a smooth and pleasant flight.

One of the most exciting parts of paragliding in Fethiye is that you land right on the beach! You don’t have to wait to enjoy the refreshing sea you’ve just seen from the sky and coveted.

There’s no need to waste that adrenaline. You can take a dip as soon as you land on the Belcekız beach, where you land, or in the calmer waters of the Blue Lagoon.

The paragliding tour fees usually start from $150 USD per person and include Fethiye hotel pick-up and drop off, transportation by jeep, guide service, instructor fees, insurance, and equipment.

You can buy pictures or videos of your flight for an extra cost. English, German, Russian, Spanish, or Chinese-speaking instructors are available. If you want to book a specific pilot or a female pilot, book at least one week in advance.

If You Want More

Once you experience the thrill of flying, you might get addicted! Some people visit Fethiye every year just to paraglide into this magical view. There are tour companies offering paragliding courses for those who want to fly solo.

You can also attend the annual Ölüdeniz Air Games that is held every October to see the exceptionally skilled paragliders, as well as skydivers, BASE jumpers, and other air sports practitioners at work.

Closing Thoughts

Fethiye is one of the most preferred travel destinations for a summer holiday in Turkey, and rightly so. It has the most beautiful beaches, crystal clear waters, summer activities, and adrenaline tour options.

And Ölüdeniz is by far the most beautiful beach and the most popular tourist attraction in Fethiye, making it even more desirable to see it from above.

Try paragliding in Ölüdeniz so that you don’t miss the chance to fly right into this amazing view and experience the most liberating activity in the world.