Skydiving in Haute-Corse
Discover the skydiving opportunities available in Haute-Corse!
Skydiving in Haute-Corse: the guide to a successful tandem jump
Seeing Corsica from the sky means discovering in less than a minute what several days of driving never reveal: the mosaic of the plain, the foam-fringed edge of the Tyrrhenian coastline, the ponds laid out like mirrors and, in the background, the dark barrier of the inland mountains. In Haute-Corse, the tandem skydive takes place in a very specific area: the eastern plain, around Ghisonaccia, where vast open spaces stretch between sea and mountain range. This guide explains how a jump unfolds, the conditions to meet, the best season and how to organize your stay depending on whether you are staying in Bastia, Balagne, Corte or on the coast.
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How does a tandem skydive work?
Tandem is the formula for first jumps: you are attached to a certified instructor who handles everything, from the exit to the landing. No experience is necessary, just listen to the briefing and let yourself be guided.
The ground briefing lasts a few minutes: position to adopt when leaving the plane (arched body, legs raised, head back), instructions for the freefall and for the landing. Equipment is provided on site. Then comes the climb in a small plane, about twenty minutes to reach the jump altitude, generally between 3,000 and 4,000 metres: an ideal moment to admire the plain and the ponds from above.
The freefall lasts from 40 to 60 seconds, at a speed close to 200 km/h. After a few seconds, the position stabilises and you feel as if you are carried on a cushion of air. The parachute opens at around 1,500 metres, and the silence that follows is almost as surprising as the fall. Then comes the descent under canopy, more contemplative, and finally the landing: you raise your legs, the instructor takes care of the rest.
Where can you skydive in Haute-Corse?
Tandem skydiving takes place from the eastern plain, on the East Coast. The other three areas do not offer jumps on site: you therefore leave them for a day, planning the journey. Here is how each area is situated in relation to the jump:
- East Coast: the skydiving area, with the plain, the ponds and the Costa Verde coastline as a backdrop.
- Bastia / Cap Corse: just over an hour's drive to the plain, an easy getaway to fit into a stay around Bastia.
- Central Corsica: from Corte, the descent to the eastern plain takes about an hour.
- Balagne: from Calvi or L'Île-Rousse, allow about three hours and a full day to cross the island.
Travel times are indicative and vary depending on traffic and your exact starting point.
Which area to choose depending on your stay?
The choice depends mainly on your base. If you are staying in the campsites of Ghisonaccia or those of Moriani and Bravone, the skydiving area is within driving distance: this is the most flexible setup, as a weather postponement can be made up the next day without disrupting the programme.
From the campsites of Bastia, allow a full half-day, including travel. From the campsites of Corte, the descent to the plain is a good excuse for a change of scenery, from mountain granite to coastal sand. Finally, from the campsites of Calvi and L'Île-Rousse, the ideal is to turn the crossing into a stopover and spend a night on the east coast.
Whatever your starting point, keep a buffer day in your stay: the jump depends on wind and visibility, and a postponement is not unusual.
Conditions for jumping: age, weight and health
Conditions vary from one centre to another, so it is essential to check them at the time of booking. As a general rule:
- the minimum age is 15 for a tandem, with written parental authorisation for minors; some centres accept from age 12, accompanied by a parent;
- the weight is usually between 40 kg and 90 to 100 kg, sometimes with a height or body mass index limit;
- pregnancy, heart problems, back problems, prostheses and recent injuries (fractures, sprains) are contraindications;
- a medical certificate may be required depending on age.
For children too young to jump, there are some great alternatives: find our ideas in activities to do with children in Haute-Corse.
When to jump: season, weather and booking
The skydiving season runs from spring to autumn. In July and August, demand is high: book several weeks in advance to get your preferred slot. Outside the summer season, you will generally enjoy more flexibility, milder temperatures and often very clear air.
The activity depends on the wind and cloud cover: in case of unfavourable conditions, the jump is postponed, for safety as well as for the comfort of the panorama. So never schedule your jump the day before a return boat or flight. To reward your patience, nothing beats a day on one of the fine sandy beaches of the East Coast.
Other thrills to combine with your jump
A stay in Haute-Corse lets you multiply your viewpoints. On land, quad biking and 4x4 excursions lead to scenic overlooks and high-altitude trails. On the whitewater side, canyoning offers a refreshing counterpoint to freefall. The more adventurous can try treetop adventure courses, while those who love sea views will opt for a boat trip along the coastline.
