Besides hot air balloons, Turkey has another exciting activity: paragliding. Fethiye is the place to go for paragliding, where you can soar above the breathtaking landscape and experience Fethiye’s beauty from a whole new perspective. Sounds exciting, right?
Paragliding Safety
Flying is extremely safe, but it’s essential to choose a reputable company with experience in the full paragliding process. Before takeoff, your pilot will make sure you are comfortable and floating before leading you on a run. In bad weather, the company will cancel flights.
Full Paragliding Experience
The company will pick you up and take you to the launch platform, located at 1900-2000 meters above sea level. It takes approximately 30 minutes to get there. Note that every company is slightly different, so make sure you ask about their specific details before booking. During the drive, there will be a drawing to assign pilots to passengers.
Once you arrive at the launch platform, each pilot will choose an open area for takeoff. First, there will be a flight briefing, followed by putting on helmets and harnesses. If it’s cold, they will also provide flight suits and gloves. Once you’re all set, you’ll feel the harness hanging behind you. Don’t worry if it seems loose; it will automatically rise as the paraglider takes off, becoming your airborne steed. Next, the pilot will prepare the equipment, and you should try not to disturb them as safety is paramount.
Once everything is ready, you’ll wait for the wind to pick up. When the signal is given, you’ll start running, and within a few steps, you’ll be soaring through the air. The whole process doesn’t involve a significant feeling of weightlessness; you’ll likely be airborne before you realize it.
The flight typically lasts 20-40 minutes. The pilot will take photos and videos of you, and they will help you remove your helmet. When they’re done, it’s time for the next part: the acrobatic experience. The pilot will ask if you’d like to try some thrilling maneuvers. If you agree, they will perform fast spins and weightless stunts, giving you an adrenaline rush.
As you approach Dead Sea Beach, you will begin to land. As you get closer to the ground, the pilot will give the command “stand”, and you will follow instructions. You’ll stop within a few steps, sometimes even on the first step. Make sure your legs don’t give way, as it would be embarrassing to kneel down in public.
After that, you’ll remove your equipment and head back to the office to relax. If you want to take home the videos or photos, you can purchase them on the spot or pre-pay when you book. It’s advisable to buy them when you book, as the package price is usually cheaper than paying separately.
Tips:
The scariest part of the experience is the pre-takeoff stages, particularly stages 2 and 3. It’s mostly psychological. Once you reach stage 4, you’ll be mesmerized by the scenery and immerse yourself in the joy and excitement of gliding through the sky.
How to Book
Contact a paragliding company for bookings.
Renowned paragliding companies in Fethiye offer online booking. It’s like writing an email. Fill out the booking form with your choices and wait for a reply. If you’re booking directly through the company website, plan your trip ahead of time and avoid making changes if possible.
Book through local travel agencies or hotels.
Upon arrival in Fethiye, you’ll find several travel agencies where you can book paragliding experiences. You can also inquire at the hotel reception. When booking, be mindful of the price and what’s included. Communication might be a challenge as English is not their native language, and misunderstandings can occur.
Book through a Chinese travel website.
They sell tickets based on the paragliding company’s pricing. The details are clear, customer service is in Chinese, and it’s convenient for those who are traveling independently or who aren’t comfortable with English.
Differences in Flight Experiences at Different Times
First flight of the day: The airflow is stable, making it ideal for smooth flights and photography. Since it’s the first flight of the day for the pilot, they’ll have full energy and be in a good mood.
Mid-day flights: The airflow is stronger, making it a more exciting experience.
Fifth flight: Sunset flight, enjoying the breathtaking sunset. It goes without saying.
Tips:
1. If the weather is unfavorable, the company will cancel all flights and provide a refund or postpone your flight. So, make sure you have a backup plan in case you have to postpone your flight for a day (stay for another night!).
2. First-timers may experience dizziness. Try looking straight ahead during straight flights and focusing on the tip of the canopy during spins.
3. Wear athletic clothes, sunscreen, and sunglasses. In winter, dress warmly.
4. Avoid bringing valuables and equipment unrelated to the flight, such as wallets, selfie sticks, and mobile phones, as they might get lost in the sea.
How to Get to Fethiye
Domestic flights
Fly from Istanbul to Dalaman Airport. The flight takes about 1.5 hours. Take an airport shuttle to your resort in Fethiye.
Long-distance buses
Turkey has an extensive and comfortable bus network between tourist destinations. Some buses even have leather seats.
Here’s some information on common bus routes:
Istanbul to Fethiye, about 12 hours (overnight bus);
Cappadocia to Fethiye, about 12 hours (overnight bus);
Antalya to Fethiye, about 4 hours;
Pamukkale to Fethiye, about 4.5 hours.
Fethiye’s bus station is located in the city center, making it easy to reach hotels popular with tourists. Make sure you ask the hotel staff for directions beforehand.
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