Feeling in the mood for something adventurous? Put yourself to the test and try skydiving! This exhilarating experience is one that you’ll remember for a lifetime. There’s no other feeling like jumping out of a plane from 10,000 feet in the air and landing safely on the ground! We can feel our adrenaline already pumping! If you and your friends or family want something unique to do together, you should definitely check out all the great places to skydive near NYC.
Although there are no skydiving facilities within the five boroughs, several quality facilities are within a short drive. Here are the best:
1. Skydive Long Island
Skydive Long Island is a skydiving facility in Shirley, New York, a town located about 90 minutes outside of NYC. Just 50 miles from Manhattan, this is one of the best skydiving centers in NYC if you’re looking for easy access.
Their specialty is tandem skydiving, a technique where students jump out with an experienced instructor directly attached to them. This is the preferred method for beginners who want the extra assurance that they jump and pull the parachute at the correct times. Visitors also enjoy gorgeous views, and you can see to Montauk on a nice day!
๐ 133 Dawn Drive, Shirley, NY
๐ Closest train stop: LIRR Montauk Line โ Patchogue stop
2. Skydive Cross Keys
Skydive Cross Keys is a skydiving center located in the town of Monroe Township, New Jersey. Located about 2 hours from New York, 90 minutes from Baltimore, and 30 minutes from Philadelphia, the facility is central for many prospective skydivers.
They offer tandem skydiving for beginners and a certification course where patrons can learn how to become a solo jumper. They also offer what is known as a HALO skydive, where you jump from 23,000 feet and freefall for about 90 seconds! What a rush!
๐ 300 Dahlia Ave, Williamstown, New Jersey
๐ Closest train stop: Amtrak Acela Train to Washington Union Station โ 30th Street stop
3. Skydive the Ranch
Skydive the Ranch is a skydiving facility in Gardiner, New York, a town located about 80 miles upstate of NYC. They claim to offer the highest altitude tandem skydiving in New York, with breathtaking views of the Catskill and Shawangunk Mountains.
You can have up to 11 people in the plane with you at a time, making this the best skydiving center around NYC for large groups. They offer an instructor-assisted jump with 60 seconds of freefall followed by 5-7 minutes of parachuting. Plus, they also have programs for licensed skydivers who want to jump solo from 13,500 feet.
๐ 55 Sand Hill Rd, Gardiner, New York
๐ Closest train stop: Metro-North Railroad Hudson Line โ Poughkeepsie stop
4. Skydive Sussex
Skydive Sussex is a skydiving center located about 40 miles outside of Manhattan in the town of Sussex, New Jersey. They offer jumps from 14,500 feet with breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline and beyond.
Skydive Sussex holds a world record for hosting the oldest skydiver ever recorded with a visitor who was 102 years old. They specialize in tandem skydives and offer some of the highest jumps in the tri-state area. In addition to tandem jumps, they also provide an online program where students can learn different skydiving techniques and start jumping on their own in as few as ten jumps.
๐ 55 County Road 639, Sussex, New Jersey
๐ Closest train stop: NJ Transit Montclair-Boonton Line โ Netcong stop
5. iFly Indoor Skydiving Westchester
iFly Indoor Skydiving is an indoor skydiving center located in Yonkers, about 30 minutes north of NYC. They have a popular indoor skydiving simulator that’s good for beginners who want to learn the basics before jumping out of a real plane.
Although it’s not quite the same as the real thing, it is a safer alternative open to everyone, including children three and up and senior citizens. You can also book iFly for birthday parties, field trips, and private events. It’s ideal for those interested in dipping a toe into the adventure.
๐ 849 Ridge Hill Blvd, Yonkers, New York
๐ Closest train stop: A Train โ 175 St. stop
6. New York Tandem Skydiving
New York Tandem Skydiving is a skydiving facility in Milford, New Jersey, located about an hour outside New York City.
Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscape, all while strapped to a seasoned instructor! Skydivers can even choose to order photos or videos of their jump to cherish the moment for years to come!
๐ 126 Airport Road, West Milford, New Jersey
๐ Closest train stop: C or E Train โ 42 St.-Port Authority Bus Terminal
7. Skydive Central New York
Skydive Central New York is a skydiving center located near the finger lakes in the town of Weedsport, New York. It’s a four to five-hour drive from the city, so this may not be the best option for those searching for something nearby. But, if you don’t mind making the trip in exchange for scenic beauty and a one-of-a-kind experience, then it’s worth a few hours in the car.
They offer experienced instructors, safe jumps, and gorgeous views of the Finger Lakes and Lake Ontario. Visitors can choose from tandem skydiving or solo skydiving. They’re an accredited skydiver training facility, allowing you to start as a beginner and learn to be a solo jumper in no time!
๐ 3027 Ditmars Rd, Weedsport, New York
๐ Closest train stop: n/a
8. Garden State Skydiving
Garden State Skydiving is a skydiving facility located in Pittstown, NJ, located about 50 miles outside of NYC.
They offer tandem skydiving that includes a 20-minute plane ride over the scenic Delaware Valley, jumps at speeds of up to 120 miles per hour, and packages that include photos and videos of your excursion. With falls from 10,000 feet in the air and a professionally trained staff dedicated to fun and safety, Garden State Skydiving offers some of the best skydiving in NYC!
๐ 70 Airport Road, Pittstown, New Jersey
๐ Closest train stop: n/a
9. Skydive East Coast
Lastly, Skydive East Coast is a skydiving center in West Creek, New Jersey, a town about 2 hours from New York City. They offer tandem skydiving packages that include pictures, video, or both.
Skydivers can enjoy gorgeous views of the Atlantic Ocean and New Jersey skyline. They will also benefit from a knowledgeable staff with over 12 years of experience and certification from the FAA. So if you’re searching for ocean views and a safe experience, Skydive East Coast is your best bet!
๐ 100 Airport Road, West Creek, New Jersey
๐ Closest train stop: n/a