Florianópolis from above turns fear into fun. A tandem paragliding flight with OVNI Escola de Parapente pairs you with a CBVL-qualified instructor and a school with 30+ years of dual-flight experience, so it feels like guided flying, not a gamble. I love the way the team keeps things organized and safety-minded, and you’ll get big, clean ocean views—one drawback is the flight timing depends on wind, so you might wait for conditions.

The flight itself runs about 10 to 15 minutes, but the full experience is roughly 1 hour 30 minutes as you check in, gear up, and wait your turn. I also like that it’s set up as a private activity, so it’s just your group.

This is a good fit even if heights aren’t your thing. One review described conquering vertigo and feeling calm the whole time, which lines up with how a serious instructor should run a first tandem flight—clear steps, no chaos.

Key things that make this flight work well

• CBVL-qualified dual-flight instruction for a first-timer-friendly setup
• 10–15 minutes in the air with a longer total session for safety checks
• Route along major Florianópolis beaches with changing views as you fly
• Wind timing matters and waiting is part of the plan
• A calm, professional vibe reported again and again in real feedback

OVNI Tandem Paragliding: what you’re really paying for

You’re not just paying for a thrilling moment above the water. With OVNI Escola de Parapente, you’re paying for a long-running dual-flight operation—more than 30 years of doing this with instructors certified by the CBVL (Brazilian Confederation of Free Flight). That matters because tandem paragliding is equal parts excitement and risk management. A good team keeps the focus on procedures: briefing, harnessing, launch, and control.

At a price of $107.82 per person, the value is strongest if you care about doing this with proper instruction rather than chasing a bargain flight. The reviews hit the same note: organized, safe, and easy from start to finish. One person called out a professional team and an instructor who clearly knew what he was doing. That’s the whole point of paying a bit more for a school with staying power.

Also, the flight is designed for double flight with a parachute made for tandem rides. That isn’t a small detail. It’s one of the reasons first-timers typically feel more secure: you’re not improvising. You’re using purpose-built gear controlled by an instructor.

The timing you should plan for (and why it feels longer than the flight)

The total experience is about 1 hour 30 minutes, but your time in the air is only about 10 to 15 minutes. That mismatch is normal in paragliding. You spend real time on land: meeting the team, getting checked in, getting set up, and—most importantly—waiting for the wind to line up.

You’ll see why this is mentioned in feedback: multiple reviews talk about waiting for wind conditions to be right. One person said the wait wasn’t an issue because the team kept everyone comfortable and used the time well. The sky won’t always cooperate. A professional operator would rather wait than force a launch.

If you’re the type who hates delays, keep your expectations grounded. This isn’t a quick in-and-out “tour bus” moment. It’s an activity where the weather runs the schedule. Still, the upside is that when you do launch, it’s usually on the right day and the right wind window.

Where you meet in Florianópolis (and what to expect before takeoff)

The meeting point is OVNI Escola de Parapente, Servidão Novas Palmeiras, 1414 – São João do Rio Vermelho, Florianópolis – SC, 88060-208, Brazil. The activity runs daily from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM during the listed operating period (01/22/2020–12/08/2026).

Practically, that afternoon-to-early-evening timing is often when pilots have a better chance of finding workable airflow along coastal areas. It also lines up with why people book ahead: on average, this is booked about 20 days in advance. If you want a specific date, waiting can narrow your options.

You’ll also want to know this is set up as a private tour/activity, meaning only your group participates. That usually helps with pacing. You’re not stuck sharing attention with a crowd, and the instructor can focus on getting you ready properly.

The route: beaches you’ll recognize from the air

From the air, Florianópolis is all about coastline shape—bays, headlands, and the way neighborhoods step right down toward the water. Your tandem flight follows a coastal sequence over Praia Brava, Praia dos Ingleses, Ponta das Canas, Praia Cachoeira do Bom Jesus, and Canasvieiras.

Here’s how that can feel as a passenger. Even if you don’t know the route on the ground, you’ll notice changes: the coastline widens in some spots, shifts around headlands, and turns into longer stretches of shoreline in others. The beaches you’re flying over act like visual bookmarks—easy landmarks that make it feel like you’re not just drifting, you’re moving along the coast.

Praia Brava: the big open-view start

Starting over Praia Brava gives you a wide-water feeling early on. This is where a first-time passenger often gets their first real sense of control and glide—less about technical details, more about how calm the ride feels when everything is set correctly.

Praia dos Ingleses: the city-meets-coast moment

As you shift toward Praia dos Ingleses, you may notice the coast feels more “lived-in” from above, with development hugging the shoreline and a more complex patchwork of shore shapes. It’s a nice contrast to a more open beginning.

Ponta das Canas: changing shoreline geometry

Flying over Ponta das Canas tends to stand out because headlands and coastline angles create a different view rhythm. One moment you’re looking straight along the coast; the next, you’re seeing how land bends and frames the water.

Praia Cachoeira do Bom Jesus: another visual shift

At Praia Cachoeira do Bom Jesus, the view changes again, which keeps the ride interesting even for people who thought they’d just get one scenic look. The best part of tandem paragliding is that your perspective keeps updating every few minutes.

Canasvieiras: the coast’s familiar finale

Finishing over Canasvieiras is a fitting end if you want “recognizable coast” energy. The shoreline views close out with a sense of wrap-up, and it often feels like you’ve covered more ground than you expected for such a short flight window.

Important note: the flight is described as around 10 to 15 minutes, so you’re not doing an hour-by-hour cruise. You’re getting a concentrated, high-impact slice of the coast.

Safety and first-timer nerves: how it’s supposed to feel

You’ll see a strong pattern in the feedback: people describe the operation as professional and safe. One review specifically praised the team’s seriousness when it was time to jump, while also keeping the atmosphere friendly and fun during the wait.

That balance is exactly what you want. A tandem instructor should be:

• calm while you’re waiting
• clear during setup
• focused at launch

Some feedback even calls out overcoming fear and vertigo. One person said they suffer from vertigo at heights but did not feel panic at any point. That doesn’t mean you’ll feel fearless—but it does suggest the team treats nerves as normal and manages your ride to keep you grounded in process.

One more detail worth noting: the instructor and crew used patience with wind conditions. That’s another safety marker. If a pilot is willing to wait for the right moment, it usually reflects good judgment, not impatience.

Also, in one review the instructor is referred to as Mosquito. Hearing that kind of personal mention is a small clue that the crew’s personalities matter too. You’re going to be up close with them before takeoff, and a reassuring tone goes a long way.

The crew’s extra kindness (yes, this counts)

There’s a specific practical kindness mentioned: after waiting for the conditions, the crew drove participants further down the road so they could get lunch on the beach instead of leaving them at a drop-off point.

That might not sound like part of “paragliding,” but it affects the day you’re actually living. When you plan your afternoon, you’re trying to avoid dead time and frustrating logistics. If the team is willing to reduce that friction, it’s a real quality signal.

It also supports what others said: the process is easy. When a crew keeps things organized, you spend less energy figuring things out and more energy enjoying the ride.

Price and value: is $107.82 worth it?

Let’s talk value without pretending this is a cheap thrill. $107.82 per person isn’t the lowest-priced activity in Florianópolis, but it’s also not an outrageous, “luxury only” price point for a tandem flight run by a long-established school.

Here’s why it can still feel like good value:

• You’re flying in a double-flight setup designed for tandem riders
• The instructor is CBVL-qualified
• The school has 30+ years of dual flight experience
• The operation is reported as organized and safe
• Your overall time on-site is about 1.5 hours, not a half-day commitment

If you’re someone who wants to do just one big “wow” activity while in Florianópolis, this can be a high return on time. Your in-air minutes are short, but your memory usually isn’t. People described it as one of the best experiences they’ve had, and that lines up with what a good first flight tends to do: it makes the city look new.

Who should book this paragliding experience

This is a strong choice if:

• you want tandem instruction rather than trying something solo
• you prefer a serious, safety-forward team
• you’re a first-timer who needs calm guidance

It’s also a good match for people who worry about fear or vertigo, based on the feedback describing no panic while flying despite vertigo. That said, be honest with the crew about how you feel. A professional instructor can’t read your mind, but they can guide you better if they know what you’re concerned about.

The flight can be done by people of any age, and most travelers can participate. Since it’s private, you’ll also like the idea of doing it with just your group.

Small practical details that matter on the day

A few logistics points you should keep in mind:

• The experience depends on good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
• Service animals are allowed.
• It’s near public transportation, which helps if you don’t want to arrange complicated rides for the afternoon.

And remember: you’re flying because conditions allow it. If wind timing shifts, that’s not a failure—it’s part of how this sport stays safe.

Should you book OVNI paragliding in Florianópolis?

If you want one memorable, high-impact experience with a CBVL-qualified instructor, a long-running school, and a safety-first approach, I’d say book it. The reviews emphasize organization, professionalism, and calm execution—especially for people who were nervous about height.

The main reason to hesitate is the weather-and-wind reality. You’re committing to an activity that waits for the sky. If you have a very inflexible schedule with no buffer, you may feel annoyed by delays.

But if you can give it a fair shot during their operating window, this is a standout way to see Florianópolis—by actually looking at the coast from above, in a ride that’s built for first-timers.

FAQ

How long is the paragliding experience from start to finish?

The total experience is approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.

How long will I be flying in the air?

The flight time is about 10 to 15 minutes.

Is this a tandem flight with an instructor?

Yes. It’s a dual flight where you fly accompanied by a qualified instructor.

Where do I meet for the activity?

You start at OVNI Escola de Parapente, Servidão Novas Palmeiras, 1414 – São João do Rio Vermelho, Florianópolis – SC, 88060-208, Brazil.

What beaches are included in the flight?

The route includes Praia Brava, Praia dos Ingleses, Ponta das Canas Beach, Praia Cachoeira Do Bom Jesus, and Canasvieiras.

What are the opening hours?

The activity runs Monday to Sunday from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM.

What happens if weather conditions are not good?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or receive a full refund.

Is it private or shared with other groups?

It’s private. Only your group will participate.

Are service animals allowed?

Yes, service animals are allowed.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and the cutoff is based on local experience time.