Skydive Tampa Bay

Jump was great. Instructor was amazing. Wait was a major problem. We waited 6 hours past our appointment time. We made our appointment about two weeks in advance for 12p. Granted, the delay was caused by early morning fog, so the people who were supposed to go starting at 8a had to wait until it cleared. So I do understand the safety precautions needed, but they were also down a plane for repairs, at an airstrip they weren’t used to and I guess just generally unprepared for the number of people they booked. I drove 2 hours to get to the airstrip and back and waited 6 hours past my jump time. When we arrived they told us they were backed up about 2 hours, but 2 turned into 4 and then finally we were the second to last jump for the day. Really a disappointment because it was for a friends birthday. We were both pretty unhappy about it.

Had the chance to visit Skydive Tampa today for the first time for my second ever tandem jump. I had purchased a groupon back in December for myself and a friend for Christmas– so we were just finally getting around to doing it.
Overall– the staff was very friendly and helpful and the experience was great. I mean, I should probably just give 5 stars for the fact that I didn’t die. ;)
Jon (my instructor) and Lee (my videographer) were both entertaining and helpful. Made me feel comfortable the whole time. We even had a few jokes at 8,000 feet amidst my terror.
Don’t expect much when you walk in– it’s a big hanger with a few old couches, tables and desks. And do allow the 3 – 4 hours they recommend you to do on the website. Their planes are small, so the turnover is a little slow. You sign away your life in paperwork, then once it’s your turn, they suit you up– give you a 3 minute overview on body positions– and off you go!
For an extra $ 125, they’ll send someone with you to video and take photos– and about 20 – 30 min after your jump is over, they send you on your way with a custom edited DVD and high res Photo CD. So worth the price! If that cost is too much– but still want documentation– for a cheaper price they can let your instructor wear a wrist cam and take video that way. It’s not as good (and you dont get pics) but it’s cheaper. :)
There were 2 things that made me deduct 1 star.
1. I called the place on both Wednesday and Thursday and left messages trying to make a reservation for Saturday, and I never heard back. As a last ditch effort, I called Friday night at 8pm and immediately got a call back– the woman who called me back did seem upset that I hadn’t received a call sooner, but she confirmed us for the next morning.
2. The planes they take you up in are VERY small. Can only carry 4 people at a time. So, since my friend and I were both doing tandem jumps (do the math), and we both wanted videos– we had to go up in separate planes. I wish they had bigger planes so that we could have done the whole experience together.
Other than that, I am thankful for a safe and fun skydiving experience today! It was my friend’s first time and he LOVED it. One tip: bring money for a tip. They give you an envelope at the end to write feedback on put gratuity in if you desire.
I would definitely recommend Skydive Tampa :)

I would have given it 5 stars if the kinks were worked out… I had a blast and the jump was better than anticipated… Blaine my instructor was great… and Nigel not being my instructor new my name and was very helpful.
Now as a business owner I am very big on customer experience. As a first time jumper I would have preferred a phone call the day before reassuring me and answering any questions.
All in all a great day and I will for sure go again!

I think Skydive Tampa’s staff makes up for the lack of perfect facilities. The plane, people and equipment are great. All of the instructors are funny, friendly and answer any questions you have. The hanger is in the process of being updated, there are some new couches, a new big screen TV, and a new larger plane. Out of all the places where I’ve been to skydive, this place is one of my favorites.

Skydive Tampa… great experience. The instructor Nigel was great. We did several rotations in free fall and some high speed diving. Awesome experience. I can see it getting busy at times but all in all it worked well from my prospective.

after making reservations for a 12pm jump, we were quite disappointed when they told us they were running 2.5 hours behind schedule. waiting is NOT something anyone wants to do on vacation! i was less impressed when they said that it was common. the hanger where they make you wait and instruct you was dirty and messy. the restroom was unclean.
the jump was great and the instructor was very good as well. theri facilities are less than ideal.