Tandem paragliding in Alanya feels unreal. You’ll launch from a cliff above Cleopatra Bay and glide over the coast toward Cleopatra Beach. It’s the kind of view that sticks to your memory longer than a photo card.

I love how they keep it simple and reassuring, with a short intro session and experienced, certified pilots like Hikmet, Mecit, and George guiding you step by step. I also like the value angle: hotel pickup and drop-off (when selected), equipment, training, and even coffee and tea are included, so you spend less time figuring out logistics.

One thing to consider: there are extra costs once you’re there. The take-off point entry fee (€20) isn’t included, and photos/videos can add up. Also, weather can cancel or change timing, so keep your day flexible.

Key Things I’d Plan For

• Cleopatra Bay launch: 500 meters above sea level, then gliding toward Cleopatra Beach
• Real tandem experience: no experience needed, with safety equipment and a pilot briefing
• Photo option upsell: pilot camera shots are available after landing, but cost extra
• Hotel pickup clarity matters: vehicles may wait briefly, and pickup isn’t guaranteed if you didn’t select it
• Budget for extras: €20 entry fee plus optional photos/videos

Cleopatra Bay Views: The Main Reason You Came

If you’re picking this paragliding flight in Alanya, it’s because you want the coast from above. The take-off happens from a cliff over Cleopatra Bay, and the landing is on Cleopatra Beach with its golden sand. That pairing matters: you’re not just flying over water, you’re flying over a specific, famous stretch of shoreline and then touching down right where visitors already love to be.

From the way the flight is described, you get a core airborne window of about 15 minutes, sometimes longer depending on weather and conditions, and your overall activity time can run 40 minutes to 2 hours. Translation: even if the actual glide is shorter than you might hope, it’s packed with the big “wow” moments. You’ll feel adrenaline early, then the flight shifts into steady sightseeing.

And yes, the coastline is the star. You’ll see turquoise water, sandy beaches, and the shapes of Alanya from angles you just can’t get from street level.

Hotel Pickup to the Cliff: How Smooth (or Not) It Usually Feels

The attraction here is that you’re not stuck negotiating taxis. If you select hotel pickup, you’ll be driven from your Alanya hotel to the take-off area. After booking, the team shares an approximate transfer time, and they expect you to be ready.

Here’s what to watch so you don’t lose time:

• Be at the main entrance 10 minutes early.
• Drivers wait no longer than 5 minutes after your scheduled pickup time.
• Look for vehicles with pirate paragliding logos and the provider signage.

Also, one pattern I noticed in the experience reports is that pickup can be confusing if your pickup option wasn’t clearly set. One traveler said the activity listing suggested pickup, but they ended up going to the office instead. So I’d treat this like a practical checklist item: confirm your pickup selection in advance, and when in doubt, know exactly where the operator office is.

If you’re staying in Alanya and want the least hassle, this does the job well. If you prefer total certainty, build in a little buffer and keep your phone ready in case you need to locate the right vehicle.

The Intro Briefing: When Your Pilot Sets the Tone

Before you run off the cliff, you don’t jump in blind. You’ll do a detailed introductory session at the take-off site. The pilots are fully certified and experienced, and they explain what to expect and set you up with the right safety gear.

This briefing is where the emotional part gets handled. A bunch of the feedback I read comes down to one theme: nervous people get coached into calm. Guides like Hikmet and Mecit repeatedly showed up in notes as reassuring, step-by-step instructors who keep checking in, especially if you’re scared of heights.

You should expect:

• A safety explanation that’s meant for first-timers
• Equipment fitting and readiness checks
• Clear instructions about when to run, how to position yourself, and how to listen during the flight

That’s a big deal. Paragliding is thrilling, but it’s also physical and mental. A good pilot doesn’t remove adrenaline, they redirect it into focus, so you can enjoy the views instead of worrying about what comes next.

Launch Off the Cliff at 500 Meters: The Part That Feels Fast

The launch happens from a cliff about 500 meters above sea level. That height isn’t a trivia detail. It changes the whole sensation of the flight: the wind, the speed you feel right as you go airborne, and the immediate shift from land-based anxiety to open-air calm.

You’ll run with your pilot toward the edge. In the first moments, expect noticeable adrenaline. Then, as you gain steady air, the experience turns into pure sightseeing.

Also, your eyes are going to want to lock on the horizon and the coast below. One consistent detail is that pilots guide you with cues and directions during the flight, especially around photo moments. So if you’re the type who wants to stare down at the water the entire time, don’t be surprised if you’re asked to look this way and that way at intervals. It’s for the best angles and the best photos.

And about photos: you’re not allowed to bring cameras for the activity, so your pilot uses a camera to capture images and video. That means you can keep your hands free and your attention on breathing and enjoying.

Landing on Cleopatra Beach: What Happens After the Wow

Your touchdown point is one of the most convenient parts of the whole story. You land at Cleopatra Bay, and there’s a team ready for a safe and smooth landing.

Right after you land, you can preview the pilot’s photos and then purchase them if you want. This is where some travelers get surprised by extra cost. If you’re budget-conscious, you might plan to buy only a few, or skip entirely and save your money for beach time afterward.

One practical tip: since you can’t bring a camera, treat your phone like a tool for after. If you want any personal photos, you’ll likely rely on what you can capture before/after the flight. During the airborne portion, your pilot’s camera is the main source.

The Real Cost: $77 Plus the €20 Entry Fee and Optional Photos

The headline price is $77 per person, which is a reasonable rate for a tandem flight with hotel pickup (when selected), training, equipment, tea/coffee, and full insurance. That’s the value case: your “thinking time” is low and your safety and equipment are handled.

But here’s the part you should plan for:

• €20 take-off point entry fee is not included
• Photos and videos are also not included, even though you can preview them after landing
• In some reports, the upsell can feel expensive, with people warning you to expect higher costs than the base price

If you’re trying to decide whether it’s worth it, I’d think in totals, not starting prices. For me, the math makes sense if you’re okay with paying extra for photos or if you’ll buy only if you truly love the shots.

And one more point: the experience can be canceled due to bad weather, with a full refund or rescheduling. That’s not unique to this operator, but it matters for planning. If your trip is tight, try not to stack paragliding on top of another outdoor must-do on the same morning.

Comfort and Setup: What to Bring (and What to Leave Behind)

You don’t need special gear beyond smart choices. The basics they ask for:

• Comfortable shoes
• Sunglasses
• Water
• Comfortable clothes

The clip you’ll run off is outdoors, so footwear matters more than you think. If you’ve got sandals or shoes with slippery soles, it’s not the moment to test them.

Also, this is important: no cameras are allowed. That means you should not expect to film from your own device during the activity. If you’re hoping for a “complete recording,” you’ll need to rely on the pilot’s camera package instead.

Who This Fits Best (And Who Should Skip It)

This tandem paragliding flight is built for beginners. It explicitly says you don’t need prior experience. That’s a green light for first-timers who want a guided flight rather than learning on their own.

It’s also supported by a recurring theme in feedback: pilots who coach nervous passengers well. If you’re afraid of heights, your best move is to choose this and show up ready to listen to instructions. People noted that pilots kept them reassured throughout the process.

Still, it’s not suitable for everyone. Don’t book if you:

• Are under 7 years old
• Are pregnant
• Have mobility impairments
• Are over 264 lbs (120 kg)
• Are hearing-impaired

If you’re in the allowed group, this is a thrill that also has a “controlled and coached” feel—especially when your pilot is the calming type.

Value Check: Why This Feels Fair for Alanya

On paper, tandem paragliding looks expensive. In practice, the best part of this setup is what’s included. You get:

• Training service
• All equipment
• Coffee and tea
• Full insurance
• Hotel pickup and drop-off if you selected it
• English/Russian/German instruction support

So the value isn’t just the flight. It’s that you’re not doing the hard parts—getting to the right cliff, figuring out gear, and coordinating the schedule—on your own.

And the service tone seems consistent: many comments praised the team as friendly, professional, and safety-first. Names that came up often included George as a director/coach type, and pilots such as Hikmet, Mecit, Utku, Burak/Buraq, and Narin. The pattern is what matters: they explain things clearly, keep people calm, and make sure you follow instructions once you’re in the air.

One possible drawback: transportation coordination can be messy if your pickup details aren’t confirmed. If you want the smoothest experience, double-check your pickup selection and be early at your hotel entrance.

Final Take: Should You Book Payless Turizm Tandem Paragliding?

Book it if you want a true beginner-friendly tandem flight with coached safety, and you’re excited by the idea of seeing Alanya’s coast from a cliff launch to a beach landing. I’d also book if you’re the type who likes guided thrills with photos handled by the pilot.

Don’t book it if you’re strongly budget-driven and want zero extra costs. Between the €20 entry fee and the optional photos/videos, your final total can rise quickly. Also skip if you’re in any of the listed no-go categories (age, pregnancy, mobility limits, weight limit, or hearing impairment).

If your goal is a memorable, high-impact experience that’s still managed with real safety structure, this is one of the best ways to spend a morning in Alanya.

FAQ

How long is the tandem paragliding experience?

The full activity runs about 40 minutes to 2 hours. The time in the air is approximately 15 minutes, depending on weather conditions (some flights may last longer).

Where does the flight start and where do you land?

You launch from a cliff above Cleopatra Bay and land on Cleopatra Beach.

Do I need any prior paragliding experience?

No. The activity is for first-timers and includes an introductory training session.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included only if you select that option. If you select pickup, you should wait at the main entrance of your hotel about 10 minutes before pickup.

What’s included in the price?

Included items are training service, all equipment, coffee and tea, full insurance, and hotel pickup/drop-off if selected.

What extra costs should I expect?

The take-off point entry fee (€20) is not included. Photos and videos are also not included, even though you can preview them after the flight.

Are cameras allowed during the activity?

No. Cameras are not allowed. The pilot has a camera and you can purchase the resulting photos/videos.

What languages are available for instruction?

The instructor/pilot communication is available in English, Russian, and German.