Coastal air beats a beach day on the ground. This dual paragliding flight with OVNI in Florianópolis is built for first-timers: you ride with a CBVL-qualified instructor and you get your own 10–15 minute flight without needing any training. I like that the team runs a tight, organized operation, and the whole experience is centered on real flight time and real sea views over multiple beaches.

One thing to plan for: you may have to wait a bit for the winds to line up, and the weather can control whether you fly that day (weather is the boss).

Key highlights at a glance

• CBVL-qualified dual-instructor setup designed for safety with a trained guide
• A short time in the air (10–15 minutes) that still feels like a full-on change of perspective
• Multiple coastal viewpoints across famous beaches around Florianópolis
• Professional, organized team rhythm that keeps things calm from check-in to launch
• Works for many ages and comfort levels, including folks who worry about heights
• Private session for your group, so you are not squeezed into a crowd experience

What You’re Really Buying: a Dual Flight With a Real Instructor

This is not a “watch a demo” activity. It’s a dual paragliding flight where the instructor handles the flying while you ride along. The school’s double-flight parachute is made for two people, which matters because the gear and procedures are set up for tandem weight and control.

OVNI Escola de Parapente brings decades of experience in dual flights, and the instructor you fly with is qualified by the CBVL (Brazilian Confederation of Free Flight). Practically, that means you’re not figuring out instructions on the fly. You’re doing the simple part: show up, get geared up, listen, then enjoy the view as someone else manages the flight.

And yes, this can be done by people of any age, which is a big deal when you’re comparing adventure activities in South America. It’s also pitched as something most travelers can join, so it’s not limited to the athletic crowd.

Timing in Florianópolis: 90 Minutes Total, 10–15 Minutes in the Sky

Even though the full experience runs about 1 hour 30 minutes, your actual time flying is usually around 10 to 15 minutes. That’s typical for paragliding in coastal wind conditions: you’re spending some of the time preparing, doing the safety routine, and waiting for the right air.

One pattern I’d expect from the way this operation runs is wind checks. If conditions aren’t ready, you wait on the beach until they are. That’s not a flaw; it’s part of doing it safely. Several people also note they waited calmly and that the team made the wait enjoyable with the setting and support—though you should still treat it as a “flexible time window,” not a guaranteed exact minute-to-minute schedule.

The operation window is daily from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM (for the listed date range). If you’re planning the rest of your afternoon, build in breathing room so you’re not stressed if winds run late.

From OVNI Check-In to Takeoff: How the Setup Works

You meet at OVNI Escola de Parapente, Servidão Novas Palmeiras, 1414 – São João do Rio Vermelho, Florianópolis – SC, 88060-208. The activity returns you to the same meeting point afterward, which keeps logistics simple.

Here’s what you can usually count on in a tandem setup like this:

• You’ll get fitted into the harness system for two people.
• The instructor will walk you through what happens on launch and during the ride.
• You’ll likely do a quick safety check before you start moving toward the launch area.

What I like about the way OVNI is described is the balance between friendly crew energy and serious focus when it’s time to fly. People also call out that the whole process feels easy and that the team is professional right from the start. That matters because the fastest way to enjoy paragliding is to feel like you understand the steps—even if you’re doing the simplest part.

One practical note: this is a private tour/activity, meaning it’s just your group. That can reduce the “hurry” feeling and lets the crew manage the flow at a pace that fits you.

Praia Brava: Starting Point Energy and Broad Ocean Views

Your flight plan includes Praia Brava first. From the air, this type of beach often gives you a clean view of how the coastline curves and where the ocean opens up wide. That “big picture” perspective is usually the moment your brain clicks: you’re not watching the beach anymore. You’re moving above it.

The drawback here is simple: coastal winds can change fast. If Praia Brava isn’t firing the way the team wants, you may spend extra time waiting for conditions. But waiting in the right place is still better than rushing into an unsafe launch. If you’re prone to stress around heights, that calm “wait until it’s right” approach tends to help.

If you want a first taste of Florianópolis from above, Praia Brava is a strong opener because it’s the kind of coastline that looks dramatic from the air. It’s also the start of the route where you’ll likely get the first real aerial sensation—feet still on the harness, but your view suddenly becomes ocean-first.

Ingleses and Ponta das Canas: Watching the Coast Change Shape

Next up are Praia dos Ingleses and Ponta das Canas. Even without doing any complicated math, you can feel the difference between beaches from the air. The coastline will look more segmented, and you’ll start noticing the geometry: headlands, beach lengths, and the way development and nature meet.

Praia dos Ingleses is often associated with a lively beach scene on the ground, but from above the emphasis shifts. Instead of crowds and umbrellas, you get clean patterns—sweep of sand, water color shifts, and how the shoreline bends.

Then Ponta das Canas adds another visual chapter. It’s the kind of area that tends to frame the view, giving you a better sense of direction: where the water opens, where it tucks in, and how the beaches relate to one another around the northern side of Florianópolis.

What I’d take away for your planning: this is the part of the flight where you start to relax. Early moments can feel a little intense. After you realize the instructor is fully in control, the next stretch becomes about soaking in the coast.

Cachoeira do Bom Jesus and Canasvieiras: Finishing With a Coastal Finale

The route continues with Praia Cachoeira do Bom Jesus and then Canasvieiras. If earlier stops gave you the “coast map” view, these later ones often bring a more satisfying finish: longer sight lines, recognizable beach areas, and a sense of cruising above a familiar stretch of town-and-ocean.

A name like Cachoeira do Bom Jesus hints at a mix of nature and place identity. From the air, that kind of area can look especially interesting because you’re seeing where water and land features create contrast. Later, Canasvieiras tends to land with that classic Florianópolis feeling of beaches that feel connected but still distinct.

Also, because the flight time is limited, the order matters psychologically. By the time you reach these last sections, you’re usually past the initial uncertainty and ready for the ride to end on a high note. Several people describe it as breathtaking without being scary, which is exactly what you’re hoping for on a first tandem flight.

Safety and Comfort: What Makes This Feel Worth It

Paragliding has a reputation that can make people nervous. But the strongest theme here is how professional the operation feels. People mention the crew is organized and safe, with instructors who are serious about flying when it’s go-time. That combination is what keeps the experience from turning into a vague “trust me” moment.

I also pay attention to how instructors handle nervous riders. One person specifically mentions vertigo at height but says they never felt panic during the flight. That doesn’t mean every person will feel the same, but it tells me the team knows how to work with different comfort levels. In practice, that usually looks like clear instructions, steady handling at launch, and pacing that doesn’t rush your brain.

Another good sign: the operation waits for winds to be right. That’s not just tradition. It’s risk management. If a crew is willing to pause and wait rather than force a flight, it usually signals they’re focused on safety outcomes, not just checklists.

Views You’ll Actually Remember (Because They Change as You Move)

The big selling point is the aerial tour of multiple beaches: Praia Brava, Praia dos Ingleses, Ponta das Canas, Praia Cachoeira do Bom Jesus, and Canasvieiras. That variety is what makes the experience feel more than a single “wow” moment.

Here’s why that matters for you:

• You get repeat visual payoff rather than one view for 10 minutes.
• The coastline features change enough that your brain stays engaged.
• The flight route becomes a story you can tell later: I saw this beach first, then that coast, then the finale.

People repeatedly mention amazing views, and it makes sense. When you’re moving overhead, even familiar shoreline can look like a new place. And since you’re tandem, you’re not stuck dealing with controls—you can just watch.

Price and Value: Is $107.82 Worth It?

At $107.82 per person, this is priced like a real activity with trained staff, dual-flight gear, and a coordinated beach operation—not like a cheap thrill with cut corners.

Here’s the value math that makes sense for most people:

• You’re paying for an instructor-qualified tandem setup (not self-launch).
• You’re paying for staff time, wind waiting, and a short flight that’s still meaningful.
• You’re getting a multi-beach coastal perspective, not just one spot.

Also, the fact it’s commonly booked about 20 days in advance on average suggests demand and limited scheduling flexibility around weather and wind. That matters because it often means you’ll want to lock your plans early, especially if you’re traveling during a busier season.

Is it expensive? Adventure pricing in Brazil can vary by region and season. But for what you’re getting—safety-focused tandem flying with a qualified instructor—this price feels like fair value.

Who Should Book This Paragliding Flight

This is a great fit if you want:

• A first paragliding experience without prior training.
• A short, well-run adventure that still feels big.
• A scenic activity that works for many ages.

It’s also a good match if you’re nervous about heights but still curious. The key is to be honest with the crew and listen closely during setup. One of the better notes from participants is that people can feel calm with the right instruction and pacing.

What might not fit as well:

• If you hate waiting around for weather, remember you may wait for wind conditions.
• If you want a long flight time, plan to accept the reality of about 10–15 minutes in the air.

Should You Book OVNI Paragliding in Florianópolis?

If your goal is one of those “only in this place” experiences, I’d book it. The combination of a CBVL-qualified instructor, a calm professional crew, and a route over several iconic beaches makes this feel like a true local adventure, not a generic tourist ride.

Book it if you can handle a little schedule flexibility for wind. If you’re excited by coastal views and you want to swap ground-level sightseeing for a moving aerial perspective, this delivers. And because the operation is private for your group, you’re less likely to feel rushed or lost in a crowd.

Skip it only if waiting for conditions would stress you out too much, or if you specifically need a longer airborne time than 10–15 minutes.

FAQ

How long is the paragliding experience?

The total experience is about 1 hour 30 minutes, and the flight itself is approximately 10 to 15 minutes.

Where do we meet for the flight?

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

What beaches are included during the flight?

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

What are the opening hours for the activity?

From 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM, Monday through Sunday.

Do weather conditions affect whether I can fly?

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

Is this a private activity?

Yes. Only your group participates.

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