REVIEW · SIDE
Side Paragliding Experience By Local Expert Pilots
Book on Viator →Operated by Payless · Bookable on Viator
Floating above Cleopatra’s Bay is a big deal. I like how the experience is built around a safety briefing plus proper gear, and I also like the hotel pickup and transfer that keeps the day simple; you get launched from Yassı Tepe with panoramic views. The main drawback to plan for: extra costs can pop up after you land for the optional photo/video pack (and there are take-off entry fees).
This is the kind of activity that works even if you are not sporty, because you are guided start to finish by local expert pilots. The air time is short on purpose (about 15 minutes), but the whole outing lasts around 4 hours, so it feels like a real half-day plan rather than a quick stop.
Just keep your expectations tied to the weather. Your flight time can change with wind direction, and if conditions are rough, the flight can be cancelled and you’ll be offered a full refund or a new date.
In This Review
- Key things that matter before you go
- Cleopatra’s Bay from Yassı Tepe: what you’re really signing up for
- How the 4-hour day plays out (and why it feels longer than you expect)
- The flight itself: about 15 minutes of real air time
- Safety briefing and gear: the confidence factor
- Pickup rules in Side: where to meet so you don’t waste time
- Photos, videos, and the €20 take-off entry fee: budget like a pro
- Weather and wind: why timing can change
- Who this suits: first-timers, families, and fitness reality checks
- What to wear and bring so the day stays comfortable
- Language and group size: how English fits in
- Value check: is $80 a good deal?
- Should you book Side Paragliding with Payless?
- FAQ
- How long is the paragliding experience, and how long is the flight?
- What’s included in the price?
- What extra costs should I expect?
- Do they pick you up from your hotel in Side?
- Is the experience available in English?
- What should I wear and bring?
- What happens if the flight is cancelled due to weather?
- Is there a fitness requirement?
Key things that matter before you go
A ~15-minute flight above Cleopatra’s Bay, weather-dependent
Hotel pickup and drop-off in Side to reduce logistics stress
Safety briefing and equipment are included, with training and instructions
Meet at your hotel gate (not the reception), because of privacy rules
Max 20 people in the group, so it does not feel chaotic
Optional photo/video sales after landing, plus €20 take-off entry fees
Cleopatra’s Bay from Yassı Tepe: what you’re really signing up for
Side paragliding is essentially about one thing: flying over Cleopatra’s Bay with a bird’s-eye view of the coast. The launch point is Yassı Tepe in Alanya, and that matters because it sets up the kind of sweeping overhead views people remember long after the run-off moment.
You’ll spend the day with a local team that focuses on clear instructions. Before you go up, you get a briefing that covers what to do, what to avoid, and how your pilot will manage the flight. That pre-flight part is where the whole experience earns its trust.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Side.
How the 4-hour day plays out (and why it feels longer than you expect)
The tour is listed at about 4 hours total, and most of that time is travel and setup. You start at 10:00 am, get picked up from Side, and then head toward the take-off area in Alanya.
At the take-off site, you do not just jump in a harness and go. You’ll meet your pilot, go through the safety briefing, and get training and instructions. Then the actual flight is roughly 15 minutes (again, dependent on wind and conditions).
After you land, the day is not fully over yet. You’ll have time to preview the photos and videos taken during your flight, and then you’ll be transferred back to Side. In other words: plan your day like a real half-day event, not like a 60-minute detour.
The flight itself: about 15 minutes of real air time
The time in the sky is described as almost 15 minutes. That’s a good length for first-timers because it is enough to feel the wow factor without exhausting you.
Wind direction and weather can shift the exact flight duration, so the smart move is to treat 15 minutes as the target, not a guarantee. If the day is breezy in the wrong way, your pilot may adjust timing for safety.
When you land, your pilot shows you the in-flight content on offer. You can purchase the photo/video package if you want, but it is not included. This is also where budgeting matters, because some people report surprise sticker shock if they did not expect add-ons.
Safety briefing and gear: the confidence factor
What’s included matters here. You get:
- Safety briefing before the flight
- Safety equipment
- Training and instructions
- Transfer from and to the hotel
This is the backbone of the experience. Paragliding looks simple from the beach, but the real work is the setup and the control. A strong briefing helps you know how to behave at launch and during the flight, and that reduces that panic feeling people expect.
That said, you should still go in with a calm mindset. Even with good instruction, the take-off run can feel intense for some first-timers. The best approach is to listen closely, follow directions, and trust the pilot’s plan.
Pickup rules in Side: where to meet so you don’t waste time
Side has high privacy rules, and it affects how pickup works. You will usually not be picked up directly from your hotel reception.
Instead, you need to meet at the main entrance gate of your hotel. Do this early and be ready, because the day runs on a schedule tied to weather and wind.
If you are staying in a larger hotel, it’s still the same idea. Find your main gate, check you’re visible, and keep your schedule flexible. The tour start time is 10:00 am, and delays can throw off your day.
Photos, videos, and the €20 take-off entry fee: budget like a pro
This is the part that can make or break the value for you.
From the provided info, two items are not included:
- Photo and video (optional)
- Take-off entry fees: €20 per person (listed as Side Paragliding Tour €20.00 per person)
The optional photo/video part is where you’ll want to go in with eyes open. Some reports complain about feeling forced into buying after seeing the photos, and others say the picture/video package is worth it.
My advice: before you commit after landing, ask for the price and what you get right away. If the team shows you pictures immediately, pause and decide based on your budget, not on the pressure of the moment.
If you want to spend smarter, you can treat the flight like the main event and only buy the content if it truly matches what you care about. Not everyone wants a photo pack, and that’s fine.
Weather and wind: why timing can change
Paragliding is weather-dependent, and this one is explicit about that. Your flight duration can change based on wind direction and conditions, and the flight may be cancelled due to bad weather.
Good news: if it’s cancelled for weather, you should get a full refund or a reschedule for the closest possible date. That’s important, because you’re not stuck hoping the sky cooperates.
Also, the whole activity assumes decent conditions. If you’re the type who hates uncertainty, you’ll still probably enjoy it, but mentally plan for the possibility of changes.
Who this suits: first-timers, families, and fitness reality checks
The tour notes say you should have a moderate physical fitness level. That does not mean you need to be a gym person.
In practice, the activity is about being able to handle the harness, the briefing, and the physical moments at take-off and landing. You should be comfortable standing for a bit, walking to the launch area, and moving calmly when instructed.
This is also described as suitable because it includes training and you do not need to be a professional athlete. You will still want to respect the run-off moment and follow your pilot.
If you have any serious medical concerns, the best move is to check with the operator before booking, since the activity involves harnessed flight and controlled motion.
What to wear and bring so the day stays comfortable
You’ll be in outdoor gear mode for part of the day. Bring:
- Comfortable clothing
- Sturdy, comfortable shoes (trainers or boots)
- Sunglasses
- Bottled water
Shoes matter more than people think. You are running on uneven ground during take-off, and you also want sure footing when you land.
Sunglasses are a big help because you’re going to be looking out into bright coastal light, and wind can make your eyes feel gritty fast.
Language and group size: how English fits in
The experience is offered in English, and the group size is capped at 20 travelers. That cap is a real plus because paragliding days can get busy, and smaller groups keep things moving.
Even with English support, paragliding is mostly about doing what your pilot and team says. That language barrier can still show up if communication is limited during the flight itself, so focus on the pre-flight briefing. If you’re unsure about anything, ask questions clearly before harnessing.
Value check: is $80 a good deal?
At $80 per person, the price can be a strong value for the thrill and the views. You’re getting transfers, safety briefing, training, and equipment, which are the core services you cannot DIY safely.
But real value depends on what you add. Your total might include:
- €20 take-off entry fees per person
- Optional photo/video costs after landing
Some people feel the photo/video upsell is too aggressive or overpriced, and others seem happy with it as a keepsake. The flight itself is the center of the experience, so you should decide in advance whether you want the media package.
If you treat the base price as covering the flight and you keep a firm budget for any add-ons, you’re more likely to feel like you got your money’s worth.
Should you book Side Paragliding with Payless?
I’d book it if you want a once-in-a-trip aerial view over Cleopatra’s Bay, you appreciate a structured safety process, and you’re okay spending a bit of time on the ground before and after the flight. The included briefing, equipment, and transfers make it easier than trying to coordinate anything on your own.
I’d think twice if you hate any surprise costs after the flight. Go in ready to ask the price of photos/video up front, and only buy if it fits your budget. Also, if you’re very strict about exact timing, remember the air time depends on wind and can be shorter than your ideal expectation.
If you want one simple strategy: plan for the flight as the win, budget for the €20 fee, and treat the photos as optional—because they are.
FAQ
How long is the paragliding experience, and how long is the flight?
The total tour is about 4 hours. The paragliding flight lasts almost 15 minutes, but it can vary based on weather conditions and wind direction.
What’s included in the price?
Included are the safety briefing before flight, safety equipment, training and instructions, and transfer from and to your hotel in Side.
What extra costs should I expect?
Photo and video are optional and cost extra. There is also a take-off entry fee listed as €20.00 per person.
Do they pick you up from your hotel in Side?
Pickup is offered, but you typically should not expect pickup from your hotel reception. You need to meet at the main entrance gate of your hotel.
Is the experience available in English?
Yes. The experience is offered in English.
What should I wear and bring?
Wear comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes (trainers or boots). Bring sunglasses and a bottle of water as well.
What happens if the flight is cancelled due to weather?
If it’s cancelled because of bad weather, your flight is cancelled and you will receive a full refund or you can reschedule for the closest possible date.
Is there a fitness requirement?
You should have a moderate physical fitness level.
