Tandem skydiving in Morocco: 4,000 m facing the Atlas

Everything is designed for you to enjoy it: you arrive 30 minutes before your slot for the welcome, weigh-in and briefing, then climb in a Pilatus PC-6 to about 4,000 m. You jump harnessed to your instructor: about 50 seconds of freefall, then 5 to 7 minutes under canopy before a gentle landing.

At PACMA, a tandem skydive costs €250 for non-residents and 2,500 MAD for Morocco residents, all-inclusive: briefing, equipment and flight. Add video and HD photos (€100) to keep the memory; from 10 people, enjoy a group rate on quotation.

You exit at about 4,000 m (nearly 13,000 ft) from a Pilatus PC-6 Porter. That altitude gives you about 50 seconds of freefall, with a breathtaking view over the Tadla plain and the Middle Atlas.

Your instructor opens the parachute at around 1,500 m. For your peace of mind, every rig also carries a reserve parachute and an automatic activation device, which opens the reserve automatically if the parachute isn't open at the planned altitude.

Allow half a day on site to savour the experience. The jump itself: 15 to 20 minutes of panoramic climb, about 50 seconds of freefall and 5 to 7 minutes under canopy.

About 200 km/h! And yet you don't feel like you're falling: it's more like being held up by a powerful wind, with a vast landscape beneath you. A feeling to experience at least once.

Your instructor. They manage stability, altitude, deployment and landing; all you have to do is hold the position from the briefing and enjoy it. Once the canopy is open, they may even hand you the toggles for a few turns if the wind allows.

Comfortable sportswear, trainers with the laces done up tight and a warm layer, because it's cooler at 4,000 m. We take care of the rest: jumpsuit, harness, helmet and goggles are provided.

90 kg fully dressed (about 14 st 2 lb, or 198 lb), a limit set by the tandem equipment for your safety. There's a weigh-in at check-in: if you're close to the limit, message us before booking and we'll be happy to help.

From 15, with parental consent for minors. And there's no upper age limit as long as your health allows: the medical certificate, or the on-site check, is what counts.

The main contraindications are pregnancy, certain heart conditions, epilepsy, recent surgery and some back or ear problems; also allow 48 hours between a dive and a jump. A fitness-to-skydive medical certificate is all you need, or an on-site check with the club doctor (200 MAD).

Yes, no problem at all. You keep your contact lenses in, and we provide over-glasses goggles that fit over your prescription glasses. Just mention it at the briefing.

Often yes, case by case: it depends in particular on the landing, where you need to be able to keep your legs raised. Get in touch before booking: we'll look at your situation carefully and find the right solution together.

Your safety is at the heart of every jump: a qualified instructor, an FFP-approved club, a reserve parachute and an automatic activation device on every rig, and weather decisions made by the chief instructor. Like any air sport, skydiving carries some risk: that is exactly why every step is so closely supervised.

Good news: in the vast majority of cases, yes. Vertigo comes from comparing something close with distant ground; at 4,000 m the ground becomes a flat landscape and there is nothing left to compare. If you have a diagnosed phobia, let's talk before you book.

Knowing exactly what's going to happen is half the battle: picture the jump all the way to landing and practise breathing slowly. On the plane, chat with your instructor, look far out towards the Atlas, and let the excitement take over.

Yes, but keep it light: breakfast or an easily digested meal, ideally one to two hours before the jump, plus water so you're on top form. No alcohol before jumping, as the French Parachuting Federation requires.

Yes, completely normally. The only reflex to avoid is holding your breath as you leave the plane. Breathe out hard, or shout for joy, and your breathing takes care of itself.

The pressure changes on the way up and down, just like on a plane: simply swallow or yawn to equalise your ears. With an ear infection, sinusitis or a heavy cold, talk to a doctor before jumping.

No: tandem passengers jump without a camera or phone, so nothing can snag or come loose in freefall. For great memories, choose the video option (€100): a camera flyer just for you films you throughout freefall.

You lose nothing: if the wind or cloud doesn't allow a safe jump, the chief instructor postpones it free of charge to another date in the season, or converts it into a credit.

To change your date, contact us at least 48 hours before your slot and we'll offer you a new date, subject to availability. And if the weather is unsuitable, rebooking is free.

Yes, of course. Nobody jumps against their will: if you change your mind, you fly back down with the plane. Your instructor stays by your side for the whole climb to put you at ease.

With pleasure! They enjoy the show from the edge of the runway, watch you land and can have lunch under the caidal tent (70 MAD per person).