Skydive Empuriabrava: the largest skydiving center in Europe

Skydive Empuriabrava is one of the largest skydiving centers in Europe. Established since 1985 on the Costa Brava in Catalonia, it has a total of more than 2 million jumps performed. This exceptional site attracts enthusiasts from all over the world, but why exactly is it an essential reference for skydiving in Europe?

Skydive Empuriabrava, the European skydiving reference

Since the 1970s, skydiving has been practiced in Empuriabrava by the Paraclub Girona, which in 1984 adopted the commercial name Skydive Empuriabrava. Located in Empuriabrava, only 150 km from Barcelona and near Girona, the center reached the historic milestone of one million jumps in 2003, before reaching 2 million ten years later. With an average of 100,000 annual jumps, Skydive Empuriabrava attracts enthusiasts from all over the world who come to enjoy an exceptional environment. Skydivers discover from the air the Gulf of Roses (or Bay of Rosas), as well as three remarkable natural parks: the Aiguamolls de l’Empordà, Cap de Creus and the Medes Islands. This perfect geographical location, in addition to favorable weather conditions throughout the year, has earned this place the nickname “La Terra del Cel” (The Land of the Sky).

The center’s facilities and equipment

Since its acquisition in 2012 by the company Skydive Dutch BV, the skydiving center has benefited from massive investments that have strengthened its position as a skydiving reference in Europe. The current infrastructure perfectly reflects this ambition to offer the best conditions to skydivers from all over the world. The center operates several aircraft (including a Super Otter and a Super Pilatus Porter) which allow for both fast and safe rotations. This permanent fleet guarantees jumps in optimal safety conditions, with the latest generation navigation equipment. Regarding ground facilities, the center has, among others, a repair shop, a 500 m² packing hangar, and a private gas station ensures the good organization as well as the operational autonomy of the site. In terms of reception areas, the center has administrative offices, a bar and a restaurant where skydivers and companions can meet.

Tandem jumping: process and rates

The flagship offer of Skydive Empuriabrava remains the tandem jump at 4000 meters altitude, an unforgettable experience above the spectacular landscape of the Costa Brava. Since 1985, we have been accompanying our clients toward this unique adventure that attracts thousands of enthusiasts every year.

What happens during a tandem jump?

The tandem jump begins with a briefing with an experienced instructor, with thousands of jumps to their credit, who explains the stages of the jump and the safety instructions to follow. Once equipped, you board a light aircraft for a gradual climb to 4,000 meters altitude. When the desired height is reached, it’s time for adrenaline: you jump in tandem, securely attached to your monitor. A minute of freefall follows, where strong sensations are guaranteed, until about 1,500 meters altitude. The instructor then triggers the opening of the parachute, which marks the beginning of a peaceful five-minute flight. You then enjoy a breathtaking view of Cap de Creus and the Bay of Roses, before a smooth landing to close this unforgettable experience.

Available packages and rates

To experience a tandem jump with Skydive Empuriabrava, there are six different packages to choose from:

*For 3 persons minimum. Only at 9 AM from November to March, and from Wednesday to Friday.

Access procedures to the airfield

The Skydive Empuriabrava – La Tierra del Cielo airfield is located at: Sector Aeroclub, s/n, 17487 Empuriabrava, Girona, Spain.

Getting there by car

To reach Skydive Empuriabrava from Perpignan, expect about 1 hour of driving by taking the A9 motorway then the C-32 towards Figueres, then the GI-614 to Empuriabrava. From Barcelona, the journey takes about 1h30 to 1h45 by car, taking the AP-7 then the GI-614.

Getting there by public transport

You can take a train to Figueres from Barcelona or other major Spanish cities. From Figueres, the easiest way is to take a taxi to Empuriabrava (about 20-30 minutes journey).

World records and international competitions

Over the decades, Skydive Empuriabrava has established itself as a recognized international sport skydiving center. Since its opening in 1985, the center has seen many athletes pass through.

Records achieved at the center

Skydive Empuriabrava has distinguished itself with many feats, marking the history of skydiving in Europe and the world. Among its records achieved on-site:

• 2004: European women’s record for canopy formation

• 2005: National canopy formation record with 25 skydivers, and European freefly record with 28 participants

• 2007: European freefly record pushed to 40 skydivers

• 2009: New European freefly record with 51 skydivers

• 2011: European freefly record with 80 participants

• 2012: World record for horizontal freefall speed, set by Marc Hauser at 304 km/h

• 2013: European freefly record with 96 jumpers, and world record for sequential relative work with 106 skydivers

• 2014: Guinness World Record of 35 tandem jumps performed in one hour

World records

The Skydive Empuriabrava team has also contributed to iconic world records by participating in international events:

• 1999: World record for large formation relative work (282 skydivers) in Ubon Ratchathani (Thailand)

• 2003: World record for large formation relative work (300 skydivers) in Eloy (Arizona)

• 2004: World record for large formation relative work (357 skydivers) in Korat (Thailand)

• 2005: World record for large formation canopy formation (85 skydivers) in Lake Wales (Florida)

• 2006: New world record for large formation relative work (400 skydivers) in Thailand

Various competitions and disciplines

Skydive Empuriabrava hosts international sporting events. The center notably organized the VIII World Relative Work Championship (1989), two World Cups (1994 and 2002), as well as the IV World Freestyle and Skysurfing Championship (1993). The latter saw the shine of legendary figures like Patrick de Gayardon (inventor of skysurfing and modern wingsuiting), Olav Zipser (father of freefly), Mike Michigan (freestyle pioneer) and Marco Manna, considered the best freestyler of all time.

The center has also been the scene of prestigious competitions, such as the IX World Relative Work Cup (1994), the III POPS World Championship (1995), the Air Extreme Games (1996), the I Spanish Freestyle and Skysurfing Championship (1997), the I European RW-16 Championship (1998), and the I World RW-16 Cup (1998). It also hosted the XXIV and XXV Spanish Skydiving Championships (2002 and 2003) as well as the XIII World Skydiving Cup (2002).

Costa Brava tourist attraction thanks to the center

Since its creation in 1985, Skydive Empuriabrava has contributed, and still contributes today, to the tourist influence of Empuriabrava and Roses. The Generalitat de Catalunya took advantage of the millionth jump in 2003 to award the municipality of Castelló d’Empúries, where Empuriabrava is located, the Sports Tourism Destination (DTE) brand thanks to skydiving, as well as the Tourism Diploma recognizing its contribution to the development of tourism in Catalonia. The town hall of Castelló d’Empúries, for its part, awarded Skydive Empuriabrava the “Espiga i Timó” prize, to salute the center’s contribution to the local economy. In 2010, the Generalitat de Catalunya awarded the center the Tourism Diploma for its remarkable contribution to the development of tourism in Catalonia.

With an average of 100,000 annual jumps over the 1985-2013 period, Skydive Empuriabrava generates a constant flow of visitors who stay in the region and enjoy its tourist attractions. Skydivers and their companions discover the Gulf of Roses, visit the Dalí Museum in Figueres, explore Cap de Creus, and savor Catalan gastronomy in local restaurants. After such a stay, how can one not dream of settling on the Costa Brava or having a second home there? Immo Center, real estate specialist in Empuriabrava, particularly in the sale of apartments in Empuriabrava, is the perfect contact for considering the purchase of an apartment in Roses or in other towns of the Costa Brava.