Skydiving Rarely Causes Ear Discomfort

Most first-time skydivers will not experience any ear or sinus discomfort. However, a small percentage of first time or new skydivers may experience some temporary or minor, ear or sinus discomfort. It is our observation that only about 1 out of 10 jumpers report any ear or sinus sensations from their jump.

These ear or sinus sensations occur when the Eustachian Tube is unable to regulate air pressure between the inner and outer ear due to the rapid rate of air pressure changes in freefall. The resulting symptoms manifest as short-term “stuffy ears” or “muffled hearing”. Such sensations are typically minor and temporary, usually subsiding before landing or shortly afterward.

There are several techniques to prevent or resolve these sensations. If you have a history of inner ear issues, or just general concerns about potential ear discomfort, please advise our staff and your instructor as we can advise on techniques to prevent and resolve the sensations. For information on the physiology, resolution techniques, potential conditions that might predispose someone to experience ear or sinus sensations during their jump, read our in-depth review of the affect on ears from skydiving.

Jumpers that are experiencing illness, or symptoms, that cause congestion are at a risk of more severe discomfort. In extreme and very rare cases, skydiving while experiencing these conditions could cause a ruptured eardrum. Skydive Monterey Bay will not allow those experiencing illness or malaise to jump for your safety and that of our crew. We do not know of anyone that has experienced severe or lasting issues.

If you are experiencing any cold, congestion, flu, Covid-19, or any other illness related symptoms, please call us to reschedule your skydive.  

Ultimately, it is rare to experience these symptoms, and even so, the sensations are typically very minor and temporary. We also have techniques to prevent and resolve these sensations. Unless you are ill, or historically have had ear or sinus related symptoms when flying commercially or driving in the mountains, you should not have any concerns about your ears for skydiving. If so, please call us to discuss your situation.

Skydive Video & Pictures Are Available.

Absolutely! You definitely should. With our amazing scenery, you’ll have poster quality pictures, or at least the best Facebook cover photo of all of your friends.

We offer a variety of epic picture and video packages, starting at $109. They are shot by a professional aerial photographer who captures the entire jump, from nervous gear up moments until you’re kissing the ground upon your return.

Hours of Operation

We are open 365 days/year.

Office: Everyday: 8am-8pm

Jumping Operations: Everyday: 10am-5pm

Winter Skydiving Information: Skydiving in Winter over Monterey Bay is Wonderful

Getting The Best Skydive Price. 

Skydive Monterey Bay offers the best price on high altitude skydiving in the Bay Area. We guarantee the best skydiving price on high altitude jumps (15,000 feet and 18,000 feet skydives), or we’ll match the price of any same altitude jump.

Skydive Monterey Bay skydiving costs for our skydiving packages are competitive with industry standards, while providing a significantly more premium experience with the world’s highest jumps and California’s closest ocean landings.

Accepted Forms of Payment

We accept Visa, MasterCard, debit cards, and cash. Of course, we also accept Skydive Monterey Bay gift cards

To make a reservation, we do require a $50 deposit per person. You can book your jump online using Visa or MasterCard. Or you can call the office at 831-384-3483.

You can select which jump option and video and pictures package you’d like when you check-in on the day of the jump. The remaining balance must be paid in full by credit card, debit card, or cash, prior to jumping.

Get Your Skydive License

Your adventure in becoming a licensed skydiver can begin after you’ve completed a tandem skydive at Skydive Monterey Bay. A tandem skydive is the safest, easiest, and widely the most popular method to do your first jump. However, it is an introduction to the sport of skydiving. There’s much more to discover and learn. In fact, once you get your skydive license and acquire even basic human flight skills you’ll be amazed at the range of capabilities in this three-dimensional world where we bend the rules of physics for moments at a time.

To get started, you can enroll in our Accelerated Freefall (AFF) program. AFF is a seven (7) level, learn to skydive solo program that utilizes in-air freefall coaching. It is the most progressive and safest way to learn how to become a skydiver. During the first three levels, two instructors jump with the student while holding their harness. In subsequent levels, the student jumps with a single instructor.

Each level provides an opportunity to learn new freefall and canopy piloting skills that will help progress you to the ultimate goal of being an epic solo licensed skydiver. Once you’ve graduated from AFF, you’ll only need to achieve a handful of additional requirements (e.g. 25 jumps total, some additional freefall and parachute skills, and “A” license written exam) to get your “A” license. Your “A” license enables you to jump all over the world, and in small groups with other certified skydivers.

As an advanced solo skydiver, you can learn to fly your body in any orientation, at a variety of speeds, and in formations with large groups of your new flying friends. That freedom, adrenalin rush, in the present moment feeling, being able to do things with your body that mostly no one else on this planet gets to experience are the reasons Why We Jump.

Visit Skydive Monterey Bay’s AFF Program to get your skydive license or for more information about Accelerated Freefall.

Weather That Can Cause Skydiving Delays

Skydiving weather delays or cancelations may be caused by turbulent winds, low clouds and/or fog. We understand that no one wants to wait to make their jump but we will only skydive in safe conditions. Your safety and that of our crew will never be compromised in any weather or unsafe conditions.

Skydive Monterey Bay monitors weather closely using satellite, radar and visual observation tools. If there is a high probability that the weather will not be conducive for jumping we will call you and reschedule your jump for another day of your choice.

Monterey Bay does create some very localized weather. Sometimes it may not look very promising at your home but the weather may be jumpable at the skydiving center, or may likely be clearing by the time of your scheduled jumps. With more than 25 years of skydiving out of the Marina Airport, we are extremely well versed in the weather patterns. Our decision to jump or reschedule jumps is based on aviation weather forecasts and our extensive experience with local weather conditions.

Please be advised that weather changes rapidly, without notice and is unfortunately beyond our control. If unfavorable weather moves in unexpectedly, we may encounter delays, or perhaps, may be required to reschedule jumps. We very much want to take you on your first jump (and we really want to jump too) but if the conditions or forecast changes rapidly or unexpectedly please understand that any changes are made with everyone’s safety as the first priority. We can always try to jump on another day with more favorable weather conditions.

The ideal weather conditions for skydiving are clear blue skies, light winds and warm temperatures.

Even though Monterey has moderate, consistent weather providing good skydiving conditions year round, every season offers something unique.

Skydiving Is No Substance Zero Tolerance Activity

No, absolutely not! Skydiving is a 100% sober sport.

Absolutely no drugs or alcohol may be consumed within twelve (12) hours prior to your skydive. Anyone that does not adhere to this rule will not be permitted to skydive and will be asked to leave the premises.

When booking a jump, and in order to participate in skydiving activities with Skydive Monterey Bay, you are agreeing to our Terms and Conditions.  Please note both “4.0 Skydiving Participation Conditions” which also outlines that any alcohol or drug consumption within 12 hours prior to your jump will result in you not being permit to jump. Per “5.0 Reservation Policy”, we also reserve the right to refuse service and not refund anyone that does not comply with our terms or general safety advice.

This requirement is also a Basic Safety Requirement set forth by the United States Parachute Association which is the governing body for skydiving in the United States.

Minimum Age To Skydive in California

Yes. You must be at least 18 years old to skydive. There is no maximum age limit. We don’t believe you’re ever too old to have this much fun.

Skydiving Weight Limits

If you meet the weight limitations and you are in reasonable physical condition, you can probably participate in skydiving.

Any potential jumper weighing more than 220 LBs may be subject to additional restrictions. In this case, please give us a call at 831-384-3483 to discuss.