Tandem skydiving

Tandem skydiving in Sečovlje is offered from Portorož Airport, the small airfield on the flat land beside the Sečovlje salt pans at the southwestern tip of Slovenia, a short distance from the Croatian border. It is a way to experience the coast from a very different angle. In a tandem jump you are harnessed to an experienced instructor who handles the equipment and the parachute, so no previous training is needed, and the whole experience is designed for first-time jumpers who want the thrill of freefall without needing to learn the skills themselves.

The flight to altitude takes around twenty minutes, and the views start during the climb. Below lie the geometric shapes of the salt pans, the harbour of Piran, the bays of the Slovenian coast and the green hills of Istria, and beyond the water stretches the Gulf of Trieste, with the Italian coast on the horizon. On a clear day the Alps and the Dolomites show far in the distance. After the aircraft reaches jump height, freefall lasts about a minute, in which you fall at high speed, and then the parachute opens and the descent becomes a calm glide of several minutes, giving time to take in the scenery and, with the instructor's help, to steer a little. The landing is usually gentle, often on a feet-first approach in a designated area on the airfield.

Practical points matter. Jumps depend on weather, since wind, cloud and visibility can delay or cancel flights, so it is sensible to keep your schedule flexible. Operators set age, weight and health limits, and ask participants to sign declarations, and anyone with a heart condition, back problems or pregnancy should discuss this in advance. You will receive a briefing on the ground, a jumpsuit, goggles and a harness, and be told how to position your body in the door and in freefall. It is normal to arrive earlier than the scheduled time to complete the formalities. Booking ahead is recommended, especially in summer, and the operator should be properly licensed and insured.

The area around the airfield offers other things to do afterwards. The Sečovlje Salina Nature Park, with its salt pans and bird life, is right beside the airport, and the Škrline waterfalls in the hills inland offer a quiet walk. Piran and Portorož, with their beaches and restaurants, are a short drive away.

The experience suits adventure seekers, couples and groups of friends looking for a memorable activity, and it makes a good gift. Spring and early autumn often provide the clearest air.