How many drop zones operate in Maryland?

Skydiving Hubs lists 3 drop zones and tandem operators in Maryland, covering tandem, AFF, fun-jump, and (where available) wingsuit and canopy progression.

Skydiving · Maryland

Skydiving in Maryland

Jump 3 drop zones across Maryland. Maps, hours, contact info, photos, and verified operator profiles, all in one place.

Chesapeake Bay, Appalachian Plateau, and the Atlantic at Assateague.

View 3 drop zones Get listed free

About Maryland

Maryland packs a lot of country into a small state, and it shows from altitude. The Chesapeake Bay lies flat and calm to the east; the Appalachian foothills roll up in the west. Several established drop zones work that spread, running everything from introductory tandems to full Accelerated Freefall (AFF) training under tight safety standards. Coastal plain, farm country, western mountains, the ground keeps changing, and so does the view on the way down.

For a first jump, the tandem is the way in. Harnessed to a seasoned instructor, you get the freefall and the canopy ride with almost no training beforehand. Out toward the Eastern Shore or through Central Maryland the view opens wide, rivers braiding out toward the Bay, farm fields quilted around old towns. It's the thrill of the sport without signing on for solo training.

Anyone chasing a solo license can earn a United States Parachute Association (USPA) A-license through the AFF program at Maryland drop zones. That means real ground school followed by instructor-accompanied jumps that build freefall and canopy control step by step. Licensed fun-jumpers land in a welcoming crowd with coaching on tap for advanced disciplines. Maryland's centers are set up for both the learning and the doing, steady skill-building, and the camaraderie that comes with it.

Best time to go

When to jump in Maryland

Full seasonality

Peak season Jun–Aug

PeakGoodFairOff

April through November.

June–September: the heart of the season, most events and loads
Spring and fall jump well on clear, calm days
Winter: many DZs limited, so call ahead

3 on the map

Loading map…

Tap a pin to open its profile.

Quick facts

Drop zones listed: 3
Best season: April through November

All listings

3 drop zones

across Maryland

Skydive Baltimore

Skydive Baltimore, Churchville, MD

Drop zone in Churchville, Maryland serving the Baltimore metro: tandem, AFF, and sport jumping. Rated 4.6 by 679 reviews.

Tandem JumpAFF Training

View profile

Skydive Chesapeake

Skydive Chesapeake, Ridgely, MD

Skydive Chesapeake is a skydiving drop zone based in Ridgely, MD. They offer tandem skydiving, solo skydiving, and licensed jumps. Rated 4.9 by 297 reviews.

View profile

Skydive OC

Skydive OC, Berlin, MD

Coastal drop zone in Berlin, Maryland near Ocean City, tandem jumps with ocean views. Rated 4.9 by 738 reviews.

Tandem JumpAFF Training

View profile

Get listed free

Run a drop zone in Maryland? Add it to Skydiving Hubs. Free, no commission.

Add your listing

Plan your trip

Plan your trip to Maryland

Jumping Season and Weather

Skydiving in Maryland is predominantly a spring-through-fall activity, with peak operations during summer. Jumps are weather-dependent; conditions like high winds, heavy rain, or low cloud cover can cause delays or cancellations. Always confirm your reservation with the drop zone if weather is uncertain.

Tandem vs. AFF vs. Licensed Jumper Options

Beginners typically start with a tandem jump, securely harnessed to an instructor. For those seeking to become licensed solo skydivers, the Accelerated Freefall (AFF) program provides structured training. Licensed jumpers with a USPA A-license or higher can typically fun jump at Maryland drop zones, subject to local manifest procedures.

Age and Weight Requirements

All individuals must be at least 18 years old to skydive in Maryland, with no exceptions for parental consent. Weight restrictions vary by drop zone, typically ranging from 220 to 250 pounds, with some requiring an additional fee for individuals over a certain weight. It is crucial to verify specific limits with your chosen drop zone.

What a First Jump Involves

A first tandem jump involves a brief ground school for safety instructions and procedures, followed by being geared up and paired with an instructor. You'll ascend in an aircraft, exit at altitude (typically 10,000-14,000 feet), experience a minute of freefall, and then enjoy a 5-7 minute canopy ride back to the landing area.

AFF Licensing Progression

The Accelerated Freefall (AFF) program is a comprehensive training course designed to teach students how to skydive solo. It involves multiple levels of jumps with instructors, focusing on freefall control, canopy navigation, and landing techniques. Successful completion leads to eligibility for a USPA A-license, typically requiring 25 jumps.

Confirm current requirements with the state agency before your trip. Rules and fees change every season.

Age Requirement
All individuals wishing to skydive, whether tandem or solo, must be at least 18 years old. This is a universal requirement enforced by all USPA-affiliated drop zones in Maryland, regardless of parental consent.
Medical Fitness
Participants engaging in skydiving activities are generally required to affirm their good health and physical fitness. While a doctor's note is not typically needed for tandem jumps, AFF students and licensed jumpers must complete specific medical forms verifying their ability to participate safely.
USPA Membership
For Accelerated Freefall (AFF) progression and solo licensed jumping, current membership with the United States Parachute Association (USPA) is mandatory. USPA sets safety standards and training methodologies adopted by Maryland drop zones, ensuring a consistent level of instruction and safety.
FAA Regulations Adherence
All skydiving operations in Maryland, including aircraft maintenance, pilot qualifications, and jump procedures, are conducted under the strict guidelines of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part 105 regulations. Drop zones must comply with these federal aviation rules for safe operation.

01
Research Maryland Drop Zones
Start by looking at drop zones across Maryland and find one that fits your location, the experience you want (tandem or AFF), and its facilities. Weigh the drive, the jump types on offer, and what past customers say.
02
Choose Your Jump Type
Decide whether you want a one-time tandem or you're ready to commit to the Accelerated Freefall (AFF) program toward solo certification. The two ask for very different amounts of time and training.
03
Book Your Reservation
Once you've settled on a drop zone and jump type, book ahead, especially for summer and fall weekends. Expect to put down a deposit or pay the full fee up front to hold your slot.
04
Prepare for Your Jump
Go over the drop zone's rules on clothing, waivers, and any pre-jump instructions. Make sure you clear the age and weight limits, and stay off alcohol and drugs before your scheduled jump.
05
Arrive and Complete Training
Show up on time. You'll sit through a safety briefing or ground school, sign the waivers, and get squared away for the jump with the drop zone's instructors.

01What is the minimum age to skydive in Maryland?

You must be 18 to jump in Maryland, whether it's a tandem or an AFF program, the United States Parachute Association (USPA) sets the age and every affiliated drop zone holds firm on it. Parental consent doesn't change it.

02Are there weight restrictions for skydiving?

Yes. Most Maryland drop zones cap weight between 220 and 250 pounds for safety, so the equipment works right and the instructor can manage the jump. Some will take heavier jumpers with an extra fee or a specific instructor. Ask before you book.

03What should I wear for skydiving?

Comfortable athletic clothes for the weather, a t-shirt or long sleeves with shorts or jeans, nothing too loose or too tight. Closed-toe athletic shoes that lace up tight are essential; sandals, hook-and-lace boots, and heels are out for safety reasons.

04How long does the skydiving experience take?

The freefall runs about 60 seconds and the canopy ride 5 to 7 minutes, but the whole day takes several hours. Check-in, ground training, gearing up, the climb to altitude, and the odd weather delay all add up. Plan on at least a half-day at the drop zone.

05Can I get photos or video of my jump?

Most Maryland operations offer photo and video packages as a tandem add-on, either a videographer skydiving alongside you or a camera mounted on your instructor's wrist. Arrange it when you book or when you check in.

06What is the difference between tandem and AFF?

A tandem is the introductory jump, you're harnessed to an instructor and there's barely any training involved. Accelerated Freefall (AFF) is the full program that teaches you to skydive solo: multiple instructor-led jumps plus real ground school, leading to a USPA A-license.

Free tools

Your free outdoor toolkit

Free tool

Route Planner

Drop stops on a map and watch distance and drive time add up. Export a GPX or share the link.

Open Route Planner

View all tools

Keep exploring

Skydiving in Maryland

When to jump in Maryland