How many drop zones operate in New Mexico?

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

Skydiving · New Mexico

Skydiving in New Mexico

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

Sky islands, the Rio Grande, and high-desert mesa country.

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About New Mexico

New Mexico jumps big. The ground drops away into high desert plains, then folds up into the Sangre de Cristo and Sandia ranges, and the dry, thin air keeps the horizon sharp for miles. From altitude you catch the tan sweep of the Chihuahuan Desert, the Rio Grande cutting its line through it, and the state's odd geology stacked up in the distance. Clear air like this is what makes both a first tandem and a serious AFF progression pay off in views.

First-timers ride tandem, and the drop zones here run them well, an instructor handles the technical work while you handle the freefall and the scenery. Soaring over that much open country, with the land running out to the far edge of sight, lands differently than a jump over farm squares. Many of the fields sit within reach of Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and Las Cruces, so you get the access of a city drive and the emptiness of the desert once the door opens.

Licensed fun-jumpers and AFF students get a lot of jumpable days out of New Mexico. The sun shows up most of the year and the humidity stays low, which keeps the loads turning and the schedule honest. Drop zones fly modern aircraft and staff experienced instructors, and putting jump after jump on ground this striking is its own draw for anyone chasing an A-license or just chasing altitude.

The AFF track here is structured and thorough, walking students from a first supervised freefall to a solo card jump by jump. Ground school covers the theory, the gear, and the safety drills before each level. The dependable weather keeps the disruptions few, so students hold their momentum instead of losing weeks to weather holds, a good place to grind out the progression.

Best time to go

When to jump in New Mexico

Full seasonality

Peak season Sep

PeakGoodFairOff

April through November for low desert; June through October for high country.

April–October: the dependable jumping window
Jump mornings, afternoon thermals pick up over hot terrain
Thinner air at altitude affects canopy flight, so brief accordingly

3 on the map

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Quick facts

Drop zones listed: 3
Best season: April through November

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3 drop zones

across New Mexico

Skydive New Mexico

Skydive New Mexico is a drop zone in Belen, south of Albuquerque, offering tandem jumps, AFF training, and sport jumping over the Rio Grande valley and high…

Tandem JumpAFF Training

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Southwest Skydive LLC

Southwest Skydive LLC, Santa Teresa, NM

Southwest Skydive LLC is a skydiving drop zone based in Santa Teresa, NM. Their fast, modern aircraft provides views of three states and two countries, including Kilbourne Hole, the Franklin…

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Viva Skydive

Viva Skydive, Belen, NM

Viva Skydive is a skydiving drop zone based in Belen, NM. They offer tandem skydiving for beginners, training programs to obtain a skydiving license, and welcome experienced jumpers for fun jumps.

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Plan your trip to New Mexico

Jumping Season & Weather Windows

New Mexico offers skydiving year-round, though specific drop zones may have seasonal operating hours. The best weather windows are typically mornings to avoid stronger afternoon winds and summer thunderstorms. Fall generally provides the most consistently favorable conditions.

Tandem vs. AFF vs. Licensed Jumper Options

Beginners can opt for a tandem skydive, securely harnessed to an instructor. Aspiring solo skydivers can enroll in an Accelerated Freefall (AFF) program. Licensed skydivers can utilize drop zone facilities for fun jumps, provided they meet USPA and local DZ requirements.

Age and Weight Requirements

All skydivers, including tandem students, must be at least 18 years old. Most drop zones enforce a maximum weight limit, typically ranging from 220 to 250 pounds, for safety reasons and equipment limitations. It is crucial to verify specific limits with your chosen drop zone.

What a First Jump Involves

A first tandem skydive typically begins with a briefing on safety and procedures, followed by gearing up and a scenic aircraft ride. You'll exit the plane with your instructor, experience freefall, and then enjoy a parachute ride to a soft landing. The entire experience can take several hours from check-in to completion.

Accelerated Freefall (AFF) Progression

The AFF program involves a series of coached skydives designed to teach students how to skydive solo. It starts with ground school and progresses through multiple jumps with instructors, gradually reducing assistance until the student can safely perform all tasks independently, leading to a USPA A-license.

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

Age Requirement
All individuals participating in skydiving activities in New Mexico, including tandem students and those commencing AFF training, must be at least 18 years of age. This is a universal requirement across all USPA-affiliated drop zones.
Medical Fitness
Participants are generally required to self-certify their medical fitness for skydiving. For AFF students and licensed jumpers, a basic medical statement is typically required, affirming no conditions that would impair judgment or physical ability during a skydive. Consult a physician if you have any concerns.
FAA Part 105 Compliance
All skydiving operations in New Mexico, as throughout the United States, are conducted under the strict regulations of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part 105. This covers aspects such as airspace use, equipment standards, and operational safety, ensuring a regulated environment for all jumps.
USPA Membership for Licensed Jumpers
While not strictly a state regulation, most drop zones in New Mexico require licensed skydivers to hold current membership with the United States Parachute Association (USPA) to jump. USPA membership provides third-party liability insurance and access to standardized training and safety guidelines.

01
1. Research Drop Zones
Match New Mexico drop zones to your goal: a tandem, AFF training, or fun jumping. Weigh location, facilities, aircraft, and what past jumpers report before you commit.
02
2. Check Weather and Seasonal Conditions
Read the typical weather for your dates. It shifts by season and by region here, and wind and summer thunderstorms are the two things that shut down jumping.
03
3. Book Your Jump
Call the drop zone to lock in a tandem or set up your AFF ground school and first jump. Confirm their age, weight, and health rules while you're at it.
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4. Review Safety Briefings and Requirements
Go through any pre-jump material or safety videos the DZ sends over. Have your waivers, ID, and payment ready before you arrive.
05
5. Arrive Prepared
Dress for the weather in comfortable athletic clothes and closed-toe shoes, and block out several hours, the whole thing runs long.

01Do I need a license to skydive in New Mexico?

Not for a tandem, you're attached to a certified instructor, no card required. To jump solo you have to work through an Accelerated Freefall (AFF) program and earn a United States Parachute Association (USPA) A-license.

02What are the age and weight limits for skydiving?

You have to be at least 18. Most drop zones cap weight somewhere between 220 and 250 pounds for safety and equipment reasons, so confirm the exact number with your DZ before you count on jumping.

03What should I wear for my skydive?

Comfortable athletic clothes for the day's weather, with layers if it's cool. Closed-toe shoes like sneakers are required, leave the sandals and the hook-laced boots, and skip anything with loose straps.

04How long does the entire skydiving experience take?

The jump is brief; the day isn't. Between check-in, training, gearing up, and waiting your turn, plan on 2 to 4 hours, longer when it's busy. Set aside at least half a day.

05Can I bring my own camera or phone on the jump?

No: for safety, tandem students and early AFF students can't carry a camera, phone, or any recording device on the jump. It's a standard rule against snags and distraction. If you want footage, the DZ sells professional video and photo services.

06What happens if the weather is bad on my scheduled jump day?

Weather runs the show. High winds, thick cloud, or thunderstorms will get your jump held or pushed to another day. Drop zones put safety first and will let you know about any weather changes.

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Skydiving in New Mexico

When to jump in New Mexico