This Secret Skydiving Spot In Texas Has Views Of The Hill Country

Skydiving has been on my bucket list for years, but I have always figured that when I finally take the leap, it should be somewhere with a view worth the terror.

Flat farmland just does not have the same appeal.

The Texas Hill Country, on the other hand, with its rolling terrain and winding rivers, seems like exactly the kind of landscape you would want to see from 14,000 feet up.

Skydive Spaceland San Marcos offers that exact experience—freefall with panoramic views of some of the prettiest country in Texas spread out beneath you.

Here is everything you need to know about this adrenaline-fueled adventure.

The Tandem Experience

First‑time jumpers take tandem dives, harnessed to experienced instructors who handle the technical side while you focus on the thrill.

After a 30‑minute briefing, you board a DeHavilland Super Twin Otter or Cessna Supervan 900 and climb to 14,000 feet.

The door opens, you step into the sky, and for about 60 seconds, you free-fall at 120 mph before the parachute deploys.

The adrenaline fades into a five‑minute canopy ride over the Hill Country, guided by your instructor for a smooth landing.

Tandem prices start at $249 on weekdays and $279 on weekends, with discounts for military, police, fire, EMS, and healthcare workers ($229 anytime).

Texas A&M Skydiving Club members pay $239. Requirements are simple: be at least 18, bring a valid photo ID, and weigh under 265 pounds.

Capturing the Jump

Nobody will believe you did it without proof.

Video packages range from a basic “Selfie” option (video filmed by your instructor) to professional packages where a dedicated videographer flies with you to capture the experience from gear-up to landing.

All footage is professionally edited and delivered via email in 1080p resolution. The “Ultimate” package combines both angles plus raw footage on a flash drive.

The videos are worth the extra cost—reactions during freefall are genuinely priceless, and there’s nothing quite like watching yourself flying through the air on replay.

Learning to Jump Solo

What begins as a bucket‑list thrill often turns into a passion, and Skydive Spaceland San Marcos runs one of the nation’s most respected training programs to meet that demand.

The Skydiver Training Program (STP) takes beginners to licensed jumpers with step‑by‑step instruction, free video of every jump, and a progression designed for safety.

The “A License in a Week” package costs $3,226 and covers everything for a basic USPA license: 18 training levels (with the graduation jump free), ground school, and bunkhouse lodging.

By the end—after two prerequisite tandem dives—you’ll have at least 25 skydives and the ability to jump anywhere in the country without supervision.

For those who prefer a slower pace, the program can be spread over weekends or months, as long as you jump at least once every 30 days to stay current.

Individual training jumps cost about $199 each for levels 1–16.

After earning a license, the Transitions program offers free weekend coaching for jumpers with fewer than 100 skydives, helping new skydivers continue progressing safely.

The Community

Skydive Spaceland San Marcos isn’t just for tourists—licensed jumpers from across Texas and beyond gather here for regular flights, group jumps, and special events.

The atmosphere blends professionalism with laid‑back fun, where first‑timers and world champions share the same airfield.

Operations manager Thomas Hughes, a world‑champion skydiver with two decades of experience, leads a staff of USPA‑rated coaches and instructors who collectively bring thousands of jumps to the drop zone.

Experienced skydivers pay about $24–30 per jump plus tax, with rental gear available for $30 and pack jobs at $9 each.

An air‑conditioned packing area keeps things comfortable in the Texas heat, while free on‑site camping and $15 bunkhouse beds make multi‑day stays affordable.

An on‑site deli serves breakfast and lunch most days, rounding out the amenities for visiting jumpers.

Planning Your Jump

The drop zone operates seven days a week: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and weekends, 7:30 a.m. to sunset. It’s closed only on Thanksgiving afternoon and Christmas Day.

For more information about visiting Skydive San Marcos, check their official website or social media pages for current rates, booking options, and seasonal events.

Use the map to plan your route to the airfield and explore nearby San Marcos attractions—every stop adds to the adventure of a Hill Country skydiving trip.

Where: 517 Airfield Rd, Fentress, TX 78622 (near San Marcos)

Skydive San Marcos transforms the Texas Hill Country into a breathtaking backdrop for adrenaline seekers, offering safe, professional jumps and unforgettable views.