Since 1996 Skydive Monterey Bay has become one of the most popular skydiving centers in the world. Open seven days a week, 365 days of the year, SMB welcomes thousands of first time and experienced skydivers. We have a skydiving school, a gear store, a rigging loft, snacks and beverages and a complete selection of souvenirs.

Safety is the highest priority at SMB. As a Group Member of the United States Parachute Association which is recognized by the Federal Aviation Administration, SMB follows all safety requirements and recommendations that govern the sport.

If you are interested in learning to skydive, we offer the following standard programs. Additionally, we can customize a program for you or your group.

The tandem skydive is the easiest way to introduce anyone to the wonderful sport of skydiving. The pre-jump training can be done in as little as 15-20 minutes. A tandem jump is one in which the student and instructor are harnessed together in a parachute built for two. After approximately a 60 second freefall, the student (if they so desire) pulls the ripcord. The tandem master assists when necessary. Together they steer and land the parachute. Our landing area is on the Marina Airport. Friends and family can easily watch you prepare for your jump, climb on the aircraft and then watch you land nearby.

AFF is the most popular training program for those wishing to become licensed skydivers. First, the student attends a ground school that covers normal and emergency situations, equipment, aircraft, freefall, handling of the parachute, and landing. Taught by USPA certified instructors, the class is typically four to six hours long. Appointments are required for weekdays and recommended for weekends and holidays. Following the ground school is a series of seven skydives, the first three of which have two jump masters and the final four have one. The jumpmasters assist you from aircraft exit to

parachute opening and then guide you via radio for a

safe landing. Following each jump, the student and instructor debrief, or talk about the skydive to learn

from each experience. The student learns basic freefall skills including poised diving and group exits, stable body positions, altitude awareness, and general controlled movements.

In addition to tandem skydiving and Accelerated Free Fall, we can provide Instructor Assisted Freefall (IAF) or a Static Line course. IAF is a training method that combines the tandem and single jumpmaster AFF programs. In the Static Line program the student’s parachute is deployed by a line attached to the airplane. Both programs are available and safe, however they are less popular.

SMB is located at the Monterey Bay Aero Sportsplex on the Marina Airport. Housed in a nearly 5000 square foot building with plans to expand, we currently offer: indoor and outdoor grass packing, equipment sales and service, accessories, souvenirs, video editing, training classrooms, and rigging services.

The landing area is on the airport. It is a short walk from the manifest and packing areas, and we also provide a convenient shuttle service. It is free of hazards, making your skydiving experience even more safe and enjoyable.

We have several jump planes available. We regularly operate a Cessna 206 with a large cargo door. We also have large twin turbine King Airs and Super Otters that carry 10 to 22 jumpers to 14,000 to 18,000 feet in fifteen minutes or less.

State of the art equipment is available for both students and experienced jumpers. We order directly from the manufacturer, and all equipment is built and maintained according to strict FAA regulations.

Be sure to capture your jump on tape! Our video staff will jump with you and professionally edit your tape on VHS or PAL with special effects, titles, and music. You also get all the negatives from a 35-mm camera. Shortly after you land, your video will be ready to view and share with friends and family.

The US Parachute Association uses SMB as a sight for training and certifying experienced jumpers for other drop zones. We have a full time Tandem Examiner who is responsible for training and certifying tandem masters from other skydive centers.

We also host training camps to take the novice jumper to a higher level of skydiving.

Mike Eakins and Jess Rodriguez, owners of SMB, both have over 5,000 jumps and have been in the sport over 27 years. Mike is a three-time world skydiving champion, a tandem master and instructor, and an AFF and static line instructor. Jess is an AFF evaluator and instructor, a static line instructor, a tandem examiner and evaluator.

All staff members are professionals, carefully chosen for their commitment to safety and customer satisfaction.

All jumpmasters and instructors have current USPA ratings and flight physicals on file.

Skydive Monterey Bay is only 10 minutes from downtown Monterey and just 2 miles from the coast. Fine dining, five star resorts, unique entertainment, excellent lodging, and great shopping are minutes away. Monterey Bay Aquarium, Pebble Beach Golf Links, Carmel by the Sea, and the Laguna Seca Raceway are all nearby attractions. For more visitor information, please contact:

Marina Chamber of Commerce (831) 384-9155

Monterey Peninsula Visitors & Convention Bureau

(831) 649-1770

Carmel Business Association (831) 624-2522

Choosing a place to learn to skydive is a very important decision. There are many capable training centers in the United States. We encourage you to visit places that sound attractive to you before making a decision. We are confident you’ll be able to see the differences that make Skydive Monterey Bay one of the best training centers in the United States.

*** Get a $20 discount for cash, a weekday jump, or for making an appointment.

*** Additional charges apply for students weighing over 200 lbs.

5 to 14 $159.00 per person

15 to 24 $149.00 per person

25+ $139.00 per person

Ground School: $90.00

*** Get a $10 discount for cash, a weekday class, or for making an appointment.

5 to 14 $70.00 per person

15 to 24 $60.00 per person

25+ $50.00 per person

Levels 1-3 $189.00 per jump

Levels 4-7 $159.00 per jump

AFF Complete Jump Package: $1,293.00

Includes 1 jump at each level and 1 repeat level or 10 jump tickets at graduation with no repeats.

Refresher Training: $65.00

*** Required if it has been more than 30 days since previous jump.

Video & Stills: $79.00