Skydive Seven Algarve — Attraction in Portimão

This experience would have been 5 star because my instructor was excellent and my skydiving experience was phenomenal. However, after encountering a terrible customer service experience by Sarah on 03.03.24, I give this a 2 star.

Once we completed the activity around noon, we were given a form to fill in, which gives the option to purchase the video and pictures of your experience that have been recorded. There are few packages to choose - for example: €70 for either the photos or video; or €95 for both the video and the pictures.

I opted for the video and pictures, whereas my friend just opted for the video. We both made separate payments. We were told by Sarah that we would receive our skydiving content later on the day via email.

At 14:13 they called my friend to clarify exactly what we want - my friend repeated the same thing. My friend’s file was sent at 14:34 (video) and 14:38 (images) - 4 minutes apart. I received my video at 14:41 (video). I waited for 20 minutes and there was no sign of my photos. I called them at 15:03 in regards to this and Sarah herself confirmed that when she had called my friend, it was mentioned to her that I was the video and photos, and my friend wants just the video. I then received my second file at 15:19.

I asked if I could get the €25 refund, which I paid extra to also get the photos, and also because it caused me an inconvenience. Additionally, I requested this because my friend received a service that she didn’t want, nor paid for. Sarah refused this and then started claiming that we signed the wrong papers, as in I signed the paper where my friends name was written and she signed the paper where my name was written, which is not the case.

She was not cooperating with the conversation and kept cutting me off. Again, I did say that I understand a mistake was made by the skydiving company but it wasn’t fair that I paid €95 for the full package when my friend only paid €70 and received both the video & photos. She started saying that it wasn’t their fault and they never make mistakes like this. She wouldn’t let me put a word in to explain or reason with her how this is unfair to me and she started getting rude. I asked for proof that we signed the wrong papers, as we know that didn’t happen, and she refused to do so. She kept on saying that we were lying and didn’t fill our respective forms - even though she verbally confirmed it to me and we had seen her right down our names and how much we paid.

She was not co-operating with the conversation. I listened to her side and understood that a mistake was made from her end but she refused to acknowledge it, even though when I called back, she herself confirmed that I had asked for the video & photos, whereas my friend only asked for the video. She was very dismissive and was trying to get me off the phone by constantly saying “have a good day, and bye”.

A few people who did the activity before me had pre-warned me to be wary that when it comes to the tips, Sarah changes the amount. They gave me the example that they had written £0 for tips due to budget issues and she had altered it to £10. I mentioned this to her when she had the audacity of accusing us of lying and said that no such thing had happened. She refused to acknowledge what I said and hung up the phone.

Again, I understand mistakes can happen but when it causes inconvenience to someone, compensations should be made. My encounter with Sarah ruined my whole experience, which I was initially so...

No words can describe this experience... I was in awe from beginning to end. Portimão has breathtaking views and the Skydive7 team were fun, professional, and made sure we were and felt safe at all times. Special thanks to my instructor João Rato who knew the right words to say to make me feel calm so that I could live this experience to the fullest.

It was my first time skydiving so I was going for the 3000mts, but after discussing it with several people there, I decided to go for the 5000mts, and I am grateful I did! It all ends so quickly!! So the extra seconds free falling made a huge difference. You will still have to jump off that airplane anyway, so better make sure you will have enough time to enjoy it!!

I confirmed, as I had thought, that you don't feel vertigo at all (and I am the kind that has been to a rollercoaster only once in my life and never again...). My instructor João later explained to me that it's because we are are not in a fixed position, but constantly moving. I found that really interesting.

What I did not expect was that it would be painful for my ears. They still hurt a bit 48hs later. Apparently, some people are more sensitive than others to the air pressure at that height, so bear that in mind.

Another piece of advice, remember to smile at all times!!! Otherwise, you may find it hard to find a good picture to share!!! Hahaha This is because the air makes your face unrecognizable at such freefall speed... In my best pics, I am smiling. Though in the rest I basically have my mouth open all the time: I just couldn't believe my eyes were seeing so much beauty, and my body felt like it was literally flying rather than falling. All I could say was "ohhhh," "ohhh it's so beautiful," "ohhh my God!" Thus, my mouth was open at ohh most of the way down... LOL. The truth is that I was having such a great time that I didn't even think about the camera! Thankfully, instructors know how to ensure we get some good pics, but you must do as you're told!

To sum up, I can't wait to do it again. It's an expensive hobby, but worth every euro. I know I will soon be back at Skydive7 in Portimão (maybe on a less cloudy day to have a clearer view) to jump with some of my friends who couldn't make it this time.

And remember... IF YOU NEVER TRY, YOU'LL...

Do not sign the post jump declaration!!

The Team were great, Fred who I did the jump with was 10/10

However As soon as I left the aircraft, I lost 95% of hearing in both ears Upon landing, I gained about 80% back in 1 ear The other ear felt blocked & pressurised

I was told to hold my nose and blow & itll be fine Upon the reassurance, I signed the form saying I’m uninjured (big mistake)

I had to pay £500 for a ENT consultation back in the UK

They confirmed the jump has caused me to have chronic Eustachian tube dysfunction

I’ve have lost considerable hearing in both ears.

I’m a DJ and this has had a huge negative impact on my life

I’ve had a quote to have Eustachian tube balloon dilation at a cost of £7000

I contacted Skydive 7

This was their response

Dear Matt,

We have spoken with the Portuguese Skydiving Federation and they have informed us that it will be very difficult for the insurance company (AIG)to respond positively to your request. Only assessments made in Portugal within 48 hours of the skydive are valid. As you did not report anything and signed the declaration that you were fine, there seems to be little alternative.

Therefore completely washing their hands of it

I wasn’t told of the risk to my hearing before the jump

please be aware of this risk & don’t sign the post flight declaration

I’m in the process to putting together a legal case to get some compensation towards the cost of the surgery

It’s 10 weeks since the Jump & I’m still the same I’m unable to listen to music without getting ear pain

I await my surgery

I feel very depressed & disappointed by the lack of support from the...