Both are reputable and professional outfits. Santa Cruz will offer a much more personal experience IMO, though a slower climb to altitude, and limited space on the plane for any friends you may want to be on the same load with. Monterey has a rocket ship for an airplane that can accommodate as many as 6 tandem pairs per load, IIRC. They also offer “outside video”, which I highly recommend for your first jump if you can afford the extra expense. Furthermore, they also offer jumps from 18k, whereas Santa Cruz will likely only get to 10.5k. As a first timer, I can’t recommend you pay extra for more altitude, as you have no frame of reference or comparison, so it won’t change your level of enjoyment. Altitude does not affect safety at all, as deployment altitudes are the same regardless of exit altitude. I only mention the options because some folks are really into saying they jumped from the highest available altitude, and you might be that type. One consideration regarding both drop zones is that given their proximity to the coast, this time of year, they will likely experience weather holds due to our coastal fog. Monterey is a little more equipped for getting the plane up fast as soon as the fog clears, or before it encroaches on the airport, because their airplane is very very fast. Santa Cruz can be a little more difficult to time properly, however it is very often clear in Watsonville when the fog has covered up Montereys DZ in Marina. Make sure your goggles are painfully tight and seal fully on your face. You’ll forget the pain as soon as you’re in the doorway, and you don’t want them coming off or leaking air in at 120mph. Wear flat soled shoes that will slide on landing, not some chunky hiking boot that will bite. Eat a reasonable meal day-of, do not fall victim to the idea that fasting will prevent nausea…it pretty much always has the opposite effect. Tip your instructor (and camera flyer if you get one)! More on reddit.com

I don't mean to be rude, because it's awesome that you had a great time, but we need to not make it a habit (as a subreddit) to post tandem skydives. It's not really adrenaline porn. Yes, the experience is, but the picture? I've seen a dozen of these on the sub. Post it to r/skydiving. I dont want this sub to become "Look I went tandem skydiving too!!"

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As far as I know, it's tandem only. You're probably right about Hollister being your best bet. I've never jumped there myself, but the main negative I've heard is that you need to take a shuttle from the LZ back to the airport.

There are a few other good DZs near the Bay Area too if you're willing to drive a bit further.

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http://i.imgur.com/vc7it.gif

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