Are you an adrenaline junkie looking for your next thrill? Do you live for the rush of free-falling from 14,000 feet or bouncing perilously across a canyon? The world is full of hair-raising destinations for extreme sports. From heart-pounding skydiving to gravity-bending bungee leaps and more, this guide will take you through some of the world’s best places to have your most outrageous adventures.
Why adventure travelers are looking for extreme sports
Adventure travel isn’t merely about observing the world, it’s about living it at its most intense. Parachuting, bungee jumping, and off-the-tourist-track adventures have that sense of unparalleled thrill. Not only do they challenge your limits, but they also carve out memories that cannot be forgotten. Bearing this in mind, we shall embark on a series of places that suit the adventure traveler.
Skydiving sites that touch the clouds
Queenstown, New Zealand
It’s referred to as the world’s adventure capital, and Queenstown is a haven for skydivers. You will be doing a free fall over sparkling Lake Wakatipu, snow-covered Southern Alps, and sweeping valleys that seemingly stretch on without end.
Authentic operators like NZONE Skydive guarantees a smooth experience, offering 9,000-foot to 15,000-foot jumps. Add this thrilling adventure to other activities in Queenstown like canyon swinging or paragliding for the complete thrill-seeker’s vacation.
Dubai, UAE
Your skydiving dreams get a luxury twist in Dubai. The city is home to one of the world’s most famous tandem jumps, where you soar high above the Palm Jumeirah or the endless dunes of the Arabian Desert.
SkyDive Dubai boasts state-of-the-art equipment, professional skydiving coaches, and – you guessed it – the finest views money can buy. There’s nothing quite like a leisurely swoop down with the Burj Khalifa looming in the distance.
Interlaken, Switzerland
For anyone who is enamored of postcard-like alpine scenery, Interlaken offers one of the most stunning skydiving experiences on the planet. Take off from a tiny airfield that hugs the lush greenery, and before you can utter “Bravo.” you are soaring above the ridges of the Swiss Alps with stunning views of glacial lakes and picturesque villages stretching out before you.
Local operators, such as Skydive Interlaken, are open year-round, so whether you’re seeing Switzerland blanketed in white snow or summer’s greenery, the scenery will take your breath away (especially mid-freefall).
The best places for bungee jumping
Victoria Falls Bridge, Zambia/Zimbabwe
Straddle two countries while leaping off one of the world’s most famous bridges. Plunging 364 feet into the Zambezi River, this heart-stopping bungee jump offers stunning views of Victoria Falls, a Seven Natural Wonder of the World.
Adrenaline addicts from everywhere in the world descend upon Victoria Falls Bungee because of its reputation for safety, expert guides, and beautiful scenery. It’s an experience where the sound of water splashing down just adds to your screams of excitement.
Macau Tower, China
For urban adventurers, Macau Tower jumping is the world’s tallest commercial bungee jumping site at 764 feet. As you free fall into cityscapes filled with glowing neon lights against Macau’s scenic skyline.
Managed by AJ Hackett, the thrilling experience also offers an alternative to the “Skywalk,” a no-jumping excursion to the outer rim of the tower.
Nevis Highwire, New Zealand
If Queenstown weren’t already the globe’s adventure capital, its Nevis Highwire bungee jump is guaranteed to seal the deal. Suspended 440 feet above rocky Nevis River, the jump combines queasy heights with breathtaking views of glacial-fed waters flowing through the canyon.
Book now with AJ Hackett Bungy New Zealand, and double the fun by pairing the jump with another experience like the Nevis Catapult or the Ledge Swing.
Extremes for the truly adventurous
Sandboarding in Namibia
Forget snowboarding—surf down the dunes in the Namib Desert instead. Head to Swakopmund, where you surf down huge orange sands beneath open African skies. Operators like Alter Action supply all equipment and even offer quad biking as a free bonus.
Mountain Biking in Moab, Utah
If cycling among red rock canyons or avoiding natural sandstone arches is your type of adventure, then Moab needs to be on your agenda. Moab’s Slickrock Trail is extremely popular with experienced mountain cyclists looking for tough terrain and difficult descents. Bicycle rentals and guided tours are easily accessible in town.
Canyoning in Costa Rica
Costa Rica is long familiar to adventurers, and its many canyons are ideal for rappelling. Take a plunge off rumbling waterfalls, swoosh along wet rocks, and journey through heavy tropical rain forests securely harnessed. Outfitters such as Desafío Adventure Company provide a safe and enjoyable canyoning tour.
Important things to consider before you go
While the thrill is undeniable, make sure safety takes precedence before embarking on extreme sports travel. Here are some guidelines:
- Research: Choose highly rated operators with certified instructors. Choose operators that belong to professional associations or regulatory organizations.
- Fitness: Certain extreme sports require a degree of fitness to safeguard your health. Ask the operator ahead of time if you are not sure about physical fitness.
- Insurance: Double-check that your travel insurance covers extreme sports. Not all do, so additional coverage may be required for some activities.
- Prepare mentally: Some activities, like bungee jumping, rely heavily on overcoming mental obstacles. Remember to breathe, have trust in the process, and be present in the moment!
Make the leap – literally!
Extreme sports travel is not for the faint of heart, but it’s something that every adrenaline junkie must experience at least once. Whether you’re skydiving from on high, diving into canyons, or racing down sand dunes, the thrill and exhilaration of conquering these challenges are simply unmatched.
Don’t merely dream about the excitement, own it. Take the trip, pack a bag, and prepare to create memories that will have your heart racing just to recall them. Wherever you end up, the adrenaline rush is certain to be along for the ride.