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It’s the ultimate rush of adrenaline – strapping yourself to a beautiful stranger and skydiving from a perfectly good plane 12,000 ft in the air; an ultimate bucket list item you’re sure to never forget.

There are only a few seconds of initial terror – the moment you realize your body is plummeting towards the ground at around 200 kph. Though everything after that is pure pleasure, and the feeling of weightlessness as you soar above some of the most spectacular scenery in the world is better than any high which exists in substance form on earth.

The following are the best places to skydive around the world, including my personal favorite, Interlaken, Switzerland.

Interlaken, Switzerland

It would appear that Interlaken tops almost every online list counting down the best locations in the world to skydive, and I can personally attest to it’s wonder and awe.

One of the “most scenic drop zones in Europe”, a spectacular panoramic view over the Swiss Alps comes together with the adventure of a life time. Set between two alpine lakes, and with views which stretch across France, Italy, Austria and Germany, thrill seekers enjoy soaring above the snow-capped peaks of Jungfrau and the Matterhorn in the Alps.

This is a thrill with a view you will never forget. Attach yourself to one of the beautiful strangers at Skydive Interlaken, and make sure you pay extra for photos and a video at the end. An expensive souvenir, though one you will never regret.

Skydiving in Interlaken, Switzerland. Pay extra for photos and video. It’s a souvenir you’ll never regret.

Namib Desert, Namibia

Compared to skydiving over the snow-capped mountains of Switzerland, the contrast  to jumping over the Namib desert could not be starker.  Though it’s hard to beat the “eerie beauty of gazing down on an expanse of desert and sand dunes”.

Desert skydiving offers absolutely breathtaking views. “It was a pretty phenomenal setting” says Lindsay Lewis Thomas of The Traveluster.

“The great expanse of the desert and salt flats, Namibia’s massive dunes off in the distance, juxtaposed against the deep blue Atlantic Ocean. Now I want to try sky diving in the mountains!”

“We used Ground Rush Adventures and were very pleased with our experience. They were professional and fun, and we also felt very safe in their care.”

Skydive Namibia

Skydive Namibia. Photo courtesy of The Traveluster.

Queenstown, New Zealand

Queenstown is well known as the adventure capital of the world, and is an absolute must visit for any self-respecting adrenalin junkie. Skydiving is merely one of the many amazing adventure sports on offer here, though is easily the best way to take in some of New Zealand’s most stunning landscapes.

“Our plane kept climbing higher and higher” said Hannah Jahnke of Getting Stamped.

“Before I knew it we were at 12,000 ft and I was out of plane and falling fast! It was an amazing experience and so glad I did it. Looking down over remarkable mountains and stunning lakes – I had the best views of Queenstown anyone could possibly ask for.”

Contact Nzone, New Zealand to organize your Queenstown Skydive.

Skydive New Zealand

Skydive Queenstown, New Zealand. Photo Courtesy of Getting Stamped.

Wanaka, New Zealand

Another New Zealand Skydive experience which stands out from the rest, adrenalin junkies enjoy 15-20 minutes of unrivalled and uninterrupted views of Wanaka’s world-renowned mountains and glacial lakes. Free falling above up to six spectacular lakes and mountainous scenery which includes views of Mount Cook, Skydiving in Lake Wanaka is an unforgettable experience with absolutely epic views.

There really is no better way to see what Wanaka has to offer than from the air, and no-one knows this better than Anastasia of Gallivant Girl, pictured below.

Contact Skydive Wanaka for all of your skydiving needs!

Skydive-Wanaka

Skydiving over Wanaka, New Zealand. Photo credit: Gallivant Girl.

Palm Jurmeirah, Dubai

Host to one of the biggest annual international skydive championships, skydiving in Dubai is a serious sport! A city jump which will see you fly over the Palm Jumeirah, the world famous man made archipelago which sits on the water and even has it’s own private beach, and the views over the island and neighbouring marina are truly mind-blowing.

Take in views of the shimmering Persian Gulf, the world archipelago and a panorama of the spectacular city which is Dubai. Spot international landmarks like the 7-star Burj Al Arab hotel and the Burj Khalifa (tallest building in the world) from the air, and gaze over acres of desert – more sand than you could possibly comprehend.

Skydive Dubai looks forward to your call!

North Wollongong Beach, Sydney, Australia

Looking for high adrenalin amidst spectacular scenery while in Sydney? Why not skydive the beach?!

Sydney’s only beach skydive, this epic NSW adventure offers tandem skydives from Australia’s highest altitude of up to 15,000ft, directly over North Wollongong beach.

“Experience the ultimate thrill of freefall at over 200km/hr for up to an insane 65 seconds, and then float under canopy for 5-7 minutes soaking up the spectacular views of Wollongong and the Southern Sydney beaches.”

Wollongong Skydive Review

Oahu, Hawaii

Think views over the most beautiful paradise on earth – rain-forest, mountains, white sand beaches and crystal clear waters. “Flying above the clouds and falling through the Hawaiian skies at 120mph is an adventure you will always remember and treasure.”

When you jump in Oahu, Hawaii you can practically see the entire island. Diamond Head, Pearl Harbor, Kaena Point, these are all destinations tourists aim not to miss, but few take the unique opportunity to appreciate them from the air.

Contact Skydive Hawaii for more info.

Everest, Nepal

Climbing Everest not for you? Why don’t you take the jump instead?!

Tick off the highest peak in the world by taking a unique skydive from a dizzying height. At 29,500 ft with the landing sites at Syangboche Airport (12340ft) and Ama Dablam Base Camp (15,000ft), this is the highest commercial aerial adventure in the world.

“The adrenaline rush you get from the freefall, the eye-feasting view of the picturesque Sherpa settlement with the back drop of world’s highest peak Mt. Everest, along with other equally petrifying sister peaks, and the whole alpine experience can be a lifetime achievement.”

Though it’s also an achievement to save for the cost – a skydive above Everest will put you back a cool $35,000 for a tandem jump ($25,000 for solo skydivers). Only a very limited number of jumps are offered throughout the year, and reservations need to be made at least 6 months in advance.

Contact Everest Skydive for more FAQ.

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Megan is an Australian Journalist who has been travelling and blogging since 2007, with the main aim of inspiring others to embark on their own worldwide adventure. Her husband Mike is an American travel photographer, and together they have made the world their home.

Committed to bringing you the best in adventure travel from all around the globe, there is no mountain too high, and no fete too extreme! They haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on their list.

Follow their journey on Facebook, TwitterYouTube, Pinterest and Instagram.

Post inspired by icelolly.com’s Ultimate Bucket List.

    43 Comments

  1. Awesome post Meg! Now I seriously need to go skydiving, Ive been dying to but I have this irrational fear that Im going to have a heart attack mid-drop, am I the only one?

    • Glad you enjoyed it Alejandra! I promise you won’t have a heart attack mid-drop … there may be a hell of a lot of swearing, though that’ll just get carried away with the wind lol :D

      By that same token I promise you’re not the only one with irrational fears – I was absolutely terrified when I did mine originally, but it was the MOST exhilarating feeling I’ve ever experienced and as soon as I landed I wanted to do it all over again!

  2. I am afraid of airplanes and flying so this would be quite a challenge. I already walked around the outside of the CN Tower and I nearly gave my father a heart attack. I’m not sure he could handle me going sky diving.

    • I was so inspired reading your account of the CN Tower experience – though if it helps your fathers heart, at least with Skydiving you’re strapped onto a professional who does skydiving for a living every day, so that’s usually something which helps calm the safety nerves :D

  3. Whoa!! the Switzerland one looks like the best for me — I’d probably be so astounded by the scenery to distract from the fear haha! I would rather jump from the skies of Nepal than climb mount Everest ;)

    • Switzerland truly was just mindblowingly amazing!! Though I don’t give the scenery that much credit that it distracted me completely from my fear lol as beautiful as it was :D I think in the video of my dive you can make out the words which are coming out of my mouth as I fall out of the plane – lucky for my grandmothers ears the sound was carried off with the wind :D

  4. I did Skydive the Beach in August 2009. What a rush it was! I can’t wait to do it again somewhere else! Though, I’m afraid the Everest one is a little out of my price range!

    • Everest is a little too far out of our price range as well :D Though maybe one day if we ever win the lottery we’ll shout a trip there for a bunch of readers :D

    • Cool. I can handle that! :)

  5. Skydiving Everest looks amazing! I’m hoping to do it in Namibia this summer, didn’t have time there last year…Thanks for including me :-)

    • Doesn’t it!! Can you imagine how amazing that would be – and not many people in the world can say they’ve done that jump!! Glad to include you – you make a great cover girl!

  6. This is pure awesomeness. You’re are my new hero. Definitely motivating to do this, and stop just talking about it…

    • Glad you enjoyed the round-up Steven! Absolutely – get out there and make it happen!

  7. Turning 30 this year – I’m getting married the week before and that should be a life experience in itself, but I really want to jump out of a plane!!

    • Congrats!! Book one in for the honeymoon!!

  8. Meg, you should add my favorite skydiving spot – Fiji islands!

    • Oooh Fiji I expect would be amazing, thanks for the heads up!

  9. Ohhhh wowwwww…I definetily need to show this to my husband….Its my dream to do sky diving but again he is having heights fear and he is not allowing me to go for….A big thank you for sharing this….

    Happy sky diving!!

    • Tell him he can wait for you at the bottom and you’ll be back safe and sound within 10 minutes :D!!

      I had a fear of heights when i did my skydive too, and you wouldn’t believe how sweaty my palms became!! But the instructors are all professionals who make you feel very much at ease, and who do this every day as their living, so it’s very safe, and it’s the most thrilling experience of your life.

      Only way to get over a fear of heights is to tackle it head on :D

  10. Oooooh Everest would be a dream come true but until I have $35,000 (WHAT!?) NZ or Hawaii would do just fine!

    • I know!! When we win the lottery we’ll shout a large trip and everyone is invited :D!

  11. Amazing pictures and really love it! Shared the pictures across my Google+ and Pinterest travel group boards. I definetely want to try it some day.

    • Thanks for the share Sunish – so glad you enjoyed the post! I hope you have the opportunity to make a jump one day, it truly is one of the most exhilarating experiences ever – well worth the expense!

  12. This makes me want to skydive! I think Dubai would make me feel more comfortable seeing the resorts below me. Love this.

    • I hope you do!! It’s seriously one of the most amazing activities!! Best feeling in the world!!

  13. vohhhhhh..Amazing….Life time experience.

    • Glad you enjoyed the post Howard!! Hope you can book in for a skydive sometime soon! Really is a once in a lifetime experience :)

  14. I love the Skydiving sport. I worked with this unit in Oman Army, but we named that – “Freefall”

    • Wow I imagine it would have been amazing to work with the Army unit!! Freefall is a fitting name also! Hope you manage some commercial jumps as well! :)

  15. nice trip, but still scarlly

    • Definitely scary! But so worthwhile at the same time :)

  16. Very cool! I’m happy that you are having fun while doing something to bring about peace between people. God bless.
    Sylvie

    • Glad you enjoyed the post Sylvie :) Have a great weekend!

  17. I have skydived in three different places and they have all been amazing!

    Queenstown, Taupo and Byron Bay – need to plan my next jump soon!!!

    • So glad to hear that Maria! That’s a pretty amazing line up of jumps you’ve achieved! Share photos of your next jump! Happy travels :)

  18. I haven’t been sky diving yet but these look like some beautiful places! If I’m ever brave enough, I’ll know where to go!

    • I hope you have the chance to go Skydiving soon Alyssa! It’s such a phenomenal experience, I promise you’ll absolutely love it!!

      I think everyone is a little scared at first, I don’t think we would be human if we weren’t! Though I just kept in mind that people do this every day and you’re in the hands of world class experts when you do jump. So it’s totally safe :)

      Happy travels!

  19. These venues look amazing. I wish I could go to those places (I’ve jumped too many times to even count -well I have a log book, but not with me right now. lol). I have skydived in France and Scotland, but the view wasn’t as amazing as those. It would definitely be worthwhile exploring (telling my hubby right now, as he’s also a fan of the sport). :)

    • So you’re a fellow adrenaline junkie :D Welcome!! France and Scotland would have still been amazing though, I loved the scenery in Scotland, so rugged and wild, I bet it was stunning!

      Maybe we’ll bump into each other as we’re both making our way through this bucket-list! Happy travels X

  20. I have done skydiving at queenstown in New Zealand and it was the best experience of my life

    • Such a great place to Skydive! So glad you enjoyed the experience Mansi :)

  21. I think New Zealand is the best place to skydive.
    My favorite jump was actually with Skydive Taupo: the BEST views, and nicest staff. They collect you in a limousine. Pretty awesome!

    • Thanks for the tip on Skydive Taupo Lucci – we’re located in Australia at the moment, so hoping for a trip over to NZ soon. The whole experience sounds incredible – a limousine? Wow! Sign me up :D!

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