Skydiving is one of the most common bucket list items, and once you consider how many great drop zones there are around the world, your bucket list will continue to grow! It may not be for everyone, but they say that once you get that adrenaline rush, you'll be addicted, so you'll definitely have to check out these top ten places to go skydiving in the world. If you're contemplating jumping for the first time, the beauty of these places will make you want to do it ASAP!
These 10 World Destinations Are Perfect For Skydiving
1. Waialua, U.S.A. with Skydive Hawaii
Considered one of the world's most beautiful drop zones, you can take in the view from either 12,000, 14,000, or 20,000 feet above Hawaii’s North Shore. Tandem skydiving with Skydive Hawaii is the safest way to experience skydiving for the first time. After a few minutes of instruction, you'll sail through the sky at 120 miles per hour enjoying the breathtaking views as you gently descend to earth with your instructor.
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2. Palm Jumeirah, United Arab Emirates with Skydive Dubai
Skydiving with Skydive Dubai over the Palm Drop Zone is so popular that they recommend you make your reservation at least one to two months in advance. Not ready to make the leap? You can experience the thrill and the aerial view of the iconic Palm and Burj Al Arab area in Skydive Dubai's gyrocopter.
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3. Mount Everest, Nepal with Everest Skydive
Take the adventure to beat all adventures by dropping out of a helicopter at 23,000 feet with Mount Everest in the background. You'll free fall to either the Ama Dablam Base camp, which sits 15,000 feet above sea level, or the Syangboche Airport, which sits 12,340 feet above sea level. Tandem jumps start at $20,000 and solo jumps start at $18,000, but both include an 11-day itinerary that includes several days of trekking. It's a bit pricey, but you'll experience all the Himalaya has to offer, deep in the heart of Sherpa country.
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4. Key West, U.S.A. with Skydive Key West
As you float gently down to earth over Key West, you'll take in views of the Florida reefs, Gulf of Mexico, and the Florida Keys, and be sure to keep an eye out for dolphins or tropical birds below. Plus, all the instructors with Skydive Key West are about safety first and calming your pre-jump anxiety. You'll leave feeling so confident that you'll want to jump solo next time!
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5. Livingstone, Zambia with Victoria Falls Adventures
Why wouldn't you want to skydive over Victoria Falls, the largest waterfall in the world? Victoria Falls Adventures only recommends that you bring "some courage," and they'll take care of the rest. What's not to love? Choose to jump from 6,000 feet, 8,000 feet, or 10,000 feet.
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6. Swiss Alps with Skydive Lauterbrunnen
The amazing views at Lauterbrunnen include waterfalls, glacial lakes, and lush green fields surrounded by the snow-capped mountains of the Swiss Alps. It's not only one of the most scenic places in the world do skydive, but it's also one of the few places where you'll reach altitude via a helicopter. On very clear days, you can see the Matterhorn. Did you know that's not just a ride at Disneyland?
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7. Empuriabrava, Spain with Skydive Empuriabrava
Skydive Empuriabrava is set in the unique, natural surroundings of Empuriabrava. This drop zone is located 40 miles northeast of Barcelona between the Mediterranean Sea and the Pyrenees mountain range giving you double the terrain for amazing views.
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8. Australia’s Great Barrier Reef with Skydive Cairns
Everyone wants to scuba dive on Australia's great natural wonder, but what about skydiving? Skydive Cairns will do you one better. You'll not only see the Great Barrier Reef but also the Wet Tropics of Queensland, two UNESCO World Heritage sights!
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9. Pocono Mountains, U.S.A. with Northeast Pennsylvania Skydiving Center
Take a plunge in the Pocono Mountains and get a bird’s eye view of the stunning mountain scenery! You'll free fall from 13,500 feet above the Pocono Mountains with views of the Manhattan Skyline as you float to the ground.
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10. Queenstown, New Zealand with NZONE Skydive
Queenstown is the self-described "Adventure Capital of the World," so it was the obvious place for New Zealand's first tandem skydiving operation. With over 250,000 tandem jumps to-date under their belt, the team over at NZONE Skydive is now one of the most trusted in New Zealand. They'll take you up to 9,000, 12,000 or 15,000 feet where you can survey the Remarkables and Lake Wakatipu.
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This article was written by Lauren Gaw.