Gear up, get on the plane, prepare and jump! From then on, it’s all about the thrill. You feel the rush of adrenaline and you enjoy freedom to the fullest. Yes, this is what sky diving is all about. You can have fun with this adventure sport practically anywhere in the world these days, but which are the top spots? Let’s find out.
1. Interlaken, Switzerland
What could be more picturesque than the Swiss Alps, and the mighty Mount Matterhorn, in particular? Sky diving at Interlaken is a truly memorable experience for both beginners and advanced sky divers. You will love the setting with high snow-capped mountain peaks and the two big lakes tucked between them. Given all this, it is not surprising that Interlaken is the top place to enjoy this adventure sport. After your jump, you can enjoy any of the water sports on offer too.
2. Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, UAE
Yes, this is a city drop zone and this makes it even more alluring. When you jump, you will see one of the most amazing manmade structures on Earth, Palm Jumeirah. The true grandeur of the artificial archipelago in the Persian Gulf can be seen only from the sky. You will see far into the gulf too and catch more than a few glimpses of the other wonders of the Dubai, one of the most spectacular cities on the planet. After your adventure, you can relax on the beach or visit some of the famous local shopping centers.
3. Queenstown, New Zealand
Also known as the Adventure Capital of the World, the small resort town on the South Island really has a lot to offer to passionate and first-time sky divers. It is absolutely amazing to fly in the sky above the gorgeous Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding snow-capped mountain ranges. The view is absolutely breathtaking and you will certainly want to come back for more. Queenstown offers plenty of other adventure and recreational activities from speed boat riding and bungee jumping to wine tours.
4. Victoria Falls, Zambia
Who wouldn’t want to marvel at the largest waterfall in the world from the sky? Victoria Falls is definitely one of the most amazing places for sky diving on the planet for its absolutely unique views. You feel as if it’s just you, the Zambezi River and the mighty waterfall. Needless to say, you will certainly need to be absolutely confident before diving into this brave adventure. You can jump from different heights depending on your preferences, experience and skill level.
5. Grand Canyon USA
Getting a bird’s eye view of this natural wonder is definitely very different from just walking on one of the viewing platforms and taking pictures. You will be able to enjoy the true beauty of Grand Canyon with the uniquely shaped rocks and their colors constantly changing along with the sunlight. The rivers and streams are also more than spectacular when you are looking at them from the sky. This is definitely an experience for the more adventurous, but it is totally worth adding to your treasure chest.
6. Wollongong Beach, Sydney, Australia
There is a lot to see while making the jump so make sure that you are prepared – you wouldn’t want to miss anything going on down below. You will have a unique view of the Sydney coastline which is absolutely impressive with its sandy beaches, rocks and lush green. In the water, you can expect to see pods of dolphins and even whales. This is truly the experience of a lifetime. You would want to remain up in the sky for as long as possible. The landing is also spectacular – Wollongong Beach itself. What could be better than taking a swim after such an adrenaline rush?
7. Mount Everest, Nepal
This is most probably the toughest jump on this list and in general, but there is nothing else that can compare to it. As you are probably guessing, you won’t just fly off, jump and be greeted like a hero on the ground. The whole adventure actually lasts for eleven days and involves trekking among other things. The jump itself is from a helicopter at 23,000 feet with Mount Everest as the backdrop. You can enjoy a free fall to either Ama Dablam Base Camp, which is 15,000 feet above sea level, or the Syangboche Airport, situated 12,340 feet above sea level. In any case, this will be the adventure of a lifetime.
8. Fox Glacier, New Zealand
The country is known for its unspoiled natural beauty so it should not be surprising to find more than one place in it on the list of the top sky diving spots on the planet. Fox Glacier is on the west coast of the South Island and stretches over eight miles. The coastline is truly more than spectacular just like the surrounding snow-capped peaks. You should definitely try this unforgettable adventure. Other sports which you can enjoy in the local area include kayaking and hiking, to name some of the most popular.
9. Waialua, Hawaii, USA
It’s true that Hawaii is best known as a surfing destination, but you should not miss out on the opportunity to enjoy a free fall above the island of Oahu. Waialua, in particular, offers some amazing views of the ocean, the beach and the mountains on the island. You would definitely want to take every second of your sky diving experience recorded. While you are in the air, just relax and enjoy the view below. There is certainly a lot to marvel at.
10. Empuriabrava, Spain
With its central location in the Gulf of Roses, this community is a popular tourist destination boasting with wide sandy beaches and a gorgeous marina. The best way to explore the gulf is not lying on the beach or taking a boat ride, but sky diving. You will marvel at its practically perfect oval shape The blue waters are absolutely tantalizing. One tip to keep in mind is that the most breathtaking views of the gulf are at sunset. What could be more romantic than that?