Written by: Jeremiah Hill
To say free falling from the sky is a rush is an understatement. Experience the exhilaration and adrenaline rush of skydiving, especially in a beautiful destination with awe-inspiring views. If you’re looking for an overseas adventure to satiate your need for thrills, check out the following skydiving hotspots. Beware though, you may just end up being addicted to that indescribable surge of excitement.
Zion National Park, Utah
Zion National Park in Utah is one of the most striking locations for skydiving, and it’s even more breathtaking from above when falling at terminal velocity. You’ll catch spectacular views in every direction. Skydiving staff will provide expert training for beginners who will learn how to control rolls and turns as well as how to pull their own ripcord. Skydivers can start their free fall at 14,000 feet.
Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Diliff
Taupo, New Zealand
Known as the skydiving capital of the world, this skydiving location is one of the best spots with its aerial views of unsurpassable and unusual terrain. Lake Taupo is close to Singapore in size— so large, some consider it an inland sea. It was formed 2,000 years ago by a major volcanic eruption that was so overwhelming, both Europe and China where darkened by its ash. You’ll also experience warm geothermal currents, which are volcanic by-products of the lake. Traveling to Taupo will be the most challenging part of your sky diving adventure, but worth it.
Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Anynobody
Australia
In Australia, you’ll experience “once-in-a-lifetime views of the ocean, mountains and the edge of the world,” describes the HCCMIS travel blog. Soak in breathtaking views at gorgeous destinations, including Byron Bay, Reef Cairns, Mission Beach, Coff’s Harbor and Sidney City. While jumping in eastern Australia, you’ll take in world-class stunning sights such as the Great Barrier Reef, World Heritage Rainforest and abundant sandy beaches. HCCMIS also recommends “skydiving from fifteen thousand feet above Queenstown,” or climbing Harbour Bridge. Australian sky diving sites are considered to be among the most impressive in the world.
Photo by FLickr user Marlen.w
South Africa
South Africa is a superior international skydiving destination and “just about as far south as you can get without risking an Antarctic jump,” notes Vagabondish.com. In South Africa, free fall from some of our planet’s most scenic and awe-inspiring drop points. At the start of your skydiving experience, why not enjoy a high altitude cruise to take in the scenery? Flights travel over Knysna forest and Plettenberg Bay coastline. Take the plunge, and you’ll experience 35 seconds of epic free falling at a speed of 200 KPH. A South African diving adventure waits for lovers of the outdoors and risk-takers in search of the ultimate skydiving experience. Once the canopy opens, your instructor will glide you down for a safe landing in an actual Garden of Eden.
Photo by Wikimedia Commons user HIlton1949
Hawaii
When you skydive over Hawaii, you’ll free fall over lush vegetation and magnificent volcanic landscape. Because Hawaii is like paradise on earth, free falling into any of the eight islands will be a thrilling fantasy come to reality. At Oahu’s Pacific Skydiving, beginners can start diving at 14,000 feet and enjoy Hawaii’s magnificent scenery from up high without being restricted to lower jumps.
Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Provelt
About the author: Jeremiah has played just about every sport under the sun, even cricket. He went to college on a basketball scholarship and has since found sports medicine to be his true calling. Writing about health and wellness helps him learn about the industry.
Viva South Africa!