Skydiving Around The World: An Extreme Adventure

Skydiving is an exhilarating adventure sport that offers a unique bird's-eye view of the earth below. For those seeking to travel the world through skydiving, there are numerous destinations that provide breathtaking landscapes and unforgettable experiences. From the glaciers of New Zealand to the man-made marvels of Dubai, and the ancient pyramids of Egypt to the snow-capped peaks of the Swiss Alps, skydiving enthusiasts can explore a range of diverse locations. With options for both beginners and experienced divers, these sites promise not just a thrilling free fall but also a chance to admire some of the most beautiful panoramas on the planet.

Skydiving over the world's tallest mountains

Skydiving is an exhilarating activity that combines adrenaline and breathtaking views. For those seeking the ultimate thrill, skydiving over the world's tallest mountains is an unmatched experience. Here is a guide to skydiving over some of the world's tallest mountain ranges:

The Himalayas, Nepal

The Himalayas in Nepal are home to some of the world's tallest mountains, including Mount Everest, the highest point on Earth. Skydiving over these majestic peaks offers an unparalleled adrenaline rush. As you free fall past the snow-covered Himalayas, you'll be treated to breathtaking panoramas of the world's tallest mountain. It is an extreme and exhilarating experience that requires rigorous preparation and expertise due to unpredictable weather conditions and high altitudes.

The Alps, Switzerland

Interlaken, located in the heart of the Swiss Alps, is another sought-after destination for skydivers seeking mountain jumps. With views of Italy, France, Germany, and Austria, Interlaken offers a thrilling experience for both beginners and experienced divers. You can marvel at the snow-capped peaks of Jungfrau and the Matterhorn as you plummet through the sky. The dive operations in Interlaken are renowned for their Swiss precision and safety standards.

The Andes, South America

While not mentioned as frequently as other mountain ranges for skydiving, the Andes mountain range stretches across seven South American countries and offers a diverse range of landscapes for skydivers. From the tropical rainforests of Venezuela to the glaciers of Patagonia, the Andes provide a unique backdrop for those seeking a combination of nature and adventure.

The Karakoram, Asia

The Karakoram mountain range, located in the Himalayas, is home to some of the world's tallest mountains, including K2, the second-highest mountain in the world. This range spans across borders, with peaks in India, Pakistan, and China. The Karakoram offers a challenging and technical skydiving experience due to its high altitudes and unpredictable weather conditions.

The Pacific Ring of Fire, Various Locations

For those seeking a truly unique experience, skydiving over the Pacific Ring of Fire can offer a combination of mountain and volcano views. This 40,000-kilometer horseshoe-shaped zone is known for its high volcanic activity and includes popular skydiving destinations such as Hawaii and New Zealand. Whether you're taking in the colored coastlines and palm tree-lined valleys of Hawaii or the glaciers and rugged peaks of New Zealand, the Pacific Ring of Fire provides a diverse range of landscapes for skydivers.

The best drop zones for panoramic views

Skydiving is an exhilarating adventure that allows you to experience breathtaking views of the world from a bird's-eye perspective. Here are some of the best drop zones for panoramic views:

Interlaken, Switzerland:

Interlaken, nestled in the heart of the Alps, offers skydivers breathtaking views of the snow-capped mountains of the Bernese Oberland. You can jump out of a helicopter from 3,600 meters and freefall for 45 seconds at 200 km/h. As your instructor releases the parachute, you'll glide towards the iconic mountain trio of Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau, with the turquoise Brienzersee and Thunersee lakes at your feet. Interlaken is renowned for its smooth and efficient dive operations, ensuring an unforgettable experience.

North Wollongong Beach, Australia:

North Wollongong Beach in Australia provides a unique opportunity to combine skydiving with whale watching. From a height of 1,400 feet, you can spot whales and dolphins frolicking in the deep blue waters off the shoreline of Sydney. The dive centers here offer both tandem and solo jumps, allowing you to land directly on the beach. After your thrilling descent, you can even take a refreshing swim in the ocean.

Snohomish, Washington, United States:

Snohomish, nestled in the picturesque county of the same name, offers a stunning 360-degree panoramic view during your skydive. You'll be treated to the majestic sights of Mt. Rainier and Mt. Baker in the Cascades Mountain Range, along with the lush San Juan Islands. This drop zone is renowned for offering one of the most gorgeous combinations of mountain and sea views in the United States.

Mount Everest, Nepal:

Skydiving over Mount Everest, the world's tallest mountain, is an unparalleled adventure. Jumping out of a plane over the snow-covered Himalayas provides an adrenaline rush like no other. As you freefall past the incredible peaks, you'll be surrounded by breathtaking panoramas of the world's highest mountain range. This extreme experience requires specialized suits due to the freezing temperatures and strong winds.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates:

Dubai is a relatively new addition to the list of leading drop zones, but it has quickly gained popularity by hosting one of the biggest annual international skydive championships. Skydiving in Dubai offers a unique city jump experience, with a mind-blowing view of the Palm Jumeirah, an artificial archipelago in the urban marina. You'll get to see the Persian Gulf and the entire city of Dubai spread out below you. This destination is a favorite among thrill-seekers and tourists seeking extraordinary panoramic views.

Fox Glacier, New Zealand:

New Zealand is renowned for its abundance of extreme sports, and Fox Glacier is a standout location for skydiving enthusiasts. Located on the South Island, this 8-mile-long glacier sits within the remote Westland Tai Poutini National Park. As you freefall, you'll be treated to the wild coastline along the Tasman Sea and the rugged, snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps. Fox Glacier offers a breathtaking natural setting for your skydiving adventure.

Human-made marvels from above

Skydiving is an exhilarating adventure that allows thrill-seekers to experience breathtaking views of the Earth from above. While natural landscapes are undoubtedly awe-inspiring, human-made marvels observed from a bird's-eye view can be equally fascinating. Here are some notable human-made structures and sites that skydivers can admire during their descent:

Palm Jumeirah, Dubai:

Dubai is renowned for its towering architecture and artificial islands. One of the most iconic sites is the Palm Jumeirah, an artificial archipelago shaped like a palm tree, built on reclaimed land in the Persian Gulf. This unique island is a spectacular sight from above, with its fronds and crescent-shaped island surrounding a breathtaking lagoon.

Athens, Greece:

Athens, the ancient Greek city, is home to some of the world's most famous historical monuments. As you soar through the skies, you can catch a glimpse of the Acropolis citadel and the columned temple of Parthenon, reminders of the glory of ancient Greece. The contrast between the ancient structures and the modern city surrounding them is truly remarkable.

Interlaken, Switzerland:

Interlaken, nestled in the heart of the Swiss Alps, offers skydivers a chance to witness the majestic snow-capped peaks of Jungfrau, Matterhorn, Eiger, Mönch, and the beautiful turquoise lakes of Brienzersee and Thunersee. The combination of natural beauty and human settlements creates a breathtaking panorama.

Mount Everest, Nepal:

Mount Everest, the world's tallest mountain, is a breathtaking sight from the sky. As you descend, you can observe the snow-covered Himalayas, including the incredible Mount Everest itself. The sense of adventure and exploration that comes with skydiving over the world's highest mountain is unparalleled.

Pattaya, Thailand:

The Nong Kho Reservoir near Pattaya in Thailand is a hidden gem for skydivers. As you soar above the western coast of Thailand, you'll be treated to a view of lush green fields and a glimpse of the country's natural beauty and rural landscapes. It's an adventure traveler's dream come true.

Skydiving allows adventurers to experience the world from a whole new perspective. These human-made marvels, observed from above, showcase the ingenuity and impact of human civilization on the natural landscape. It's a reminder of the beauty that can be found in both nature and the structures we create.

Natural wonders from the sky

Skydiving is an exhilarating way to experience the world's natural wonders from a whole new perspective. Here are some of the most awe-inspiring natural wonders that you can behold from the sky:

The Grand Canyon, USA

The Grand Canyon in Arizona, USA, is a breathtaking natural wonder, with its vast expanse of colourful geology and dramatic landscapes. Stretching 277 miles long and with a maximum width of 18 miles, this canyon reveals 1.2 billion years of Earth's history through its rock layers. From above, you can admire the intricate patterns and vibrant hues of the canyon, carved out by the mighty Colorado River over billions of years.

Mount Everest, Nepal-China Border

Mount Everest, the highest mountain on Earth, is a formidable challenge for climbers and skydivers alike. Located in the Himalayan mountain range, straddling the Nepal-China Border, Everest stands at an elevation of 8,848 meters (29,029 feet). Skydiving here offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to free fall past the world's tallest mountain, with breathtaking views of the snow-covered Himalayas.

Victoria Falls, Zambia-Zimbabwe Border

Victoria Falls, on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe, is a spectacular natural wonder. Known as the world's largest waterfall, it spans 1,708 meters (5,604 feet) wide and plunges 108 meters (354 feet) downward. During the wet season, the power of the water is awe-inspiring, with 500 million litres flowing over the edge every minute. Skydiving above this mighty waterfall would provide a unique perspective on the power and beauty of nature.

The Great Barrier Reef, Australia

The Great Barrier Reef, off the coast of Queensland, Australia, is a natural wonder that can be appreciated from the sky. This vast coral reef system stretches over 2,300 kilometers and is home to incredible biodiversity, including a multitude of fish, shark, ray, and turtle species. From above, you can witness the vast expanse of this vibrant ecosystem, a colourful underwater world teeming with life.

The Northern Lights, Polar Regions

The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, is a natural light display primarily seen in polar regions such as Norway, Sweden, Finland, Iceland, Greenland, Canada, and Alaska. This phenomenon occurs when particles from the sun collide with the Earth's upper atmosphere, creating vibrant waves of green, blue, and purple lights. Skydiving under the dancing lights of the Aurora would be an unforgettable experience, combining the thrill of free fall with the magic of nature's light show.

Skydiving at these natural wonders offers a unique vantage point, allowing adventurers to take in the majesty of the Earth's beauty from above. It truly is a way to travel the world and experience its wonders from a whole new perspective.

Skydiving for beginners

Skydiving is an exhilarating activity that can be enjoyed by beginners and experienced jumpers alike. If you're thinking of taking the plunge and trying skydiving for the first time, here's a guide to help you prepare for your first jump.

Tandem skydiving is a method of skydiving where a student skydiver is connected to a certified instructor called a tandem master. As a pair, you will jump from a plane, freefall, and then deploy a parachute for landing. This is the most common way to skydive for the first time, as it requires minimal training and allows you to enjoy the experience without having to operate the parachute system.

Benefits of Tandem Skydiving:

• No previous skydiving knowledge is required.
• Minimal training is needed, and you can be ready to jump in as little as 30 minutes.
• The instructor is responsible for operating the parachute, so you can fully enjoy the experience.
• Tandems are the safest way to introduce someone to skydiving.
• You can have your jump filmed and photographed to document the experience.

What to Expect:

Before your jump, you will need to attend a short training session, which will cover what to expect during the jump, including how to exit the aircraft, what to do during freefall, and how to position your body for landing. You will also be fitted with a harness, which will be connected to the tandem parachute system.

On the day of your jump, give yourself plenty of time to arrive early. You will need to check in, fill out paperwork, and complete your pre-jump orientation. During your flight up to altitude, try to relax and enjoy the experience. Take in the views, chat with your fellow jumpers, and prepare for the thrill of a lifetime!

During the jump, your instructor will guide you, but it's important to know the proper body position for freefall and landing. Maintain a belly-to-earth position during the fall to control your speed. When it's time to land, listen carefully to your instructor and be prepared to lift and hold your legs so that they can touch down first.

Tips for Your First Jump:

• Dress appropriately for the skydive. Wear tight-fitting, comfortable clothing, and check the weather forecast beforehand.
• Eat a normal meal a few hours before your jump, and stay hydrated. Avoid alcohol for 24 hours prior.
• Leave valuables at home or locked in your car, and only bring what you need, such as your ID and a hair tie if you have long hair.
• Arrive early to avoid delays and added stress.
• Accept that you will be nervous, and focus on your breathing to calm yourself.

Skydiving is an incredible adventure that can take you to breathtaking locations around the world. Whether you're ticking it off your bucket list or planning to become an experienced skydiver, your first jump will be an unforgettable experience.

Frequently asked questions