It’s a great big world out there, and there are so many different ways to experience it. If you’re a skydiver looking to combine your passion with some world travel, or maybe a tourist looking to see the world from a new perspective, there are some truly breathtaking places in the world to skydive to give your adventures a boost. Some of the best places in the world to skydive can be found in Australia and particularly New Zealand.
14 of The Best Places in the World to Skydive
1. Abel Tasman, New Zealand
New Zealand is a skydiver’s dream with a landscape full of delights, and The Abel Tasman National Park has distinguished itself as an international favorite. Abel Tasman offers a wide portfolio of scenes in one tidy package. Look to one side and you’ll catch some of the most gorgeous beaches in the world. In another direction, you can glimpse nearby islands. Make another turn and take in New Zealand’s captivating natural granite cliffs.
Oren Rozen [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons
2. Fox Glacier, New Zealand
Skydiving over Fox Glacier is magnificent for the abundant views of some of New Zealand’s most famous geological features. Mt. Tasman, Aoraki Mt. Cook, and Fox Glacier are just a few of the incredible features visible from this dropzone.
3. Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
When in Dubai, you’d be crazy not to catch a glimpse of the Palm Jumeirah from the skies. In fact, this location is so popular that it’s recommended you make a reservation several weeks in advance.
Dubai Tourism [CC BY 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons
4. Taft, California, U.S.A
Named one of the best dropzones in the United States, Taft, California is quick two-hour drive outside of Los Angeles. Renowned for almost year-round jumping weather, Taft is known for its clear skies, great visibility, and excellent facilities. Be sure to add this stop to your California adventures.
5. Great Ocean Road, Victoria, Australia
Although Australia is known for its plethora of great dropzones, The Great Ocean Road is a frequent favorite. With its rugged coastline, unique rock formations, and incredible landscape, The Great Ocean Road will captivate you all the way to the ground.
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6. Chamundi Hill, India
Widely regarded as the best skydiving spot in India, Chamundi Hill is famous for its lush green landscape and ancient temples perched atop hills. At 140 km from Bangalore, most visitors have rated Chamundi as well worth the trip.
7. Lake Taupo, New Zealand
One of the most popular places to skydive in New Zealand is over Lake Taupo. Not only do you see the largest lake in New Zealand but you can see the surrounding snowtipped mountains as you're freefalling.
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8. Grand Canyon, Arizona, USA
One of the most awe-inspiring sites in the United States, the Grand Canyon is a steep-sided canyon formed by the Colorado River in the state of Arizona. Ranging from 4 miles wide at its narrowest to 18 miles wide, the Grand Canyon is rich with natural geological features unseen anywhere else in the world.
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9. Victoria Falls, Zambia / Zimbabwe
Located on the Zambezi River, Victoria Falls is a majestic landmark on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe. With operations out of Zambezi National Park and Livingstone, Zambia, you’ll have a couple of options for this adventure. However, due to varying water levels, skydiving over the falls is generally restricted to certain times of year. Be sure to call ahead!
10. Mount Everest, Nepal
Embark on an elite adventure and experience the world’s highest mountain from a unique angle. With tandem packages starting at $25,000, you’ll get far more than the typical skydiving experience. Included are five-star accommodations, world-class trek guide, and all the equipment you’ll need for the 11-day adventure. For the casual skydiver, this might be a huge stretch but, for the dedicated, it’s the trip of a lifetime.
Source - Explore Himalaya flickr -
11. Key West, Florida, U.S.A
The United States is known for its open airspace and prolific skydiving opportunities. Skydiving above Key West offers magnificent views of the Florida Keys and the Caribbean Sea. On a clear day, you might even catch a glimpse of the shores of a beautiful neighbor, Cuba.
12. Interlaken, Switzerland
The dropzone at Interlaken is nothing short of breathtaking. Nestled between two alpine lakes, mountains, and a glacier, you can experience the beauty of Switzerland while free falling from a helicopter.
Andrew Bossi [CC BY-SA 2.5], via Wikimedia Commons
13. Mission Beach, Queensland, Australia
Take in the bright waters and colorful wildlife of the Great Barrier Reef, and the enchanting Dunk Island, while soaring over this 14 km long beach. This dropzone will not disappoint.
14. Franz Josef, New Zealand
New Zealand has no shortage of fantastic dropzones, and the Franz Josef Glacier offers a truly unique experience. With the Franz Josef Glacier in rapid retreat, the scenery of this dropzone is constantly changing. So, you could jump there several times and enjoy a whole new experience every time. Additionally, tandem jumps are conducted from 19,000 ft, the highest in the Southern Hemisphere.
Overall, skydiving is not a low-cost activity, and the prices at these dropzones range from fairly reasonable to fairly obscene. But, whichever you pick, you’re sure to get an unforgettable experience with a breathtaking view.
Author: Serving Southern California, Skydive Taft is the proud home of experienced skydiving instructors, modern equipment, and stable weather. After over 20 years in operation, Skydive Taft if one of the most well-established skydiving drop zones in the United States, and often rated as one of the best mid-size drop zones nationwide by Blue Skies Magazine.
