25 Most Stunning Places to Skydive in the World
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There’s thrill-seeking, and then there’s thrill-seeking. Skydiving certainly falls in the latter category and is not for the faint of heart. While some believe that jumping out of an airplane is the last thing any rational human should be doing, others who have taken the plunge say it’s a life-altering, transcendental experience.
Ready to start planning your own once-in-a-lifetime, thrill-seeking adventure? Here, we’ve rounded up some of the best places in the world that will make your skydiving experience unforgettable.
From the world’s highest drop zones to skydiving experiences with unmatched views and unique perspectives on popular tourist destinations, these skydiving locations will — quite literally — take your breath away.
The Florida Space Coast, United States
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Best skydiving company: Skydive Space Center
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The Experience
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Located just one hour from Orlando, Florida’s Space Coast is home to NASA Kennedy Space Center. The local skydiving center has been granted permission from NASA to fly directly over the Shuttle Launch Pads, the Main Assembly Building and the Shuttle Landing Runway on the way to altitude.
This provides skydivers an aerial tour of the Space Center on their 18,000-foot jumps, which is considered to be one of the world’s highest jumps.
Youngstown, New York, United States
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Best skydiving company: Skydive The Falls
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The Experience
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Operating tandem skydiving over the scenic farmlands and winelands of Niagara County, Skydive The Falls delivers the ultimate rush of adrenaline for thrill-seekers.
During the ride to altitude, thrill-seekers will witness breathtaking views of Niagara Falls and other landmarks before making it to the dropzone — where the parachute ride and free fall will offer unmatched views as well.
Fox Glacier, New Zealand
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Best skydiving company: Skydive Franz
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The Experience
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Planning a trip to New Zealand? Here’s your chance to experience some of the most stunning views on Earth — from above.
Fox Glacier offers beyond beautiful landscapes that range from snow-peaked mountains to lush green landscapes and is rated just second to Mount Everest when it comes to the most tranquil locations to free fall.
The Experience
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North Wollongong Beach in Sydney is a wonderful spot for both seasoned and first-time skydivers.
Not only is the scenic flight to the drop zone gorgeous, but there’s also just something about being over a large body of water that is known to help calm down and relax nervous jumpers.
The Experience
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Hawaii is a beautiful option for thrill-seekers looking for a lush location close to home. In fact, Oahu, in particular, offers a beautiful route that combines ocean and mountain views for an unparalleled jump.
While the dropzone is only about 12,000 feet, when you’re that high up, a few thousand feet doesn’t really make that much of a difference.
Interlaken, Switzerland
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Best skydiving company: Skydive Interlaken
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The Experience
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Switzerland might not be the first place that comes to mind when brainstorming potential skydiving destinations, but trust us when we say that Interlaken should be on your list.
The Alpine destination offers views of the snowy Alps and turquoise blue below. And when you’re done you can always go for a bit of chocolate and beer as a reward!
Pattaya, Thailand
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Best skydiving company: Thai Sky Adventures
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The Experience
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From unspoiled beaches to unparalleled culinary offerings, Thailand is a very popular tourist destination for a reason. But as it turns out, it’s also a huge skydiving spot.
If you want to experience lush views and free falling at an affordable price point, be sure to visit the city of Pattaya on the eastern Gulf Coast.
Palm Jumeirah, Dubai
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Best skydiving company: Skydive Dubai
Follow them: on Instagram
The Experience
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Considered to be one of the most beautiful and architecturally interesting spots in all of Dubai, it should come as no surprise that the skydiving in Palm Jumeirah has earned international recognition as one of the most coveted free-falling locations in the world.
Expect crystal clear turquoise water and unique views of the city below.
The Experience
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While many thrill-seekers search for mountain ranges or waterways, the Namib Desert in Namibia offers something completely different: sand dunes as far as the eye can see.
While it’s a totally different experience from most locations on our list, it’s an equally beautiful experience and might actually make first-timers feel more comfortable due to the wide-open spaces.
Mount Everest, Nepal
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Best skydiving company: Everest Skydive Nepal
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The Experience
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No list of skydiving destinations would be complete without mention of Mount Everest. The internationally renowned location is a hot spot for fitness enthusiasts hoping to work their way to the top — but that’s not the only way to catch a glimpse of the famous mountain.
It has become a popular skydiving destination for thrill-seekers hoping to admire the mountain range on the way down.
Queenstown, New Zealand
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Best skydiving company: NZONE Skydive Queenstown
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The Experience
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New Zealand is a popular spot for skydiving — and Queenstown is just another example of a jaw-dropping landscape from which to drop.
There are myriad different companies currently offering trips over the seaside town that range from tandem jumps to free fall, but NZONE is certainly one of the best.
Bled, Slovenia
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Best skydiving company: 3glav Adventures
Follow them: on Facebook
The Experience
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Catering to both tandem and free falling, the city of Bled in Slovenia is a surprisingly popular spot for both amateur and professional skydivers.
In fact, certain companies actually offer professional certification should you be interested in taking your thrill-seeking hobby to the next level while visiting the Balkans.
Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
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Best skydiving company: Parachutisme Atmosphair
Follow them: on Facebook
The Experience
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Looking to take a break from all the wine, cheese and poutine you’ve been indulging in while visiting Quebec City?
The mostly French-speaking city offers a surprising range of skydiving experiences that allow guests to experience unmatched views of the Montmorency Falls and the famous Fairmont Chateau Frontenac.
The Experience
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Cape Town might be known for its delicious wine and nightlife, but this coastal South African city is also known for its natural splendor, including mountain ranges, beaches and forests.
As such, it has become a popular skydiving destination for those looking for a serene spot to free fall.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Best skydiving company: Skydive Rio Paraquedismo
Follow them: on Facebook
The Experience
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Experienced skydivers will be happy to note that Rio de Janeiro is known for its accelerated free-fall experiences — something that is relatively uncommon and certainly not for the faint of heart.
Whether you find yourself on vacation in Brazil or you’re heading there specifically for the skydiving experience, you’re in for an unforgettable — and adrenaline-pumping — experience.
San Diego, California, United States
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Best skydiving company: Skydive San Diego
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The Experience
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Looking for something a little more local to the States? The West Coast offers incredible skydiving experiences aplenty, and California is no exception.
San Diego, in particular, is a great stateside option, featuring heart-racing views of the Pacific Ocean on the race to the bottom.
Paris, France
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Best skydiving company: 321chutelibre
Follow them: online
The Experience
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Skydiving in Paris? Mais oui, bien sûr! While you’re not exactly jumping from the Eiffel Tower, the free fall or tandem experience is available just outside of the city.
And if you look close enough on the way down, you might be able to catch a glimpse of some of the city’s famous monuments.
Fano, Italy
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Best skydiving company: Skydive Fano
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The Experience
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While you’re in Europe, you might as well pay a visit to the region of Marche in Italy.
One of just 20 regions with white-pebble beaches and cliff-backed bays along the Adriatic Sea coastline, this Italian skydiving experience has been internationally recognized for its beyond-gorgeous coastal views.
The Grand Canyon, Arizona, United States
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Best skydiving company: Paragon Skydive
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The Experience
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Americans really don’t have to travel all that far to find world-renowned skydiving destinations. In fact, the Grand Canyon is a bucket-list dropzone for skydiving enthusiasts all over the world.
The freefall and canopy ride over the natural monument are unmatched — and no, you don’t have to worry about climbing out of the canyon at the end of your experience. You’ll actually land a ways away from the natural wonder.
Denarau Island, Fiji
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Best skydiving company: Skydive Fiji
Follow them: online
The Experience
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Heading to Fiji in the near future? If you’ve had skydiving on your bucket list for longer than you can remember, this is a great time to finally check it off.
Unlike most skydiving drop zones, Denarau Island actually allows you to island dive — meaning you literally canopy over the sea until you’re about to land.
Snohomish, Washington, United States
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Best skydiving company: Skydive Snohomish
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The Experience
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While Washington might not be the first destination that comes to mind when brainstorming skydiving locations, Snohomish is well worth a look if you’re keen to experience the thrill of the jump in the Pacific Northwest.
Located just 20 miles from Seattle, this drop zone features picturesque forest and river views on the way down.
The Experience
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Yet another stateside option for thrill-seekers, Moab offers unmatched views of red-rock monoliths, desert plateaus and canyons while free falling or tandem jumping at over 120 miles per hour.
Whistler, British Columbia, Canada
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Best skydiving company: Whistler Skydiving
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The Experience
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The Canadian Rockies are world renowned for their breathtaking snow-peaked mountains and turquoise waters — so it only makes sense that thrill-seekers would flock to such a natural playground.
The soft descend will carve through the sky for more than five minutes, allowing you to take in the natural splendor before touching down.
Riviere du Rempart, Mauritius
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Best skydiving company: Skydive Mauritius
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The Experience
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While skydiving in Mauritius is still quite underrated, the gorgeous turquoise waters and clear skies make it one of the most naturally stunning spots on the list.
The once-in-a-lifetime experience is rather drawn out compared to other locations and actually spends some time in the air before jumping out to allow thrill-seekers to take in the panoramic views from the plane.
Palau, Micronesia
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Best skydiving company: Skydive Palau
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The Experience
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Between the thrill of the fall and the unmatched aerial views of Palau, skydiving in Micronesia will turn first-time skydivers into thrill-seeking junkies for life.
The island-jump experience takes skydivers up to 14,000, allowing for a smooth free fall over the turquoise waters and islands below. Note that Palau also accommodates “fun jumpers” — experienced skydivers who prefer to jump on their own (without a guide).