Tiare Tuuhia is a freelance writer who divides her time between French Polynesia and Australia. She's written for publications including The Guardian, National Geographic, and RestofWorld.
Tiare Tuuhia is a freelance writer who divides her time between French Polynesia and Australia. She's written for publications including The Guardian, National Geographic, and RestofWorld.
Hi, I'm Tiare!Tiare Tuuhia is a freelance writer who divides her time between French Polynesia and Australia. She's written for publications including The Guardian, National Geographic, and RestofWorld.
Hi, I'm Tiare!Tiare Tuuhia is a freelance writer who divides her time between French Polynesia and Australia. She's written for publications including The Guardian, National Geographic, and RestofWorld.
There’s nothing quite as exhilarating as skydiving, and it’s a true adventure you should have at least once in your life. First-time skydivers can tandem jump with an experienced instructor who takes care of the logistics, the parachute, and safety procedures. Not quite ready to skydive? Start with paragliding instead. Whether you prefer wilderness, desert, city, or ocean scenery, these are the seven most incredible places to skydive around the world.
Freefall for 85 seconds from 20,000 feet (6,096 meters) with New Zealand’s highest skydive over the towering Franz Josef Glacier in Waiau on the South Island. Plus, combine the thrill with one of the most scenic views on Earth—think snow-covered mountain peaks, lush rain forests, icy glaciers, stunning coastline, and azure lakes.
Swanky Dubai does everything bigger and better, and skydivers can really appreciate that from up above. Enjoy views of the notable Palm Jumeirah island, the world’s tallest skyscraper Burj Khalifa, and the expansive desert beyond—before heading off to explore them on the ground. If you're not quite ready for the real thing, Dubai also has one of the world’s biggest indoor skydiving flight chambers, iFly.
Nepal is known for mountain trekking, but why climb mountains when you can fly above them? Skydive in Pokhara, Nepal, for unparalleled views of one of the highest, most rugged mountain ranges in the world: the Himalayas. Spot the pretty Phewa Lake, breathe in the pristine air, and appreciate the tranquility of the region as you sail down by parachute.
The Great Barrier Reef stretches on for 1,600 miles (2,575 kilometers) miles along Australia’s northeast coastline, so big that it can be seen from space. View this incredible natural wonder while jumping from 14,000 feet (22,530 kilometers) and freefalling through the air before parachuting down to Airlie Beach in Queensland for stunning views of the coastline and the Whitsunday Islands.
The Grand Canyon is one of the world’s most spectacular natural sights, home to some of the oldest rocks on the planet. Skydive over the canyon to discover the exhilarating rush that only comes with sitting on the edge of a plane and tipping off the edge for a 35-second freefall above the reddish peaks and valleys. You can also enjoy the views up high without actually jumping out, thanks to a fun helicopter tour of the Grand Canyon.
Related: Know Before You Go: Visiting Grand Canyon in the Winter
Interlaken is Switzerland’s adventure capital, the perfect place to skydive and paraglide over the iconic Swiss Alps. From up high, you can spot some of Switzerlands' most impressive mountains, including Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. Prefer to stay on dry land? Interlaken is the perfect place for skiing or snowboarding.
Skydiving in Swakopmund, Namibia, is a truly unique adventure. The sandy region also offers astonishing views of the oldest desert in the world, the Namib. Gaze in awe over the endless sand dunes that stretch as far as the eye can see, and admire the coastline where the desert meets the Atlantic Ocean. Or, get right down into the sand with adventures including a sandboarding and quad tour.
