Picture yourself above the clouds, gazing at massive chasms carved into the earth's surface over billions of years. Or imagine floating high above towering skyscrapers as city buses and pedestrians move around like tiny dots. Skydiving is an exhilarating and inspiring experience, and it provides unimaginably fantastic views that few other people get to enjoy. Whether you're conquering your fears, fulfilling a dare, or an experienced skydiver looking for a challenge, you might as well go for the gold. Book a jump over one of these stunning international locations, and enjoy the breathtaking scenery.
Skydivers in Belize don't just get superb views of the coral reefs around the Lighthouse Reef Atoll. They also have the best perspective of the Great Blue Hole, an underwater sinkhole off the coast of Belize. The dark blue water waits like a portal, concealing the entrance to another exotic world. Most people only see this view in photography books, but you'll feast your eyes on this phenomenon from over 13,000 feet in the sky.
Victoria Falls are a sight to behold on their own, but witnessing the power of the world's largest waterfall from a bird's-eye view is an almost spiritual experience. Study this unique natural wonder from above, admiring the cascade as it plummets deep into the earth's crust. The falls are twice the height of Niagara Falls and straddle the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe, so you'll enjoy the unique thrill of floating above two countries.
The Grand Canyon seems like the obvious choice for skydiving, and that's because few other natural wonders justify a skydive quite like the Grand Canyon. It's impossible to tour the massive national park in one go, but skydiving allows you to feast your eyes on the deep chasms and towering canyon walls from a unique vantage. See one of the world's most famous sites in a whole new, breathtaking way.
Skydiving scenery doesn't get any more stunning than the Himalayas and Mount Everest. The world's highest mountain attracts adventurous travelers who push themselves to the extreme — and that's what it takes to skydive here. You'll jump from an altitude of 23,000 feet for unforgettable views of the snow-covered peaks. Prices are steep, too, however, with packages ranging in the tens of thousands of dollars.
Seasoned divers looking for an extraordinary experience should plan to pack their bags for Egypt during an organized event. While jumps aren't possible year-round, several companies offer yearly skydiving events that give experienced and novice jumpers the chance to soar over the great pyramids of Giza. Beginners and those with fewer than 100 jumps can sign up for a tandem jump, but the price is much more affordable for licensed solo jumpers with jump insurance.
Situated in the middle of Australia's red sand outback sits Ayers Rock, the sacred rock formation known to the natives as Uluru. The rock and its famous silhouette are a national icon, and to see it from above is an experience that's hard to top. Book your jump at sunrise or during magic hour for scenery that will take your breath away and some epic photos for your feed.
Imagine skydiving from luxury helicopters over manmade wonders, possibly in the company of famous Hollywood celebrities. That's what you get when you choose the skydive experience in Dubai. A tandem jump from 13,000 feet is a bit pricey, but viewing the impressive Palm Jumeirah island and the city's stunning architecture from this vantage point seems like a worthy endeavor.
In Finland, the summer solstice coincides with Midsummer, a national holiday the Finnish people celebrate all over the country. Skydivers also celebrate Midsummer with the Sunset Boogie in Alavus. Imagine jumping from a plane on a bright night when the sun doesn't set completely. Jumping begins in the evening and continues until the morning hours, providing unbeatable views of the landscapes. Nothing compares to the experience of freefalling while the sun kisses the horizon.
Skydiving in the Florida keys begins with a scenic tour over the turquoise waters. After jumping from the plane, you'll freefall at over 120 miles per hour through the warm tropical air while taking in views of the Middle Keys, coral reefs, Seven Mile Bridge, and the sparkling waters of the Gulf of Mexico. The bird's eye perspective might be the best place to watch for tropical birds or to catch a glimpse of the dolphins playfully cutting through the waves.
Northeastern Spain's Costa Brava is a surprisingly biodiverse region, surrounded by wide beaches and wetland reserves with the Pyrenees mountain range in the distance. This mesmerizing location is a sight to behold from among the clouds, and since it's Europe's highest jump at just over 15,000 feet, you'll have plenty of time to enjoy the view. As you're admiring the crescent-shaped Bay of Roses and the largest residential marina in the world, you'll see why Empuriabrava is a favorite destination for skydivers.
New Zealand's South Island is home to some of the most stunning natural wonders in the world. Glacier Country on the west coast is no exception, and the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers attract numerous adventurous tourists every year. See these majestic rivers of ice and the surrounding alpine mountains from a bird's-eye view by booking a jump over each glacier. Skydiving over Franz Josef is especially thrilling, as you'll leap from the highest altitudes in New Zealand. You'll experience the rush of a lifetime as you jump from 20,000 feet, free-falling for more than one minute.
Like other locations in Europe, skydiving in Portugal is a year-round endeavor. In the southern part of the country, you'll get unbeatable views of the spectacular coastline and the vast Atlantic Ocean. Board a plane and enjoy uninterrupted views of wetlands and the coastline while climbing to 15,000 feet. After up to 70 seconds of free fall through clear blue skies, the whitewashed fishing villages will come into view as you near the drop zone in the sunny town of Alvor.
Jurien Bay is a popular vacation destination, and some say it's one of the most beautiful skydives in Australia. It's certainly an exhilarating way to observe Perth's natural splendor. Jurien Bay has Australia's highest jumps — up to 15,000 feet — perfect for viewing the rolling dunes, Turquoise Coast, and the Pinnacles on the horizon. Find a skydiving company with a beach drop zone for a truly tropical experience.
There's no lack of recommended skydiving locations in Hawai'i; one could argue that the entire chain of islands is the perfect location for a scenic jump. From lush forests erupting in medleys of yellow and green to storybook waterfalls, Hawai'i's bounty of natural beauty makes it a sight to behold. Whichever drop zone you choose, you'll witness grand views of mountains, volcanoes, jagged coastlines, and lush forest. The highest jumps are in Honolulu, and the most affordable prices are in Waialua.
Skydiving in Ephesus, Turkey, is an experience unlike many other destinations in Europe. Ascend thousands of feet above the Aegean coast; the green fields and mountains of Dilek National Park recede from view as you climb to higher altitudes. After jumping, you'll fall for an exhilarating 45 seconds before deploying the parachute. End your journey back to earth with unbelievable views of the ancient city of Ephesus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.