It’s the ultimate rush of adrenaline – strapping yourself to a beautiful stranger and skydiving from a perfectly good plane 12,000 ft in the air; an ultimate bucket list item you’re sure to never forget.

There are only a few seconds of initial terror – the moment you realize your body is plummeting towards the ground at around 200 kph. Though everything after that is pure pleasure, and the feeling of weightlessness as you soar above some of the most spectacular scenery in the world is better than any high which exists in substance form on earth.

The following are the best places to skydive around the world, including my personal favorite, Interlaken, Switzerland.

Interlaken, Switzerland

It would appear that Interlaken tops almost every online list counting down the best locations in the world to skydive, and I can personally attest to it’s wonder and awe.

One of the “most scenic drop zones in Europe”, a spectacular panoramic view over the Swiss Alps comes together with the adventure of a life time. Set between two alpine lakes, and with views which stretch across France, Italy, Austria and Germany, thrill seekers enjoy soaring above the snow-capped peaks of Jungfrau and the Matterhorn in the Alps.

This is a thrill with a view you will never forget. Attach yourself to one of the beautiful strangers at Skydive Interlaken, and make sure you pay extra for photos and a video at the end. An expensive souvenir, though one you will never regret.

Skydiving in Interlaken, Switzerland. Pay extra for photos and video. It’s a souvenir you’ll never regret.

Namib Desert, Namibia

Compared to skydiving over the snow-capped mountains of Switzerland, the contrast  to jumping over the Namib desert could not be starker.  Though it’s hard to beat the “eerie beauty of gazing down on an expanse of desert and sand dunes”.

Desert skydiving offers absolutely breathtaking views. “It was a pretty phenomenal setting” says Lindsay Lewis Thomas of The Traveluster.

“The great expanse of the desert and salt flats, Namibia’s massive dunes off in the distance, juxtaposed against the deep blue Atlantic Ocean. Now I want to try sky diving in the mountains!”

“We used Ground Rush Adventures and were very pleased with our experience. They were professional and fun, and we also felt very safe in their care.”

Skydive Namibia. Photo courtesy of The Traveluster.

Queenstown, New Zealand

Queenstown is well known as the adventure capital of the world, and is an absolute must visit for any self-respecting adrenalin junkie. Skydiving is merely one of the many amazing adventure sports on offer here, though is easily the best way to take in some of New Zealand’s most stunning landscapes.

“Our plane kept climbing higher and higher” said Hannah Jahnke of Getting Stamped.

“Before I knew it we were at 12,000 ft and I was out of plane and falling fast! It was an amazing experience and so glad I did it. Looking down over remarkable mountains and stunning lakes – I had the best views of Queenstown anyone could possibly ask for.”

Contact Nzone, New Zealand to organize your Queenstown Skydive.

Skydive Queenstown, New Zealand. Photo Courtesy of Getting Stamped.

Wanaka, New Zealand

Another New Zealand Skydive experience which stands out from the rest, adrenalin junkies enjoy 15-20 minutes of unrivalled and uninterrupted views of Wanaka’s world-renowned mountains and glacial lakes. Free falling above up to six spectacular lakes and mountainous scenery which includes views of Mount Cook, Skydiving in Lake Wanaka is an unforgettable experience with absolutely epic views.

There really is no better way to see what Wanaka has to offer than from the air, and no-one knows this better than Anastasia of Gallivant Girl, pictured below.

Contact Skydive Wanaka for all of your skydiving needs!

Skydiving over Wanaka, New Zealand. Photo credit: Gallivant Girl.

Palm Jurmeirah, Dubai

Host to one of the biggest annual international skydive championships, skydiving in Dubai is a serious sport! A city jump which will see you fly over the Palm Jumeirah, the world famous man made archipelago which sits on the water and even has it’s own private beach, and the views over the island and neighbouring marina are truly mind-blowing.

Take in views of the shimmering Persian Gulf, the world archipelago and a panorama of the spectacular city which is Dubai. Spot international landmarks like the 7-star Burj Al Arab hotel and the Burj Khalifa (tallest building in the world) from the air, and gaze over acres of desert – more sand than you could possibly comprehend.

Skydive Dubai looks forward to your call!

North Wollongong Beach, Sydney, Australia

Looking for high adrenalin amidst spectacular scenery while in Sydney? Why not skydive the beach?!

Sydney’s only beach skydive, this epic NSW adventure offers tandem skydives from Australia’s highest altitude of up to 15,000ft, directly over North Wollongong beach.

“Experience the ultimate thrill of freefall at over 200km/hr for up to an insane 65 seconds, and then float under canopy for 5-7 minutes soaking up the spectacular views of Wollongong and the Southern Sydney beaches.”

Oahu, Hawaii

Think views over the most beautiful paradise on earth – rain-forest, mountains, white sand beaches and crystal clear waters. “Flying above the clouds and falling through the Hawaiian skies at 120mph is an adventure you will always remember and treasure.”

When you jump in Oahu, Hawaii you can practically see the entire island. Diamond Head, Pearl Harbor, Kaena Point, these are all destinations tourists aim not to miss, but few take the unique opportunity to appreciate them from the air.

Contact Skydive Hawaii for more info.

Everest, Nepal

Climbing Everest not for you? Why don’t you take the jump instead?!

Tick off the highest peak in the world by taking a unique skydive from a dizzying height. At 29,500 ft with the landing sites at Syangboche Airport (12340ft) and Ama Dablam Base Camp (15,000ft), this is the highest commercial aerial adventure in the world.

“The adrenaline rush you get from the freefall, the eye-feasting view of the picturesque Sherpa settlement with the back drop of world’s highest peak Mt. Everest, along with other equally petrifying sister peaks, and the whole alpine experience can be a lifetime achievement.”

Though it’s also an achievement to save for the cost – a skydive above Everest will put you back a cool $35,000 for a tandem jump ($25,000 for solo skydivers). Only a very limited number of jumps are offered throughout the year, and reservations need to be made at least 6 months in advance.

Contact Everest Skydive for more FAQ.

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Skydiving in Interlaken, Switzerland.

Skydiving in Queenstown, New Zealand.

Megan is an Australian Journalist who has been travelling and blogging since 2007, with the main aim of inspiring others to embark on their own worldwide adventure. Her husband Mike is an American travel photographer, and together they have made the world their home.

Committed to bringing you the best in adventure travel from all around the globe, there is no mountain too high, and no fete too extreme! They haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on their list.

Follow their journey on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Pinterest and Instagram.

Post inspired by icelolly.com’s Ultimate Bucket List.