I only like outdoor adventure sports that serve as a means of travel. Skydiving is one of those. It’s a great way to get somewhere fast, and a solid skill for anyone who courts the unexpected.
Beyond that, there might be no jauntier thing to do in the outdoors than to skydive into an exotic location. Here are 5 of the best places to skydive in the world.
Wailua, Hawaii
You can Free fall from either 12,000, 14,000 or 20,000 feet above the North Shore of Hawaii with Skydive Hawaii. Imagine shooting at 120 miles per hour through the sky above the island. And of course you can opt for the video/camera package. You know, to impress the folks back home.
Palm Jumeirah, United Arab Emirates
While a lot of American soldiers are jumping in the Middle East these days, a trip to jump above the man-made ornamental jetty at Palm Jumeirah will only add to the mystique of your adventure. Tandem skydives over the Palm Drop Zone are a big draw with Skydive Dubai. This one requires reservations at least a couple months in advance.
Mount Everest, Nepal with Everest Skydive
This one is truly epic. Jumping from a helicopter at 23,000 feet with Mount Everest as your scenery sort of takes the “because it’s there” idea to new and swanky levels. This free fall jump with Everest Skydive takes you either to the Ama Dablam Base Camp, 15,000 feet above sea level, or the Syangboche Airport at 12,340 feet above sea level. But for these jumps, you’ll need some capital. Tandem jumps start at $20,000 and solo jumps start at $18,000. But what’s great is these are more than jumps; it includes an 11 day itinerary with several days of trekking.
Key West, Florida
With this one, you’re jumping just feet from the ominous Bermuda Triangle, while also enjoying views of the Florida reef and Key West. This 10-minute float with Skydive Key West affords aerial views of sea life, and maybe even some nice looking tourists on the beach.
Fryar Drop Zone, Alabama
I had to include this one. It’s the spot in the Alabama forest, just over the border from Georgia, where new paratroopers take their first five jumps. And at only 1,500 feet and with a parachute designed to drop you faster, you’ll get down fast, get to leap from legendary military aircraft, and at the same time get yourself in outstanding shape. That’s because the package not only includes five jumps, but three weeks of training, that includes plenty of push ups, a two-mile run each day, and all the mess hall food you want. You’ll also learn some great songs, and lodging is free.
Featured photo: Skydive Dubai
