The 10 Most Beautiful Places to Go Skydiving

Aerial view of the Grand Canyon

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For adventure travelers, skydiving can be one of the scariest, yet most exhilarating, and liberating experiences imaginable. After all, jumping out of a perfectly good airplane at high altitude requires serious determination and commitment, not to mention plenty of courage too. If you've been considering taking the plunge yourself, we have some suggestions for some of the most beautiful places on the planet make your leap. These destinations will offer incredible views at every stage of the jump, including that long, slow glorious ride back to the ground. 

01 of 09

Cairns, Australia

Coral reefs of the Great Barrier Reef, Australia seen from the air.
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The Great Barrier Reef is an amazing place to explore, both above and below the water. While many are content to simply dive or snorkel the GBR, one of the best ways to see it is from the air. As you drift back to Earth you'll catch stunning views of pristine beaches, dense rainforests, and the crystal clear waters off Australia's eastern coast. You may even spot some of the reef's larger marine life on the way down too, including sharks, dolphins, and whales. 

Skydive Cairns has been taking thrill seekers on tandem jumps in the area for more than 30 years. If you're looking to make a jump over the GBR, they're an excellent option. 

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02 of 09

Interlaken, Switzerland

Aerial view of Interlaken, Switzerland

TripSavvy / Lauren Breedlove

The Swiss Alps make a dramatic backdrop for any adventurous activity, and skydiving is no exception. The mountain town of Interlaken is well known for its stunning views and lively alpine culture, but it is also a great place to go skydiving. Stepping out of the aircraft at 14,000 feet, you'll be met with views of the surrounding snowcapped peaks that will take your breath away. On the descent you'll get the chance to take in the Swiss countryside and even spot Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, with their deep, ice-blue waters.

Skydive Interlakken even offers helicopter jumps during both the summer and winter months. 

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03 of 09

The Grand Canyon, USA

Skydiving the Grand Canyon
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The Grand Canyon is one of the great wonders of the natural world, luring thousands of travelers on an annual basis. Most come to hike its trails or raft the Colorado River, but a lucky few can fly above the canyon itself thanks to Paragon Skydive. In the past, making a tandem jump over the Grand Canyon wasn't possible, but now Paragon has made it a reality, giving visitors the chance to take in one of the most spectacular views found anywhere on the planet.

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04 of 09

The Andes Mountains, Chile

View of Lake Pehoe and Torres del Paine
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The Andes Mountains are another beautiful destination for skydivers looking for spectacular views during their descent. Skydive Andes offers tandem jumps in a variety of locations across Chile, with South America's most prominent mountain range providing the most jaw dropping sights while in flight. Jumps take place above 13,000 feet, giving adrenaline junkies plenty of time to take in the sights on their way back to Earth. It is an utterly unforgettable sight, even for veteran skydivers who have jumped in numerous other places around the world. 

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05 of 09

Fox Glacier, New Zealand

Fox Glacier seen from a helicopter, Westland NP.
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It should come as no surprise that country that is known for its adventurous activities also happens to be one of the best places in the world to go skydiving as well. The Fox Glacier region of New Zealand's South Island stretches out for more than 8 miles, offering views of the beautiful Southern Alps on one side, and the Tasman Sea on the other. Separating those landmarks are dense rainforests, rocky cliffs, and sandy beaches that are just beckoning to be explored. 

Skydive Fox Glacier has been taking travelers to this area for more than 25 years and are one of the top operators in all of New Zealand. The staff and crew at the company are experts at taking beginner skydivers and wily veterans alike. 

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06 of 09

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Aerial photo of Dubai.
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While still a relatively new sport in Dubai, skydiving has rocketed upward in popularity thanks to the amazing things that can be spotted from above. Not only will travelers be treated to incredible views of the surrounding desert, but they'll also spot ultra-modern buildings, manmade islands, and a pristine coastline on the way down too.

The Palm Drop Zone from Skydive Dubai has become almost legendary as one of the best places to parachute in the entire world, offering a truly unique view of a one-of-kind, sculptured artificial peninsula as you lazily drift back to Earth.  

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07 of 09

Victoria Falls, Zambia and Zimbabwe

Aerial photograph of Victoria falls
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Dubbed "The Smoke that Thunders," Victoria Falls is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the entire world. Stretching for more than kilometer in length and 100 meters in height, it is an impressive sight from the ground or the air. Found along the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, Victoria Falls is a popular destination for adventure travelers visiting southern Africa, but most don't get a chance to see it while falling from high overhead.

Adventurous travelers can can get a unique look at the falls by joining a skydiving trip from Victoria Falls Adventures. The company offers multiple flights on most days, providing an unbelievable perspective on this African landmark. 

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08 of 09

Empuriabrava, Spain

Residential marina of Empuriabrava, Castello d'Empuries, Gulf of Roses, Alt Emporda, Province of Girona, Costa Brava, Catalonia, Spain
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One of the top skydiving destinations in all of Europe, Empuriabrava, Spain offers views of both the Mediterranean Sea and the Pyrenees Mountains during the descent. The drops take place over one of the largest marinas in the entire world as well, ensuring fantastic memories from a truly beautiful part of the world.

There are a number of highly qualified and very experienced skydiving companies operating in the region, with Skydive Empuriabrava ranking amongst the best. 

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09 of 09

Mt. Everest, Nepal

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Few jumps can offer a more stunning view than the ones provided by Everest Skydive. The trained professionals that make up the company's staff will take adventurous souls up to 23,000 feet – still well below the summit of Mt. Everest itself – for an epic adventure unlike any other. The Himalaya spread out in all directions below you as you float through the air, with the tallest mountain on the planet as your backdrop. It is an intense and exciting way to visit Nepal and see it in a way that few other people ever get the chance to experience.