Travel Tips

10 of the Best Places to Jump out of a Plane

Locations in this article:  Dubai, United Arab Emirates Honolulu, HI

We talk a lot about what you should know when you fly—like which airlines are the safest, how you should sit to avoid back pain, and which luggage best suits your needs, but what about the best places to jump out of a plane? Skydiving may not be for everyone, but we can all respect a good view. Check out our list of some of the best places to skydive around the world.

Taupo, New Zealand: Skydive Taupo

NZ

Image Credit: Skydive Taupo

There are several things that make this skydiving experience especially unique. For starters, the plane you will be jumping from is custom colored bright pink. That’s just the beginning. You’ll also ride in style to your skydiving adventure in your own personal limousine which will pick you up and transport you from your hotel, free of charge.

Once you actually take the leap—attached to a professional of course—you will be soaring over views of Lake Taupo and New Zealand’s central plateau. Costs range from as low as $249 USD to $598, depending on whether you want to choose your own music during your fall or receive a personally edited DVD at the end.

Dubai: Skydive Dubai

Image credit: Wiki User Dubai Wingsuit Flying Trip

Skydiving in Dubai is a particularly popular place and there is no question as to why with the views you get. The first jump occurred only a few short years ago in 2010 after it received its blessings from The Crown Prince of Dubai With a drop zone that covers 850 feet, views of the luxurious manmade island of The Palm Jumeirah, and the Dubai Marina, skydiving in this locale isn’t likely to disappoint.

Moab, Utah: Skydive Moab

Image credit: Flickr User Katsrcool

Image credit: Flickr User Katsrcool

For something other than water and beaches, try Skydive Moab, where you can peep views of the red rock canyons of Utah. You can use the 30-minute plane ride overlooking the desert terrain to distract you from the 14,500-foot jump that awaits you. Prices start at $225, and for an extra fee you can take home the necessary memorabilia t-shirt that reads “I went skydiving & have a t-shirt to prove it!”

Everest, Nepal: Everest Skydive

Image credit: Everest Skydive

If you’ve got some serious money to blow, and we’re talking about enough to buy a mid-sized sedan, then skydiving in Everest may be the best bet for you. For $14,000, you can jump from a plane over the infamous Himalayas. So far, there have been less than 200 jumps recorded, so it’s unlikely anyone will be able to top your skydive story.

Honolulu, Hawaii: Pacific Skydiving Honolulu

Image credit: Pacific Skydiving Honolulu

Pacific Skydiving Honolulu gives you a bit of aesthetic beauty, history, and even zoology in your jumping experience. From 13,000 feet in the air, experience stunning views of the entire island of Oahu and Pearl Harbor, and you might even see a whale on a clear day. Pacific Skydiving Honolulu offers several packages, one of which includes a 100-second free fall for $999. Are you a student or in the military? Enjoy an extra $15 off.

Kamchatka, Russia: Kamchatka Travel Group

Image credit: Wiki user Jan van der Craben

Russia might not be the first destination that comes to mind when considering skydiving options. However, if you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to free fall over an active volcano then you might want to reconsider. Jumping from a plane in Kamchatka will allow you to do just that. As you fall you can even feel the heat from the volcano. From there, you’ll soar past it and land among the hot springs, where you can take a post-thrill dip to calm your nerves. This one isn’t for the weak-hearted, so you’ll have to have a skydiving license. Call for pricing.

Plettenbergay, South Africa: Skydive Plett

Sure, many companies offer views of the water, but how many offer you the opportunity to actually land on the beach? Skydive Plett specializes in beach skydive landings, so while you might feel like you are going to land straight in the water as you soar over Plettenberg Bay, your instructor will guide you safely toward the sand. As an added bonus, the plane that is used is designed with its own in-flight door so your ascent will be calm, sans wind buffeting in your face.

Byron Bay, Australia: Skydive Byron Bay

Image Credit: Skydive Byron Bay

Looking for an adrenaline rush with panoramic views of world famous beaches? Then look no further than Byron Bay, Australia. This is the only company that offers skydiving in this area of the world. From 14,000 feet you will be able to see the most Eastern point of Australia and the Byron Bay Lighthouse.

Not only will the fall itself provide impeccable views of the coastlines, but the 20-minute plane ride up will as well—that is, if you aren’t too afraid to look out the window. Prices range from $343 USD to $362 where you can receive a four-hour surf lesson in addition to your free fall.

Bled, Slovenia: 3glav Adventures

Image credit: Wikimedia user Martin McBrien

Slovenia’s unique, tranquil beauty makes it one of the most sought-after skydiving destinations in all of Europe. This particular fall is separated from the rest because it provides spectacular views of the famous Lake Bled which surrounds Bled Island. A jump with them will cost around $210.

Namibia, Africa: Ground Rush Adventures/Skydive Swakopmund

Dune_Wall_Namibia_bizcallers

Image Credit: Wiki user BizCallers

Namibia’s drop zone allows you to have your cake and eat it too, offering views of both the desert dunes and the ocean. Soar over the Namib Desert and the Atlantic Ocean with some heavily experienced instructors, who have at least 4,000 jumps under their belts. The office grounds are also conveniently located among various curio shops, restaurants, and markets. A tandem skydive costs about $180.

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By Candice Fox for PeterGreenberg.com