Mar 24, 2017 BY Luke Rees
Overcoming deeply ingrained fears to leap from a platform attached to a giant elastic band, is one of the purest thrills imaginable. But not all bungee jumps are equal, some are higher, offer better views or are unique. To help you decide where to leap, we’ve put together 13 of the best bungee jumping destinations worldwide.
As a veteran of ‘ahem’ four bungee jumps, it’s both the most terrifying and instantly thrilling activity I’ve experienced. I have tried most extreme activities, having a go at everything from skydiving to scuba diving, hang gliding to ziplining, and motorsports to rafting.
Where bungee jumping differs, is overcoming human nature and our inbuilt fear of falling from high places, to plummet towards the earth before bouncing back again. Jumping out of a plane is similar, but I found you are so far from the ground it’s a less immediate fear – although I imagine base jumping is probably more of a thrill.
The first permanent commercial bungee jumping platform, was set up by AJ Hackett at Kawarau Bridge in Queenstown, New Zealand in the late 1980’s – You can still bungee jump here now. Feats such as AJ’s Eiffel Tower jump catapulted bungee into mainstream awareness as an extreme activity that anyone can take part in.
The fixed-platform jumps now have plenty of variations, you can leap from bridges, dams, towers and cable cars. But bungee jumping is not only restricted to launching yourself from fixed platforms, you can even bungee from hot air balloons or helicopters.
If you have experienced bungee jumping and are already thinking about where to do your your next jump. Or you would love to have a go and want it to be spectacular. Then check out below, what we feel are 13 of the best bungee jumping destinations worldwide.
Set between two hills and suspended on steel cables, the jump pod can only be reached by cable car. The drop looks much further than 134m (440ft) when viewed through the car’s glass floor, because although the canyon is wide at its top it narrows dramatically making it one of the best bungee jumping destinations worldwide.
You have plenty of time to enjoy the scenery as a cable car load of you spend time in the jump pod together, helping each other overcome fear when it is your turn. There is no access at the bottom you are winched back up to the pod making it pretty unique.
Although you jump head first and are tied to the bungee cord by the ankles, you can pull on a rope to release you feet to dangle the right way up. This helps as you are pulled back up to the jump pod, but also adds an extra element of excitement particularly if you pull it while still bouncing.
A tropical rainforest with lush green vegetation as far as the eye can see, this is one of the most beautiful bungee locations. The bridge is 81m (265ft) high and has been closed to traffic for many years.
As you stand at the edge of the bridge, heart-in-mouth, waiting to jump, you get to really appreciate the majestic nature of the rainforest. The site is a real must for adrenalin lovers, as once you have completed your jump you can try also rock climbing as well as paragliding.
The dam is 220m (721ft) high with the huge Lake Vogorno as its backdrop. Since James Bond was filmed jumping here for the film ‘Golden Eye’, this has become one of the best bungee jumping destinations worldwide.
Now you too can be an undercover agent – if just for a few seconds. Courage and determination are needed for this one, as well as real faith in the equipment that keeps you away from the edge of the dam.
At 321m (1053ft) above the Arkansas River this is regarded as one of the highest suspension bridge in the world. Bungee jumping from the bridge took place during the Go Fast Games once a year until 2009. The games no longer run, but hopefully the bungee jump will be revived.
Adding to the dizzying effects of the height is the walk across the wooden boards to the jump site; looking straight down through the gaps you can see the river below. Take in the majestic view of the canyon walls, the distant river and the trains passing below before leaping into space. Probably the best bungee jump that is no more….
Bloukrans Bridge is a single-span arch in the Western Cape above the Bloukrans River. As part of the Tsitsikamma national park it guarantees fantastic views. You can walk under the road to the top of the arch or use the Flying Fox, a zip wire, which will deliver you at speed to the jump site.
After the countdown the jump of 216m (710ft) is smooth, as it utilises pendulum technology. After conquering your fear of heights, perhaps enjoy the rest of the Garden Route from the water in canoes, or take a walk into the mountains.
Located at a the World Water Park in the West Edmonton shopping mall and at 32m (106ft) above the wave machine. This is the highest indoor bungee, making it one of the best bungee jumping destinations worldwide.
You can select a full or ankle harness and can also opt for a full body dip in the pool. With shoppers stopping to look through huge glass windows and swimmers in the neighbouring pools, this is one of the most intimidating bungee audiences.
Imagine the fear moments before a jump, now imagine taking a running jump – only available at The Ledge in Queenstown. A runway leads to the edge, allowing jumpers to run, then leap out into the sky above the town 400m (1312ft) below.
Although the jump is only 47m the town is far below making it feel a lot higher as you are perched on the side of the mountain overlooking the town. You can even jump at night with Queenstown’s lights twinkling below, and freestyle jump with a waist harness making this one of the best bungee jumping destinations worldwide.
At 439m the skybridge in Sochi is the longest suspension footbridge in the world. AJ Hackett offers bungee jumping from the middle of this span. You fall 207m into the beautiful Mzymta Akhshtyr Valley with views towards the Black Sea coast.
A steel suspension bridge connects two sides of a valley through which the Bhote Kosi River races. Here, freefalling for 160m (524ft) the exhilarating experience is made more intense by the view across the Himalayas. To keep the adrenalin pumping, why not follow up your jump by rafting its white-water rapids.
On the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia, Victoria Falls stretches more than a mile (1.6km) and is one of the most spectacular sights on earth. The bridge is roughly 152m (500ft) above the Zambezi River and commands an awe-inspiring view.
Plummeting towards the fast-flowing water, you soon appreciate the expertise of the safety crew and their equipment. A crew member retrieves you after the jump, then you are winched back up – all the while probably asking for another go.
Not for the faint hearted, this jump involves leaping from a helicopter into an active volcano. The jump itself is about 106m (350ft) from the helicopter to the furthest reach of the cord.
Be prepared to feel the heat, as you come within 200m (700ft) of molten lava. The excitement doesn’t end there: You then dangle from the cord beneath the helicopter as it returns to base, over 35 miles away. Jump and ride.
Located at a the World Water Park in the West Edmonton shopping mall and at 32m (106ft) above the wave machine. This is the highest indoor bungee, making it one of the best bungee jumping destinations worldwide.
You can select a full or ankle harness and can also opt for a full body dip in the pool. With shoppers stopping to look through huge glass windows and swimmers in the neighbouring pools, this is one of the most intimidating bungee audiences.
Another AJ Hackett jump, at 233m Macau tower is the highest commercial bungee jump available. It uses second generation bungee cord and a cable guide to avoid hitting the tower and bring you to within 30m of the ground.
Although there are stunning places the world over to jump, the best bungee jumping destination is wherever you can take the leap. It might be at one of the above exotic locations, or it could be from a crane in the car park at your local pub. Although the video might be more impressive, the thrill is as intense wherever you jump.
We hope you enjoyed reading 13 of the best bungee jumping destinations worldwide. If it inspires you to take a leap then check out our adventure discounts as you could save a packet.
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One response to “13 of the best bungee jumping destinations worldwide”
I’m just too scared of bungee jumping, so this link wasn’t all too valid for me anyways. However, my friends who love to engage in this activity will love it when I forward them this.