Skydiving is an exhilarating experience, and there are some iconic places around the world where you can jump from the skies. Here’s a list of the top 5 skydiving destinations, including the best season to visit, cost, lessons, and how to reach them:
1. Interlaken, Switzerland
- Best Season to Visit: Summer (June to September)
- Cost: Approximately $400–$550 per person for a tandem jump
- Lessons: Yes, tandem jumps are available for beginners, but you can also take a full AFF (Accelerated Freefall) course if you’re planning to get certified.
- How to Reach: Fly to Zurich, Geneva, or Bern, then take a train or bus to Interlaken. Why It’s Special: Interlaken offers breathtaking views of the Swiss Alps, lakes, and valleys, making it a world-renowned skydiving spot.
2. Dubai, UAE (Palm Jumeirah)
- Best Season to Visit: November to March (cooler temperatures)
- Cost: $500–$700 per person for a tandem jump
- Lessons: Yes, tandem skydives are available, but for certification, you can enroll in the AFF course.
- How to Reach: Fly to Dubai International Airport (DXB), and from there, it’s a short drive to Skydive Dubai. Why It’s Special: Dubai offers one of the most iconic backdrops for skydiving—leaping over the Palm Jumeirah with stunning views of the coastline and desert.
3. Queenstown, New Zealand
- Best Season to Visit: Spring (October–December) and Autumn (March–May)
- Cost: $250–$350 per person for a tandem jump
- Lessons: Yes, tandem skydives are available, or you can take the full AFF course if you want to become a licensed skydiver.
- How to Reach: Fly to Queenstown Airport (ZQN), then take a short drive to the skydive center. Why It’s Special: Queenstown is known as the adventure capital of the world, with stunning views of lakes and mountains, making it an unforgettable place to skydive.
4. Lake Taupo, New Zealand
- Best Season to Visit: Summer (December–February)
- Cost: $250–$350 per person for a tandem jump
- Lessons: Yes, they offer tandem jumps, and you can also take courses if you want to pursue certification.
- How to Reach: Fly to Taupo Airport (TUO) or fly into Auckland and take a 3.5-hour drive. Why It’s Special: Jumping over Lake Taupo gives you panoramic views of the lake and the Tongariro National Park. It’s one of the most scenic jumps in the world.
5. Perris Valley, California, USA
- Best Season to Visit: Year-round, though Spring and Fall offer the best weather.
- Cost: $250–$300 for a tandem jump
- Lessons: Yes, Perris Valley is famous for its skydiving schools and offers AFF courses as well as tandem jumps for beginners.
- How to Reach: Fly into Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) or Ontario International Airport (ONT), and it’s about a 1.5-2 hour drive to Perris Valley. Why It’s Special: Known as one of the best training facilities in the world, Perris Valley offers a world-class skydiving experience, along with excellent weather conditions year-round.
Quick Tips for Skydiving:
- Cost can vary depending on the type of jump, add-ons like video footage, and the specific location.
- Lessons: Tandem skydives require no prior experience, but if you’re interested in getting certified, most locations offer courses.
- Best Season: Always check the local weather, as skydiving is weather-dependent (clear skies and light winds are ideal).