Bungee jumping is perhaps one of the best ways to experience an incredible adrenaline rush. This extreme kind of sport that involves jumping from high place (bridge, tower, helicopter, etc.) by the help of elastic cord originated from Vanuatu in New Zealand where young men of the Aboriginal tribes were obliged to tie their ankles with lianas and jump from high wooden towers to prove their courage. In modern days bungee jumping has taken off as an extreme sport that anyone can do, and many places are now capitalizing on their picturesque surroundings to provide a fix of excitement against a staggering backdrop. Keep in mind that bungee jumping is strictly prohibited to those who have high blood pressure and heart problems.
Here’s a list of 10 best bungee jumping locations that will get almost anyone’s heart racing.
Victoria Falls Bridge, Zambia
One of the best and spectacularly beautiful locations in the world, the stunning Victoria Falls Bridge in Zambia offers 111 meters of massive adrenaline rush sure to delight even the most thrill-seeking adventurers. Often listed as one of the seven natural wonders on Earth, the falls and their surrounding gorges are a truly genuine sight, promising bungee jumpers a close look at nature and spray from the water falls. The cost for bungee jumping is $110, plus an additional $45 if you want to get several photos and the DVD of your jump. Many say that once you jump off, the fall may seem to rush up to you at a crazy pace, but be sure to trust the ankle and body harnesses for their full-proof security, because the operators of Victoria Falls Bungee regard safety as their top priority.
Bloukrans River Bridge, South Africa
On the border of the Eastern and Western Cape, just a stone’s throw away from Nature’s Valley, South Africa is the amazing Bloukrans Bridge, one of the most popular bridges in the world and the very location of the world’s third highest commercial bungee jump. Standing at a height of 216 meters over the Bloukrans River, this is a relatively new bridge, completed in 1984 that offers both majestic scenery and the ultimate thrill for a full 7 seconds. Here bungee jumpers will be given instructions by highly experienced staff. A unique pendulum bungi system will ensure the longest and smoothest ride. Keep in mind that there is nothing as exhilarating as the feeling of free falling with the knowledge that you are completely safe. Do not forget your cameras to take fantastic pictures of you jump and the stunning surroundings to show your friends back home.
Macau Tower, China
Welcome to Macau Tower in China – an extreme getaway that will take its guests on a free fall from a platform 233 meters high, lasting almost six seconds, to experience the world’s highest bungee jump certified by Guinness World Records. Using a guide cable system, bungee jumpers will be able to safely experience a few rebounds before slowly landing onto a specially designed airbag. The view of Macau looks enticing from the tower. What concerns to pricing of the jump, Standard bungee jump, both day and night is $319 and includes 1 bungee jump, official T-shirt, Certificate and Membership Card.
Verzasca Dam, Val Verzasca, Switzerland
Known to everyone as the opening sequence for the James Bond film ‘Goldeneve,’ the 220 meters Vezasca Dam is one of the topmost thrill game destinations where visitors can experience the world’s largest off-ground bungee jump. Verzasca or Contra Dam is a unique arch hydroelectric dam located in Val Verzasca, Switzerland that was constructed between 1960 and 1965 and designed by Lombardi Engineering. The 007 classic jump is ideal for first-time jumpers, while the 007 Ultimo is for the more advanced. Night jump and backward jump facilities are also available. To step into the shoes of 007, you require an advance reservation, a medical check and, of course, the proper height and weight proportions. So, if you appreciate the stunning Swiss scenery with the Alps on one side, a lake on the other and the azure river at the bottom, head to Verzasca dam to indulge in the thrilling bungee jumping.
Royal Gorge Suspension Bridge, Canon City, Colorado
Built in 1929 with the intention of being a tourist attraction, offering visitors a great view of the gorge and the Arkansas River Colorado, the majestic suspension bridge, 1,260 feet long and suspended from towers 150 feet high, today is a dreamscape getaway for bungee jumping enthusiasts from around the world. For most people even walking through the bridge is the scariest experience of their life. A jump from the spectacular Royal Gorge Suspension Bridge is one, which memories will last forever.
Colorado River Bridge, Costa Rica
Another perfect location for this thrilling extreme adventure is the Colorado River Bridge 80 meters high, built over a beautiful canyon blessed with fascinating landscapes. Bungee jumping here is something not to be missed. The jump, over 200 feet in about 5 seconds will hurl your head first towards the rocky river below before you spring back through the picture-perfect lush tropical canyon. Tropical Bungee offers bungee jumping since 1991, only sing imported equipment and operating under the strictest safety norms. Get ready to pay $65 for the first jump and $30 for the second.
Corinth Canal, Greece
The exclusive Corinth Canal, which separates the Peloponnese from mainland and connects the Gulf of Corinth with the Saronic Gulf, is a stop that nearly all visitors to the Peloponnese make. The bridge above the canal is an ideal place for bungee jumping. Yes. Adrenaline seekers will not find anything more exciting than jumping off the bridge. One of the best bungee operators in this corner of the world is Zulu Bungee with staff extremely nice and hospitable. For those with not so much adventure, you can stand on the bridge and watch the bungee jumps along with looking down on the passing ships sailing slowly along the canal.
Perrine Bridge, US
The only man made bridge in the US, where bungee jumping is allowed all year round, Perrine Bridge, found in Idaho, United States offers a 486 feet drop into the Snake River, sure to amaze every adventure seeker. Originally named the Twin Falls-Jerome Intercounty Bridge, a steel cantilever bridge was opened to traffic in September 1927, and at the time, was the highest bridge in the world.
Volcano Bungee, Chile
The most dangerous and the most expensive bungee jump location, the mysterious active Volcano Bungee near Pucon, Chile, offers adventure seekers an exciting near-death experience, for a six day package including accommodation and less life threatening activities for the cost of $10,000. Soaring some 10,000 feet in the air, jumpers sit perched on a helicopter’s skid until they are hovering above this active volcano. The cord stretches between 350 and 375 feet, leaving jumpers hanging some 700 feet above the volcano. After staring a red-hot fiery death in the face, the helicopter swoops back to the airport, letting you ride the long-line back at 80 mph over one of Chile’s most scenic natural settings.
Bhote Kosi River on Himalayas, Nepal
Swiss designed, especially for bungee jumping with a 4x safety factor, the bridge over the river is from where jumping enthusiasts can have a remarkable 160 meter drop into the river gorge, operated by some of the most experienced jump masters in the business. Be the next to feel Nepal’s ultimate rush and one of the longest free-falls in the world!