20 Most Thrilling Bungee Jumping Spots Around the World
There’s nothing quite like the moment before you leap – standing on the edge of a platform, hundreds of feet above the ground, with only a rubber cord between you and the earth below. Your heart pounds, your palms sweat, and every instinct screams at you to step back. But then you jump, and for those few seconds of pure freefall, you’re flying.
Bungee jumping has evolved from a coming-of-age ritual practiced by the land divers of Vanuatu into one of the world’s most sought-after extreme sports.
Today, thrill-seekers travel to the far corners of the globe to experience that ultimate rush of adrenaline, and some locations have become legendary among adrenaline junkies for their breathtaking heights, stunning scenery, and heart-stopping experiences.
Whether you’re a seasoned jumper looking for your next challenge or someone contemplating their first leap into the void, these 20 destinations represent the pinnacle of bungee jumping experiences worldwide.
From towering urban platforms to remote natural wonders, each location offers its own unique blend of terror and beauty that keeps people coming back for more.
The Crown Jewel: Macau Tower, China
At 233 meters (764 feet), the AJ Hackett Macau Tower bungee jump holds the undisputed title as the world’s highest bungee jump. This isn’t just a jump – it’s a descent into the stratosphere that lasts approximately 20 seconds of pure freefall before the cord catches you.
Standing atop the tower, you’ll witness panoramic views of Macau’s glittering skyline and the Pearl River Delta stretching to the horizon. The jump platform extends beyond the tower’s edge, meaning there’s absolutely nothing between you and the ground far below. The experience is so intense that many jumpers describe it as life-changing, and it’s become a bucket-list item for extreme sports enthusiasts worldwide.
The professional operation ensures safety standards that match the extreme height, with experienced jump masters who’ve overseen thousands of jumps. While the price reflects the premium nature of this experience, most jumpers agree that the bragging rights of completing the world’s highest bungee jump are worth every penny.
The Bond Experience: Verzasca Dam, Switzerland
The Verzasca dam gained mainstream fame with the opening sequence of the Bond movie Goldeneye, and at 220 meters tall up the concrete wall on the edge of Vogorno Lake, this is not just a straight jump. What makes this location truly special is the unique experience of falling alongside the massive concrete structure, creating an almost surreal sensation as you plummet toward the pristine Alpine lake below.
The dam’s architecture creates a distinctive jumping experience where you’ll spend long seconds descending alongside the concrete wall before the cord catches you.
The visual reference of the dam structure rushing past adds an extra dimension to the freefall that you won’t find at other locations.
The Swiss precision in safety standards and the dramatic Alpine setting make this one of the most respected jumps in the bungee jumping community.
Night jumps are available here, offering a completely different experience under floodlights with the moon reflecting off the lake surface. The contrast between the industrial concrete structure and the natural beauty of the surrounding Swiss Alps creates an unforgettable backdrop for this legendary jump.
African Giant: Bloukrans Bridge, South Africa
At 216 meters high, the stunning arch bridge Bloukrans Bridge is an incredible feat of engineering and a great place to try a bungee jump. Located on the border between Eastern and Western Cape provinces, this jump offers more than just extreme height – it provides an immersive experience in one of Africa’s most beautiful natural settings.
The bridge spans a dramatic gorge with the Bloukrans River flowing far below, surrounded by indigenous forest and coastal mountains. What sets this location apart is the combination of engineering marvel and natural beauty.
The concrete arch bridge itself is a sight to behold, and jumping from its center gives you a unique perspective of both the human achievement and the raw African landscape.
The operation here has been running for decades, establishing itself as one of the most reliable and professional bungee jumping facilities globally. The approach to the jump site itself is an adventure, with the platform extending out from the bridge’s center, giving you unobstructed views of the gorge in all directions.
The Water Touch Experience: Taupo, New Zealand
New Zealand, being the birthplace of modern commercial bungee jumping, offers numerous incredible locations, but Taupo Bungee is billed as “the highest water touch bungee in New Zealand”.
This unique experience allows you to customize your jump by choosing how far you want to be dunked into the pristine waters below.
The Waikato River provides the perfect setting for this water-touch experience, with its crystal-clear waters reflecting the surrounding New Zealand landscape.
The jump masters here give you control over your water entry, allowing you to choose whether you want a gentle touch or a full submersion experience. The temperature shock of the water adds another layer of intensity to an already thrilling experience.
The natural beauty of the Taupo region, with its volcanic landscape and pristine wilderness, makes this jump as much about the scenery as the adrenaline rush. The facility’s commitment to safety and environmental responsibility reflects New Zealand’s reputation for world-class adventure tourism.
Urban Adrenaline: Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge, China
The Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge bungee jump represents a fusion of modern engineering and extreme sports set against one of China’s most spectacular natural backdrops.
The bridge itself is an architectural marvel, suspended high above the canyon with transparent glass panels that add an extra element of psychological challenge even before you jump.
What makes this location extraordinary is the setting within Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, where towering sandstone pillars create an otherworldly landscape that inspired the floating mountains in the movie Avatar. The combination of the glass bridge’s modern design and the ancient geological formations creates a uniquely Chinese extreme sports experience.
The jump here offers not just the thrill of the fall, but also the mental challenge of standing on transparent glass hundreds of feet above the ground. The visual impact of seeing directly through the bridge to the canyon floor below adds a psychological element that many jumpers find more challenging than the jump itself.
European Excellence: Europabrücke Bridge, Austria
The Europabrücke Bridge in Austria offers one of Europe’s most scenic bungee jumping experiences, set against the dramatic backdrop of the Austrian Alps.
This location combines the precision of Austrian engineering with the natural beauty of the Inn Valley, creating a jump experience that’s both technically excellent and visually stunning.
The bridge’s position high above the valley provides spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and the Inn River winding through the landscape below. The jump here is particularly popular among European thrill-seekers due to its accessibility and the high safety standards maintained by the Austrian operators.
What sets this location apart is the seasonal variation in the jumping experience. Spring jumps offer views of snow-capped peaks and valleys beginning to bloom, while autumn jumps provide a spectacular display of Alpine colors stretching as far as the eye can see.
The Niouc Bridge Experience: Switzerland
Switzerland’s Niouc Bridge provides another exceptional Alpine bungee jumping experience, offering a different perspective on Swiss extreme sports. The bridge spans a deep valley with traditional Swiss architecture visible in the surrounding villages, creating a jump experience that feels authentically Swiss.
The approach to this jump site takes you through traditional Swiss countryside, with the bridge appearing almost suddenly as you round mountain curves.
The jump itself offers views of traditional Swiss chalets, Alpine meadows, and the distant peaks of the Swiss Alps, creating a postcard-perfect backdrop for your leap of faith.
The facility here maintains the Swiss reputation for precision and safety, with jump masters who speak multiple languages and cater to the international crowd drawn to Switzerland’s adventure tourism offerings.
India’s Adventure Capital: Rishikesh
India’s highest fixed-platform bungee jump, offering stunning views of the Ganges River. Rishikesh is known as the adventure capital of India, and Jumpin Heights is the best place for a bungee jump in the country. This location offers a unique cultural dimension to bungee jumping, combining extreme sports with spiritual significance.
The Ganges River flowing far below adds a sacred element to the experience, as this holy river holds deep religious significance for millions of Indians.
The jump site is professionally managed by experts from New Zealand, ensuring international safety standards while maintaining the authentic Indian atmosphere.
The surrounding Himalayan foothills provide a dramatic backdrop, with the sacred town of Rishikesh visible in the distance. This location offers international travelers a chance to experience extreme sports in one of India’s most spiritually significant locations.
Queenstown’s Multiple Offerings: New Zealand
Queenstown, New Zealand, deserves recognition not for a single jump but for being the undisputed capital of bungee jumping. As the birthplace of modern commercial bungee jumping, Queenstown offers multiple world-class jumping experiences, each with its own character and appeal.
The Kawarau Gorge Suspension Bridge holds historical significance as the world’s first commercial bungee jumping site, where AJ Hackett began the modern bungee jumping industry.
The Nevis Swing and Ledge offer different variations on the bungee experience, while the Shotover Canyon provides a classic gorge jumping experience.
What makes Queenstown special is the concentration of world-class jumping experiences in one location, allowing serious enthusiasts to experience multiple jumps in different settings. The town’s infrastructure is built around adventure tourism, making it the perfect base for a bungee jumping pilgrimage.
The Corinth Canal: Greece
The Corinth Canal in Greece offers a unique historical dimension to bungee jumping, with the jump taking place over the narrow waterway that connects the Aegean and Ionian seas. This location combines ancient history with modern extreme sports, as the canal itself represents one of humanity’s great engineering achievements.
The jump here provides views of the ancient stonework of the canal walls and the blue waters of the Mediterranean far below.
The historical significance of the location adds depth to the experience, as you’re jumping over a waterway that has been crucial to Mediterranean trade for over a century.
The Greek operation maintains high safety standards while providing insights into the historical significance of the canal, making this jump as educational as it is thrilling.
Royal Gorge Bridge: Colorado, USA
The Royal Gorge Bridge in Colorado offers one of North America’s most spectacular bungee jumping experiences, suspended high above the Arkansas River in the heart of the Colorado Rockies. The bridge itself is a historic landmark, and jumping from it provides unparalleled views of the American West.
The gorge’s red rock walls and the river flowing through the canyon create a quintessentially American extreme sports experience. The jump here is particularly popular during autumn when the changing aspen leaves create a golden canopy along the river valley.
The facility maintains strict safety standards and offers various jump packages, including tandem jumps for those who want to share the experience with a partner. The location’s accessibility from Denver makes it a popular destination for American thrill-seekers.
The Sicilian Experience: Italy
Sicily offers a unique Mediterranean bungee jumping experience, combining Italian passion with extreme sports. The jumps here typically take place from coastal cliffs or specially constructed platforms, providing spectacular views of the Mediterranean Sea and the island’s volcanic landscape.
The Italian approach to bungee jumping emphasizes the social and cultural aspects of the experience, with jump sites often located near traditional villages where the local community embraces the extreme sports tourism. The combination of Italian hospitality and Mediterranean beauty creates a jumping experience that’s as much about culture as adrenaline.
The volcanic backdrop of Mount Etna visible in the distance adds a dramatic element to many Sicilian jumps, while the warm Mediterranean climate allows for year-round jumping opportunities.
Canadian Wilderness: Whistler, British Columbia
Whistler, British Columbia, offers a uniquely Canadian bungee jumping experience set against the backdrop of the Coast Mountains. The jump sites here are typically located in pristine wilderness areas, providing an intimate connection with Canada’s natural beauty.
The approach to these jump sites often involves scenic drives through old-growth forests and along mountain lakes, making the journey to the jump site part of the overall experience. The Canadian operators emphasize environmental responsibility and wilderness preservation, reflecting Canada’s commitment to sustainable tourism.
The mountain air and pristine wilderness setting create a jumping experience that feels far removed from civilization, despite being accessible from Vancouver. The seasonal variations, from snow-covered peaks in winter to wildflower meadows in summer, provide different experiences throughout the year.
The Nevis Swing: New Zealand
While technically not a traditional bungee jump, the Nevis Swing in New Zealand deserves inclusion for its unique approach to extreme sports. This experience involves a 300-meter arc through the air at speeds reaching 120 kilometers per hour, creating a different but equally thrilling sensation.
The Nevis River valley provides a spectacular setting for this unique experience, with the swing launching from a purpose-built platform suspended high above the valley floor. The arc takes you through pristine New Zealand wilderness, with views of snow-capped peaks and the river winding through the valley below.
The facility here represents the cutting edge of extreme sports engineering, with safety systems that allow for this unique variation on the traditional bungee jumping experience.
The Verzasca Valley: Switzerland
Beyond the famous dam, the Verzasca Valley offers additional bungee jumping opportunities that showcase Switzerland’s commitment to extreme sports tourism. The valley’s crystal-clear river and traditional stone villages create a picturesque setting for various jumping experiences.
The multiple jump sites in the valley allow visitors to experience different aspects of Swiss Alpine beauty, from traditional stone arch bridges to modern suspension structures. Each location offers its own perspective on the valley’s natural beauty and Swiss engineering excellence.
The valley’s reputation for adventure tourism has made it a destination for international thrill-seekers, with facilities that cater to jumpers of all experience levels while maintaining the highest safety standards.
The Perrine Bridge: Idaho, USA
The Perrine Bridge in Idaho offers one of the United States’ most accessible year-round bungee jumping experiences. Located in Twin Falls, this bridge provides stunning views of the Snake River Canyon and the surrounding Idaho landscape.
What makes this location special is its accessibility and the lack of restrictions on jumping, making it popular among both commercial operations and individual jumpers. The bridge’s height and the scenic canyon setting provide an excellent introduction to bungee jumping for first-time jumpers.
The facility here maintains professional safety standards while offering competitive pricing, making it a popular destination for American college students and budget-conscious thrill-seekers.
The Kawarau Bridge: New Zealand
The Kawarau Bridge holds the distinction of being the world’s first commercial bungee jumping site, making it a pilgrimage destination for serious bungee jumping enthusiasts.
While not the highest jump available, its historical significance and the beauty of the Kawarau Gorge make it a must-visit location.
The jump here offers views of the turquoise waters of the Kawarau River and the surrounding Central Otago landscape. The facility maintains many of the original features from the early days of commercial bungee jumping, providing a connection to the sport’s history.
The experience here is enhanced by the knowledgeable staff who can share stories about the early days of bungee jumping and the pioneers who established the sport.
The Tarzan Swing: Costa Rica
Costa Rica’s Tarzan Swing offers a unique tropical bungee jumping experience set in the heart of Central American rainforest. The jump takes place from platforms built into the forest canopy, providing intimate contact with one of the world’s most biodiverse ecosystems.
The approach to the jump site involves hiking through pristine rainforest, with opportunities to spot exotic wildlife and experience the sounds and smells of the tropical environment. The jump itself provides views of the forest canopy and distant volcanoes, creating a uniquely Costa Rican extreme sports experience.
The facility here emphasizes environmental education and conservation, with proceeds supporting local conservation efforts and sustainable tourism initiatives.
The Bloukrans River: South Africa
Beyond the famous bridge, the Bloukrans River area offers additional bungee jumping opportunities that showcase the diversity of South African adventure tourism. The river valley provides multiple jump sites, each offering different perspectives on the African landscape.
The area’s commitment to community-based tourism means that local communities benefit directly from the extreme sports tourism, creating a sustainable model for adventure tourism in developing regions.
The combination of world-class jumping facilities and authentic African cultural experiences makes this region a destination for travelers seeking both adrenaline and cultural immersion.
The Victoria Falls Bridge: Zambia/Zimbabwe
The Victoria Falls Bridge offers one of Africa’s most iconic bungee jumping experiences, with the mighty Zambezi River and the world-famous Victoria Falls providing an unparalleled backdrop.
The jump takes place from the bridge spanning the Zambezi River between Zambia and Zimbabwe, offering views of one of the world’s most spectacular natural wonders.
The mist from Victoria Falls creates a unique atmosphere, with the sound of crashing water adding to the sensory experience of the jump. The historical significance of the bridge and the natural wonder of the falls combine to create one of the world’s most memorable bungee jumping experiences.
The facility here maintains international safety standards while providing insights into the natural history and cultural significance of Victoria Falls, making the experience both thrilling and educational.
Planning Your Bungee Jumping Adventure
When planning your bungee jumping adventure, consider factors beyond just the height of the jump. The setting, safety standards, accessibility, and cultural context all contribute to the overall experience. Many of these locations offer package deals that include accommodation, transportation, and multiple adventure activities.
Safety should always be your primary concern, regardless of the location. Research the safety record of any facility you’re considering, and don’t hesitate to ask about their safety protocols, equipment maintenance, and staff qualifications. Reputable operators will be happy to discuss their safety measures and certifications.
Consider the time of year for your jump, as weather conditions can significantly impact both safety and enjoyment. Many locations offer seasonal variations in the jumping experience, from snow-covered landscapes in winter to wildflower displays in spring.
The Universal Appeal of Bungee Jumping
What makes bungee jumping universally appealing is not just the adrenaline rush, but the personal challenge it represents. Standing on the edge of a platform, you’re confronting your most basic fears and choosing to overcome them. The few seconds of freefall represent a moment of pure freedom that many people describe as life-changing.
Each of these 20 locations offers its own unique approach to this universal experience, whether it’s the urban sophistication of Macau Tower, the natural beauty of New Zealand’s gorges, or the cultural richness of jumping over the sacred Ganges River in India.
The diversity of experiences available ensures that every bungee jumper can find locations that match their personal preferences and comfort levels.
The global community of bungee jumpers shares stories and experiences across cultures and continents, united by the common experience of taking that leap of faith.
Whether you’re completing your first jump or your hundredth, these locations represent the pinnacle of what bungee jumping can offer to those brave enough to take the plunge.
From the record-breaking heights of Macau to the historical significance of the Kawarau Bridge, each location on this list offers something special to those seeking the ultimate adrenaline rush. The combination of natural beauty, engineering excellence, and pure human courage creates experiences that stay with jumpers for the rest of their lives.
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