From volcano boarding to coming face-to-face with a giant predator, check out our specially curated list of the most adventurous experiences from across the globe.
We all travel for various reasons. Some travel to explore new cultures, witness incredible landscapes, relish the local food, enjoy the art and history, or seek ultimate rejuvenation. But some travellers are perennially searching for thrilling experiences that can get their heart-pounding and give an adrenaline rush like never before. So, if you belong to the latter tribe or simply desire a daring one-of-a-kind life experience, we have put together a list of adventurous experiences that are guaranteed to take your breath away (quite literally) and change your perspective about life. Yes, just like in the movie Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara :p, but when we say most adventurous, we mean every word of it and are not simply talking about ski-diving. So, dive in, and check out these 10 adrenaline activities that can quench your thirst for a daring escapade!
Cage Of Death
Just googling photos of the Cage of Death at Crocosaurus Cove, Darwin in Australia, will set your heart racing. Experience the thrill and fear like never before as you get lowered into the water and come face-to-face with a large saltwater crocodile native to Australia. In this unique activity, you are put in an acrylic encloser, aptly called the Cage of Death, and lowered into a tank below where the giant predators swim right next to you. Regular feeding throughout the 15-minute-long session is done in a way that encourages the crocodile’s natural instincts, allowing the divers to witness the sheer power of the croco's 3-tonne bite. An ultimate feat, this one is not for timid travellers.
Cliff Camping
Take camping to a whole new level by hanging your tent in mid-air with nothing between you and the ground far beneath you. Cliff camping is the new rage among adventurists and is indeed a thrill like no other that promises an adrenaline rush that lasts for a long time. In cliff camping, your tents hang on a cliff’s edge on a tiny, portable platform called portaledge, and you spend the night suspended in the air, surrounded by unparalleled breath-taking views. While there are several spots across the world where you can do cliff camping — Ester Park, Colorado, Great Sail Peak, Baffin Island, Canada and Yuraygir National Park, New South Wales, Australia are some of the most challenging and insane cliff camping destinations.
Volcano Boarding
Ever considered racing down an active volcano with crushed black-lava sand underneath on a small piece of wood? Adventure junkies, who have tried volcano boarding, vouch this experience to be not only exciting but a lot of fun too. Volcano boarding or volcano surfing is an extreme sport performed on the slopes of a volcano and certainly not for the faint-hearted. If you are game for some hot, dusty, and craziest experience of your lifetime, then hike up Cerro Negro (Black Hill), an active volcano outside of Leon, Nicaragua. It is only once you are atop the hill that the actual adventure begins. A wooden board is strapped on your back, and then you slide or surf down the 2388 ft. (728-meter-high) volcano in less than 5 minutes. What makes this more fun is the fact that the speed of descent depends entirely on how fast you want to go. Cerro Negro is the youngest active volcano in Central America. It is also one of the most active volcanoes in Nicaragua, erupting approximately every twenty years. Cerro Negro last time erupted in 1999. Apart from Nicaragua, volcano boarding is also practised on Mount Yasur on Tanna, Vanuatu, Mount Bromo in Indonesia, and very few other locations.
Scuba Diving With Giant Manta Rays & Whale Sharks
In the last decade, scuba diving has gained immense popularity among travellers. To explore the phenomenal undersea aquatic life is undoubtedly one of the most rewarding, serene, and breath-taking events. While the marine life is enthralling, the adventure quotient of your scuba diving experience can be upped to another high, if you manage to scuba dive with a rare congregation of dozens of Giant Manta Rays and the biggest fish in the world — The Whale Shark. Wondering where and how can this feat be made possible? Maldives, Mexico, Australia, The Philippines, and South Africa are some of the hotspots where you can encounter these giant beauties during your dive.
Swim With Humpback Whales
Famous for their hypnotic whale songs, Humpback Whales are one of the most beautiful, majestic, and friendly whales you will ever come across. No wonder swimming alongside these giant beauties is dubbed a life-changing experience. While it is one of the most mesmerizing events to swim/snorkel alongside the humpback whales, it isn’t an activity for all. There is always a certain amount of risk when interacting with wildlife, especially in challenging environments like the open sea. Often Whale behaviours such as breaching and movement of their tails and fin can cause significant injuries to the swimmers. Hence there are stringent regulations against swimming with these cool creatures across the world, but there are a few places where it is possible. Popular spots where you can indulge in this adventure are Tonga, Polynesia, Silver Bank, Dominican Republic, and Réunion Island.
Ice Climbing
Ice climbing may seem very similar to rock climbing, but do not let the gorgeous images of rock climbers fool you. No doubt, it is a freaking fun experience once you get the hang of it, but it ain’t everyone’s cup of tea either. Ice climbing is a sport where ice climbing enthusiasts ascend inclined ice formations, such as frozen waterfalls, cliffs and mountains glazed in ice, with the help of ice axes and other equipment. This adventure activity requires a lot of mastery and determination but the spell-binding scenery surrounded by ice as you make your way up is an experience that no adventure lover would like to miss. Some of the top destinations to try out this extreme adventure are Helmcken Falls Spray Cave BC, Canada, Kandersteg Switzerland, Rjukan in Norway, and Yosemite National Park California.
Mountain Bike Down the World's Most Dangerous Road
This one is for the insane adventure junkies who enjoy a serious dose of adrenaline that comes with death-defying activities when exploring the outdoors. Death Road is the name given to the most dangerous road in the world, Yungas Road in La Paz Bolivia, and it takes nothing but pure courage to mountain bike down the epic road. Death road stretches about 69 km, covering La Paz to Coroico and is a strenuous stretch to cross due to regular landslides, cascades, cliff drops and fogs. The road is narrow and doesn’t get any wider than 10 feet. It was officially named the world’s most dangerous road in 1995, with an estimated 200 to 300 people killed on this road every year. Despite its perilous route, the death road attracts a steady stream of cyclists eager to ride down it. The reason being the sheer thrill of conquering the world’s most dangerous road, and witnessing the fascinating scenery of snow-smothered Andean peaks and dense Amazon jungle along the way.
Freediving in Mexico’s Cenotes
Crave for an adventure that will truly leave an impression without being too risky? Then the place to turn to is Mexico, where you can try freediving in the mysterious underground world of cenotes. Cosy caves and pristine waters, the shades of sunbeams scattered like a perfect piece of geometry, while you are drenched inside the silence of nature. Isn't that beautiful and exciting at the same time? Cenotes in Mexico are amazing natural swimming holes formed by the collapse of porous limestone bedrock. There are several freediving excursions organized by professionals, which will take you deep into the ancient Mayan world and try freediving into the most beautiful cenotes in the region. It is an activity that is sure to appeal to absolute beginners to advanced thrill-seekers.
Cliff jumping
Imagine you had wings. You could fly and taste that freedom of carefree flight; wouldn't it be the best thing to experience? Well, you can do that. Yeah, we know you don't have wings, but who says you need wings to fly when you can jump off the cliff instead? Adrenaline junkies have gotten their kicks by taking a the leap from cliff diving. It is that free fall that you experience that will change you as a person. Just imagine — Your body sailing through the winds and then readying yourself and plunging into the deep waters giving you a long and deep dive experience at once. Cliff jumping is probably the least complicated sport. You don't even need equipment for it. The best part is you are not just excited after doing it, but you are most excited just before the jump, and then it accelerates. If thrill is your second nature, then don't miss out on doing this at least once. There are hosts of cliffs across the world that are popular and beautiful to add to your experience. Choose any location cause the best part of this adventure is free falling at dangerous speeds and feeling an unparalleled adrenaline rush. But do remember it is a dangerous activity and should be done under professional guidance. Some top locations for cliff jumping are Blue Lagoon, Bali, Crater Lake, Oregon, Laie Point, Hawaii, USA, and Brontallo, Switzerland.
Hike Up Mount Everest
It is impossible to talk about the most adventurous experiences around the globe and not mention the ultimate, invigorating experience ever — climbing up the world’s highest mountain peak – Mount Everest. This legendary mountain is a place of wonder and mystery, which beckons professional hikers and climbers from across the globe every year. However, climbing up the majestic mount Everest takes months and months of preparation and conditioning and is certainly no feat for a newbie. Even professional mountaineers undergo special training to get acclimatized to the climate and terrain. Climbing up Mount Everest, undeniably, can be one of the most rewarding, thrilling, and exhilarating experiences of life.
Note: Do not go for any of the above-mentioned adventures like a complete ignorant. All adventure activities come with a certain amount of risk, and it is advised to do proper research before embarking on a thrill-seeking journey.
