It's remarkable how quickly bungee jumping became a thrill-seeker's dream, all thanks to those who dared to test the waters before us!
Have you ever craved the sheer thrill of bungee jumping? This extreme sport has a surprisingly rich backstory. During their visit to Pentecost Island in the South Pacific, Europeans stumbled upon a jaw-dropping tradition: locals hurling themselves off high platforms with vines tied to their ankles. This ritual, part of their vibrant village celebrations, eventually inspired the modern bungee jumping phenomenon. While it’s designed to be safe, it does carry some risks, and you must be medically fit and meet specific criteria before taking the plunge. If you're seeking that ultimate adrenaline rush, make sure you’re ready to leap—safely and with all your courage!
Opened: November 1988
Did you know the Kawarau Bridge is the birthplace of commercial bungee jumping? Back in 1988, AJ Hackett and Henry van Asch set up the first-ever bungee jump off this 43-metre bridge over the Kawarau River gorge. Fast forward 30 years, and it’s still going strong, welcoming thrill-seekers from all over. With friendly staff and easy booking, it’s a must-visit for anyone in the Queenstown area. Often called the “Home of Bungy,” this spot is where adventurers first came to take the leap and survive the drop. Today, AJ Hackett runs multiple bungee and swing sites across New Zealand and Australia, including the Ledge, Nevis, and Auckland, but the Kawarau Bridge remains a legendary destination for adrenaline junkies.
Opened: 1990
Victoria Falls, Africa's largest waterfall, draws over 1 million visitors annually. The 111-metre bungee jump from the Victoria Falls bridge over the Zambezi River has further boosted tourism. More than 70,000 people have taken the plunge, enjoying unique experiences like tandem and backward jumps, and even night jumps under the starlit sky. It's not just the height that's thrilling; it's the stunning backdrop of the falls and the Zambezi.
Opened: 1992
Tucked away in the rustic desert canyonlands of Arizona and Utah, the Colorado River suspension bridge site offers an off-the-grid bungee jumping experience. Standing 366 feet above the majestic Colorado River, it's not just any average jump spot! What's unique is how they lead you into the canyon by boat before the leap, giving you a chance to soak in the stunning landscape. It's a hidden gem, not as crowded as city spots, yet its consistency has put nearby places like Page, Arizona, on the map for adventure seekers.
Opened: 1993
The Verzasca Dam in Switzerland offers a thrilling 220-metre bungee jump above Vogorno Lake. Featured in the James Bond film Goldeneye, it's not just a straight drop; jumpers experience risky, seconds-long descents alongside the dam infrastructure. Operating year-round and close to Lugano, it's a popular spot for adrenaline junkies seeking their own 007 moment and has inspired similar jumps worldwide.
Isn't it astonishing that bungee jumping is statistically safer than being struck by lightning? It's a testament to the meticulous planning and safety measures put in place by reputable jump sites. But beyond the statistics, bungee jumping represents a daring pursuit of the extraordinary—a chance to defy gravity and embrace the unknown. It's a dance with fear and exhilaration, drawing adventurers from all corners of the globe to experience the ultimate leap of faith.
