Top 20 “Adventure” Travel Experiences
There’s something special about the rush you get when you’re standing at the top of a mountain, or about to swim to the depths of the ocean. They’re the experiences we can’t get when sitting at home, and they’re some of the reasons that fuel the desire to travel. For these adventurers, it’s not about sightseeing or city-hopping, it’s about seeing the corners of the world others don’t venture to.
No matter what your go-to adrenaline rush is, these are 20 of the best adventure experiences, from surfing to mountain biking. With these worldwide thrills, your next trip will be spectacular.
Mountain Biking in Moab
What better place to start than the mountain biking capital of the world. Moab has long enticed adventurers with its striking desert colors and endless system of trails. For such a legendary spot among adventure-seekers, biking in Moab is surprisingly accessible. There are dozens of rental shops and tour companies, and available trails for all levels. For the classic adrenaline rush, hit the Slickrock Trail, Moab’s most famous route, and test your (and your bike’s) limits as you race along the landscape. The Whole Enchilada, another popular attraction, offers downhill thrills and breathtaking views. Just make sure you stop to take it in.
Sea Kayaking in Greenland
Visiting Greenland offers a unique opportunity to see the ends of the earth from an unlikely vantage point: kayak. Brave the extreme cold and be rewarded with extreme beauty. Even at the island’s southern tip, you’ll find imposing glaciers, pristine blue water, and sparse colorful settlements. Several tour companies now offer sea kayaking adventures on the coast of Greenland. You’ll veer up close to fjords, icebergs, and wildlife, and get a jolt of energy when you witness massive ice shelves crash into the ocean.
Cage Diving in Cape Town
Offering some of the highest populations of great white shark in the world, cage diving in South Africa has exploded in recent years. Just outside Cape Town in Gansbaai, adrenaline junkies can book a trip with one of several companies. Boats will take you out into the water, where the sharks hunt ferociously for seals. Then, you’ll get lowered down into the cage, and don’t be surprised if you have an immediate visitor. The sharks are extremely energetic; they’ll swim within an arm’s length of you, and may even rattle your cage (literally).
Diving the Blue Hole
The Blue Hole is a unique dive site. Those who dive to see colorful reefs and marine life, are probably set to be disappointed here. This is a dive for those who crave to explore the unknown, dark corners of the deep sea.
As you approach, you’ll find the outer rim of the hole does support a wide variety of marine life, but the further you descend, the starker the landscape. The journey is eerie, the stalactites and caverns being lit only by the increasingly dim sunlight, which also casts silhouettes of the reef sharks above. It is truly an unforgettable experience.
Biking the Road of Death, Bolivia
Once the domain of courageous truckers and drivers, the aptly named the Road of Death is now home to tourists and thrill-seekers. The 34-mile dirt road was called the most dangerous road in the world, causing up to 300 deaths per year until a newer road was built from the Andes to the Amazon. Now, adventurers can take the slightly safer, but no less scary option of biking down this legendary path. The road is foggy, rough and has absolutely no protection on the edge of the cliff. No matter how much your guide prepares you, you’ll probably have butterflies the entire journey.
Climbing the Gros Piton
The Caribbean is mostly a spot for relaxation, but there’s adventurous times to be had here, too. One such opportunity is in St. Lucia, home to the mammoth Gros Piton. Hikers can take on the five hour journey, and ascend over 2,500 feet to the country’s highest point. Although the hike is extremely steep and rocky, it can be conquered by moderate-level hikers. Experienced trekkers can take on its neighbor, Petit Piton. The summit is actually lower, but the ascent is steeper and much more challenging, requiring a guide. No matter which you choose, you’ll love this unexpected taste of tropical life.
Ziplining in Costa Rica
Costa Rica’s ziplining has become one of the most iconic travel adventures. Although for some it now seems cliché, those who throw themselves off the platform will find there’s still reason to get excited. The most popular ziplining spots are Arenal and Monteverde. Monteverde is home to one of the longest ziplines in the world, and travelers can soar from tree to tree for over two hours. Arenal is the destination for La Fortuna and Pino Blanco waterfalls, as well as a spectacular view of the Arenal volcano. The lines don’t stop there, as most of Costa Rica’s national parks now have ziplining opportunities.
Sleep in the Peru Skylodge
Accommodation doesn’t typically stir up excitement in adventure travelers, but the Peru Sky Lodge is something different. Tucked away in the Sacred Valley, the Skylodge Adventure Suites are a collection of otherworldly capsules perched on the side of a cliff. To get there, you’ll climb up the side of Via Ferrata to get to your “room”. At night, admire unmatched views of the stars through the completely transparent walls. Then in the morning, have a quick breakfast and rappel or zipline all the way back down. It’s a hotel experience unlike any other.
Paragliding in the French Alps
The French Alps are more well-known for their ritzy resort towns, but these destinations are home to more than just skiing. The extensive ski lift network also provides access to high-altitude take-offs, creating one of the best paragliding destinations in the world. In the off-season, take advantage of the mountains to take a tandem flight or paragliding course. The biggest hub is in Chamonix, where you can even launch off the famous Aiguille du Midi for unparalleled mountain views and an unforgettable ride.
Ice Caving in Iceland
Iceland has no shortage of incredible adventures, but one of the most unique opportunities lies in Vatnajökull National Park. First, the park has one of the country’s most magnificent glaciers, a jagged monolith that makes you feel like you’re on another planet. Expeditions set out across the glacier, and you can even camp nearby. Venture further into the glacier to explore the mind-bending ice caves. These caves exist for only a short time throughout the year, but are some of the most beautiful and haunting structures ever found in nature. It’s well worth the trek.
Windsurfing in Greece
Take island hopping to a more adventurous level. Greece is a windsurfing hotspot, offering some of the best conditions in the world. The Greek Islands regularly host high profile events like the Windsurfing World Cup and World Championships, and there are a dozen schools and rental companies scattered in the Aegean. Combine snorkeling and suntanning with catching winds on Naxos, or take on the pros at the clubs on Paros. Southern Rhodes is another of the top spots, with Windsurfers’ World, one of Greece’s oldest clubs.
Volcano Boarding in Nicaragua
Central and South America are dotted with active volcanoes, but nowhere is as unique as Cerro Negro in Nicaragua. Near León, Cerro Negro is an ash-covered massif with a serious adventure following.
First, you’ll have to trudge up an active volcano, which in itself is an adventure, but the real thrill comes on the way down. You’ll don a jumpsuit and goggles, hop on a sled, and ride all the way to the bottom. Boarders can reach up to 100km per hour!
Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda
Walking safaris are a truly surreal experience, and with all the opportunities in Africa, Rwanda might just take the cake. The country’s Volcanoes National Park holds miles of dense rainforest, and hidden within is the elusive mountain gorilla. With a local expert guide, you’ll hike through leaves and branches to get shockingly close to these massive animals. You’ll see generations of these endangered animals going about their daily lives. The park only issues 96 permits each day, so you’ll have the encounter nearly to yourself, plus the confidence of sustainable tourism.
Climbing the Matterhorn
The Matterhorn might not be Europe’s highest peak, but it is one of the most iconic. Towering over the ski village of Zermatt, the mountain’s triangle-shaped peak is Swiss legend, even being the inspiration for the Toblerone chocolates. Summiting the Matterhorn is no small feat, it takes up to 12 non-stop hours of climbing, ascending nearly 4,500m over unforgiving ice and rock. It is certainly not for inexperienced climbers, and even the most seasoned go with a personal guide. If you’re not dissuaded, don your crampons and harness, and join the Matterhorn’s 3,000 annual climbers up to Europe’s best panoramic view.
Caving in Vietnam
Southeast Asia is more renowned for its coastlines, but further inland, you’ll find extraordinary landscapes of waterfalls, gorges, and of course, caves. Vietnam’s Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park is one of the best destinations, home to the world’s largest cave, Son Doong. The park is much less touristy than the rest of the country, leaving undeveloped vistas and personalized travel opportunities. Take the four-day expedition to Son Doong, or explore the lesser-known caves, abseiling in Pygmy Cave or swimming the underground rivers in Tu Lan. Once you emerge, other adventures like hiking and kayaking await in this vast park.
Exploring in Antarctica
Traveling to Antarctica is an adventure in itself, but besides spotting penguins and whales, there’s plenty of thrills. First, make your way through the Drake Passage, some of the world’s roughest waters, before making landfall. Then, have your pick of adventures. You can trek in the footsteps of Shackleton, go skiing down the imposing Ellsworth Mountains, or go scuba diving with seals in the freezing waters. You can even go caving down the icy crevasses. Antarctic tourism is starting to boom, so take advantage of some new adventurous options.
Rafting in the Zambezi
The Zambezi river has some of the craziest rapids in the world. During the wet season, massive amounts of water are pushed downriver, creating rapids ranging from Class 2 all the way up Class 6. Many travelers just opt for day or half-day tours, but you can take an expedition lasting up to eight full days. Plunge down the Zambezi by day, and gaze at the star-filled sky by night. Some expeditions even lead you up to the foot of Victoria Falls.
Backcountry Skiing in Canada
The Canadian Rockies are some of the most beautiful mountainscapes and famous ski destinations in the world. The resort slopes can get a little crowded, but for the enthusiastic skier, western Canada has endless opportunities for backcountry skiing. Revelstoke Mountain Resort is a top spot in British Columbia with a wide variety of still-wild terrain (and opportunities for heli-skiing). The sister resorts of Whistler and Blackcomb are also great options, with everything from tree skiing to glaciers to alpine bowls.
Surfing in Portugal
Portugal has Europe’s best surfing. The area of Peniche has consistently great waves, and its location near to Lisbon is a great option for a quick stop. The picturesque town is home to popular breaks like the Supertubos. Lagos, on the south coast, has some of Europe’s warmest waters, and nearly every beach on the Algarve has excellent breaks, perfect for less experienced surfers. For the craziest breaks, head to the quaint fishing village of Nazaré. They’ve got the biggest waves in the world, created by a huge underwater canyon. For the advanced surfer, it should be top on the bucket list.
Canyoning in the Blue Mountains
The Blue Mountains, located in eastern Australia, offer state-of-the-art year-round canyoning experiences. Adventurers of all levels can enjoy rappelling down rapid waterfalls and trudging through rainforests. Advanced canyoners can abseil down narrow slot canyons, swim through rushing rivers and hold their balance on moss-covered boulders. Besides the adrenaline rush, this experience also showcases the region’s beauty. With the sunrays cascading down the canyons, beautiful lush vegetation, and sweeping mountain vistas, you’ll have adrenaline meeting stunning Australian scenery.
Have you had the opportunity to try any of these incredible adventures? Do you have any ideas of things you think should be added to the list? Add your experiences and ideas in the comments below.