Bungee Jumping: 10 Most Thrilling Spots Worldwide

There is a reason bungee jumping sits near the top of every adventure bucket list. No other legal activity so perfectly concentrates the full spectrum of human emotion into a single moment. Standing on the edge of a platform, hundreds of meters above a river or gorge, your brain screaming every warning signal it has, and then choosing to jump anyway. That moment of defiance against your deepest instincts is what makes bungee jumping unforgettable.

The sport was commercialized in the late 1980s in New Zealand, and since then, bungee operations have sprung up on bridges, towers, dams, and purpose-built platforms across the globe. In 2026, the operators are more professional, the gear is more reliable, and the locations are more spectacular than ever. Here are the best places on Earth to take the leap.

Bloukrans Bridge, South Africa: The World’s Highest Commercial Bridge Bungee

At 216 meters (709 feet), the Bloukrans Bridge bungee in South Africa’s Western Cape holds the record for the highest commercial bridge bungee in the world. The jump takes place from a platform suspended beneath the arch of the bridge, with the Bloukrans River gorge yawning below. The freefall lasts about 7 seconds, during which you reach speeds of approximately 200 km/h before the cord catches and bounces you back up. The setting, with lush subtropical forest covering the gorge walls, adds natural beauty to the pure terror.

Height: 216 meters (709 feet) Cost: Approximately $65-80 USD (around 1,100 ZAR) Operator: Face Adrenalin Getting there: Located on the N2 highway between Plettenberg Bay and Storms River in the Garden Route. About 5 hours from Cape Town. Where to stay: Storms River Village has backpackers from $12 per night and guesthouses from $35. Pro Tip: The jump operates rain or shine. Cloud and mist can actually make the experience even more surreal, as you jump into what appears to be a bottomless void.

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Nevis Bungee, New Zealand: 134 Meters of Pure Fear

The Nevis Bungee near Queenstown is often cited as the most terrifying bungee jump in the world, not because of its height (134 meters, less than Bloukrans), but because of the delivery. You ride a cable car out to a suspended pod over the Nevis River gorge, then jump from a glass-floored platform with nothing but air between you and the rocks far below.

The setting amplifies the fear. The Nevis Valley is dramatic and remote, with steep mountainsides dropping to the narrow river below. The 8.5 seconds of freefall feel like an eternity. Height: 134 meters (440 feet) Cost: $275 NZD (approximately $165 USD) Operator: AJ Hackett Bungy Getting there: 45 minutes from Queenstown by shuttle (included in the price) Where to stay: Queenstown has hostels from $30 NZD and hotels from $100 NZD.

Verzasca Dam, Switzerland: The James Bond Jump

If you have seen GoldenEye, you have seen this jump. The opening scene where James Bond bungees off the dam was filmed at the Verzasca Dam in Ticino, Switzerland. At 220 meters, it is one of the highest bungee jumps in the world. The jump itself is intense: you leap from the top of a concrete dam and freefall toward the narrow gorge below. The combination of the dam’s sheer scale, the Bond connection, and the Swiss alpine setting makes this one of the most iconic bungee experiences on Earth.

Height: 220 meters (722 feet) Cost: 255 CHF (approximately $285 USD) Operator: Trekking Team Season: April through October (weather dependent) Getting there: Near Locarno in Ticino, southern Switzerland. About 2.5 hours from Zurich. Where to stay: Locarno has hotels from 60 CHF per night.

Macau Tower, China: The Urban Leap

The Macau Tower bungee at 233 meters is the highest commercial bungee jump from a building. The jump takes you off the outer rim of the observation deck with the Macau cityscape and South China Sea spread below you. It is the ultimate urban adrenaline experience. Height: 233 meters (764 feet) Cost: Approximately $400-500 USD (around 3,500 MOP) Operator: AJ Hackett Getting there: Central Macau, accessible from Hong Kong by ferry (1 hour) Where to stay: Macau has hotels from $40-80 per night. Budget travelers can base in Zhuhai (connected by land border) for less.

Kawarau Bridge, New Zealand: Where It All Began

The Kawarau Bridge near Queenstown is where commercial bungee jumping was born. In 1988, AJ Hackett and Henry van Asch launched the world’s first permanent commercial bungee operation from this historic suspension bridge over the turquoise Kawarau River. At 43 meters, it is modest compared to the mega-jumps on this list, but its historical significance and beautiful setting make it a must-do for bungee enthusiasts. The option to be dunked in the river at the bottom of the bounce adds an extra element of excitement.

Height: 43 meters (141 feet) Cost: $220 NZD (approximately $130 USD) Operator: AJ Hackett Bungy Getting there: 25 minutes from Queenstown Where to stay: Queenstown (see above)

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Victoria Falls Bridge, Zambia/Zimbabwe

Jumping from the historic Victoria Falls Bridge with the spray of Victoria Falls in the background and the Zambezi River 111 meters below is one of Africa’s most iconic adventure experiences. The bridge straddles the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, and the views of the falls from the platform are spectacular. Height: 111 meters (364 feet) Cost: $160-180 USD Season: Year-round (best views of falls March-May during high water) Getting there: Walk from either Livingstone (Zambia) or Victoria Falls town (Zimbabwe) Where to stay: Livingstone has backpackers from $15 per night.

Europabrucke, Austria

The Europabrucke (Europa Bridge) near Innsbruck is one of Europe’s highest bridge bungee jumps at 192 meters. The jump takes place from a purpose-built platform attached to the highway bridge spanning the Wipp Valley, with the Austrian Alps providing a dramatic backdrop. Height: 192 meters (630 feet) Cost: 159 euros Season: May through October Getting there: 15 minutes south of Innsbruck on the Brenner motorway

Corinth Canal, Greece

Jumping from the bridge over the Corinth Canal offers a unique experience: your freefall takes you between the sheer walls of the narrow canal, which was carved through the isthmus connecting the Peloponnese to mainland Greece. The height is modest (63 meters), but the sensation of falling between the canal walls is unlike any other jump. Height: 63 meters (207 feet) Cost: 80-100 euros Getting there: 80 km west of Athens

Niouc Bridge, Switzerland

Niouc Bridge in the Valais region of Switzerland offers a 190-meter bungee from a dramatic suspension bridge over the Val d’Anniviers gorge. The freefall lasts about 6.5 seconds, and the views of the surrounding alpine peaks are spectacular. Height: 190 meters (623 feet) Cost: 199 CHF Season: May through September Getting there: Near Sierre in the Valais, about 2.5 hours from Geneva

What to Expect: Your First Bungee Jump

Before the Jump

• Registration and waiver: You will sign a waiver acknowledging the risks. This is standard and does not mean the activity is unsafe.
• Weigh-in: Your weight determines which cord is used. Be honest, this is a safety issue.
• Gear up: Ankle harness, body harness (on some jumps), and safety clips are fitted by trained staff.
• The walk: The walk to the platform is when the fear hits hardest. This is normal.

The Moment of Truth

Here is the honest truth: standing on the edge is the hardest part. Your brain’s survival instincts scream at you not to jump. Most people hesitate. Some cry. Some laugh. A few need several attempts. All of this is completely normal and nothing to be embarrassed about. How to handle it:

1. Do not look down for too long. Look at the horizon.
2. When the jumpmaster counts down, commit. Hesitation makes it harder.
3. Dive forward, do not just step off. A forward leap gives a better freefall and a more even cord stretch.
4. Keep your eyes open. You will regret closing them.
5. Enjoy the freefall. After the first second of terror, a wave of euphoria hits.

After the Jump

The cord will bounce you several times before you come to rest. You will then be lowered to the ground (or water, or another platform) and unhooked. The adrenaline rush typically lasts 20-30 minutes and is accompanied by an overwhelming sense of accomplishment and joy.

Photo credit on Pexels

Safety Information

Commercial bungee jumping has an excellent safety record. Serious injuries are extremely rare when the activity is operated by licensed, professional companies. Key safety factors:

• Operator reputation: Only jump with established, well-reviewed operators. Check for certifications and safety audits.
• Equipment inspection: Cords are retired well before their rated lifespan. Ask about inspection schedules if it gives you peace of mind.
• Weight limits: Operators have minimum and maximum weight requirements for safety reasons. Typical range: 40-120 kg (88-264 lbs).
• Health restrictions: People with heart conditions, high blood pressure, epilepsy, recent surgeries, or pregnancy should not bungee jump. The World Health Organization’s travel health guidance and your personal doctor can advise on specific medical concerns.
• Under the influence: Never bungee jump while intoxicated. Operators will (and should) refuse you.

Height Comparison Chart

Jump	Location	Height	Cost
Macau Tower	China	233m	$400-500
Verzasca Dam	Switzerland	220m	$285
Bloukrans Bridge	South Africa	216m	$65-80
Europabrucke	Austria	192m	$175
Niouc Bridge	Switzerland	190m	$220
Nevis Bungee	New Zealand	134m	$165
Victoria Falls Bridge	Zambia/Zimbabwe	111m	$160-180
Corinth Canal	Greece	63m	$90-110
Kawarau Bridge	New Zealand	43m	$130

Alternatives to Bungee: Other Freefall Experiences

If bungee jumping sparks your interest in freefall, these related activities take the concept in different directions:

Bridge Swings

Instead of bouncing, a bridge swing sends you on a massive pendulum arc beneath the bridge. Many bungee sites offer swings alongside jumps. The Nevis Swing in Queenstown is the largest in Australasia, sending you on a 300-meter arc at speeds up to 150 km/h. Cost: $235 NZD.

Zip Lines

For those who want speed and height without the freefall, zip lines offer an accessible alternative. The world’s longest zip line, the Jebel Jais Flight in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, stretches 2.83 kilometers. Monster zip lines exist in Nepal, South Africa, and Wales. Costs typically range from $50-200.

BASE Jumping

The next step beyond bungee for serious adrenaline seekers. BASE jumping (Building, Antenna, Span, Earth) uses a parachute rather than a cord. It requires specialized training and certification. Popular spots include Lauterbrunnen Valley (Switzerland), Kjerag (Norway), and Perrine Bridge (Idaho, USA). Not for beginners.

Skydiving

Tandem skydiving offers the ultimate freefall experience: 45-60 seconds of freefall from 4,000+ meters. Available at drop zones worldwide. Costs $200-350 for a tandem jump. No prior experience required.

Photographing and Filming Your Jump

Most bungee operators offer professional photo and video packages, but here are some tips:

• Operator packages: Typically $30-60 for a photo/video bundle. Quality varies but usually captures the key moments.
• GoPro mounting: Some operators allow a wrist-mounted or chest-mounted GoPro. Ask before bringing one, as some prohibit personal cameras for safety reasons (a camera falling from 200 meters is a projectile).
• Spectator photography: If you have friends watching, give them a telephoto lens and position them for a clear view of the platform and the first few seconds of freefall.

The Psychology of Jumping

Bungee jumping is as much a psychological experience as a physical one. The moment of standing on the edge and choosing to jump is a powerful exercise in overcoming fear. Psychologists have studied the effects:

• Stress inoculation: Repeatedly facing controlled fear (like bungee jumping) can build resilience to stress in other areas of life.
• Flow state: The intense focus required during the jump can induce a flow state similar to meditation.
• Confidence building: Successfully completing a bungee jump often translates to increased willingness to take on challenges in daily life.
• Neurochemistry: The combination of adrenaline, endorphins, and dopamine released during and after the jump creates a natural high that many jumpers describe as euphoric.

Many people report that bungee jumping was a turning point in their approach to fear and risk. The simple act of choosing to jump when every instinct tells you not to has a way of reframing what you think is possible.

Building Your Bungee Bucket List

For first-timers, we recommend starting at a lower height (40-70 meters) to experience the sensation without the added terror of extreme height. The Kawarau Bridge in New Zealand or Corinth Canal in Greece are excellent first jumps.

Once you have your first jump under your belt (and the associated rush of confidence), work your way up to the bigger leaps. Many of these destinations are surprisingly affordable with the right budget adventure travel strategies. The progression from 43 meters to 216 meters is a journey that will teach you a lot about your own capacity for courage.

If bungee jumping whets your appetite for vertical thrills, you might also enjoy canyoneering adventures. And if you ever find yourself standing on the edge, heart pounding, legs shaking, wondering why you signed up for this, remember: every person who has ever jumped has felt exactly the same way. The difference is, they jumped. And not one of them has ever regretted it.

Leap.

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