Where to do adrenaline activities around the world

Think of Fiji and you’ll probably picture serene beaches, gently-swaying palm trees, and miles of tranquil ocean. But, despite its laid-back atmosphere, there are plenty of thrills to be found in Fiji. A short journey from the southern coast of Viti Levu, you’ll find the Beqa Lagoon – a hotspot for swimming with sharks. Alongside your instructor, you’ll embark on a cage-free dive to see eight different shark species, including the ominous-looking bull shark.

Swimming with a bull shark takes some nerve, but if you want to up the adrenaline, Mexico’s shark-diving scene is about as thrilling as it gets. Located off the Baja California peninsula, Guadalupe Island is where you’ll be headed. Once you’re all geared up, you’ll step into a metal cage and descend 30 feet beneath the ocean’s surface, before coming nose-to-nose with a great white shark.

The USA has no shortage of dramatic landscapes for rock-climbers to fawn over. But, it has to be said that Zion National Park takes some beating. With its cream-coloured cliffs, tumbling canyons and narrow gorges, it’s easy to see why it’s Utah’s top attraction. The routes aren’t quite as dizzying as El Capitan in Yosemite, but even for experienced climbers, the sheer scale can be quite daunting. Climbing here isn’t for the faint of heart, but the views from the clifftops provide ample reward.

Alternatively, if you’re a beginner climber, but still want that dose of adrenaline, Krabi in Thailand is a destination that ticks all the boxes. Whether you prefer rope-climbing or bouldering, there’s plenty of routes and tours to choose from – some more thrilling than others. And, once you’re done climbing, you get to kick back on a beautiful, sandy beach.

Of all the adrenaline-inducing activities, a bungee jump is perhaps the most daunting. Standing on a shaky platform, with nothing but an elastic chord to catch your fall, staring at the empty space that connects you to the solid earth below. And then, holding your breath and launching forward… Fancy that? Then a trip to Queenstown in New Zealand will be right up your street. Attempt the world’s first commercial bungee jump at Kawarau Bridge, or tackle Queenstown’s highest – the 134-metre Nevis Bungee.

And, after you’ve got those under your belt, you can move onto an even-taller jump. Over in South Africa’s Western Cape, the Bloukrans Bungee Jump measures an astonishing 216 metres high. It’s a rather unique experience, too, as you’ll be jumping from the top of Africa’s biggest bridge.

A step down from a 200-metre bungee jump, but a thrilling activity nonetheless, is white-water rafting. There are brilliant destinations all across the globe, but the rivers of Central and South America are undoubtedly some of the best. Running through the heart of Costa Rica, the Pacuare River draws in plenty of adrenaline-junkies. The mix of strong rapids and waterfalls makes for an exhilarating ride, while the surrounding rainforest provides a picture-perfect backdrop.

But, when it comes to great scenery, nothing rivals the silvery lakes and soaring mountains of Patagonia. And, over in Chile, the Futaleufu River is a white-water-rafter’s paradise. With the help of your team, you’ll navigate through the fast-paced, turquoise water – withstanding the river’s powerful blows as part of a heart-racing, all-day adventure.

If you’re looking for that adrenaline boost, but still want to take in your incredible surroundings, zip-lining is the way to go. It can be great fun for families, too, as there are lots of kid-friendly ziplines scattered across the globe. Hawaii’s second-largest island, Maui, is the perfect example. Younger travellers can enjoy a ride through the treetops of the jungle, dangling their toes above the tropical flora. Whilst older thrill-seekers can try a more adventurous ride across the cliffs and canyons of Haleakalā National Park.

Need more of a challenge? Then you’ll want to make tracks for Pokhara in central Nepal. At the foot of the Himalayas, this stunning, lakeside city is a hub for all things adventure. It’s here you’ll find what’s commonly accepted as the ‘most extreme zip-line in the world’, which stretches 850-metres long and drops down a stomach-lurching 600 metres.

And finally, we’ve got cliff jumping. There’s no instructor or fancy equipment needed – just a steep cliff face, some deep water, and a whole lot of bravery. And, one of the best places you can go is Negril, Jamaica. Known for its coral sands and aquamarine sea, Negril is a super chilled-out area. The exception, however, is Rick’s Café, where the daredevils gather. The tallest part of the cliff here is a terrifying 35 feet. But, the guaranteed rush of endorphins makes taking the leap worth it.

If you find yourself in Western Australia and fancy an adrenaline kick, a trip to the Kimberley Ranges is just the ticket. A vast savannah adorned with orange-toned mountains and gorges, it’s one of the most unique cliff-jumping destinations in the world. And, with drops measuring up to 70 feet, it’s one of the most ambitious, too.