Contributed by guest author Ryan Gargiulo of Pause the Moment

This one goes out to all you adventurous souls out there who are constantly in search of the next big rush. The next big adrenaline rush, that is. Here’s a short list of some of the most incredible outdoor adventure activities around the globe, some of which you might want to add to your already lengthy bucket list.

Volcano Boarding in Nicaragua

Volcano boarding is unique in just about every sense of the word. Imagine hiking up the side of an active volcano and then plopping yourself down on a piece of wood with some sheet metal nailed to it. Sounds crazy already, right? Ready? Set? Go! Oh, and don’t forget to hold on for dear life as you and your board fly down the side of the volcano at breakneck speeds. As you can imagine, wipeouts are very common and injuries happen often. That being said, the best way to avoid an injury is to use your feet to slow yourself down. Ideally, it’s best not to race down but pace yourself as you go. Tours include transportation, safety equipment (goggles and a jumpsuit), board, and water. For more information, checkout the Quetzaltrekkers website below.

Website: http://leon.quetzaltrekkers.org/volcano-boarding.html

Skydiving in Dubai

Welcome to the world’s premier skydiving location! Here you’ll jump (or fall) from high above the magical city of Dubai at a speed of up to 120 mph. If you have no previous experience and/or skydiving training, you’ll be attached to a member of Skydive Dubai’s professional team. This type of jump is known as tandem, and it’s the only way you’ll be able to experience skydiving unless you’re certified to jump on your own. Make sure to reserve your skydive well in advance as slots tend to fill up quickly.

Website: http://www.skydivedubai.ae/

Bungee Jumping in New Zealand

Have you ever thought about jumping off a bridge with a bungee attached to your feet? At AJ Hackett Bungy New Zealand, you’ll get to do exactly that. With tons of jump choices available including four different heights ranging from approximately 130 feet to 440 feet, you’ll be able to find your comfort zone and then challenge yourself to another, higher jump at a different location. If the bungee jump isn’t your thing, there are also two different swings to choose from. To plan your next adventure vacation, check out the AJ Hackett website below.

Website: http://www.bungy.co.nz/

ZORBing in New Zealand

Sometimes life can leave you feeling like a hamster running in endless circles, but what if you turned that sensation into some good ol’ fun? Known as one of the most unusual and wacky adventure activities out there, ZORBing allows you to crawl inside a giant inflatable ball and roll downhill while you get tossed around (safely, of course). With two different options, wet and dry, on four different tracks, you’ll have plenty of time to lose your balance, fall, get back up and fall down again. Single rides start off at $32USD per person. For more information, check out the link below.

Website: http://zorb.com/world/rotorua/

Shark Cage Diving in Hawaii

If you’re looking for extreme adventure activities to do before you die, you can’t go wrong by heading to Hawaii. You’ll find intense hiking, cliff jumping, freediving and some of the best cage diving in the world. If you’re one of the many who are afraid of sharks, it’s time to face your fears once and for all. With an Oahu cage diving tour, you’ll head out into the deep, clear waters surrounding Oahu and then plunge into the ocean in a cage as you watch the sharks swim around you. This is a great opportunity for pictures, so make sure to bring your GoPro and/or waterproof camera. You’ll also get to enjoy the sharks from onboard, as the shark cage is dropped a total of three times each tour, and each passenger gets to experience one drop. Adult rates average $120USD per person.

Website: http://www.sharktourshawaii.com/

Cliff Walk in China

Breathe in, breathe out. That’s exactly what you’ll be telling yourself as you carefully traverse what many consider one of the most dangerous adventure activity ideas in the world. Don’t be ashamed if you end up shedding a tear or two during the hike, you won’t be the only one. The hike is built on the side of a cliff, or rather a series of cliffs, where you’ll find yourself walking along a narrow path made up of steel rod ladders, carved footholds and wooden plank walks. All you have for a safety net is two straps to hook onto wires that guide you along the path and keep you from falling into the valley below. Cost is about $5 for use of the path and the straps. Located on the Hua Shan mountain about 75 miles east of Xian and near the city of Huayin, China. Don’t miss the video below.

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NsGC0lZ-5g8

The Big Rush in Durban, South Africa

Looking for an extreme urban adventure to take part in during your next trip to Durban, South Africa? The Big Rush is the Guinness World Records tallest bungee swing in the world at 347 feet with an initial free fall of 196 feet, followed by a 720-foot swing across the field of the Moses Mabhida World Cup Stadium.

More info and photos: http://www.pausethemoment.com/worlds-tallest-bungee-swing/

Official Website: http://www.bigrush.co.za/

Fastest Zip Lining in South Africa

Previously holding the title of world’s longest, fastest and highest zip line for six years, Zip 2000 is guaranteed to give you the ultimate adrenaline rush. Here you’ll fly at speeds of up to 75 mph over the course of about 1.2 miles. For this ride, instead of sitting in a harness, you’ll be lying face down. Get your cameras ready for this one.

Website: http://www.zip2000.com/index.php

Whitewater Rafting in Zambia

Add this to your list of adventure activities if you aren’t afraid of getting a little wet. Okay, let’s be honest, you’re guaranteed to get completely drenched on this one! With two types of rafting available (high or low water), depending on the season, adventurers get to test their skills as they are thrashed from side to side while facing off with some of the best (and roughest) whitewater rafting in the world. You’re going to want to keep your helmet on for this one. Prices are approximately $151 per person with discounts available if booked online. Bundu Adventures is located at the Maramba River Lodge in Livingstone, Zambia.

Website: http://www.bunduadventures.com/

Ice Swimming in Finland

Remember that time you jumped in the pool after assuming  it was heated only to find out that it was a cool 72 degrees? Consider that a slight insight into what you’re about to do next: jump straight into an icy cold lake surrounded by snow! Now, why would you do this? Well, because after you plunge into an icy lake in Finland, you’ll be ready to conquer just about anything. Follow up this chilly experience with a trip to the sauna so you can get the best of both worlds all in one day.

More info: http://www.visitfinland.com/article/a-refreshing-dip-icy-waters/!

 

Ryan Gargiulo is a location independent blogger, freelancer, and world traveler with a passion for adventure. In May of 2010, he kicked his 9 to 5 to the curb to take a six month trip around the world. Four years later, he’s still on the road. His website is Pause the Moment.