Parachuting, including also skydiving, is a method of transiting from a high point in the atmosphere to the surface of Earth with the aid of gravity, involving the control of speed during the descent using a parachute or parachutes.
For human skydiving, it may involve a phase of more or less free-falling (the skydiving segment) which is a period when the parachute has not yet been deployed and the body gradually accelerates to terminal velocity.
For cargo parachuting, the parachute descent may begin immediately, such as a parachute-airdrop in the lower atmosphere of Earth, or be significantly delayed, such as in a planetary atmosphere where an object is descending "under parachute" following atmospheric entry from space, and may begin only after the hypersonic entry phase and initial deceleration that occurs due to friction with the thin upper atmosphere.
Popular Places For Skydiving
1. Over the Swiss Alps in Interlaken, Switzerland
Test your limits at the most extraordinary skydive spot in the world, Interlaken. From the turquoise waters of Lake Thun and Lake Brienz to the snow-capped Swiss Alps, this tandem skydive from 14,000 feet offers views like none other. Fly over Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau peaks at a mind-boggling speed before the parachute is finally deployed.
Best Time to Go: All year round
Cost: Starting at US $ 470
2. Eco-friendly Skydive in Hawaii
A skydiving experience in Hawaii is definitely not for the faint-hearted. You can choose from a range of altitudes between 8,000 to 22,000 feet. The diversity of views that a jump here gives is something to lookout for. You will come across Hawaii’s many islands, rainforests, mountains, beaches and more. Capture uninterrupted aerial views of the entire island at once as you transcend the skies and then jump.
Wondering what’s eco-friendly about this dive? Skydive operators in Hawaii use energy efficient planes to help reduce your skydiving carbon footprint by upto 40%.
Best Time to Go: All year round, flights depend on weather conditions
Cost: Starting at US $ 139
3. Across the Namib Desert, Namibia
Here’s a one-of-its-kind experience to fuel your adventurous side. It’s not everyday that you get to gaze down at the endless expanse of a desert and the rolling sand dunes stretching to the edge of a coast. Opt for a skydiving adventure in Namibia and see all this from a height of 10,000 feet. Landing into the middle of such a landscape is something you want to tick off your bucket list right now!
Best Time to Go: March to December, except on days when there is a lot of mist
Cost: Starting at US $178
4. From the Fox Glacier, New Zealand
Think adventure, think New Zealand! While there are many spots for skydiving in the country, Fox Glacier is a must if you are an adventure junkie. Opt for a tandem skydive from 9,000, 13,000 and even 16,500 feet! You will be rewarded with the most stunning scenery, which includes a stunning 13 kilometre glacier and Mt. Cook enveloped in clouds, a view which is to die for. Fox Glacier is famed as the second most scenic skydive in the world and not without reason.
Best Time to Go: All year round
Cost: Starting at US $139
5. Jump from Mount Everest, Nepal
Take the leap of a lifetime as you jump out of a plane with your tandem instructor or go for a free fall from Mount Everest if you are a daredevil. This is not only the highest drop zone in the world, but also the most scenic, courtesy the views of the mighty Himalayas. An altitude of 29,500 feet makes it all the more thrilling and difficult to achieve.
There are only four skydiving trips operated from the Mount Everest in a year and it’s also the most expensive. If you want to feel an adrenaline high like never before and jump from the highest peak in the world, make sure you book at least six months in advance.
Best Time to Go: October is when the four jumps are organised. Dates may vary. Check out http://www.everest-skydive.com/ for more details
Cost: Starting at US $30,000