20 Amazing Adventure Tourism Destinations You Should Consider Visiting

The adventure tourism industry has been thriving over the past decade and with good reasons. It is the perfect alternative for those who want the best of a traditional vacation with the option of indulging in some select and exhilarating adventure sports. Many cities now boast being the premier location to conduct sky diving, bungee jumping, deep sea diving and many other niche activities. Most of these adventure sports promise to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience and it is best experienced when you are already on a vacation with your friends or family. Here is a list of 20 locations you need to consider while planning your next vacation:

Switzerland

There is only one place most snow sport enthusiasts look to in the world for quality and consistency, and that place is Switzerland. It is primarily famous for its facilities in skiing. snowboarding, tobogganing, ice climbing, ice diving, dog sledding and air boarding. During the summer seasons, a whole new set of activities opens up within the region such as Nordic Walking, Climbing, Hang Gliding, Canoeing, Rafting, Spelunking, Mountaineering, Cliff Diving and Gold Panning. The natural beauty of the entire region along with a wide spectrum of activities makes Switzerland one of the most preferred adventure tourism destinations in the planet.

New Zealand

Although New Zealand is one of the smaller countries in the world, it has an extremely diverse topography and landscape, allowing it to host a wide range of adventure sports amidst its own natural splendor. The country uses its vast mountains, expansive volcanoes, meandering rivers and infinite coastlines to create some truly memorable experiences for adventure sport enthusiasts as well nature lovers. Apart from being the pioneer destination for Bungee jumping, the country is also renowned for hosting Snowboarding, White Water Rafting, Sky Diving, Hang Gliding, Heli-Skiing and the famous Night Water Rafting that can be experienced only in New Zealand.

South Africa

There are two specific regions in South Africa that are famous for hosting some of the best adventure sports in the world along with being extremely serene. The Okavango Delta of Botswana and the Mediterranean shores of Tunisia are renowned for their excellent Diving, Rafting, Mountain Climbing, Trekking, White Water Expeditions and Surfing.

Australia

Australia, much like New Zealand, has some extremely varied terrain that helps facilitate a wide range of adventure sports. This includes Scuba Diving at the Great Reef Barrier, Outbacking, Spelunking and Biking at Ayers Rock and Blue Mountain, along with a whole range of water sports such as Surfing, Kayaking and Windsurfing that are available all around its free-flowing coasts.

Nepal

Nepal is an extremely good choice if you are looking to make an excellent budget adventure vacation. The sprawling mountains of the Himalayan range make for an excellent setting for some high octane adventure sports such as Trekking, Paragliding and White Water Rafting. Mountain Climbing, however, manages to remain the region’s most famous offering as scaling the Himalayas is something most Mountaineers train for their entire life.

Croatia

Although Croatia isn’t the first place that will pop into your mind when you think of adventure tourism, the region offers an amazing set of unique experiences for thrill seekers looking to keep an open mind. Kayaking and Rafting are especially sought after in Croatia thanks to the abundance of Grade 3 and Grade 4 rapids. The limestone cliffs in the region are beautiful and ideal for scaling.

Canada

The Canadian landscape is truly diverse, offering mountains, oceans, rivers and lakes within the same geographical space. This works in favor of adventure tourism, with the bulk of extreme adventurers flocking to Canada for its excellent Climbing, Hiking, Kayaking and Mountaineering opportunities.

Indonesia

Indonesia is one of those destinations that offers something for everyone. The beautiful island of Bali not only offers shopping and recreation, but also boast of a number of adventure sports. You can attempt Hiking, Trekking and Climbing by travelling to the expansive volcanic mountain range in the region. The Unda and Ayung rivers also offer great quality White Water Rafting and Snorkeling.

Costa Rica

Costa Rica has a diverse topography, ranging from beaches to jungles to tropical rainforests. The gorgeous scenery is best experienced while attempting the one adventure sport famous in the region, Zip Lining. Costa Rica has become renowned for amazing Zip Lining that allows you to view the dense tropical jungles at a higher altitude. This is truly a unique experience, one that should be on every adventurers’ bucket list.

Brazil

The Amazon River lies at the heart of this highly popular tourist destination and offers you some of the best in water sports such as Windsurfing, Kite Surfing, Sailing and Snorkeling. You should also look to experience the Jungle tour which is famous in the region. This takes you through one of the most beautiful rainforests in the world on the trail where the Rio Negro meets the Amazon. The Pantanal Matogrossense National park is also one of the best places to spot some of the most unique animals in the world including jaguars, capybaras, iguanas, caimans and over a 1,000 different species of birds.

Madagascar

The Madagascar region is one of the most special places on the planet due to its many wonders such as its mountains, rainforests, beaches, coral reefs and especially its ample wildlife. The list of activities the region offers is endless, including Trekking, Climbing, Spelunking, Hang Gliding, Mountain Biking, Surfing, Camping, Diving, Sailing, Kayaking and Snorkeling. You can even spend time getting closer to the animal kingdom and attempt to spot lemurs, fossas, lions, cheetahs and spotted turtles in their natural habitat.

Norway

Being in one of the most beautiful locations in the world is enough to make any vacation memorable, but Norway offers so much more than just its beautiful landscapes. Its proximity to the Arctic circle offers a host of winter sports such as cross-country skiing, dog sledding and tobogganing. The mountains in summer offer excellent cycling, hiking, hunting, climbing and rafting opportunities. The varied wildlife in the region such as king crabs, reindeers and killer whales offer something different at every turn.

Scotland

The magnificent Scottish Plains offer not only a view that is sure to take your breath away, but also a range of adventure sports that can have similar effects. Hikers and Mountain bikers can travel through extensive trails that will take your through surrounding castles and sweeping plains. You can also try Shark Diving, the exclusive extreme sport offered in Fife. A 1.2 million gallon underwater aquarium allows you the rare opportunity of swimming alongside some of the most stunning and deadliest underwater predators in the world including the sand tiger shark, angel shark and the tope shark.

​Nicaragua

Nicaragua offers some excellent Surfing and Kayaking opportunities, but the region is famous for another unique adventure sport altogether. Those looking to experience something different can attempt Volcano Boarding which is famous in Nicaragua. The activity is similar to Dune Boarding except you are travelling at speeds up to 50 miles per hour down an inactive volcano, an experience that is guaranteed to be memorable.

Caribbean

The Caribbean islands are an exotic destination that can capture the hearts and minds of any type of tourist. The Puerto Rico region is famous for its aquatic adventure options including some of the best Scuba diving spots in the world, located around Mona Island. The tropical terrain in the region also allows you to embark on activities such as Horseback riding, Hiking and Rock climbing.

China

China offers a lot of variety for tourists and adventure enthusiasts, making it a must-visit destination on the list. Huanglong, the mountain valley in China, is especially famous for its adventure options. You can take a trek to Lhasa or attempt White Water rafting on the parallel rivers running through the region. There are also several famous biking trails that attract a lot of biking fans from around the world.

Peru

Visiting Machu Picchu in the Sacred Valley of Peru is a truly unique experience. This lost city is hidden amidst a dense jungle and offers one of the most demanding trekking trails in the world. The 25 mile trek takes you through ancient ruins in the Urubamba Valley and leads to a lost Incan city that is a sight to behold.

France

Although France offers a fair share of Cliff Climbing, Skydiving, Horseback Riding and Alpine Skiing, it is most famous for the cycling trails that take adventurers through rolling hills and splendid country sides. Visiting a 2,000-year Roman aqueduct is just one of the privileges of cycling through these magnificent landscapes.

United States Of America

The United States offers several secluded locations that are perfect for those who love to backpack across scenic landscapes while enjoying a fair share of wildlife. The Denali National Park and Preserve in Alaska is an excellent example, offering a beautiful trail straight to Mount McKinley, North America’s highest peak that stands at 20,320 feet.

Ecuador

The Galapagos Islands in Ecuador offers something special to those entranced by nature, wildlife and the thrill of adventure. Swimming with glorious tortoises and sea lions, snorkeling in crystal clear water and cycling through cinder cones and sprawling beaches are just a few of the unique experiences offered by Ecuador.