10 of the Most Death-Defying Bungee Jumps in the World [VIDEOS]

If you’re the type of person who loves high places, falling from high places, and then having your body whipped up and down by the recoil of a powerful bungee cord, look no further.

The planet is full of astounding, wild locations where thrill-seekers can take the art of bungee jumping to the extreme. Here you’ll find a list of some of the most beautiful, dangerous looking and highest bungee jumping spots on earth. Towering bridges, massive dams and even an active volcano are just some of the jumps available. If you’re serous about bungee jumping, grab your passport and then cash in your frequent flier miles so you can try them all.

Royal Gorge Bridge, Colorado

So, you want to stand on a perfectly good bridge, and then jump off it? Well, there’s no better place than the Royal Gorge Bridge in Colorado, which happens to be the world’s highest bungee jump off of a fixed platform. How far are you going to fall, you might be wondering? You’ll be diving from a starting point of 1,053 feet. From that height, the Arkansas River below will seem like a mere trickle of water.

Verzasca Dam, Switzerland

If James Bond jumped of this gigantic, 722-foot Swiss dam in the movie 'Goldeneye,' why can’t you? The good news is that you absolutely can. The company operating this high adrenaline jump offers a variety of options, from the basic beginner’s jump, to the “backward” jump, as well as a nighttime jump. If you’re new to the world of bungees, you can build up some jumping experience here.

Villarrica Volcano Bungee Jump, Pucon, Chile

If you’ve got a lot of money to spare, and you don’t worry about extreme danger too much, than a helicopter-based bungee jump over an active volcano might be perfect for you. When you leap off the helicopter, harness and bungee cord firmly secured, of course, you’ll already be at an altitude of around 10,000 feet. Oh, and you’ll be diving into the volcano's crater, above pools of molten lava. Still sound like fun?

Bloukrans Bridge, South Africa

When you’re in South Africa, and you just have to dive off of a massively tall bridge, you should check out the Bloukrans Bridge, near the Tsitsikamma Forests, to cure your thrill-seeking itch. If you decide to launch your body from this bridge, the actual bungee jump 525 feet. Even if you aren’t planning on taking the leap, you can still enjoy some breathtaking views of the Bloukrans River, and the ocean nearby, from atop the narrow bridge.

Nevis Highwire Bungee, New Zealand

Down in Queenstown, New Zealand, you can jump from a pod, which is connected to a highwire 440 feet above the craggy Nevis River. The surrounding landscape is austere and pristine, while the bungee jump itself is simply mind-blowing. And if the highwire jump weren’t enough, you can also have a go on the massive Nevis Swing, which is billed as the “biggest swing in the world.”

Macau Tower, China

Would you like to dive off of an enormous, man-made tower, with nothing but concrete below? Well, now your dreams can come true. The Macau Tower, in Macau, China, offers a 764-foot drop with splendid views of Macau and parts of southern China all around. For those of you who are a little fainter of heart, instead of a bungee jump, you can opt for a skywalk around the outer rim of the tower. It’s a great way to see if you’re truly afraid of heights. Of course, if you actually are, it’s also a great way to bring about a nervous breakdown.

Victoria Falls Bungee, Zimbabwe

It’s hard to image a more beautiful setting than the regal Victoria Falls, situated on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe. Rainbows caused my mountains of mist frothing up from the turbulent flow of the falls, and the roar of the river in your ears will immerse your senses if you choose to take part in one of the most amazing bungee jumps on earth. Oh, and did we mention the crocodiles inhabiting the waters below the bridge, from where you’ll be jumping?

Bhote Kosi River, Nepal

Ever fancy a jump off a high bridge in an exotic country? The Bhote Kosi River bungee jump, in Nepal, offers up just such an adventure. You’ll be diving head first down into a lush gorge, or perhaps even jumping backwards, and then you'll be yanked back up by the long bungee. There are many delightful ways to enjoy the Himalayas, and jumping off of a solid bridge now appears to be one of them.

Altopiano di Asiago, Italy

In Vicenza, Italy, you have the opportunity to experience an extremely high bungee jump, in the gorgeous setting of the Alps. The bridge-based bungee jump in Vicenza offers an awesome jump from a height of 574 feet down into a ravine. If you’re a little bit wary of jumping, you can make yourself feel better before, or after the jump, with some zesty Italian comfort food. Maybe after is safer, as far as your stomach is concerned.

Whistler Bridge, British Columbia, Canada

The area of Whistler in British Columbia boasts all kinds of outdoor adventures, from rock and mountain climbing, to mountain biking, rafting and skiing. Now you can add bungee jumping to the list. You’ll get to jump 160 feet down, toward the rushing waters of the Cheakamus River. The alpine setting is gorgeous, the thrills of jumping unparalleled, and if you’d like to splash into the river for a quick dip, that can be arranged, too.