60+ Heart-Pounding, Thrilling Activities Around the World

Here I have compiled over 60 thrilling activities that will make you feel utterly alive, and who wouldn’t want to feel that? Isn’t that to some extent what life is about? Challenging yourself, experiencing life at the edge, acquiring new experiences, conquering fears and having fun!?

I have made these thrilling activities in alphabetical order based on country, with some general “worldwide” activities at the very end, and I have refrained from numbering each entry as this list will continuously be updated. So if you feel like I’ve forgotten a cool activity, let me know in the comments below. And, if this post isn’t enough, there are even more action-related activities in my free 5,000 bucket list e-book.

As always, I have no affiliation whatsoever with any of the activities mentioned in the article. So you can rest assured that I’m not trying to “sell” you anything.

 

Sea Kayaking (Antarctica)

For many, making it all the way up to Antarctica is enough. But in order to cross this off the list, you ought to get into the water. You can get to Antarctica by flying to the southern tip of Argentina (Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego) and from there take a boat. Natural Habitat Adventures is an often recommended discovery tour — however, do some research and possibly explore shorter/cheaper options as well.

Natural Habitat Adventures | 800-543-8917 | 17-day trip starting at $24,995, boarding at Ushuaia, Argentina, and disembarking at Punta Arenas

Sea Kayak Antarctica – The Adventure of a Lifetime | ThePlanetD

Sailing Antarctica: The Ultimate Polar Nature Expedition | Natural Habitat Expeditions

 

Cage of Death (Australia)

You can stare into the faces of some of Australia’s biggest saltwater crocodiles for 15 minutes, separated by nothing more than a couple inches of glass. The cage houses two people at a time, so there’ll be someone there to hold your hand.

Crocosaurus Cove, Darwin Crocodile Park, 58 Mitchell St., Darwin | +61 8 8981 7522 | $160/240 for one/two persons

Surviving the Cage of Death | Chic Adventures

 

Rally drive (Sydney, Australia)

Once strapped into a V8-charged Impreza WRX, how can you not be excited? If you have driving experience you can take the controls and get a real feel for rally driving on a custom-designed course. Thereafter, a pro driver will take you on a thrilling ride showing you how it’s really done.

Adrenaline, 20 Burton St., Sydney, Australia | +61 1300 791 793 | different prices for various laps

Rally Driving | Adrenaline (Official website)

Rally Driving Experience, Colo Heights (Sydney) – 3 Hot Laps | AussieBlokeStuff

 

Harbour Bridge climb (Australia)

More than 2,000 marriage proposals have been made at the summit of the Sydney Harbour Bridge since the bridge climb service went into operation. There are various ways to get to the top of the bridge to view one of the most beautiful harbours in the world. 1) The Express Climb takes about two hours, 2) The Discovery Climb takes about 3.5 hours going close with the engineering, and 3) The Bridge Climb that takes 3.5 hours along the outer arch.

Sydney Harbour Bridge climb | 3 Cumberland St., The Rocks, Sydney | +61 2 8274 7777 | $180-323

Climbs | Bridge Climb (Official website)

Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb – Would you do it? | Y Travel

 

Surf Shipstern Bluff (Tasmania, Australia)

Great white sharks, huge waves, difficulty just getting out there — there are several reasons Shipstern Bluff is considered one of the most dangerous surf spots in the world. It was only when Tasmanian surfer Andy Campbell took up the challenge 1997 that the spot on the southeastern coast of Tasmania became fodder for big wave surfers around the world. Don’t attempt this without any prior surfing experience.

Shipstern Bluff | Encyclopaedia of Surfing

Tasmania’s Shipstern Bluff attracts daredevil surfers with lure of massive waves and worldwide fame | ABC News

 

Great Barrier Reef Dive (Queensland, Australia)

Thrill can be chill. If you love water and nature, then a diving trip to the Great Barrier Reef, one of the world’s greatest natural constructions, will be like coming home. Among others, Hook Reef on the east side of Southern Swain Reefs has up to 50 meters of visibility so you can see scorpion fish, parrot fish, fusiliers, sea snakes, crabs, shrimp, starfish and octopus and a lot more!

The Whitsundays | Overnight diving and sailing tour about $420 with Whitsunday dive operators. A cheaper option would be to fix your own accomodation and just book the dive. 

Diving the Great Barrier Reef | NomadicMatt

Hitting the Water Scuba Diving on the Great Barrier Reef, Cairns | BackpackerBanter

 

Free dive at Dean’s Blue Hole (Bahamas)

Don’t be fooled by its poetic name or its tropical location: Dean’s Blue Hole is deep, dark and intimidating. But, if you’re up for it, you can tame the world’s deepest known seawater blue hole by learning to become a free diver. You probably won’t beat William Trubridge, who broke the unassisted free diving record by diving 100 meters here in 2011. And you certainly won’t conquer all 203 meters of this light-and-oxygen-deprived sinkhole. But you’ll have a great time trying.

Dean’s Blue Hole | A four-day beginner’s course starts at $475

Free Diving Haven- The Dean’s Blue Hole, Bahamas | LeisurePro

Dean’s Blue Hole | deansbluehole.org

 

The Death Road by Cycle (Bolivia)

Ever since a new road was built connecting the same destinations, Bolivia’s “Death Road” has been all but abandoned by cars, leaving it to a few brave cyclists. The road connects Bolivia’s main city, La Paz, and the Yungas region. The scenery is in the region is amazing which leads thousands of tourists to ride this route every year. Some reports claim that 300 people die each year on the road. Suffice to say, be careful, avoid the rainy season (December to February) and have decent bicycle skills.

Gravity Bolivia, Av. 16 de Julio #1490, Edificio Avenida, La Paz, Bolivia | +591 2 231 3849 | about $110 per ride

The Day I Cycled Down Bolivia’s Death Road | GlobetrotterGirls

Could You Cycle the World’s Most Dangerous Road? | TwoScotsAbroad

 

Snowmobiling (Canada)

Bay Du Nord Wilderness Reserve in Newfoundland is the largest protected area in the province, offering miles of uncharted terrain for extreme snowmobiling. It’s fast, it’s furious, and a hell of a lot fun. The snowmobile season runs from December to April.

Newfoundland Outdoor Adventures | +1 709 467 2744 | $227/318 for a four/six-hour tour

Where to Snowmobile | GoSnowmobiling

Snowmobiling | Newfoundland Labrador

 

CN Tower Edge Walk (Canada)

The thrill of visiting Toronto’s CN Tower used to be the half-kilometer ride up the elevator. Now, adventurers can dangle from the outside of the roof of the tower’s restaurant, 356 meters above the ground. The Edge Walk lasts 90 minutes, with 20-30 minutes spent on the walk itself.

You could do similar activities in other towers around the world, such as Macau Tower or as we did in Tallinn TV Tower in Estonia.

CN Tower, 301 Front St., West Toronto, Ontario, Canada | +1 416 868 6937 | $160

Edge Walk CN Tower | Official Website

CN Tower | The Great Canadian Bucket List

 

Wenger Patagonian Expedition Race (Chile)

There can’t be a better way to appreciate the Patagonian landscape than to swim in its rivers, hike its hills, cycle its paths and climb and kayak through its 563 kilometres rugged topography. Teams of four take up to 10 days to travel through the roughest and most remote corners of Patagonia. Racers can only use satellite images to navigate. The clock never stops and many teams take just a few hours of sleep over the duration of the race. However, if a race sounds too much, then I’m sure you could essentially do the same thing at your own pace.

Patagonian Expedition Race | +56 61 61 3891 | $1,350-2,170

Wenger Patagonia Expedition Race Race Report | Live Laugh Dream

Wenger Patagonia Expedition Race | (Official website)

 

World’s Longest Cable Car Ride (China)

The cable car at Tianmen Shan (Heaven’s Gate Mountain) in China’s Hunan province was the world’s longest — it takes 28 minutes from start to finish. The 7,455-meter long cable car ride connects China’s scenic town of Zhangjiajie and Tianmen Shan and gets as steep as 38 degrees, and ascends and descends 1,279 meters.

Tianmen Shan cable car, Tianmen Shan cable car lower station, Guanliping, Zhangjiajie, Hunan, China |+86 744 836 9999 | cable car ride costs $25, admission ticket to the park is $12

 Tianmen Mountain, China: How to Have the Best Experience | EarthTrekkers

Tianmen Mountain Cable Car, China: The Most Scenic Ride of My Life | ThePoorTraveller

 

Cliff Walk (China)

Here’s a trek with a big difference: at 2,160 meters, the majestic South Peak of Mount Hua is one of the most popular among climbers in the mountain range. Some say it’s the most treacherous. At one point, thousand meters above the ground, you have to traverse slim wooden planks stuck to the face of vertical cliffs (as seen above).

Hiking the ‘Plank Road in the Sky’ of Mount Hua, one of ‘world’s most dangerous trails’ | Rappler

The World’s Most Dangerous Hiking Trail | BoredPanda

 

Jet Fighter Pilot for a Day (Europe/U.S.)

Nowadays you can actually fly a real fighter jet. MiGFlug offer this activity and, among others, makes it possible for you to fly in a MiG-29, Hawker Hunter, and L-39 Albatross. They operate in many European countries, as well as in the US and Canada. This definitely would have been on my personal bucket list had it not been for the expensive price — several thousand Euro/USD.

Or what about flying a stunt plane in Las Vegas?

MiGFlug | Official Website

 

Ice Swimming (Finland)

Put on your swimming outfit, find a deep patch of frozen water, drill a hole and plunge in — that’s the protocol for this time-honored Finnish custom. If the thought of plunging right into an icy hole sends shivers up your spine, you can heat up with a sauna session first.

Ice Swimming in Finland | Trekity

A Refreshing Dip in Icy Water? | VisitFinland

 

Neuschwanstein Castle Paraglide (Germany)

Paragliding anywhere is going to be a thrill, but what about doing it over the enchanting Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany — the structure that inspired Walt Disney as he was creating the castles of his cartoons. The building allegedly inspired Walt Disney as he was creating the castles of his cartoons. Another great alternative includes paragliding in Rio de Janeiro.

Paraworth, C/O Ambos Fussenerstr 28, Hohenschwangau, Bavaria, Germany | +49 177 845 0720 | $203

Paragliding Over Neuschwanstein Castle | EconomicalExcursionist

Visit Neuschwanstein, Germany ✓ | Bucket List Fanatic

 

Office Chair Race (Germany)

Sitting in the same old office chair day after day can be so dull. Why not kit it out with crazy add-ons and race it down the road? The Office Chair Racing Championship in the German resort town of Bad Koening sees more than 50 participants race downhill over jump ramps and other obstacles. The concept has since spread to many other countries, including Japan and Hong Kong.

Bad Koenig-Zell, Germany

The Office Chair Race: This time it’s Personal | ChiliSauce

 

Nurburgring Taxi Ride (Germany)

BMW “Ring Taxis” are available from April to October, during which time you can be driven by a professional driver around a race track in a BMW M3. The rides take place in the Nordschleife, given the name “Green Hell” by Formula 1 racer Jackie Stewart. It’s one of the two race tracks in Nurburgring. Ring taxis get booked up a year in advance, but you can keep an eye out for canceled reservations as April approaches.

BMW “Ring Taxis,” Nurburgring, 1 Nurburgring Boulevard, Nürburg | +49 2691 302 630 | $307 per lap. Travellers can also book the more flexible tourist drives experience for $36 per lap.

Nurburgring | (Official website)

 

Himalaya Rally (India)

What makes Raid-de-Himalaya different from other motorcar rallies? You have to drive above an altitude of 4,572 meters for two days of the five-day adventure. This turns the rally from one of pure driving skill, to one of intense endurance and physical and mental toughness, as you battle oxygen depletion and icy temperatures. This is certainly not for everyone.

Raid-de-Himalaya | +91 98160 25899

 

Rickshaw Run (India)

Why get frustrated haggling with India’s rickshaw wallahs when you can ride one and see the country yourself? And while you’re at it, why not make a fun race out of it? With these three-wheeled, half-a-horsepower contraptions, dozens of gallant travellers race from one end of India to the other three times a year. Each edition is different from the last and is “the most stupid and probably the best thing you could possibly do with two weeks” according to the organisers.

The Adventurists |+44 (0) 117364 3402 | $2,464 per team (up to four members per team), each team will also have to raise $1,648 for charity

Our Biggest Adventure to Date — the India Rickshaw Run! | WildJunket

Rickshaw Run | Adventurists (Official Website)

 

Water Buffalo Racing (Indonesia)

Balancing on small, wooden chariots while wading through shin-deep wet rice fields, racers have to control both their own nerves and not one but two charging bullocks. You will probably not be able to compete, but just trying this or watching these animals careering almost out of control through mud and water will get your blood pumping. The water buffalo races are held every year in Negara Town, Bali, in October. Similar races are also held elsewhere throughout the region.

Makepung Buffalo Race, Negara, Bali, Indonesia 

Makepung (Bull Races) | Balisuta

 

Dead Sea Swim (Israel)

Perhaps that should be “try to swim.” The Dead Sea isn’t a sea at all but a lake made up of 30% salt, which turns even the skinniest figures into buoyant blobs on the surface. It’s better to just sit there and enjoy it. The salty water is meant to be good for the skin and can help with respiration. Swimmers should absolutely wear shoes as the salt crystals on the bottom are sharp enough to cut your feet.

Floating in the Dead Sea: How to have a Great Experience | MyTravelLove

Dead Sea Swim | (Unofficial website)

 

World’s steepest roller coaster (Japan)

The world’s steepest steel roller coaster opened at the Fuji-Q Highland Amusement Park in Yamanashi, Japan, in 2011. On top of a free fall of 121 degrees, riders fight G forces through seven twists and a drop of 43 meters. The near-vertical free fall is the fourteenth Guinness World Record set by Fuji-Q, one of the leading amusement parks in the world for thrill seekers.

Fuji-Q Highland Amusement Park, 5-6-1 Shin-Nishihara, Fujiyoshda, Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan | +81 0555 23 2111 | $10 per ride, entrance ticket to the park costs $13

Takabisha | Wikipedia

Takabisha – World’s Steepest Roller Coaster | YeinJee

Cliff Diving (Mexico)

Cliff diving — it involves big heights, high speeds, crowds of onlookers, and if you’re doing it properly, tiny Speedos. What’s not to like? This extreme form of getting into the water began in Hawaii and has since spread across the world. Divers in Acapulco, Mexico, are the most famed. You can watch them from the safety of your restaurant, then sign up with the World High Diving Federation to train yourself up for a big splash.

La Quebrada Cliff Divers | Wikipedia

The Best 10 Cenotes For Cliff Jumping In Mexico | Xichen

Best Spots For Cliff Diving In Mexico | MadeMan

 

Marathon des Sables (Morocco)

At some point, even a mirage would be fine. Six days, 50 Celsius, 254 kilometres — just some of the reasons this ultra marathon across the Sahara Desert in Morocco is known as the world’s toughest foot race. This isn’t one to go into unprepared. Competitors must carry all their own equipment and even experienced runners train for years for the race. In 2007, two competitors died on the way. So as I said, this is NOT something you could do easily, but hey, what’s the fun if it was too easy?

Marathon des Sables | + 33 3 2576 5777 (head office) | inquiries can be made through an online form | Entry fees $3,680 for individual and $3,820 for each competitor in a team

Marathon des Sables | (Official website)

Marathon Des Sables Adventure | Journey to the Sands

 

Everest Skydive (Nepal)

Why climb when you can fly? It seems much more thrilling if you ask me. You could spend months preparing for, and eventually be climbing, the world’s highest mountain … or you could skydive past it. The self-proclaimed “world’s most elite skydiving adventure” allows adventurers to jump from a plane at 29,500 feet, higher than the Everest summit, to float back to base camp.

Everest skydive | +33 634 267 097 | $25,000/35,000 for one/tandem

Everest Skydive | (Official website)

 

Nevis Bungy (New Zealand)

Think Usain Bolt is quick? You can travel 134 meters in 8.5 seconds, if you have a go on the Nevis Bungy, New Zealand’s highest. The adventure starts before you get to the pod, 134 meters above the Nevis River, with a 4×4 jeep journey across the Kiwi backcountry. Or what about doing the world’s highest bungee jump in Macau?

Nevis Bungy | Buses to the location depart from the Station Building, Queenstown daily | +64 800 286 4958 | around $200

The Scariest thing I have Ever Done | DangerousBusiness

Bungy Jumping in Queenstown — Nevis Highwire | BackpackingMatt

 

Volcano Boarding (Nicaragua)

Forget about snowboarding or sliding down sand dunes, instead the most thrilling way to slide a slope is at Cerro Negro in Nicaragua. The live volcano, which erupted as recently as 1999, has become a hotspot for extreme boarders, who can reach speeds of up to 80 kilometers per hour as they course down the volcano. Run by Bigfoot Nicaragua, day trips include a hike, boarding session and mojitos.

Bigfoot Nicaragua | Del Banco Procredit 1/2 Cuadra al Sur, Leon | +505 8505 1284 | $30 including $5 entrance fee to the park.

Orange is the new black: Volcano boarding in Nicaragua | Along Dusty Roads

Top 10 Things to Do in Nicaragua (VIDEO) | High on Life

 

Base jumping (Norway)

Preikestolen, Norway, is home to the iconic Pulpit Rock — an attraction which many tourists flock to. But come May 25 to Sept 9, the 604m rock transforms into a platform for base jumpers and wingsuit flyers. The extreme sport is incredibly risky and jumpers need to be trained and certified to practice it. Talking about thrilling activities in Norway, what about doing bobsled or skeleton bob in Lillehammer, Norway?!

 

World’s Highest Zip Ride (South Africa)

You can become a human torpedo on the world’s highest and fastest zip line. At a height of 280 meters and two kilometres long, riders can hit 160 kilometres per hour. A great way to feel like a bird. A very nauseous bird. The best part about this thrilling activity is that it doesn’t require any skills. Just courage. There’s also an equally fast one in Wales, hosted by ZipWorld Velocity.

Zip2000, Sun City, South Africa | +27 14 557 1544/3382 | from $40

Zip 2000 | (Official Website)

12 Awesome Things to do in South Africa | ThePlanetD

 

Swim with Great White Sharks (South Africa)

There are countless places to swim with sharks, but one of the best is in Cape Town. A Great White Shark Diving and Viewing trip from Simon’s Town can also include a visit to the Boulders Beach Penguin Colony.

Great white shark diving, Simon’s Town Harbour, Simon’s Town, Cape Town | +27 21 782 9356 | $146-217

Apex Predator: Cage Diving With Great White Sharks | ExpertVagabond

Shark Cage Diving | (Unofficial website)

 

Running of the Bulls (Spain)

This one might be a bucket list cliché, but there’s no adrenaline rush quite like the fear of being gored and trampled by one of the world’s most powerful land mammals. The biggest Running of the Bulls event occurs during the nine-day festival in San Fermin (July 6-14) in Pamplona, Spain. Fifteen bulls charge through the streets of the old city, to be herded into the bull ring. If you get cold feet, they run for seven consecutive mornings so you have plenty of chances to build your nerve. There is a down side — at least 15 people have died in the event since 1924.

Pamplona, Spain | +34 1 888 825 4720

The Beginner’s Guide to The Running of the Bulls | The Blonde Abroad

San Fermin Pamplona | Bull Run Pamplona

 

Sopelana Naturist Race (Spain)

(no photo, I’ll leave this one to your imagination!)

There’s a strict dress code for this race — a cap or hat, sunglasses, socks, footwear and nothing else. Formally called Patxi Ros Trophy, the race was initiated by Patxi Ros, sports and naturism lover, in 1999. In 2003 it was taken over by the Basque Country Naturist Club, which uses it to promote the naturalist way of life.

Basque Country Naturist Club, Spain

 

Wingsuit Flight (Switzerland and elsewhere)

You may not want to fly through a waterfall in your wingsuit as one thrill seeker did in 2011. But just zipping this thing on and preparing to get as close to natural flight as is humanly possible will get your nerves jangling. Most countries’ Parachute Association require a jumper flying a wingsuit for the first time to have a minimum of 200 freefall skydives. Check and see if there are any wingsuit schools near you.

So You Wanna Fly A Wingsuit?! | SkyVideo’s Blog

 

Race in a Formula Racing Car (Thailand)

In Thailand, at Bangkok’s Taki Racing School, you can be placed in a Formula Renault after only two days of training. This is a one-of-a-kind race car experience where you reach speeds of up to 200kph. The experience is complete with stands, pits and a full track.

While in Bangkok, you may also seek out these activities:

• Want to skydive? Head to Chonburi/Pattaya area (around 1.5 hours from Bangkok)
• Swim with the tiger sharks, reef sharks and leopard sharks at the Siam Ocean World
• Try wake boarding at Taco Lake or Thai Wake Park

Taki Racing School | info@takiracing.com | 086-836-6450

Thrill Seeker’s Guide to Bangkok, Thailand | Travel Dudes

 

Motorcycle Cab Ride (Thailand)

Don’t broncoe this for some ordinary cab ride. Commuting on two wheels in Thailand is an adventure. In places like Krabi and Bangkok, tourists and locals alike often enjoy the thrill of snaking through crowded streets at high speed, inches away from buses on either side.

Hot Air Ballooning (Turkey)

It’s one of the oldest, and finest, ways to see the world. The sweeping vistas of the Cappadocia greet those who float silently in clear skies above the region’s villages. Champagne is provided. Of course, you could also consider hot air ballooning at various such festivals, such as the Albuquerque Hot Air Balloon Festival.

Hot air balloon, Nese Tour, Avanos Yolu Uzeri No: 54, Goreme, Nevsehir Province, Turkey | +9 0533 768 3409 | from $238

Take to the Skies: Hot Air Ballooning in Cappadocia, Turkey | YoungAdventuress

Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Ride: Experience The Beauty & The Thrill! | TheSophisticatedLife

 

Cheese Rolling (United Kingdom)

Cheesy isn’t always bad. It’s not smart, it’s not even that impressive. But it is fun. With roots in a springtime heathen festival, the cheese rolling race originally involved an eight-pound wheel of Double Gloucester cheese sent careening down Cooper’s Hill in Gloucestershire, England, with daredevil contestants in hot pursuit. Last year’s race saw the cheese being replaced with a lighter, safer foam copy. Either way, bruised limbs and fractured bones are inevitable, as people try to catch the wheel of before it gets to the bottom of the 200-meter hill. The event takes place on the last Monday of May.

Cheese-Rolling at Cooper’s Hill in Gloucestershire

Cheese rolling – is this the world’s craziest festival? | VisitBritain

Everything you need to know about Cheese Rolling 2017 | GloucestershireLive

 

London Eye (United Kingdom)

Three million people can’t be wrong, can they? That’s roughly the number of people who take a ride on Europe’s biggest Ferris wheel each year. The 135-meter-tall icon is to London what the Eiffel Tower is to Paris. But much more fun to ride. Trips take about 30 minutes and provide spectacular views across the city. Night trips show London’s lights spread out for miles around.

London Eye, Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, London | from $44

 

Wing Walking (United Kingdom)

Strapped into the top wing of a vintage biplane, you’ll get swept through the skies at 220 kilometres per hour. Originally a functional role during wartime to aid in air refuelling or to transfer fuel tanks from plane to plane, wing walking is now purely a thrill seeker’s pursuit. And for those who like a face full of bugs.

Wing Walking, various locations | $825

Wing Walking Experiences | Into The Blue

Wing Walking | (Unofficial Website)

 

Zapcat powerboating (United Kingdom)

Always wear a helmet. That way no one can see you cry. These inflatable catamaran hulls decked out with powerful racing engines are built purely for speed, and therefore –> thrills. The G’s can be brutal, and the jumps will make you wonder whether you’re sailing or flying, but there are few things on the water that beat these bad boys for bragging rights. The powerboat experience in the United Kingdom is run by the current National Zapcat Championship winning team.

Zapcat Powerboating | +44 0844 815 7793 | from $300 per experience

Zapcat and Powerboat Cruising | IntoTheBlue

 

Ice Climbing (United States)

It’s a bit like yoga — constantly bending your limbs into awkward postures — but with a helmet, spiky shoes and an axe, inside a giant fridge. You need to be fit, you need to be nimble, and you need to be prepared for one of life’s most exhilarating experiences. Colorado offers some of the best ice climbing in the world. If mother nature sounds too daunting, they also offer human-made ice climbing venues, such as Ouray Ice Park.

Front Range Climbing Co., 1370 Windmill Ave., Colorado Springs, Colorado | +1 866 404 3721 | ice climbing classes start from $240 (four hours) to $350 (six hours)

Ice Climbing in Colorado | Insight Guides

 

Dog Sledge Racing (United States)

Dog sledging may not sound exciting, but consider that you’re on dog-powered transportation whistling past trees at speeds humans weren’t really designed for. It’s best to go with a company that does small groups to ensure your independence on the sledge. Golsovia Alaska offers some of the best dog mushing; you’ll see the vast tundra, moose, wolves, eagles and, maybe, the Northern Lights. Or what about doing this in Svalbard?

Alaska Adventures |+1 877 923 2419 | from $2,500

Dog Sledging | Dew Claw Blog: a life lived with dogs

Iditarod Race Blog | Seeing Double Sled Dog Racing

 

Rodeo (United States)

Another sport derived from a functional job, a rodeo, the naughty twin of cattle herding, will test your strength, balance and determination to impress that cute cowgirl or cowboy in the stands. There are various events, from roping and tying up calves, to barrel racing to steer wrestling, so if the thought of sitting on one of those bucking broncs for eight seconds turns you off, don’t fear — there are other ways to get hurt.

One example: Sankey Rodeo Schools, 3943 Sycamore Church Road, Branson, Missouri | +1 417 263 7777 | various prices for different classes (from about $100)

Sankey Rodeo

 

Insanity Ride (United States)

Hovering 270 meters above ground and 20 meters over the edge of Las Vegas’ Stratosphere Tower, these spinning mechanical arms will get your heart pounding probably even before you’ve strapped yourself to a seat. It’s not the only ride offered at the 350-meter Stratosphere Tower, the tallest freestanding observation tower in the United States. But it’s the one most likely to make you question your sanity.

Ride Insanity, 2000 Las Vegas Boulevard S., Las Vegas | +1 800 99 86937 | $15 per ride, entry to the Tower costs $18

Thrill Rides | Stratosphere Hotel

Las Vegas Thrill Rides | Las Vegas How To

 

Kayak over a waterfall (United States)

Floating down a river isn’t always an exercise in blissful stress reduction. Taking on the waterfalls of the Palouse region of eastern Washington State and northern Idaho is proving an irresistible sport for young pro kayakers. Tyler Bradt, who clinched a 3.7-second freefall over the 57-meter (that’s higher than Niagara Falls) Palouse Falls in eastern Washington in 2009 said “the motivating factor for all of this was just that I thought it was possible.”

I wouldn’t encourage you to go for something liek Tyler Bradt did in 2009 when he sat the world record of freefalling 57 meter down the Palouse Falls, but there should be other falls that will be challenging and fun!

Palouse Falls, Palouse Falls State Park, LaCrosse, Washington | +1 360 902 8844

What It Feels Like to Kayak Over a Really Big Waterfall | National Geographic

 

Death Drop (Zambia/Zimbabwe)

Four glorious seconds of terrified regret as you walk off a 53-meter high cliff and free fall at 180 kilometres an hour. You’ll just have time to catch the awesome view of Batoka Gorge before the terror of what you’re doing throws your stomach into your mouth and snaps your eyes shut.

Wild Horizon’ gorge swing, The Look-out, Batoka Gorge, Victoria Falls (transfer from Victoria Falls Town, Zimbabwe) | +263 (13) 44571/44426/42313/42029 (if calling from Zimbabwe) | +260 (21)3 322765 (if calling from Zambia) | $90/$130 (solo/tandem)

High Wiring, Gorge Swinging and Rap Jumping | Zambia Tourism

 

Whitewater Rafting (Zambia)

The Zambezi River in Africa is rated Class 5 for rafting, which means “extremely difficult,” slightly easier than “unrunnable.” Its thundering rapids — nicknamed Oblivion, Overland Truck Crash and Stairway to Heaven — pull no punches. Just below Victoria Falls, you’ll be hit relentlessly by raging waters and tested by precipitous drops and deadly whirlpools.

Zambezi Rafting | White water rafting | Around $150 per person

 

Bossaball (Worldwide)

Amazing how much fun you can have with a ball and some bounce. Bossaball combines soccer, volleyball, gymnastics and capoeira, and is played on a big bouncy trampoline-like surface. Players try to ground the ball on the other side of the net. It takes skill and athleticism, but most of all a childish sense of fun.

Bossaball | Wikipedia

 

Dine in the sky (Worldwide)

High tea, anyone? “Pull up a seat” takes on a new and literal meaning when you and 21 of your friends are eating dinner hanging from a crane 50 meters in the air. Each meal takes around an hour, and going to the toilet can be a rather unsubtle affair as the whole table needs to descend if someone really needs to go. But this is one meal that’s memorable for other reasons.

Dinner in the Sky | (Official Website)

Dinner In The Sky Malaysia Review | Jacyntacsy

 

Zorbing (Worldwide)

Having a ball? Or just in it? Yes, it looks and feels faintly ridiculous, but there’s nothing like tumbling around in a giant inflatable ball to bring out the child in you. It’s simple: get to the top of a hill, crawl into a giant inflatable orb and off you go. Your only regret will be not having room for one in your backyard.

Zorb | various places around the world | around $40 per person.

 

Hang Glide (Worldwide)

One of the best spots for hang gliding is Chattanooga, Tennessee, where the Cumberland Plateau rises more than 900 meters above the lush Sequatchie Valley. Local pilot and hang glide specialist Trevor Childress makes a living giving others the thrill of their lives. Obviously, this activity is offered elsewhere in the world as well!

Going on Glide, 1570 Window Rock Road, Dunlap, Tennessee | +1 423 463 6389 | $149

Soaring over the Land of Samba: Hang Gliding in Rio de Janeiro | Alex in Wanderland

 

So, that’s it, I hope you enjoyed this list of thrilling activities! Did I forget anything? And be sure to tell us all about your very own daredevil experiences in the comment section below.

Cheers