If you’re a thrill-seeker, there are lots of options for your next adventure vacation. From cliff jumping to sky diving, these top adventure travel destinations are sure to satisfy your need for a rush of adrenaline!
If you love a good dose of adventure, try climbing a volcano in Iceland. Or if you’re more daring, go ziplining in Costa Rica.
1. Japan’s Steepest Roller Coaster
Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or simply looking for a day of fun, Japan is one of the top adventure travel destinations in the world. From scuba diving to hiking, it’s home to an endless list of activities that can satisfy any traveller’s need for adventure.
There’s a reason why Japan’s most famous theme parks are based around the names of popular American movies and TV shows: They’re home to some of the best thrill rides in the world. Fuji-Q Highland, near Mount Fuji, is home to the country’s biggest roller coasters and a whole host of other attractions for hardcore thrill seekers.
The park’s latest addition is the world’s steepest roller coaster, which will break the Guinness World Records title held by the Mumbo Jumbo in Flamingoland. This $37 million attraction will drop riders 121 degrees and last only 112 seconds.
Aside from the g-forces of this ride, you’ll also get a great view of Mount Fuji as you hurtle down the slope. It will be a moment you won’t want to forget.
You’ll need to be a bit shaky for this ride, but once you start climbing you’ll feel every ounce of excitement. The first part of the ride is a tunnel where you’re dropped a few feet, then you’ll be thrust sideways into the world’s largest loop.
After that, you’ll be sent tumbling sideways into the next loop and then into another twist before the coaster ends. You’ll have to hold on tight and try not to let your stomach fall out!
It’s an exhilarating experience, and a perfect addition to the park. You’ll also find some great family-friendly attractions here, including a water flume, a few kid-friendly rides, and a real bungee jump.
The park is located on a hillside, and offers some of the best modern thrill rides in Japan. You’ll find several major coasters here, along with some smaller ones that are suitable for all ages and budgets.
Besides the rides, the park also has a couple of restaurants where you can enjoy tasty meals and drinks while you’re on a fun trip to the amusement park. It’s a good option if you’re looking for a quick and affordable day out.
2. Australia’s Biggest Crocodiles
There are two crocodile species living in Australia today: the Australian freshwater crocodile and the Indo-Pacific crocodile (also known as the estuarine or saltwater crocodile). The former is the largest reptile on earth, capable of reaching six metres long and weighing more than a tonne.
The latter is a relatively smaller creature, though it’s still a formidable predator. Its massive jaws can rip a hapless animal in half and it has been known to attack people on tours.
But it’s the mighty crocodiles of Australia’s prehistoric past that really have your heart racing. These giants once populated the continent and, in some cases, even roamed across the ocean.
In fact, one extinct Australian crocodile that lived some 66 million years ago was the biggest ever discovered, according to ABC News. It’s called Gunggamarandu maunala, or the “hole-headed river boss.”
This croc, which lived in the Miocene era, was a member of a group of slender-snouted crocs known as the tomistomines. They’re also known as the false gharials because they have a set of jaws that resemble the chompers found in gharial fish.
The new discovery is a big addition to our knowledge of crocodilian evolution. It’s a significant step towards understanding how crocodiles became the huge creatures they are now, and explains why we don’t have them in the wild.
Its partial skull was unearthed in Queensland’s Darling Downs region. The skull’s shape resembles the crocodiles of the tomistomines, and Ristevski says that this discovery is important for understanding the evolution of the crocodile family tree.
He adds that it’s likely that this crocodile was a member of the genus Mekosuchinae, a large family of crocodiles that died out in the Miocene. Mekosuchines ranged in size from crocs that were about the size of a cat to monsters like Baru darrowi, which was about as large as the modern salty croc.
The salty crocs of today aren’t very strong swimmers, but they’re still able to stray far from land. They can travel hundreds of kilometres at a time by hitching rides on surface currents and tides. They’re also powerful biters, which is why they’ve been known to kill humans. They’re especially aggressive when threatened by humans, so removing them from an area is a good idea.
3. Costa Rica
Located in Central America, Costa Rica is an ideal destination for adventure travelers seeking unimaginable landscapes and a vast array of outdoor activities. In addition to its natural attractions, the country has a reputation for being deeply respectful of the environment and advocating for human rights.
For those seeking a truly immersive experience, you should consider booking a trip to one of the country’s national parks. From tropical jungles and beaches to volcanic territories and pristine forests, Costa Rica’s national parks have it all.
Some of the most popular national park adventures include white water rafting, hiking and canyoning. There are also a number of waterfalls that can be accessed by zip-lining.
In Arenal Volcano, you can try a hike through the volcano’s rugged terrain and take a dip in its soothing hot springs. Another option is to head out into the wilderness on a rafting tour down the wild Pacuare River.
You can even explore the forest in style on a hanging bridges and waterfall tour in Monteverde. This is a great way to see the biodiverse ecosystem, including monkeys and colorful birds, in a safe environment.
Aside from adrenaline-pumping excursions, there are plenty of mellower options as well, including mountain biking and stand up paddle boarding. Many of the tours take you to secluded beaches and bays, where you can snorkel or even just relax and enjoy the views.
If you’re looking for a more challenging activity, consider a zip line canopy tour. These tours are often considered the ultimate Costa Rica adventure, since they require you to go from one platform to the next using a pulley suspended above a cable.
These experiences are a fun and exciting way to see the beautiful Costa Rican countryside. You can also enjoy them on a honeymoon or family vacation in the country.
While Costa Rica’s climate is relatively warm year-round, you should avoid visiting during the hottest months of February and March. This is because temperatures can get into the mid-90s during this time. However, if you prefer cooler weather, you can visit in the fall or during the winter.
4. California
From giant sequoias and snow-capped mountains to sea lions and wildflower meadows, California is a land of diverse landscapes that inspire thrill-seekers. Whether you’re looking for an adrenaline-pumping adventure or just a great time with the family, there are plenty of options.
In addition to its spectacular natural landscapes, the state also boasts a diverse cultural scene. From the sexy glamor of Los Angeles to the bohemian chic of San Francisco, there’s something here for everyone.
If you’re a fan of nature, a trip to Yosemite National Park is one of the most exhilarating things to do in California. Here, you’ll hike through awe-inspiring landscapes and see waterfalls, lakes, and other natural wonders.
Another place to check out is Lassen Volcanic National Park, where you can find geothermal hot springs and a unique landscape that was created by a volcanic eruption. The park is best visited in summer and fall but you can also explore the area in winter.
Finally, the Redwood Forests are another must-see in California. You can see these majestic trees in both the national and state parks, but a day-long hiking tour will give you the chance to truly appreciate their beauty.
Alternatively, you could try an adrenaline-pumping zipline tour in Sonoma County. Sonoma Canopy Tours has an excellent course that will take you from the ground up to the treetops via a number of rope bridges and sky bridges, all of which are sure to provide amazing views over the rivers, mountains, and redwoods in the area.
In addition, you can get a bird’s eye view of the beautiful surroundings with Spirit’s Up in Sonoma County. This is a great way to experience the breathtaking scenery of this beautiful part of California, and you can get some photos along the way.
If you’re a big fan of roller coasters, then you should definitely check out the Incredicoaster at Pixar Pier in Disneyland. The ride will definitely send your heart racing, and there are plenty of other rides to choose from as well.
