Flying High: The Best Zip Lines in the World

Flying High: The Best Zip Lines in the World

September 19th, 2012

Flying High: The Best Zip Lines in the World

Flying High: The Best Zip Lines in the World

You won’t want to miss these spots, like Costa Rica and Nepal, when planning your next high-flying zip line adventures!

The zip line (also known as flying fox, foefie slide, zip wire, aerial runway, or aerial ropeslide) is the gateway drug of the adrenaline activity world. This extreme sport provides access to stunning views and easy thrills (with little physical exertion) but also has impressive safety records. Courses ranging from a single 40-second zip to miles of cable are popping up around the globe. Before you plan your next zip line vacation, check out this list of some of the most impressive zip lines around the world, which will bring you across islands in Thailand, over a volcano in Costa Rica and above international waters. 

From Island to Island in Thailand In the Gulf of Thailand lies Koh Nang Yuan, three rocky islets connected by a postcard-worthy sandbar that never fails to set travelers’ tongues wagging. Now you can take in the famous vista by zipping from one island to another, thanks to an innovative new track set up by Goodtime Adventures. Fly above boulders, world-famous coral reefs and blindingly white sand beaches while the sea breeze whips under your helmet. This zip line is incredibly fun—but not incredibly long: With only two zips done twice each, you’ll be in and out with enough time to hop on a dive boat in the afternoon. (Good Time Adventures, $45-57) 

Through the Himalayas in Nepal Forget climbing Everest! There’s a new way to explore the world’s most famous mountain valley. Billing itself as “the world’s most extreme zip line,” Zipflyer Nepal takes participants on a 2,000-foot vertical drop over the Himalayas. Zipliners launch two at a time and race to the bottom at speeds of up to 100 miles per hour.  At over a mile long, this zip line definitely lives up to its extreme reputation. (Higher Ground Adventures, $98) 

Over a Volcano in Costa Rica At SkyTrek in Costa Rica, zippers will take in views of the rainforest, Arenal Lake and the famous Arenal Volcano. This extensive course covers nearly two miles of cables ranging in height from 90 to 600 feet. SkyTrek can be combined with SkyWalk, which features suspended bridges over the canopy, and SkyTram, which boasts a cable car ride through the jungle. (SkyAdventures, $73 and up) 

Across a Cruise Ship Who says you need dry land to fly in the sky? On Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas, participants soar 9 decks up over the open-air boardwalk. Moving diagonally across the atrium, zippers will cover more than 82 feet and get a voyeur’s view of the balconies around them. Best of all, it’s free to all cruisers! (Royal Caribbean, free with cruise package)

Related Links (from Eagle Creek blog):

5 Things We Wish We Knew Before Traveling the World

Adventures on a Budget: Trekking South America

While Eagle Creek is here to provide tips and insights on travel, we cannot accept any responsibility for any potential consequences arising from the use of this information.  Always conduct your own research and use your best judgment.