Where Are the Best Places to Skydive in the U.S.?

Have you ever fallen out of the sky from thousands of feet in the air? Skydiving is a thrill but even more so when you do it in an epic location. Today, we’ll share the best places to skydive in the U.S. 

Keep reading to find out what makes a place great for skydiving. We also look at whether it’s better to jump from sea level or in the mountains. 

Let’s free fall into the rest of it! 

What Makes a Place Great for Skydiving?

You may think skydiving is all about the thrill and adrenaline rush. But the best places to skydive also have epic landscapes to see while falling from 14,000 feet. Locations with mountains and ocean definitely take the prize, in our opinion. 

Once you jump out of the airplane, you’ll free fall for some time. Then, when the parachute opens, you’ll have several minutes to enjoy the earth below you. Since you have the best view in the house, why not skydive somewhere gorgeous?

When looking for a place to skydive, consider where you’ll take off and land. Especially if you have people joining as spectators, make sure they have easy access to get to where you’ll land.  

How Scary Is Skydiving?

Even the most experienced thrill seekers might get scared of skydiving. You are jumping out of a moving airplane, after all. For most people, the airplane ride is the scariest part. The anticipation of getting through the plane door and remembering everything they taught you in the hangar before going up can work up one’s anxiety. 

Assuming you go with a reputable skydiving company, you can relax and know you’re in good hands. The company should train you before getting on the airplane and fit you properly for all gear. Ensure you feel comfortable and question anything you don’t understand. 

If you do a tandem dive, you have a guide to rely on and help you through the process. Just be sure to listen well during the training because even when tandem, you must know how to pull the chute in case something goes wrong. 

And if you skydive solo, you’ll undergo much more extensive training before taking your first jump.

Is Skydiving Safer Than Water Diving?

Interestingly, skydiving is safer than scuba diving in the water. In 2018, 13 fatal skydiving incidents were reported in the U.S. out of 3.3 million jumps. However, in 2015, 127 people died from scuba diving. So those numbers equate to .004 deaths per 1,000 skydiving jumps and .164 deaths per 1,000 scuba dives. 

While both sports have training and specialized gear, skydiving equipment has several backup safety systems. For example, a reserve chute or rip cord, whereas backup gear is limited when diving many meters below the water’s surface.  

The best places to skydive in the U.S. also come down to the companies you use. Professionals will help you have a safe and enjoyable experience no matter which state you go to.

Is It Better to Jump From Sea Level or in Mountains?

Skydivers typically jump from the airplane around 10,000 to 14,000 feet in the air. Jumping from higher altitudes allows for more free fall time. So if you’re an adrenaline junky, the more free fall time, the better; if you jump to sea level, you’ll get more. 

Sea level has richer air than in the mountains. So if your drop zone is at sea level, your recovery time will likely be quicker. That doesn’t mean jumping from sea level versus the mountains is better or worse.

The best places to skydive in the U.S. we’ve identified have drop zones at sea level and mountains. Each has a unique landscape you can take in during your jump. 

The Best Places to Skydive in the U.S.

Are you ready for your jump? Let’s look at the best places to skydive in the U.S. 

Hawaii

Skydiving in Hawaii is a bucket list item for many. The Hawaiian islands are famous for their blue water, epic mountains, and lush green spaces. Parachuting over the brilliant landscapes of Hawaii can feel unforgettable. 

Pro Tip: Want to rent an RV to travel around Hawaii and go skydiving? Find out all you need to know about renting a camper in Hawaii.

Anchorage, Alaska

Anchorage skydives offer 360-degree views of the tundra, ocean, and mountains. Seeing Alaska’s mountains from the ground is one thing, but observing them from above and gliding down is the next level. 

Key West, Florida

A jump in Key West is one of the best places to skydive in the U.S. to sea level. You’ll see turquoise-blue waters and islands for miles. And you might even spot a dolphin. 

Pro Tip: After skydiving in Key West, make sure to do these 9 Best Things To Do In The Florida Keys.

Moab, Utah

The desert in Moab, Utah, takes on a whole new meaning when you see it from a parachute. Moab’s unique landscape is speckled with red canyons and beautiful rock formations. It’s one of the most beautiful sites in the southwest when you see it from above.

Monterey, California

Monterey Bay is known for its sea life, including humpback whales, dolphins, and more. It’s where the mountains meet the Pacific Ocean; witnessing it from a skydive makes it more spectacular. We recommend trying the 18,000 feet dive that Skydive Monterey Bay offers.

Longmont, Colorado

Longmont, Colorado, is in the mountains. Skydiving here provides you with unmatched views from even the highest peak in the area. You get a birds-eye view of the Rocky Mountains and lakes while above the tree line.

Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania

Another place to skydive over the mountains is in the Poconos. You’ll get to see the beautiful region in the best way possible. And if you jump on an overcast day, which the Poconos commonly have, you may experience falling through a cloud. 

Charlotte, North Carolina

Charlotte is one of the best places to skydive on the U.S. east coast. As you drop into the stunning North Carolina wilderness, you’ll see the hills and mountains below. Many regard Charlotte as the highest drop zone in the state.

Enjoy Views From 14,000 Feet

Are you ready to jump out of an airplane at 14,000 feet? A free-fall and parachute ride down is one of the most memorable ways to see a place. And any locations on our best places to skydive in the U.S. fit the bill. 

We would love to hear from you if you skydive somewhere on our list. Tag us in a photo or video so that we can share your experience.

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