Zip lining has become the must-do adventure sport for gutsy travelers all over the globe. It’s relatively fool proof, no is experience necessary and it offers breathtaking views. Companies are upping the ante with new and improved zip line courses, trying to beat each other out for faster, longer and higher thrills. If you are an adrenaline junkie, look no further than these ten best zip lines around the world. Don’t worry, there are gentler options for apprehensive first-timers too.
1. Pronutro Zip 2000, Sun City, South Africa
Proclaimed as the longest zip line in the world, this exhilarating line runs a record 1.2 miles. Riders here will reach speeds of up to 85 miles per hour, the fastest speed one can reach on such a wire (thus far). To make things even more exciting, “zippers” are strapped in superman style with a rudder placed between their legs to keep from going straight down this course. Expect to soar over 900 feet above ground over rugged terrain on this heart-pumping thrill.
2. AdrenaLUNA, St. Lucia
This is one of the only places you can zip line at night, and only a few times a month around the full moon. The AdrenaLUNA lets visitors explore the nocturnal rainforest by zooming from platform to platform by moonlight. A special treat awaits you at the end as you swing off a Tarzan rope into a large nest. From there you can choose to rappel peacefully or rapidly back down to earth. What makes this zip line so sought after is its uniqueness that comes from going at night, perhaps even spotting some nocturnal rainforest creatures in the canopy. However, daytime canopy zips with Adrena-Line are also awesome. Both are offered through St. Lucia’s Rainforest Adventures.
3. Icy Straight Point, Alaska
This zip line claims to be the largest in the world and it may be just that, offering six separate one-mile lines. Six riders at a time take to the top and drop 1,300 feet over 90 seconds. Average speeds hit about 65 miles an hour but the record to date is 82 miles per hour. The ride starts with a 45 minute tour and an eight mile bus ride to the top of the mountain. The views are unparalleled; rugged treetops, mountain peaks and ocean views.
