17 Crazy Adventures To Do In 2017

17 Crazy Adventures to Do in 2017

How much can you do in one trip? This seems to always be the biggest question when people make vacation plans. The bottom line is to go out there and have fun. If you can't decide on a single destination where you can combine diving in underwater caves with hiking active volcanoes, pick one that will get your heart racing.

Cave dive in Mexico

The Yucatan region in Mexico is teeming with dive opportunities in underwater caves and cenotes. With dozens of entrances and miles upon miles of underwater passages, this area offers some of the best cave diving in the world. Exploring underwater caves can be an incredible experience, but you should be properly trained and it's best to travel with a guide.

Camp in the air, literally

Do you want to literally hang out in the mountains? This adventure is reserved for the boldest of you; it's quite dangerous. Every year extreme athletes and skilled high wire walkers head to Monte Piana, located in the Italian Alps, to do just that because of its accessible location. They spend about a week there capturing the stunning views.  

Sail around the Greek Isles

You get to see the already famous Mykonos, Santorini, and Patmos. But other smaller and lesser-known islands are worth a trip as well. Sail around the isles so you can experience the magic of Antiparos, Paros, and Pano Koufonisi. Sunbathe on the untouched beaches, have lunch at rustic taverns, and enjoy the slow pace of stunning hillside towns on the islands.

Climb Cotopaxi in Ecuador

Set in Cotopaxi National Park, this snow-capped volcano is one of the tallest in the world that remains active to this day. The second highest mountain in all of Ecuador and one of the highest active volcanoes in the world, Cotopaxi is a top spot for recreational climbers. The trek to the top is spectacular and summiting in the soft light of dawn is an experience unlike any other. The view at the top of the volcano is surreal.

SCUBA dive off Cocos Island, Costa Rica

Take a trip to Cocos Island, a national park set 342 miles from the shoreline of Costa Rica, and experience marine wildlife and an underwater eco-system you won't find anywhere else in the world. The waters surrounding the island offer several dive spots famous for an abundance of exotic wildlife; the highlight is the unbelievable number of large marine animals like rays, dolphins and sharks. Visit to see hammerhead sharks, but be prepared for a journey—it takes between 30 and 36 hours to reach the site by boat.

Stand at the end of Europe

You will actually be on the very end of the continent. Sagres is a tiny town in Portugal situated at the extreme western tip of the Algarve, a region of dramatic natural scenery; comprising of raging seas, towering cliffs and vast beaches. Just outside of town is the Cabo Sao Vicente, the most westerly point of mainland Europe, according to Algarve Tourist.

Mountain Bike “Death Road” in Bolivia

Bolivia's Old Yungas Road is a zigzagging, 40-mile-long stretch that links the high Andean capital city of La Paz to Coroico, below in the Amazon basin. It steep hills have become a tourist attraction for adventurous mountain bikers. The ride begins at about 11,000 feet. When cyclists hit the 2,300-feet mark, the road thins out to only about 9 feet. This is by far the most dangerous part of the adventure because you're also likely to have on-coming traffic gets in your way. Bike traffic on Death Road jumps by about 5 percent every year.

Walk the Great Wall

The Great Wall is one of the most spectacular places to see the sunrise. But you should go whenever during the day you can. The views and the feeling of being there are surreal. The landmark was continuously built from the 3rd century BC to the 17th century AD. The complete route is about 12,500 miles. How long will it take you to finish it?

Fat biking

The fat bike phenomenon has taken hold in the past few years, prompting seasonal cyclists to make the switch and ride year-round. The Wyoming wilderness, for example, is one of the best places to try this kind of biking. It offers some of the best opportunities for the adventurous sport. Roll the big wheels on the trails around Turpin Meadow Ranch in Moran and on the snow-covered roads of Grand Teton National Park.

Row around Lake Bled

The pleasantly picturesque surroundings of the emerald green Lake Bled make it a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. Adding to its old-world charm, the medieval-era Bled Castle looks over the lake at its north shore and Bled Island is home to a majestic, Gothic-style pilgrimage church. Hire a boat and enjoy the ride.

Live in an igloo

This is one of the craziest winter adventures you can embark on. You can also try a similar experience when the weather conditions are not so harsh and live in a ger. Few unique lodgings will make an adventure more thrilling than staying in an igloo surrounded by snow and ice. Travel to Iglu Village in Kühtai, Austria to see what it's like. The complex is made entirely of snow and has a dining room, ice bar and custom-cut ice sculptures, according to Lonely Planet.

Canoe the Amazon Rainforest

Home to one of the largest and most complex ecosystems in the world, the Amazon Rainforest is a marvel that has captivated scientists, travelers and movie audiences for decades. The forest still full of mystery and stunning scenery is far from easy to traverse, but the best way to see it is from the inside a kayak or canoe. Outfitters offer a variety of trip options, but in general, most tours include hikes, wildlife viewing and camping in the rainforest. 

Snow sailing in Michigan

Snow sailing includes sailing, skating, skiing and snowboarding. You just do them directly on ice or on ice covered with snow. You can do it anywhere where the wind is strong enough, and Michigan is an ideal location for the sport where winters are sufficiently cold.

Try BASE jumping

Falling from extremely high altitudes is catching up as an adventure. Tall mountains and man-made structures make for the perfect locations. BASE is an acronym that stands for Building, Antenna, Span, and Earth. These are the four kinds of fixed objects that can be used as starting platforms. The extreme sport is illegal in many places but you can still find insane BASE jumping destinations.  

Take a boat ride under Iguazu Falls

You'll find Iguazu, one of the most breathtaking waterfalls on Earth, on the Argentina-Brazil border. Iguazu Falls, which translates to "big water," is among the widest in the world and the best way to experience the grandeur is up close. Take a boat ride to the base of the falls and take it all in—just be prepared to get soaked.

Explore the fjords in Norway

The rugged scenery and massive inlets are magnificent, offering plenty of opportunities for crazy adventures. The fjords region ranges from the coast from Stavanger to the Russian border. Head to Bergen for easy access to some of the best views and spend some time hiking. Though the majority of tourists come in the summer, it's easy to find your way off the beaten path and catch some unbelievable panoramas.

Go on a road trip along the Amalfi Coast

If you are passing through the Amalfi Coast, why not try switching up the itinerary and exploring the nearby islands of Ischia or Prodica or even better the city center of Naples? From castles to secret wineries and an even underground city, you will be surprised and awed by the beauty and culture around you. Don't forget to take a boat ride to Capri, take a day to hike the cliffs, and, of course, reward yourself with the true Napolitano pizza.