Queer Women’s Adventure Bucket List: Thrilling Activities Around the World

Jan 7

For queer women with a passion for the extraordinary, adventure travel offers the perfect way to embrace the thrill of the unknown. Whether you’re scaling icy cliffs, soaring above scenic landscapes, or speeding through desert dunes, adrenaline-packed experiences bring excitement and a sense of accomplishment. Best of all, these adventures often unfold in breathtaking destinations with LGBTQ+ friendly communities, ensuring you can be your authentic self while living boldly.

Here’s a curated list of must-try adventures from around the globe, designed to inspire your next heart-pounding journey.

A climber in a red jacket rappels down a narrow blue ice crevasse under a clear sky, with sunlight peeking through the icy walls.

1. Ice Climbing in Iceland

Why It’s Perfect:
Iceland’s rugged landscapes are a haven for adventurers, and ice climbing offers a unique way to explore its natural beauty. Challenge yourself by scaling frozen waterfalls and glaciers in a land where LGBTQ+ inclusivity is part of the cultural fabric.

Top Spots:

Sólheimajökull Glacier: Climb icy ridges and navigate crevasses with the help of expert guides.
Vatnajökull National Park: Home to Europe’s largest glacier, offering climbs for all experience levels.

Adventure Tip:
Book with an LGBTQ+ friendly tour operator to ensure a welcoming environment, and extend your trip with a visit to Reykjavík’s queer-friendly bars and cafes.

Two colorful paragliders soar over lush green meadows and snow-capped Alpine mountains with a bright blue sky in the background.

2. Paragliding in Interlaken, Switzerland

Why It’s Perfect:
Soar like a bird over Switzerland’s awe-inspiring alpine landscapes. Interlaken, nestled between two crystal-clear lakes and surrounded by snow-capped peaks, is a paragliding paradise.

What to Expect:

A tandem flight with a professional pilot ensures safety and stunning views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains.
The thrill of gliding over lush meadows and shimmering lakes, perfect for nature-loving adventurers.

Queer-Friendly Vibes:
Switzerland is increasingly LGBTQ+ inclusive, with Zürich and Geneva offering vibrant queer communities to explore after your alpine adventure.

A dune buggy kicks up golden sand as it speeds up a steep desert dune at sunset, leaving a cloud of dust in its wake.

3. Dune Bashing in Morocco

Why It’s Perfect:
Experience the adrenaline rush of speeding through Morocco’s golden sand dunes in a 4x4 vehicle. This heart-pounding activity combines breathtaking landscapes with cultural immersion.

Top Location:

Erg Chebbi Dunes: Near the town of Merzouga, these towering dunes are perfect for dune bashing, camel treks, and stargazing.

LGBTQ+ Note:
While Morocco is more conservative, many tour operators cater to LGBTQ+ travelers with discreet, safe, and inclusive experiences. Pair your adventure with a stay in a luxurious desert camp for the ultimate getaway.

A group of skydivers free-fall in formation above the iconic Palm Jumeirah islands, with clear turquoise waters and the Dubai skyline visible below.

4. Skydiving Over Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah

Why It’s Perfect:
For an adrenaline high like no other, skydive over one of the world’s most iconic man-made islands. The stunning aerial view of Palm Jumeirah will leave you breathless in more ways than one.

What to Expect:

Tandem jumps with professional instructors.
Sweeping views of Dubai’s futuristic skyline and turquoise coastline.

Queer Travel Tip:
Dubai’s laws require discretion for LGBTQ+ travelers, but booking through internationally recognized LGBTQ+ friendly tour companies ensures a safe experience.

A scuba diver explores vibrant coral reefs teeming with small orange fish, surrounded by crystal-clear blue ocean water.

5. Scuba Diving the Great Barrier Reef, Australia

Why It’s Perfect:
Explore the vibrant underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef, one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on the planet. This bucket-list activity blends adventure with awe-inspiring natural beauty.

What to See:

Coral gardens teeming with marine life, including sea turtles, reef sharks, and tropical fish.
Wreck dives that offer a fascinating glimpse into history beneath the waves.

LGBTQ+ Friendly Factor:
Australia is known for its inclusive culture, and LGBTQ+ friendly dive operators in Cairns make it easy to feel welcomed both above and below the water.

Two adventurers glide down a towering sand dune on sandboards under a hazy desert sky, with a group watching from the ridge above.

6. Sandboarding in Peru’s Huacachina Desert

Why It’s Perfect:
Trade snowy slopes for sandy ones by trying sandboarding in Huacachina, a desert oasis surrounded by massive dunes.

What to Expect:

Adrenaline-pumping rides down dunes that stretch as far as the eye can see.
The option to sandboard standing up or slide down on your stomach for extra speed.

Adventure Plus:
Combine sandboarding with a queer-friendly food tour in nearby Lima to experience Peru’s rich culinary scene.

A group of rafters navigate a powerful whitewater river surrounded by dense green forest and cascading waterfalls.

7. Whitewater Rafting in Costa Rica

Why It’s Perfect:
Costa Rica’s lush rainforests and roaring rivers make it one of the world’s top destinations for whitewater rafting.

Top Rivers:

Pacuare River: Known for its exhilarating rapids and stunning jungle scenery.
Reventazón River: A great choice for beginners looking for a mix of thrills and relaxation.

LGBTQ+ Friendly Vibes:
Costa Rica is one of the most inclusive destinations in Central America, with eco-lodges and tour companies that welcome LGBTQ+ travelers.

8. Bungee Jumping at Victoria Falls, Zambia/Zimbabwe

Why It’s Perfect:
Take the ultimate leap of faith by bungee jumping off the Victoria Falls Bridge, with the thundering cascade of one of the world’s largest waterfalls as your backdrop.

What to Expect:

A 111-meter free fall into the gorge below.
Jaw-dropping views of the Zambezi River and surrounding rainforest.

LGBTQ+ Note:
While regional attitudes toward LGBTQ+ individuals can vary, many tour operators offer inclusive experiences. Opt for international companies that prioritize safety and respect.

A hiker wearing an orange hat stands on a rocky ridge overlooking a stunning turquoise alpine lake surrounded by rugged snow-dusted peaks under a clear blue sky.

9. Hiking Patagonia’s W Trek, Chile/Argentina

Why It’s Perfect:
Patagonia’s rugged landscapes are a dream for adventurers. The W Trek in Torres del Paine National Park offers a multi-day challenge with unbeatable scenery.

Highlights:

Towering granite peaks, turquoise lakes, and massive glaciers.
Opportunities to spot wildlife like guanacos, foxes, and condors.

Queer Travel Tip:
Stay in LGBTQ+ friendly accommodations in Punta Arenas or Puerto Natales to unwind after your trek.

Final Thoughts: Adventures with Pride

Adventure travel is about pushing boundaries, connecting with nature, and embracing the thrill of the unknown. For queer women, these bucket-list experiences offer not only adrenaline but also opportunities to explore inclusive destinations where you can be your authentic self.

Ready to Tick Off Your Adventure Bucket List?
Join Ladies Touch Travel’s LGBTQ+ Women’s Group Trips to experience thrilling activities around the globe with like-minded women. Book your next adventure today and embrace the world, one adventure at a time!