The 10 Most Expensive Extreme Activities for the Super-Rich in 2026

Published on February 20, 2026

By: Tuhin Sarkar

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For the super-rich, money is no object when it comes to indulging in extreme and life-altering experiences. As new technologies advance and open up a world of possibilities, these daring and expensive activities have become sought-after luxury adventures. From space tourism to deep-sea exploration, the ultra-wealthy are pushing the boundaries of extreme travel, with prices that are eye-watering to most.

A January 2026 report from Foresight Sports, a golf simulator company, takes a deep dive into the most expensive thrill-seeking experiences available to those who can afford them. The report highlights over 20 high-end adventures and ranks them by price, risk level, and their appeal to the super-elite.

Flight Around the Earth: The Ultimate Thrill

At the top of the list, unsurprisingly, is a flight around the Earth. This extraordinary experience, which costs an eye-watering $5.5 billion, is by far the most expensive and riskiest extreme activity money can buy. The price tag reflects not just the cost of the spacecraft but also the extreme level of technology and custom engineering involved. Only a few billionaires like Jeff Bezos, Richard Branson, and Elon Musk have the financial resources to make this journey.

The flight itself involves a custom-built spacecraft that orbits the planet. Due to its high-risk nature, only a select few have experienced this truly extraordinary adventure, but interest remains strong with over 150,000 searches per month, as people around the world dream of a similar experience. Though the technology is advancing, the trip is still considered highly dangerous due to the experimental nature of the craft and the inherent risks of space travel.

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Trip to the International Space Station: A Premium Space Experience

Coming in second is the trip to the International Space Station (ISS), priced at $55 million per seat. Although much less expensive than flying around the Earth, this journey still represents a huge investment. The trip offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to travel to space and spend time aboard the ISS, 250 miles above Earth’s surface.

Despite the hefty price tag, the risks are high. Rocket launches are inherently dangerous, and living in a pressurised environment for an extended period of time can have serious consequences for the human body. Yet, the allure of space tourism continues to grow, with high-profile personalities such as Jeff Bezos, William Shatner, and Japanese entrepreneur Yusaku Maezawa among those who have taken the plunge.

Blue Origin Space Flight: A Short but Exhilarating Experience

Blue Origin, the private spaceflight company founded by Jeff Bezos, offers spaceflights that last just minutes but carry a price tag of $28 million per seat. Unlike the trips to the ISS, Blue Origin’s flights take passengers just past the edge of space before returning to Earth.

While the cost is still significant, the experience is considered less risky due to the shorter duration and tested technology. The excitement of soaring to the edge of space, however, has drawn celebrities such as Katy Perry and William Shatner, helping to bring attention to the growing field of commercial space tourism. Nearly 1 million people search for information about Blue Origin each month, eager to know more about this exciting yet affordable space experience.

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Private Superyachting: Luxurious and Affordable for the Ultra-Wealthy

For those who prefer water-based adventures, private superyachting provides the ultimate luxurious experience. Renting a private superyacht for an extended period typically costs around $1 million, depending on the size and amenities. While it’s significantly cheaper than the space-related activities, superyachting still remains a hallmark of the super-rich lifestyle.

The world’s elite, including Bill Gates, Beyoncé, Jay-Z, and Leonardo DiCaprio, are known for chartering superyachts to enjoy the summer and autumn months in exotic locations like the Mediterranean and the Caribbean. Unlike space adventures, yachting offers a relatively low-risk experience, making it more accessible to those with significant wealth but not necessarily a passion for risk.

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Scuba Diving in the Mariana Trench: Exploring Earth’s Deepest Point

Scuba diving to the Mariana Trench, which costs $750,000, is one of the most extreme activities for ocean enthusiasts. The Mariana Trench, located 36,000 feet beneath the surface of the Pacific Ocean, is the deepest part of Earth’s oceans, and reaching it requires specially designed equipment capable of withstanding immense pressure.

This extreme diving experience is only for the brave and wealthy, with famous explorers like James Cameron and Don Walsh having made the journey. The Trench remains largely unexplored, and for the super-wealthy, it offers an unparalleled opportunity to touch the depths of the planet. The activity is considered very high risk, with the crushing pressures and technical challenges making it a dangerous undertaking.

Other Expensive Extreme Adventures

While space tourism and deep-sea exploration grab the headlines, there are several other extreme activities that attract the ultra-wealthy, though at a more affordable price. For instance:

• Hunting Rhinoceros – Costing $275,000, hunting rhinoceroses is another high-risk adventure favoured by the rich, with people like Jimmy John Liautaud and Theodore Roosevelt having participated in the activity.
• Deep Sea Diving to Shipwrecks – At $250,000, deep-sea diving to explore shipwrecks is also a popular yet risky activity among adventurers like Tom Cruise and Jacques Cousteau.
• Private Antarctic Expeditions – With a price tag of $98,500, private expeditions to Antarctica offer the opportunity to explore the icy wilderness. Celebrities like Lewis Hamilton and Nina Dobrev have embarked on these expeditions, which are considered moderate-risk due to the challenging conditions.
• Climbing Mount Everest – For $55,000, mountaineers can attempt to summit the world’s highest peak, Mount Everest, with famous climbers such as Kami Rita Sherpa having scaled the mountain.
• Private Jet Flights to Antarctica – A private jet flight to Antarctica costs $14,500, providing a unique way to visit the southernmost continent. This is considered a high-risk adventure, with celebrities like Zoey Deutch and Lewis Hamilton making the journey.

Technological Innovations Making Extreme Activities More Accessible

While these activities may remain out of reach for most, the rapid advancement of technology in fields like space exploration, deep-sea diving, and private aviation is gradually making them more accessible. For example, Blue Origin is working to bring the cost of space flights down, aiming to reduce the price from $55 million to less than $1 million in the coming years.

The report suggests that in the near future, more people will be able to experience these extreme activities as technological innovations continue to drive prices lower. While the ultra-wealthy remain the primary participants, the democratization of these adventures is slowly becoming a reality.

The most expensive extreme activities provide a window into a world that only a select few can access. These thrilling experiences, which range from space tourism to diving in the deepest parts of the ocean, offer not just adventure but also an escape from the ordinary. For those with deep pockets, the allure of these activities is undeniable, and as technology advances, these once-unimaginable experiences may eventually become more commonplace.