The world’s deadliest tourist attractions

Half Dome in Yosemite National Park is breathtakingly beautiful yet deadly. Source: Getty Images

IMAGINE scaling a vertical cliff face or surfing the world’s deadliest wave ... for fun? These dangerous attractions can’t keep tourists away despite serious injuries and multiple fatalities. Looking for an adventure but want to come home alive? You might want to avoid these deadly places.

Yosemite National Park’s Half Dome

Rising nearly 1500 metres above Yosemite Valley, the Half Dome is a legend among hikers. Taking an entire day to complete the arduous climb, the last 120 metres is near vertical face and climbers must use metal cables to help them get to the top.

But this terrifying end of the leg is where most accidents occur and its reported that around 60 people have died on the Half Dome. In 2011 three hikers died, two of whom were swept away by the treacherous waters below. And falls aren’t the only problem, hikers have also died after being struck by lightning while attempting the climb.

The near vertical cliff face has claimed many lives. Picture: Doug Letterman Source: Flickr

Hawaii’s volcano tours

Visiting an active volcano is proving more and more popular as tourists search for the ultimate adventure, but it’s far from safe.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park reported 40 deaths and 45 serious injuries between 1992-2002 and in 2007 they closed down the bicycle tour on Kilaluea, the most active volcano on Earth, after three people died within the year.

Now reopened, tourists are driven up to the top of the volcano where they are given bikes to ride down. Apart from losing control and suffering serious injures, there are other hazards including the burning hot lava and deadly volcanic gases.

Would you bike ride down the side of an active volcano? Picture: Angela Saurine Source: Supplied

Skellig Michael

Lying in the Atlantic Ocean west of Ireland, Skellig Michael was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996 thanks to its incredible ancient monastery. 600 stairs that are more than 1000 years old wind their way up the steep sides of this rocky island and are often slippery, rough and unstable.

In 2009 two deaths led to a review of the safety conditions however safety rails were never installed and it remains a perilous climb.

The ancient stone stairway has come under review after the death of two tourists. Source: Supplied

Colorado River System

It may be one of the most popular river systems in the United States, but it has been plagued with accidents, injuries and fatalities as white water rafters push the limits.

2014 was one of the deadliest years on the river system with 15 deaths in the first seven months. Colorado Parks and Wildlife Department have blamed melting snow from high above that leads to high water warnings and fast currents. They also note alcohol and inexperience have contributed to the many injuries.

The deadly Colorado River is for experienced rafters only. Source: Getty Images

Beaches of Acapulco

Don't let its beautiful beaches fool you into a false sense of security. Mexico’s Acapulco is known for its high crime with a murder rate of 142 killings per 100,000 residents. Australia’s Smart Traveller advises Aussies to travel only within well frequented tourist areas with violence remaining high including shoots outs, murders and kidnapping.

These crimes happen mostly in working class neighbourhoods that are just a short drive away from the luxury apartments, holiday homes and high end stores that line Acapulco’s coastal strip.

Just a few blocks back from the beach is some of the highest crime rate in the world. Source: Getty Images

Kokoda Track, Papua New Guinea

Made famous during WWII, the Kokoda Track has been a pilgrimage for Aussies wanting to pay tribute to the sacrifices made by our soldiers.

The 96 kilometre track weaves through jungle, rivers and up huge mountains and has claimed the lives of six Australian trekkers. Up to 50 people have also had to be airlifted out by Medivac.

The arduous Kokoda Trail is a true test of physical strength. Pics Erin Pearson. Source: Supplied

Death Road, Bolivia

Considered to be one of the most dangerous roads in the world, the North Yungas Road in Bolivia is often referred to as Death Road, claiming up to 300 lives per year. The 64 kilometre journey from the summit attracts more than 25,000 mountain biker riders annually who hug precariously close to the single lane, unrailed edges of the cliff face that is dotted with crosses marking the numerous deaths.

Bike riders can’t keep away from the deadly Death Rd. Picture: Matthew Straubmuller. Source: Flickr

Mont Blanc, France & Italy

The highest mountain in the European Union it is also the deadliest. Of the 20,000 or so who attempt the climb every year, dozens die.

Standing at 4810 metres, tourists fall victim to fast changing weather conditions, overcrowding and falling rocks.

The worst single death toll from an accident on Mont Blanc in recent times came in July 2012, when nine climbers — Swiss, German, British and Spanish — were killed in an avalanche.

Mont Blanc has seen deaths from avalanches, falls and variable weather conditions. Source: Getty Images

Mount Huashan plank path walk, China

Carved into a sacred Taoist mountain, this terrifying pathway is one of the most dangerous walking trails in the world. Steep staircases, vertical ascents and a three plank wide walkway wrap around the 2154 metre tall cliff face with only a chain to hang onto.

Tourists brave enough to make the challenging climb reach the Taoist monasteries on top where they are rewarded with cups of tea. Although there are no official statistics on fatalities, it is thought that 100 people die every year in what has become a deadly pilgrimage.

The perilous journey to the top is rewarded with a cup of tea. Picture: Kudumomo. Source: Flickr

Teahupoo

Listed as one of the top 10 deadliest waves in the world, there have been five deaths at this reef break since 2000.

An annual fixture on the ASP World Championship Tour, its heavy wave can reach up to seven metres with its fierce power causing shocking injures and deaths.

The name Teahupoo means “to sever the head”, or “place of skulls” and inspires awe and fear among surfers brave enough to surf its face.

Even the best surfers in the world have admitted to the fear of Teahupoo. Source: Getty Images

New Smyrna Beach, Florida

Lurking under the aqua waters of Florida’s coastline lies a dangerous predator. New Smyrna Beach has had more shark attacks per square kilometre than any other beach in the world with nearly 300 attacks from 2004 — 2013. While not fatal, the young bull sharks are known for taking a nibble out of unsuspecting swimmers.

It’s not a surprise there’s no swimmers in the water. Picture: Numinosity. Source: Flickr

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