Watch 24 of the world’s best divers defy gravity and push their limits in this stunning island paradise this April.
Diving, snorkeling, paragliding, canyoneering, trail running—these are just some of the adrenaline-pumping adventures you can experience in the Philippines. But what if we take it up a notch? Something wilder. Something that will make your heart race and your breath catch.
If you’re looking for the ultimate adventure this summer, El Nido, Palawan, should be at the top of your list. Beyond its postcard-perfect beaches, crystal-clear waters, dramatic limestone cliffs, and thriving marine life, this island paradise is set to host one of the most thrilling events in extreme sports: the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series 2025.
Here’s Everything You Need to Know About Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series in Palawan
From April 11 to 13, the world’s top cliff divers will gather in El Nido to launch themselves off towering cliffs, performing insane mid-air acrobatics before slicing into the waters below. This marks the second time the Philippines is hosting the season opener, the first being in 2019. And trust us—this is not your average diving competition.
Unlike Olympic diving, athletes don’t take off from a stationary platform. Instead, Red Bull cliff divers leap from great heights. Men jump from 27 meters, while women dive from 21 meters. That’s nearly three times the height of an Olympic platform! As they plunge, they reach speeds of 85 km/h. They twist, flip, and contort their bodies with incredible precision and bravery. One wrong move could result in a brutal impact.
Meet the World-Class Athletes Competing
This year’s lineup is packed with elite athletes ready to push their limits. In the men’s division, expect gravity-defying performances from Aidan Heslop (Great Britain), Andrea Barnaba (Italy), Carlos Gimeno (Spain), Constantin Popovici (Romania), James Lichtenstein (USA), Oleksiy Prygorov (Ukraine), and Mexican divers Sergio Guzman and Yolotl Martinez. On the women’s side, high-flying competitors include Elisa Cosetti (Italy), Ginni van Katwijk (Netherlands), Kaylea Arnett and Meili Carpenter (USA), Molly Carlson and Simone Leathead (Canada), Nelli Chukanivska (Ukraine), and Rhiannan Iffland (Australia).
Each dive is definitely a testament to years of honing skills and mental toughness. As per Red Bull: “The combination of natural rock formations, shifting weather conditions, and open water creates an unpredictable environment that tests the skill and adaptability of each diver.” With El Nido’s breathtaking seascape as their stage, every leap will be a jaw-dropping spectacle of human daring and athleticism.
After the adrenaline-charged season opener in the Philippines, the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series 2025 will make stops in other breathtaking locations, including Polignano a Mare, Italy (June 28-29); Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina (September 5-6); and Boston, USA (September 19-20). The season will conclude with the crowning of the men’s and women’s champions, who will take home the prestigious King Kahekili trophy.
So, are you ready to witness next-level adventure? Whether you’re planning a trip to El Nido to see it live or tuning in via live stream, don’t miss your chance to watch world-class athletes defy gravity in one of the most stunning locations on Earth. For more details and updates, visit the official Red Bull website.
Ready for an adventure of a lifetime?
Cover image credit: Red Bull
