Waterfalls are some of the most breathtaking natural wonders on the planet, and there are many around the world that are truly spectacular. From roaring waterfalls to gentle waterfalls, there is a waterfall for every type of traveler. In this article, we’ll take a look at the 15 largest waterfalls in the world, highlighting their unique features and what makes them so special.
List of 15 Largest Waterfalls in The World
- Angel Falls – Venezuela
- Niagara Falls – United States/Canada
- Victoria Falls – Zimbabwe/Zambia
- Iguazu Falls – Argentina/Brazil
- Plitvice Lakes Waterfall – Croatia
- Kaieteur Falls – Guyana
- Yosemite Falls – United States
- Datian Falls – China/Vietnam
- Gullfoss – Iceland
- Ban Gioc-Detian Falls – Vietnam / China
- Dettifoss – Iceland
- Huanggushu Falls – China
- Seljalandsfoss – Iceland
- Jog Falls – India
- Sutherland Falls – New Zealand
Largest Waterfalls in The World
Angel Falls – Venezuela
Towering over the Venezuelan jungle, Angel Falls is the tallest waterfall in the world with a total height of 979 meters (3,212 ft).
The falls are named after American Jimmy Angel, who was the first person to fly over the falls in 1933. Visitors can take a boat or hike through the forest to the base of the falls, where they can witness the awe-inspiring sight of water cascading down the sheer rock face.
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Niagara Falls – United States/Canada
Located on the border of the United States and Canada, Niagara Falls is one of the most famous waterfalls in the world. Consisting of three separate falls – Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls – Niagara Falls is a powerful and mesmerizing sight.
Visitors can take a boat trip to get closer to the waterfalls or view them from observation decks on either side of the range.
Victoria Falls – Zimbabwe/Zambia
Located on the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia, Victoria Falls is one of the largest waterfalls in the world with a width of 1,708 meters (5,604 ft) and a height of 108 meters (354 ft).
The falls are named after Queen Victoria and are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can take a helicopter tour or walk the trails on either side of the falls to get a closer look.
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Iguazu Falls – Argentina/Brazil
Located on the border between Argentina and Brazil, Iguazu Falls is a series of 275 waterfalls spanning 2.7 kilometers (1.7 mi). The falls are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and are surrounded by lush forest, making them a popular destination for nature lovers. Visitors can take a boat tour to get closer to the falls or walk on the trails to enjoy the stunning views.
Plitvice Lakes Waterfall – Croatia
Situated within Croatia’s Plitvice Lakes National Park, these waterfalls form a chain of 16 interconnected cascades. The water displays a vibrant blue-green hue, with lush green forests enveloping the falls, creating an undeniably enchanting and tranquil setting.
Visitors can walk along the boardwalk that runs through the park, allowing them to view the waterfalls from different angles.
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Kaieteur Falls – Guyana
Located in the heart of the Guiana jungle, Kaieteur Falls is a powerful and remote waterfall that is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the world. With a height of 226 meters (741 ft), it is four times higher than Niagara Falls. Visitors can take a small plane to the falls, where they can fly to the top for stunning views of the surrounding forest.
Yosemite Falls – United States
Located in Yosemite National Park in California, Yosemite Falls is one of the tallest waterfalls in the United States, with a total height of 739 meters (2,425 ft).
The falls are a popular destination for hikers and climbers, who can hike to the top for incredible views of the surrounding park. Visitors can also view the falls from the valley floor or from observation decks located throughout the park.
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Detian Falls – China/Vietnam
Located on the border of China and Vietnam, Detian Falls is a powerful and stunning waterfall That is spread across both countries.
With a height of 30 meters (98 ft) and a width of 200 meters (656 ft), Detian Falls is the fourth largest international waterfall in the world. Visitors can take boat tours to get closer to the falls or hike the trails to view the falls from different angles.
Gullfoss – Iceland
Located in southern Iceland, Gullfoss is a two-tier waterfall that drops a total of 32 meters (105 ft). The falls are fed by the Hvitá River and are a popular destination for tourists visiting the Golden Circle, a popular tourist route that showcases Iceland’s many natural wonders. Tourists can view the falls from observation decks located on either side of the falls.
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Ban Gioc-Detian Falls – Vietnam / China
Nestled along the border between Vietnam and China, Ban Gioc-Detian Falls stands as a picturesque and secluded waterfall, yet to be fully explored by tourists.
These falls measure 30 meters (98 feet) in height and span an impressive 300 meters (984 feet) in width, set amidst the breathtaking backdrop of karst mountains.
Dettifoss – Iceland
Located in northern Iceland, Dettifoss is the most powerful waterfall in Europe, with a flow rate of 193 cubic meters per second (6,807 cubic feet per second).
The falls are 44 meters (144 ft) high and 100 meters (328 ft) wide and are surrounded by a rugged volcanic landscape. Tourists can view the falls from observation decks located on either side of the falls.
Huangguoshu Falls – China
Huangguo, located in Guizhou province in southern China The waterfall is the largest waterfall in Asia, with a width of 101 meters (331 ft) and a height of 77.8 meters (255 ft).
These falls are enveloped by luxuriant forests and towering karst mountains. Visitors have the option to embark on boat tours for a closer encounter with the falls or explore hiking trails to admire the cascades from various vantage points.
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Seljalandsfoss – Iceland
Located in southern Iceland, Seljalandsfoss is a unique waterfall that visitors can walk behind. The falls are 60 meters (197 ft) high and are fed by the Seljalands River. Visitors can walk the path behind the falls, allowing them to watch the water tumble down from a unique perspective.
Jog Falls – India
Located in the state of Karnataka in southwest India, Jog Falls is one of the tallest waterfalls in India with a height of 253 meters (830 ft). The falls are fed by the Sharavathi River and are surrounded by lush green forests and rugged rocks. Tourists can view the falls from observation decks located on either side of the falls.
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Sutherland Falls – New Zealand
Located in Fiordland National Park on New Zealand’s South Island, Sutherland Falls is one of the tallest waterfalls in the world with a total height of 580 meters (1,903 ft). The falls are fed by Quill Lake and surrounded by a stunning mountain landscape.
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