Waterfalls hold a particular fascination. They can be majestic, powerful and, in some cases, simply overwhelming. They not only demonstrate the uniqueness of nature but also make each of us ponder just how old this planet really is. Waterfalls generally result from thousands of years of natural river erosion.
They can sometimes remain dormant for centuries. Technically there are 10 different types of waterfalls from the more common Block (Niagara) and Horsetail (Sanddalsfossen) to Tiered (Sutherland) and Tidefall (Alamere). Here we will take a look at the waterfalls that are the tallest in the world. As there is no universally agreed upon way this is measured, the list could actually vary depending on what method is used. Regardless, every waterfall on this list is awesome!
1. ANGEL FALLS
Location: Canaima National Park, Bolívar State, Venezuela
Height: 3,212’ (979 m)
When to visit: The best months to visit are between May and November. Otherwise, during the dry season, you take the chance of no waterfall at all.
Access: The Canaima National Park can only be accessed by air, generally from Ciudad Bolivar or the Venezuelan capital of Caracas. The most popular way to see the falls is by 5-hour journey via motorized canoes (May-January) then a trek through the jungle.
Overview: A natural wonder that might not exactly be next door Salto Angel (named after an American gold prospector) is a wondrous site. One word of warning if you visit . . . beware of mosquitos!
On the Reel
Up (2009)
Starring Edward Asner, Jordan Nagai and John Ratzenberger. Co-Directed by Pete Docter and Bob Peterson.
Not your typical animated film, Up is so much more. It tells the story of 78 year old Carl Fredricksen who, after losing his wife goes on a journey to find the forbidden Paradise Falls (inspired by Angel Falls) in South America. Along the way he finds an unexpected friend, a talking dog and a childhood idol. A fantastic film requiring a few tissues.
2. TUGELA FALLS
Location: Royal Natal National Park in the Drakensberg, Republic of South Africa
Height: 3,110’ (948 m)
When to visit: Best time of year to visit is March or April. Prepare to get started early in the day to avoid much of the fog. Lots of walking, not rigorous just lots of it. It can also get wet so wear hiking boots.
Access: Be prepared as there is a separate fee for each the park and the hike. If you walk the entire way you are looking at a 14-hour round trip. It’s a lot but the views are spectacular all along the way.
Overview: There is a brewing controversy that purports Tugela is actually the tallest waterfall in the world. It’s really a technicality as there are innumerable reasons to visit the Park itself from its spectacular scenery and fabulous mountain trails to its world famous nature preserve.
3. TRES HERMANAS FALLS
Location: Otishi National Park, Junín, Peru
Height: 2,999’ (914 m)
When to visit: There is much to enjoy in Peru, where it’s best to visit in the dry season (May-September) but actually viewing the Falls is difficult. The Park has been protected since 2003 so it’s next to impossible to walk to see the Falls.
Access: The “Waterfalls of the Three Sisters” are in the protected Parque Nacional Otishi national forest and, for all practical purposes, can only be viewed from the air.
Overview: These remarkable falls are in the Tiered category. There are (3) drops or sections resulting in a beautiful cascade down the mountainside in the heart of the Amazon rainforest.
4. OLO'UPENA FALLS
Location: Moloka’i, Hawaii, USA
Height: 2,953’ (900 m)
When to visit: I can’t say there is a bad time to visit Hawaii but, to see the Falls, you should plan on anytime between November-March. Avoid mid-fall when the dry season can sometimes affect water flow.
Access: The only way to see the Falls is by a 3-hour guided boat tour or by air. If you get close enough you could get a bit of spray.
Overview: This natural beauty is too stunning to miss. The Falls are nestled between massive mountains on either side as the water hurtles over the Haloku Cliffs (see Pu’uka’oku Falls below) on Moloka’i.
5. YUMBILLA FALLS
Location: Amazonas Region, Bongara Province, Cuispes, Peru
Height: 2,953’ (900 m)
When to visit: Best time to visit is May-November (dry season) but absolutely bring your hiking boots. On a clear day, when the sun is behind the falls the water will produce a glistening spray that delights and refreshes at the same time.
Access: There is a trail that goes to the base of Yumbilla but our advice is to hire a local guide for the journey. The walk itself is amazing with its views of (2) other waterfalls, streams, lush ferns and lots of natural color.
Overview: The Yumbilla Falls are only an hour away from the regions primary attraction, the magnificent Gocta Waterfall but much less known. This tiered fall has at least 4 known drops or sections along its downward path.
6. VINNUFOSSEN
Location: Møre og Romsdal, Norway
Height: 2,822’ (860 m)
When to visit: The ideal time to visit is early summer as the weather begins to stabilize and turns warmer. For picture taking try for late afternoon or early morning.
Access: The Falls are clearly visible from road 70 and there are areas to turn off or park to take pictures.
Overview: This tiered horsetail type falls, known locally as Vinnu, is fed from the Vinnufonna glacier then flows into the river Driva below. While any waterfalls are interesting there are actually more beautiful options off of the 70, Linndalsfallet, Reppfallet and Svøufallet. I’d suggest seeing Vinnufossen early morning then enjoy some hiking to the other falls the rest of the day.
7. BALÅIFOSSEN
Location: Hordaland, Norway
Height: 2,789’ (850 m)
When to visit: This isn’t great for planning but whether to make the effort to see Balåifossen really depends on the snowfall and melt. If the season has been low it isn’t worth it but . . . the falls can be spectacular when enough flow is generated. Definitely check prior to committing. Afternoon is the best time for photos.
Access: There are several good vantage points from Route 300 including specific pullovers along the water. You can also see the Falls from the 572 but it’s quite a distance.
Overview: Even if the Falls aren’t flowing Hordaland County is beautiful in the spring and summer with its fjord, mountains and thousands of fruit trees. Bergen, Norway’s second largest city, is a great holiday hub.
8. PU'UKA'OKU FALLS
Location: Moloka’i, Hawaii, USA
Height: 2,756’ (840 m)
When to visit: There is never a bad time to visit Hawaii. The Falls face north so around midday is your best bet. The Falls are set well back and they are seen best when bathed in sunlight.
Access: Similar to Olo’upena Falls your only options are by sea or by air. We recommend a helicopter tour though it can be weather permitting (so make sure to make reservations early and check in often). The vantage points are so different than how we experience most things and it’s the only way to appreciate the Moloka’i coastline.
Overview: There are many falls to view along the Moloka’i coastline so don’t be too disappointed if you don’t get a perfect view of Pu’uka’oku. The helicopter tours are a complete joy and be sure to request a video copy of your flight.
9. JAMES BRUCE FALLS
Location: Princess Louisa Marine Provincial Park, British Columbia, Canada
Height: 2,756’ (840 m)
When to visit: Honestly, the only remarkable thing about James Bruce is its height. Otherwise it isn’t much to see, however . . . please note that Canada is incredibly beautiful and filled with natural wonder so it is always worth a visit regardless.
Access: The only way to reach the Falls is by boat or float plane, followed up by a hike.
Overview: If you love the outdoors, British Columbia is one of the more naturally rich areas in the world. If you love hunting, fishing, hiking or camping you’ll find the rivers, lakes, forests and coastline a perfect venue for your passions.
10. BROWNE FALLS
Location: Fiordland National Park, Doubtful Sound, New Zealand
Height: 2,743’ (836 m)
When to visit: Any time of year will do as the water tends to flow steadily all year round.
Access: Unfortunately the only available viewing is by air or boat (full day or overnight) and then only by reservation. The Sound is beautiful and, ironically enough by boat, the Falls are one of the first attractions along the way. Again, we recommend viewing by air. Small charter flights are available.
Overview: Not the most impressive Falls given its gentle slope down the mountainside but Doubtful Sound is lush with Nothofagus trees, ferns and shrubs. As a side note, there are some experts who think this could be the longest waterfall in existence due to inconsistencies in the topographical data available.
The preceding descriptions and even photos cannot do justice to these monuments of nature. The thousands, and in some cases, millions of years it took to create these monoliths is a testament to the power of water. Up next, the largest waterfalls in the world . . . talk about power!
Have you been to any of these Falls? We’d love to hear all about your experiences so feel free to share in the Comments section below.
Your site is currently utilizing my photo for Pu’uka’oku Falls in Molokai. Although I am flattered to have my picture represent the site, this photo is being used without a license. To purchase a license, please visit my site on https://krkandlynn-photos.picfair.com/albums/102470-featured. If not licensed, please delete this photo.
Thank You
Kirk Johnson. If not licensed, please delete this photo.
Thank You
Kirk Johnson
Mr. Johnson, we apologize for our error. On the rare occasions we use photos not taken by ourselves we limit our search to public domain pictures. Obviously we did not properly identify your photo as such. We have removed the photo from our site.