Wondrous Waterfalls: The World’s Biggest Waterfalls

Standing under a giant waterfall will have you in awe of mother nature, and the power of gallons of water thundering down the side of a gorge or cliff-face. We’ve already written about insane natural water slides, but what are the world’s biggest waterfalls that are actually some of nature’s most beautiful spectacles.

Photo By: Stefan Krasowski

Victoria Falls, Zambia and Zimbabwe

Photo By: Mario Micklisch

Victoria Falls is located on the Zambezi River at the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe. The width of this huge waterfall is 1,708 meters, while its height is 108 meters. There are several gorges, including one where the famous Victoria Falls Bridge crosses. It’s possible to bungee jump of the Victoria Falls Bridge. Other water sports to try here include white water rafting, game fishing, kayaking and sports like horse riding. Plus, you can choose to do a scenic helicopter ride over the beautiful falls. There’s also a scarily named  Devil’s Pool where you can bathe in water perilously close to the edge of a giant fall. It is definitely one of the most popular adventure travel destinations in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Niagara Falls, United States and Canada

Photo By: Nick Redhead

The Niagara Falls represent three waterfalls that fall on the border of the United States and Canada. The Niagara Falls has the highest flow rate of any waterfall in the world. Each year, millions of tourists visit the Niagara Falls on both the US and Canadian side – both day and night. There are observation decks at Prospect Point Park on the Unite States side and the Skylong Tower on the Canadian side. One of the most popular thing to do, is jump on the Maid of the Mist boat (pictured above), which is a brave little boat that goes past the so-called American waterfall and the Bridal Veil waterfall, then it heads into the spraying mist in the curve of the Horseshoe Falls.

Iguazu Falls, Argentina and Brazil

Photo By: SF Brit

Iguazu Falls, which border Argentina and Brazil is one of the most tremendous waterfalls in the world and among the best adventure travel destinations in South America. The falls divide what’s known as the upper and lower Iguazu River. For tourists the most common base from which to see the Iguazu Falls is from Foz do Iguaçu on the Brazilian side. There are walkways on both the Argentinian and Brazilian sides from where you can safely view the Iguazu Falls. You can see one of these walkways on the bottom right of the above photo. We recently wrote about doing a scenic helicopter flight over the Iguazu Falls, the nearby Paraná River, Devil’s Throat, the Bosetti waterfalls, and the 3-way border shared by Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay.

Angel Falls, Venezuela

Photo By: ollie harridge

Angel Falls wins! It is the highest waterfall in the entire world at a record shattering 979 metres. It is located in Venezuela’s Canaima National Park plunging off the side of the Auyantepui mountain. The plunge you can see in the image above is 807 metres, but then the water continues to flow in a series of cascades and rapids. It’s not super easy to get to Angel Falls. You’ll need to make your way to the Canaima camp from where you can take a river cruise to the base of Angel Falls. The best time to go is June to December when the river is full and thick rivers of water cascade down the face of Auyantepui. Despite the challenge of getting there, this is one of Venezuela’s top tourist destinations and it’s definitely worth the effort to see this UNESCO World Heritage listed giant waterfall.

Other articles on travel destinations by the water and water sports adventure travel ideas:

A Short History of PUP

Where to Scuba Dive with Big Animals 

The Best Scuba Diving Specialities

How to Get Your Scuba Diving License 

What is White Water Rafting

Where to Go Sea Kayaking this Summer

All About Fishing!

The World’s Best Seas

A Short History of Canoeing and Kayaking

A Short History of Deep Diving

Lovely Spots to Horse Ride on a Beach

The World’s Biggest Waterfalls

Best Beaches for Water Sports

Most Adventurous Water Parks for Young and Old

Prime Wind Surfing Destinations

Great Lakes for Water Sports

Beautiful and Giant Rivers to Cruise Down