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:
Where to Scuba Dive with Big Animals
The Best Scuba Diving Specialities
How to Get Your Scuba Diving License
Where to Go Sea Kayaking this Summer
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
Most Adventurous Water Parks for Young and Old
Prime Wind Surfing Destinations
Beautiful and Giant Rivers to Cruise Down