What is the Biggest Waterfall in the World? (The Answer May Surprise You!)

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Are you wondering what is the biggest waterfall in the world? Here are 5 of the biggest waterfalls by height, volume and width, and everything you need to know about them.

How do I know these are the biggest waterfalls? Not only have I done my research, but I’ve visited most of them, so I’ve experienced just how majestic they are for myself!

The view of a rainbow at Victoria Falls in Zambia and Zimbabwe, which is the biggest waterfall in the world.

What is the Biggest Waterfall in the World?

So, what is the biggest waterfall in the world? The answer may surprise you!

Technically speaking, the biggest waterfall in the world is actually underwater. Known as the Denmark Strait Cataract, it’s located between Greenland and Iceland in the Denmark Strait.

This gigantic underwater waterfall is around 11,500 feet (3.5 kilometres) high, which is 3 times higher than the tallest waterfall on land!

The strait carries an impressive downward flow of 175 million cubic feet (nearly 5 million cubic meters) per second, creating a remarkable underwater phenomenon.

But, unfortunately, you will never be able to see the Denmark Strait Cataract, as visiting it would mean certain death. It’s located 2,000 feet below the surface, so there’s no way to swim or dive here. Plus, the intense water pressure, treacherous currents and huge force would crush you and drag you to the depths of the ocean floor instantly.

So you might be wondering what the biggest on-land waterfall in the world is?

There is some debate as to what qualifies as the biggest, as there are many impressive waterfalls around the world. So here are the 5 largest waterfalls based on different characteristics, so you can decide which one is the biggest and best for yourself.

5 of the World’s Biggest Waterfalls

1. Victoria Falls

Located between Zambia and Zimbabwe in Africa, Victoria Falls is the world’s biggest curtain of falling water in the world. As such, it’s usually considered to be the biggest waterfall in the world, and is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.

Known by locals as ‘Mosi-oa-Tunya’, meaning “the smoke that thunders”, these impressive falls are over 5,500 feet (1,700 meters) wide and 355 feet (108 meters) high.

The view of Victoria Falls in Zambia and Zimbabwe, which is the biggest waterfall in the world.

Victoria Falls is also one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the world which you can visit, and it’s one of the biggest tourist attractions in Africa.

As the Zambezi River plunges over the edge into the Batoka Gorge below, the falls create a mesmerizing cascade of mist and spray, which frequently reflects rainbows against the dramatic backdrop.

Plus, there are walking trails along the falls, so you can see it from different vantage points.

There are also tons of fun activities to do when visiting Victoria Falls, including cruising down the Zambezi river, bungee jumping, swimming in Devil’s pool at the edge of the falls, flying over the falls, and white water rafting. And it’s a great place to visit to go on safari!

2. Iguazu Falls

Nestled between Brazil and Argentina, Iguazu Falls is the world’s largest series of waterfalls, has been named a Wonder of Nature, and is Victoria Falls’ biggest rival.

In fact, having seen both, I would say that Iguazu Falls takes the lead in terms of beauty. What makes it so special to visit is that it has the most vast views of any waterfall!

The falls are made up of 275 cascading waterfalls spanning 1.6 miles (2.7 kilometres), surrounded by white mist, dramatic cliffs and lush rainforests teaming with wildlife.

The landscape here is truly otherworldly, with views reminiscent of a fantasy movie.

Several waterfalls at Iguazu Falls, which is the largest series of waterfalls in the world.

There are multiple hiking trails on the Argentinian side of the falls, so visitors can take in the might and beauty of the falls from various angles. Whereas, on the Brazilian side you can see full panoramic views of 80% of the falls in one frame.

You can also take a helicopter flight over the falls to see the entire network of spectacular falls from above. Or, take a boat ride down the Iguazu River to get as close as possible to the cascading water. They will even take you under some of the smaller falls, for a truly thrilling experience!

3. Angel Falls

Venezuela’s Angel Falls is sometimes deemed the biggest waterfall in the world as it’s the world’s tallest uninterrupted cascade of water.

Nestled in Canaima National Park, this extraordinary cascade drops 3,212 feet (979 meters) over the edge of the Auyán-Tepuí mountain in one huge continuous waterfall.

Named after American aviator Jimmy Angel, who discovered the falls in 1933, Angel Falls has since become an icon for Venezuelan tourism.

The view looking up at Angel Falls in Venezuela, which is the biggest waterfall in the world by height.

However, travelling to Venezuela is not currently recommended due to the country’s unstable political and economic situations and violent crime rates. And visiting Angel Falls is not so easily done, as Canaima National Park can only be reached by air.

If you’re interested in seeing Angel Falls, you will need to take a guided tour with a local tour company. Tours are usually 3 to 4 days in length and start in Venezuela from Santa Elena, Ciudad Bolívar, or the village of Canaima. Most of them are all-inclusive and will take you to Angel Falls by boat or helicopter.

Note – Make sure to do your research, understand the risks and check your local travel advisory before deciding whether it’s safe for you to travel to Venezuela.

4. Niagara Falls

No list of huge waterfalls would be complete without Niagara Falls. Shared by Canada and the US, Niagara Falls is the world’s most famous waterfall.

Although Niagara is not even close to being the world’s largest waterfall by height or width, it is the biggest waterfall in North America by volume, and is arguably the most impressive waterfall in the world.

This is due to its immense flow rate, with over 100,000 cubic feet (2,832 cubic metres) of water pouring over the edge every second during peak season – that’s over 5 million cubic feet per minute! This, combined with the size and shape of the falls, is what makes it such a monumental sight to see.

Niagara Falls from the Canadian side, which is the world's most famous waterfall.

Niagara Falls is made up of three waterfalls: the American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls and the Canadian Falls (also known as Horseshoe Falls).

Canada’s Horseshoe Falls is the largest of the three, at 2,200 feet (670 metres) wide, with an average drop of 188 feet (57 metres). And around 90% of Niagara’s water flows over Horseshoe Falls, making it a truly spectacular sight to see.

Conveniently located 30 minutes from Buffalo, or 1.5 hours from Toronto, Niagara Falls is the easiest waterfall on the list to get to. And there are plenty of fun things to do at Niagara. These include taking a boat ride at the base of the falls, seeing the falls from above at the Skylon Tower and going behind the falls.

5. Khone Falls

Although not as well known as the other waterfalls on this list, Khone Falls in Laos (also known as Khone Phapheng) takes the title of widest waterfall in the world, and is another breathtaking force of nature.

Khone falls is essentially a series of waterfalls and rapids along the Mekong River. There are also many different islands dotted along the falls, some of which are inhabited.

Khone Falls in Laos, which is the widest waterfall in the world.

While not a particularly tall waterfall, with a maximum drop of just 69 feet (21 metres), Khone Falls spans an impressive 35,376 feet (10.7 kilometres) in width.

It also holds the title of the largest waterfall by volume in Southeast Asia. And it’s one of the world’s most powerful waterfalls, with a flow rate of 410,000 cubic feet (11,600 cubic metres) per second. That’s over four times the volume of Niagara Falls!

Khone Falls is not as easily accessible as some of the world’s other huge waterfalls. But, once you arrive, the area is well-equipped for tourists. To get there, you will want to make your way to Don Khon and the “four thousand islands” in southern Laos, where you will be able to access tours, and bikes, boats and tuk-tuks to take you to the falls.

FAQs

Is Niagara Falls more in Canada or the USA?

The largest of the three waterfalls at Niagara Falls – Horseshoe Falls – is located on the Canadian side, in the province of Ontario. This is where 90% of the water at Niagara Falls flows. The other two smaller falls – the American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls – are located in New York state in the US.

Which is better, Victoria Falls or Niagara Falls?

Victoria Falls and Niagara Falls each offer very different experiences and are both worth visiting. But, generally, Victoria Falls is the better of the two. And it’s usually considered to be the biggest waterfall in the world.

Niagara Falls is still a very impressive and dramatic sight to witness, but it covers a much smaller area than Victoria Falls. And Niagara is very commercialized. Whereas, at Victoria Falls, you will get to immerse yourself a lot more in nature and experience an abundance of wildlife while visiting the falls.

Is Niagara Falls the biggest waterfall in the USA?

Niagara Falls is the biggest waterfall in the US by volume. In fact, it has the largest flow rate of any waterfall in North America.

The view of Sentinel Falls in the distance, in Yosemite National Park in the US.

What is the tallest waterfall in the USA?

The tallest waterfall in the US is Sentinel Fall in Yosemite National Park, in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains.

What waterfall has the largest flow of water?

Technically, Inga Falls in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has the largest flow rate of any waterfall in the world. However, Inga Falls is not generally considered to be a true waterfall, as it is primarily made up of rapids and does not have a vertical drop.

Is Niagara Falls one of the 7 wonders of the world?

No, Niagara Falls is not one of the seven wonders of the world.

What is the largest man-made waterfall in the world?

The Cascata delle Marmore in the region of Umbria in Italy is the largest man-made waterfall in the world. It was created in 271BC by the Romans and is 541 feet (165 metres) tall.

Is Victoria Falls or Iguazu Falls better?

Both Victoria Falls and Iguazu Falls are stunning giant waterfalls surrounded by pristine nature. It’s hard to choose which one is better, as they both offer spectacular views and experiences.

Personally, I found Iguazu Falls to be slightly more impressive to experience, as there’s a bit more to explore. But it’s a very close call! And, if you can, I would highly recommend visiting them both.

A close up view of several individual waterfalls at Iguazu Falls in Argentina.

Wrap Up – The Biggest Waterfall in the World

It may have surprised you to learn that the biggest waterfall in the world is actually hidden underwater. But, there are also some enormous waterfalls on land, which you can even visit and are truly impressive.

From the grandeur and pristine natural beauty of Victoria Falls and Iguazu Falls, to the magnitude of Niagara’s Horseshoe Falls, there are plenty of spectacular waterfalls to experience around the world.

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