Great Waterfalls In The World: A Traveller’s Guide

Our Picks For The Most Beautiful Waterfalls In The World

During our travels, we have been fortunate to have visited many stunning and famous waterfalls in the world. Some have been super popular, located in National Parks or protected areas and others have been lesser-known waterfalls in more remote areas. Each one has its own beauty and allure.

There is something about cascading water that can draw you in and sometimes even take your breath away. We have compiled a list of amazing waterfalls that we have personally visited and hope that it will encourage you to add some locations to your bucket list.

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

One of the most impressive falls that we have seen is Victoria Falls, which is located on the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia. Known to be the largest waterfall in the world at 1709 metres long, its sheer size is overwhelming. This has earned it a spot on the list of the natural wonders of the world.

We visited on the Zimbabwe side, where there is a series of pathways (approximately 2 kms) that run along the cliffs within the Victoria Falls National Park. This allows you to see approximately 75% of the waterfalls, so we felt this was our best option.

We were very surprised at how few barriers there were along the edge and that they were pretty flimsy. But as a result, you have a truly authentic look at this spectacular scenery without any obstructions other than the natural trees growing there.

We visited in September, which is the beginning of the rainy season, but it allowed us to view the falls with good water capacity, even though, near the end, closest to the fullest part of the falls, we did have a considerable amount of spray. With numerous viewpoints along the trek, this walk was an incredible experience and is highly recommended.

We also enjoyed taking a helicopter ride over the falls, where you can see the views from overhead and really appreciate the expansive size. This vantage allows you to see the rainforested area and the mouth of the Zambezi River that feeds the falls.

✅ This is the helicopter ride that we took. It was a truly amazing experience and highly recommended!

Another exciting activity here that we didn’t have time to do was to experience Devil’s Pool. This is a natural pool at the edge of the falls on the Zambia side. During the dry season, small groups are taken out to Livingstone Island, and if conditions are right, they swim out to a natural pool located right on the edge of the falls. It looks like an amazing experience and is still on my list to do!

✅ To tour both the Zimbabwean and Zambian sides of Victoria Falls, consider this tour, which offers the opportunity to see this spectacular set of falls from both perspectives. A small group guarantees a great day.

Vaimahuta Waterfall, Tahiti

An easily accessible waterfall, just a short walk from the car park, is the Vaimahuta Waterfall, located outside Papeete on the island of Tahiti. It is an easy walk through a rainforested area over a bridge and down a marked pathway.

Measuring 80 metres tall, it is a beautiful cascade flowing over a basalt rock mountain. It is a very peaceful spot, and the location is very natural.

Also in the Faarumai Valley, there are two other waterfalls in this area, located another 30-minute walk from the first. You can see Haamaremare Rahi, which is even taller at 100 metres and Haamaremare Iti, which is 40 metres tall. 

There is a pool at the bottom where some people swim, but it is posted not to do so as there is a danger of falling rocks.

Iguazu Falls, Argentina

While Victoria Falls may be the longest waterfall, Iguazu is the largest series of falls with a collection of 275 waterfalls bordering Argentina and Brazil and has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These were also some of the most amazing and awe-inspiring falls that we have seen in our travels.

Nestled in a tropical rainforest, the system of waterfalls varies in height and width, but the highest reaches 82 metres, with multiple levels providing an unparalleled view to admire. We loved the boardwalk system of the Argentinian side, where 80% of the falls are located, where you could walk over some of the cascades and the pathways that bring you close to the sprays.

While several areas have steps and inclines, they are worth it to see the spectacular displays. We also explored the Brazilian side, but felt we were able to immerse ourselves a little more on the other side.

Devil’s Throat is a thunderous spot to really appreciate the strength of the water in motion. We were amazed and loved feeling the full mist on our faces.

And we even experienced the thrill of a jet boat that takes you down into the river and so close to the sprays, it is just magical! This is wettest experience we have had enjoying a waterfall!

Iguazu is our favourite international waterfall by far due to the beauty and magnitude of the area where it resides.

✅ If you want to have an amazing experience, consider this private, 5-star tour that covers both the Argentine and Brazilian sides of the falls. Having an expert guide to navigate the border and bring you to the most amazing sights is the perfect way to see this area.

Waterfalls of Iceland

The location that we have visited with the most convenient waterfalls has to be Iceland. The one that is considered to be the most popular is Gullfoss, located along the Golden Circle. 

Nested in a canyon, these falls are two tiered and reach a height of 32 metres. The stream of water is extensive, with 140 cubic metres passing over every second. There is a paved walkway that gives visitors the opportunity to visit from different vantage points. We were impressed that there was no entry fee, although there is a charge to park.

We spent a week driving around the entire island of Iceland, so we took in some pretty spectacular waterfalls, including Seljalandfoss, Godafoss, Dettifoss and Skogafoss.

They were all magnificent in their own way. But my favourite was Seljalandfoss, at 60 metres tall, where you are allowed to walk behind the flowing water. It is an amazing experience to get that close and feel the spray on your face and the pounding of the water in your heart. This would be on my must-see list if visiting Iceland. 

✅ To see a lot of waterfalls in one day, check out this small group tour that covers some amazing locations, including three of the waterfalls mentioned in this blog. Let the expert guide you around this incredible island.

Mealt Falls, Scotland

The unique factor about these falls on the Isle of Skye is the fact that they are fed by a freshwater lake but cascade directly into the ocean. 

The scenery here is stunning as the backdrop is a sheer cliff called Kilt Rock, aptly named since it resembles the tartan pattern for a kilt. The falls can be visited easily since there is a car park with a lookout that provides an unobstructed view.

Niagara Falls, Canada

While not the largest or tallest waterfall in the world, Niagara is still majestic with its two waterfalls – one on the Canadian side and one on the US side. Having grown up in the Toronto area, I have been going to Niagara Falls since I was a little girl. Likely the most famous waterfall in North America, it has never ceased to amaze me with the sheer volume of water that flows here. 

We may be biased, but in our opinion, the rounded Horseshoe Falls that are on the Canadian side are the most attractive. It is believed that the falls were formed approximately 12,000 years ago as a result of the melting of glaciers, which left the Niagara Gorge in their path. This left a massive waterfall reaching 57 metres that has 168,000 cubic metres of water that flows over the crest every minute. The force of the water is channelled through a hydroelectric plant that provides both countries with electricity.

You can enjoy the Falls along the walkways without paying any entrance fees. Be sure to walk to the start of the Horseshoe, where you will get wet from the strong spray.

There are many things to do while in this area, including taking a boat ride at the foot of the falls, walking along the river walk to feel the pounding of the water, and you can also enjoy a cable car over the Niagara Gorge.

The town has many attractions, plus several casino properties. And at night, the falls are lit up with different colours. It is a beautiful sight to see.

✅ To cover all the major attractions at Niagara Falls, check out this tour that includes a tour of all the notable sights on the Canadian side, plus a trip across the border to board the Maid of the Mist boat.

Papapapaitai Falls, Samoa

Located on the larger island of Upolu in Samoa are the majestic Papapapaitai Falls. Measuring 100 metres high, the water drops down the side of a lush gorge.

This spot provides an opportunity to view a completely unspoiled natural location, hugged by tall trees and greenery. As we peered over the trees from across the valley, we were pleasantly surprised by the beauty of this setting. 

Ravana Falls, Sri Lanka

A very attractive waterfall that we have visited is the Ravana Falls outside of Ella in Sri Lanka. If you want to see waterfalls with zero effort, this one is for you since you can actually see it from the road.

The water pours down for 25 metres, over various levels of rocks through a large crevice in the cliff.  The multiple levels provide a beautiful tiered effect that is very pretty to see against the surrounding lush greenery.

This is a super popular spot for people to stop so several vendors are set up along the road as well selling trinkets and foods to eat. It makes for a nice stop if visiting in this area. 

Cascata do Salto do Cabrito, Azores

During our time on Sao Miguel Island, in the Azores, we saw several waterfalls. The one that we thought had the most natural setting was Cascata do Salto do Cabrito. It is in the central part of the island and can be accessed by a hiking trail. We were told that during certain periods of the year, access is not available by car unless a certified guide accompanies you. This is the most convienient way to see this location.

The spout of water that falls 40 metres from within a narrow crevice of rocks, is a lovely single stream. The water collects in a pool at the bottom that is popular for swimming. If you are planning to swim here, it is recommended to bring water shoes since you will need to climb over a rocky surface. We watched as one young woman walked very gingerly over this area until it was deep enough to actually swim.

While there were a few people there when we visited, like most spots in the Azores, it wasn’t overly crowded.

Wailua Falls, Kauai

If you remember a show from the late 1970s called Fantasy Island, you may recall the opening scene that shows a gorgeous waterfall with a plane flying overhead. This is Wailua Falls, not far from Lihue, on Kauai in Hawaii.

Now this 25 metre waterfall with two large streams, is viewable from the top of the gorge. For most, that is where you will enjoy it from. My son and I had read that there was a trail down the side of the cliff to get to the bottom where you can swim within the pool.

This was a very steep, very slippery trek down the side of the hill. There are a lot of roots that you can use to hold on to, and there is also a series of ropes, but it is precarious and not suggested for those who are unsure on their feet.

At the bottom, we were rewarded with an incredible experience and loved swimming in the cool, clear water. This has to be one of the best waterfalls in Hawaii for its natural beauty and thundering set of twin waterfalls. It was truly a great memory of our time on the island.

Fortuna Waterfall, Costa Rica

Located within the Arenal Volcano National Park is the stunning Fortuna Waterfall. It is set amongst a tropical wet forest, meaning that the area is flooded for significant parts of the year, but the trees and foliage have adapted to this growing environment.

Access to this waterfall is by a series of well constructed steps – 477 in total. The steps have several landings, thankfully, where you can sit and have a rest on the way back up.

Our guide advised that this waterfall has been there for 65,000 years and is fed by 7 rivers. It is striking at 70 metres high and culminates in a wonderful pool that feeds a river, where visitors can go for a dip. On some days, the water is too rough, and it is posted at the entrance whether or not swimming is allowed.

Even without being able to cool down, the walk is worth it to see this magnificent stream plunging to the bottom.

✅ Skip the line by purchasing your ticket in advance here. Save time and enter without waiting in a queue.

The Final Word…Great Waterfalls In The World

We hope you have enjoyed this list of some of the best waterfalls around the world. It was nice to look back on our travels and choose many that have stood out as spectacular spots to visit. When you are travelling, be sure to see if there is a set of falls in proximity to where you are going to be. You never know what hidden gem you may find.

Check out some of our other favourite collections, including our top garden picks, butterfly gardens or the best beaches we have been to. You may find some inspiration for places to add to your next trip itineraries.