The Largest Waterfall in the World Isn't the Tallest

Surprised? The Denmark Strait Cataract is the world's largest waterfall by volume — but it’s underwater.

Located between Greenland and Iceland, this epic waterfall is formed by dense, cold water from the Nordic Seas flowing over the edge of an ocean ridge into the Irminger Sea.

The downward flow — estimated to be more than 3,500 meters (11,500 feet) — has a volume 2,000 times greater than Niagara Falls. Dense water quickly sinks beneath warmer surface waters, creating a powerful, southward-flowing, frigid water current that plunges toward the ocean floor.

As the highest waterfall on Earth, Angel Falls in Venezuela boasts a stunning drop of 979 meters (3,212 feet) from the summit of the Auyán-tepui. It's one of the most visually impressive waterfalls, with mist trailing through the rainforest.

This natural wonder is located within Canaima National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and represents the epitome of vertical falling water.

Located in the Drakensberg Mountains of South Africa, Tugela Falls cascades 948 meters (3,110 feet) in a series of drops.

This towering set of falls is fed by seasonal rains, and during peak flow, it becomes a thunderous display of cold water plunging down rocky cliffs. It's a contender for the second-tallest waterfall, depending on how measurements are taken.

Stretching across the Zambezi River on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe, Victoria Falls earns its place as one of the seven natural wonders of the world.

It's the largest waterfall by combined height and width, forming the world’s largest sheet of falling water at 1,708 meters (5,604 feet) wide and 108 meters (354 feet) tall.

Known for its thundering roar and misty spray, Victoria Falls, or "The Smoke That Thunders," is one of Earth's most majestic falls.

Located on the border between Argentina and Brazil, Iguazu Falls is one of the largest waterfall systems on the planet. It includes over 275 separate falls, with the centerpiece being the Devil’s Throat (Garganta del Diablo), a U-shaped chasm with a massive flow rate.

The combination of natural beauty, immense volume and the sound of rushing water makes it one of the most impressive waterfalls in the world.

Spanning the border between Ontario, Canada, and New York, USA, Niagara Falls is among the most famous and frequently visited waterfalls.

Comprising Horseshoe Falls, American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls, this system sends over 3,160 tons (2,867 metric tonnes) of water per second cascading down during peak flow.

Niagara Falls connects Lake Erie to Lake Ontario and has played a vital role in regional development and hydroelectric power.

In the heart of Guyana’s rainforest, Kaieteur Falls plunges 226 meters (741 feet) in a single, unbroken drop.

Unlike many other waterfalls that are surrounded by tourist infrastructure, Kaieteur remains largely untouched. Its sheer volume and remote location make it a must-see for adventurous travelers seeking one of Earth’s natural wonders in a raw, powerful form.

One of North America’s tallest waterfalls, Yosemite Falls in California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains has a total drop of 739 meters (2,425 feet). It flows seasonally from melting snow and often slows to a trickle in summer.

Still, its grandeur, set against the cliffs of Yosemite National Park, makes it one of the United States’ most iconic and beloved falls.

In New Zealand’s Fiordland National Park, Browne Falls cascades 2,742 feet (836 meters) from a mountain lake into Doubtful Sound.

It may not always be flowing at maximum strength, but when it does, it presents a dramatic scene of mist and motion against lush green cliffs, making it one of the most scenic and vertical plunges in the Southern Hemisphere.

Also in New Zealand, Sutherland Falls drops a total of 1,904 feet (580 meters) in three cascades.

Located near Milford Sound, the falls emerge from Lake Quill and offer dramatic views accessible via the famous Milford Track. The setting and sheer drop make it one of New Zealand’s standout natural attractions.