11 of the World’s Most Breathtaking Waterfalls

Few natural wonders are as magical as waterfalls. Some waterfalls cascade over cliffs or gently flow down rocks, creating mesmerizing landscapes. Others exhibit such forceful water discharge that they’ve carved their pathways into granite. In addition to their natural beauty, many waterfalls produce spectacular environmental effects. Gorgeous rainbows or even rare occurrences like a “Firefall” happen. This is where the sunset’s rich reds and golds blend with the water flow, creating the illusion of liquid fire cascading from the falls. As you plan your next adventure, consider adding one of the world’s most incredible waterfalls to your itinerary to experience the power and wonder of these breathtaking natural marvels. 

Akaka Falls, Hawaii

Hawaii’s big island, particularly its north side, hosts one of the world’s most renowned waterfalls amid its stunning natural beauty. Akaka Falls plunges 442 feet, impressively fed by the smaller Kahuna Falls, which stands at 100 feet. Easily accessible, a short, paved pathway surrounded by lush Hawaiian flora leads visitors to both of the falls in Akaka Falls Park, making Hilo’s famous park a must-do for visitors to this Hawaiian isle. 

Angel Falls, Venezuela

Generally thought to be the largest waterfall in the world, Angel Falls plunges an astounding 3,212 feet over Venezuela’s Auyantepui Mountain. Reaching this remote location inside Canaima National Park requires a few hours, a boat ride, and a minimum hike. However, the journey to visit the world’s tallest waterfall is undoubtedly worth the effort. Much of the water cascading off the table-top plateau of Auyantepui evaporates before reaching the river below, creating a mind-blowing waterfall. This massive spectacle consists of two successive cascades, accompanied by a third, much smaller waterfall downriver.

Ban Gioc Waterfall, Vietnam, and China

This astounding three-tier waterfall is called Ban Gioc in Vietnam and Detien in China. Its unique horseshoe shape straddles the borders between the two countries and has been drawing curious visitors for centuries. A remote site, Ban Gioc, is best viewed during the dry season, from October to April. During the daily release of the upstream Quay Son River, the falls reach their full flow for a few hours. The best way to see Ban Gioc is by boat ride to the lower pool since lush jungles surround the 300-meter-wide cascading falls. 

Dettifoss, Iceland

North Iceland’s Vatnajökull National Park has four spectacular waterfalls, but Dettifoss is the most impressive. Widely thought to be the most powerful waterfall in Europe, Dettifoss pushes out over 200 cubic meters of water per second. All of the water is pushed over the edge of the block falls fed by the Jökulsá River. The best time to view Dettifoss is between May and December when the nearby gravel roads are passable, but visitors here can also hike into the falls area or camp nearby in the park.