The Top 50 Highest Waterfalls in the World (Ranked by Height)

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Meta Title: Top 50 Highest Waterfalls in the World (Ranked by Height)
Meta Description: Discover the ultimate list of the top 50 highest waterfalls in the world. Includes measurements in both meters and feet, locations, and the science behind the rankings.

Waterfalls are some of the most dramatic and awe-inspiring geological features on Earth. From hidden cascades in deep jungles to massive vertical drops plunging off sea cliffs, these natural wonders attract millions of travelers and outdoor enthusiasts every year.

But which waterfalls actually hold the record for being the tallest?

Because there is no single, universally standardized way to measure a waterfall’s height (some are measured by their longest single uninterrupted drop, while others are measured by cumulative tiered drops), compiling an exact list is a complex task.

Based on the most widely accepted geological data, here is the ranked list of the top 50 highest waterfalls in the world.

The Ultimate Debate: Angel Falls vs. Tugela Falls

Before diving into the data, it is worth noting the ongoing friendly rivalry for the number one spot.

Historically, Angel Falls in Venezuela has been recognized as the world’s highest uninterrupted waterfall at 979 meters (3,212 feet). However, a scientific expedition in 2016 re-measured Tugela Falls in South Africa, arguing its total tiered height actually reaches 983 meters (3,225 feet). Until a standardized measurement body officially updates the rankings, most databases continue to list Angel Falls as the official number one, with Tugela Falls a close second.

Table: The 50 Highest Waterfalls in the World

The following list ranks notable waterfalls by their cumulative overall height.

Rank	Waterfall Name	Height (Meters)	Height (Feet)	Region / Locality	Country
1	Angel Falls	979	3,212	Bolívar	Venezuela
2	Tugela Falls	947	3,107	KwaZulu-Natal	South Africa
3	Tres Hermanas Falls	914	2,999	Junin	Peru
4	Olo’upena Falls	900	2,953	Hawaii	United States
5	Yumbilla Falls	896	2,940	Amazonas	Peru
6	Skorga	875	2,871	Møre og Romsdal	Norway
7	Balåifossen	850	2,789	Vestland	Norway
8	Vinnufossen	845	2,772	Møre og Romsdal	Norway
9	Mattenbachfall	840	2,756	Lauterbrunnental	Switzerland
10	Pu’uka’oku Falls	840	2,756	Hawaii	United States
11	James Bruce Falls	840	2,756	British Columbia	Canada
12	Browne Falls	836	2,743	Southland	New Zealand
13	Strupenfossen	820	2,690	Vestland	Norway
14	Ramnefjellsfossen	818	2,684	Vestland	Norway
15	Waihilau Falls	792	2,598	Hawaii	United States
16	Colonial Creek Falls	788	2,585	Washington	United States
17	Mongefossen	773	2,536	Møre og Romsdal	Norway
18	Catarata Gocta	771	2,530	Amazonas	Peru
19	Mutarazi Falls	762	2,500	Manicaland	Zimbabwe
20	Kjelfossen	755	2,477	Sogn og Fjordane	Norway
21	Johannesburg Falls	751	2,464	Washington	United States
22	Yosemite Falls	739	2,425	California	United States
23	Cloudcap Falls	732	2,402	Washington	United States
24	Cascades de Trou de Fer	725	2,379	Réunion	France
25	Ølmåafossen	720	2,362	Møre og Romsdal	Norway
26	Manawainui Falls	719	2,359	Hawaii	United States
27	Kjeragfossen	715	2,346	Rogaland	Norway
28	Avalanche Basin Falls	707	2,320	Montana	United States
29	Harrison Basin Falls	707	2,320	Montana	United States
30	Haloku Falls	700	2,297	Hawaii	United States
31	Chamberlain Falls	700	2,297	Southland	New Zealand
32	Døntefossen	700	2,297	Møre og Romsdal	Norway
33	Kadamaian Falls	700	2,297	Sabah	Malaysia
34	Spirefossen	690	2,264	Vestland	Norway
35	Lake Unknown Falls	680	2,231	Otago	New Zealand
36	Salto Kukenan	674	2,211	Bolívar	Venezuela
37	Salto Yutaj	671	2,201	Amazonas	Venezuela
38	Cascade Blanche	640	2,100	Réunion	France
39	La Chorrera Falls	590	1,936	Cundinamarca	Colombia
40	Sutherland Falls	580	1,904	Southland	New Zealand
41	Cascada de Ventisquero Colgante	549	1,801	Aisén	Chile
42	Los Chorros de Cura	549	1,801	Aragua	Venezuela
43	Hannoki Falls	497	1,631	Toyama	Japan
44	Ribbon Fall	491	1,611	California	United States
45	Wall of Tears	488	1,601	Hawaii	United States
46	Kunchikal Falls	455	1,493	Karnataka	India
47	Della Falls	440	1,444	British Columbia	Canada
48	Gavarnie Falls	422	1,385	Hautes-Pyrénées	France
49	Krimml Waterfalls	380	1,247	Salzburg	Austria
50	Takakkaw Falls	373	1,224	British Columbia	Canada

Spotlight on the Top 5 Tallest Waterfalls

1. Angel Falls (Venezuela)

Nestled deep in the Canaima National Park, Angel Falls (called Salto Ángel locally) takes its dramatic plunge off the Auyán-tepui mountain. Because the drop is so incredibly high (979m), much of the water turns into a fine mist before ever reaching the canyon floor.

2. Tugela Falls (South Africa)

Located in the Drakensberg mountains within South Africa’s Royal Natal National Park, Tugela Falls is a multi-tiered marvel. It consists of five distinct, cascading drops that form a spectacular silver thread along the mountain’s amphitheater cliff face.

3. Tres Hermanas Falls (Peru)

Translating to “Three Sisters,” this remote Peruvian giant is located in the Otishi National Park. True to its name, the waterfall features three distinct tiers that drop into a deep, forest-covered gorge below.

4. Olo’upena Falls (United States)

Olo’upena is located on the rugged, isolated northeastern coast of the Hawaiian island of Molokai. This seasonal waterfall drops directly off some of the tallest seaside cliffs in the world and can only be viewed from the ocean or from the air.

5. Yumbilla Falls (Peru)

Discovered relatively recently by international geographers, Yumbilla is located in Peru’s northern Amazonas region. It is a tiered waterfall consisting of four distinct drops surrounded by lush, high-altitude cloud forests.

Geographic Breakdown: Where to Find the Giants

If you want to view these massive waterfalls in person, a couple of countries dominate the list:

Norway and the United States (specifically Hawaii) contain a disproportionate share of the world’s tallest waterfalls due to their steep mountainous terrain, glacier-fed valleys, and high sea cliffs.
Peru and Venezuela hold some of the deepest wilderness falls, tucked away in the Andes and the remote Guiana Highlands.

FAQ Section

What is the highest waterfall in the world?

Officially, Angel Falls in Venezuela is recorded as the world’s tallest waterfall with a height of 979 meters (3,212 feet). However, some scientists argue that South Africa’s Tugela Falls is taller if cumulative tiered drops are included.

Is Niagara Falls on this list?

No. While Niagara Falls is incredibly famous and carries an immense volume of water, it is not very tall. Its highest drop is only about 51 meters (167 feet), which is far too short to make the top 50 list.

Why are so many of these waterfalls in Norway and Hawaii?

Both regions feature massive, abrupt elevation changes. Norway’s landscape was carved by ancient glaciers, leaving deep fjords and sheer cliff walls, while Hawaii’s volcanic activity created dramatic, vertical sea cliffs that catch heavy tropical rainfall.

Do you plan to visit any of these towering natural giants? Let us know in the comments below!