When it comes to nature’s most breathtaking wonders, the top ten highest waterfalls in the world stand out as awe inspiring giants. These towering cascades, plunging from incredible heights, draw adventurers, photographers, and curious travelers eager to witness their power and beauty up close. From the misty cliffs of Angel Falls in Venezuela, known as the world’s tallest waterfall, to the thundering roar of Tugela Falls in South Africa, each of these natural marvels has a unique story etched into the landscape. Exploring the list of the highest waterfalls takes you across continents, through rugged mountains, and into lush valleys where water meets earth in dramatic fashion.

Whether it’s the sheer drop of Yosemite Falls in California or the multi tiered splendor of Kaieteur Falls in Guyana, these iconic waterfalls showcase the raw force of nature. Perfect for anyone searching for the tallest waterfalls or planning a trip to see the world’s most stunning cascades, this lineup highlights elevation, scenery, and the unforgettable experience of standing before these watery giants. Dive into the details of the top ten highest waterfalls and discover why they continue to captivate people around the globe.

The Top Ten Highest Waterfalls In The World 2025

10. Pu’uka’oku Falls

Pu’uka’oku Falls located on the north side of Molokai in Hawaii USA stands at 840 meters (2756 feet) making it the tenth tallest waterfall globally. This waterfall is a remote spectacle plunging directly into the Pacific Ocean and is inaccessible by land requiring helicopter tours or scenic boat trips for viewing. Research suggests its flow is likely year round though there is some debate with sources like trippyescape.com claiming an unbroken flow while Wonder mondo notes it as seasonal. The surrounding area is rich in biodiversity offering opportunities for birdwatching and cultural significance to the Hawaiian people with lush vegetation and unique flora and fauna. Its inaccessibility adds to its allure making it a bucket list destination for aerial or marine adventurers.

9. Mattenbachfall

Mattenbach fall situated in the Lauterbrunnen valley in Bern Switzerland is listed at 840 meters (2756 feet) though some sources including the World Waterfall Database suggest a height of 930 meters based on 2020 measurements by the Vertical Water Canyoning Team making it potentially the tallest in Eurasia. It is a cascade of several waterfalls fed by melted snow and rain and may dry out in late summer. Accessible by hiking trails it is part of Switzerland’s famous valley known for numerous waterfalls offering stunning views during spring and early summer when the flow is strongest. The evidence leans toward it being a significant European waterfall with its height variation adding complexity to its ranking.

8. Vinnufossen

Vinnufossen in Sunndal Municipality Møre og Romsdal Norway measures 845 meters (2772 feet) though some sources like European waterfalls claim 860 meters ranking it as the eighth tallest worldwide. It is a tiered horsetail waterfall part of the Vinnu River fed by the Vinnufonna glacier and flows into the Driva River. Easily visible from road RV70 it offers hiking access via the Vinnu stone stairs with the best flow in spring and early summer due to snowmelt. It seems likely that its accessibility and scenic beauty make it a popular stop for travelers with sources like visitnorway.com highlighting its photographic appeal and construction of a stone staircase for closer views.

7. Balåifossen

Balåifossen located in Ulvik Municipality Vestland Norway has a height of 850 meters (2789 feet) making it the seventh tallest in the world and third in Norway. It consists of three falls with the longest drop at 452 meters fed by melting snow from Kyrelvfjellet and can dry up in summer and autumn. Visible from the road on the opposite side of Osafjorden it lacks direct hiking trails but its dramatic setting against the fjord is notable. The evidence leans toward it being a seasonal waterfall with sources like the Norwegian Wikipedia page noting its reliance on snowmelt adding to its natural variability.

6. Skorga

Skorga in Sunndal Municipality Møre og Romsdal Norway is 875 meters (2870 feet) tall the tallest recorded in Norway and second in Europe. It is part of the Skorga River with a horsetail style drop and is visible from road RV70 similar to Vinnufossen. The upper 275 meters are hidden adding to its mystique and its flow is likely seasonal relying on snowmelt. Sources like the World Waterfall Database note its height exceeds Vinnufossen by about 30 meters making it a significant natural feature though less visible from the valley floor compared to its neighbor.

5. Yumbilla Falls

Yumbilla Falls near Cuispes in the Amazonas Region of Peru stands at 896 meters (2940 feet) the fifth tallest worldwide. It comprises four or five tiers with low volume flow that may stop in the dry season making it most impressive from December to April. Accessible via a 6 km hiking trail from Cuispes taking 1 to 1.5 hours it is part of a region with other tall waterfalls like Chinata and Pabellón. Adventure sports like canyoning are available with sources like Machu Picchu Travel highlighting its popularity for outdoor activities. Its remote jungle setting and height make it a challenging yet rewarding destination.

4. Olo’upena Falls

Olo’upena Falls on the north eastern part of Molokai Hawaii USA is 900 meters (2953 feet) tall the fourth highest globally and the tallest in the US. It is a seasonal waterfall spilling over a sea side cliff into the Pacific Ocean located between Pelekunu and Wailau valleys. Inaccessible by land it can only be viewed from the ocean or air adding to its exclusivity. Sources like Wikipedia and Wondermondo note its seasonal nature relying on rainfall making it a unique sight for aerial or marine tours with its height and location offering an extraordinary visual experience.

3. Tres Hermanas Falls

Tres Hermanas Falls inside Otishi National Park in Junín Peru is 914 meters (2999 feet) tall the third highest in the world. Named “Three Sisters” for its three main drops it is near the Cutivireni River surrounded by montane forest. Access is restricted within the national park likely requiring permits with limited information on trails. Its flow is likely seasonal dependent on rainfall and its remote location makes it a challenging destination. Sources like the World Waterfall Database note its tall leaps into a deep canyon adding to its natural grandeur and isolation.

2. Tugela Falls

Tugela Falls in Royal Natal National Park KwaZulu Natal South Africa is 948 meters (3110 feet) tall the second highest worldwide. It consists of five distinct drops part of the Tugela River located on the Drakensberg mountains’ Amphitheatre. Accessible via hiking trails including a chain ladder route it is seasonal best after heavy rain. Sources like SA Venues and Tripadvisor highlight its popularity for hikers with the best views during daylight hours offering a thrilling and scenic experience in one of Africa’s most dramatic landscapes.

1. Angel Falls

Angel Falls in Canaima National Park Bolívar State Venezuela is 979 meters (3212 feet) tall the tallest uninterrupted waterfall globally. It plunges from Auyán tepui into Devil’s Canyon part of the Churún River flowing into the Orinoco system. Named after Jimmy Angel who discovered it in 1933 it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site accessible only by air from Ciudad Bolívar with tours offering boat trips to the base. The best time is outside the dry season (December to March) with year round flow its tropical climate ensuring a consistent awe inspiring spectacle surrounded by dense jungle.