Waterfalls that flow directly into an ocean are known as tidefalls. The breakdown of tidefalls by regions (this list is not by continents) is: three in Africa, seven in Asia, eight in Europe, eight in North America, five in Oceania, and one in South America.

Yes, these rare geological features are known as tidefalls, and there are several famous ones around the world. One of the most iconic is McWay Falls in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, California, where an 80-foot waterfall plunges directly onto a sandy beach and into the Pacific Ocean during high tide. Another spectacular example is Mealt Falls in Scotland, which cascades off the Kilt Rock cliffs into the Sound of Raasay. In Turkey, the Lower Düden Waterfalls spill over a cliff edge directly into the Mediterranean Sea near Antalya. In 2026, these locations remain premier "eco-tourism" landmarks because they require a unique combination of high coastal cliffs and a consistent freshwater source. The sight of fresh water meeting the saltwater spray is considered one of nature's most dramatic displays. For travelers, these sites are often best viewed from a boat or a designated lookout point, as the rugged terrain usually makes the "base" of the waterfall inaccessible by foot.