You don’t have to be a spelunker to enjoy caves and caverns. Cave systems around the world are fascinating tourist attractions. We can be awed by their size or their amazing geological formations and features. Come with me on a tour of some of the world’s amazing caves and caverns.
Quiz Complete!
Get notified about new quizzes like this.
1. Emerald Cave, Black Canyon, Arizona
Via The 9 Most Stunning Cave ...
Emerald Cave is one of the most popular caves on the Colorado River.
Nestled in the heart of Black Canyon, the Emerald Cave is famed for its remarkable water that sparkles with an ethereal green glow when sunlight hits it just right. This magical effect is best witnessed in the mid to late afternoon, making it an enthralling experience for kayakers who often paddle their way through the Colorado River’s serene waters to reach this hidden gem. The cave’s unique coloration is thanks to the sunlight reflecting off the high mineral content in the water, turning the simple act of exploration into a mesmerizing journey.
2. Khao Luang Caves, Phetchaburi, Thailand
Via The 9 Most Stunning Cave ...
A complex of three caves housing numerous Buddha images and pagodas.
Frequently asked questions
Oh, there are so many stunning caves out there! Some of the most beautiful ones include the Waitomo Glowworm Caves in New Zealand, the Blue Grotto in Italy, and Reed Flute Cave in China. Each is unique and breathtaking in its own way.
Sure! A few famous caves are the Carlsbad Caverns in the USA, the Cave of Swallows in Mexico, and the Jeita Grotto in Lebanon. These spots are well-known for their stunning natural formations and are definitely worth a visit.
Well, it's a mix of things. Some caves have incredible stalactites and stalagmites, others are filled with crystal-clear water, and some even glow with bioluminescent creatures! The sheer variety and beauty of natural formations inside these caves make them truly mesmerizing.
Kids would love the Luray Caverns in Virginia, USA, with its fantastical formations and the musical stalactites! The Crystal Caves in Iceland are also a hit, thanks to their stunning blue ice walls. Both are great for little adventurers.
Absolutely! One hidden gem is the Marble Caves in Chile, with their mesmerizing swirling patterns. Another lesser-known but stunning spot is the Fingal's Cave in Scotland, with its unique basalt columns. These places might not be on everyone's radar, but they're incredible.
3. Gyokusendo Cave, Okinawa, Japan
Via The 9 Most Stunning Cave ...
A cave of gorgeous mystical pools. The second longest cave system in Japan.
4. Alabaster Caverns State Park, Oklahoma, USA
Via Alabaster Caverns State Park
Home to the largest gypsum cave in the world.
This majestic natural wonder extends over 200 acres and offers an array of striking alabaster formations. Within this enchanting underground landscape, visitors can embark on guided tours to explore the impressive caverns replete with room-sized spaces, delicate features, and otherworldly beauty. Varieties of bats make this their home, adding to the park’s ecological significance. In addition to spelunking, the park above ground offers hiking trails and picnic areas, allowing adventurers to enjoy both the subterranean marvels and the scenic beauty of the Oklahoma plains.
5. Mendenhall Ice Caves, Juneau, Alaska, USA
Via The 9 Most Stunning Cave ...
The ice caves are inside the Mendenhall Glacier, part of the Juneau Ice Field.
These enchanting caverns are a surreal world of blue ice and frozen serenity, providing an otherworldly experience for those fortunate enough to visit. Each chamber of the glacier reveals a unique pattern of light and shadow, as sunlight filters through the ice, painting a mosaic of iridescent hues. Visitors can embark on guided tours to safely navigate the slippery terrain and witness the dynamic beauty of the ice formations. The journey to the caves is an adventure in itself, often entailing a kayak trip and a hike, but the reward is a once-in-a-lifetime spectacle of nature's artistry.
6. Crystal Cave, Svínafellsjökull, Iceland
Via The 9 Most Stunning Cave ...
Another wonderful example of a glacial cave.
7. The Son Doong Cave, Vietnam
Via Into the depths of the ...
The biggest cave in the world - it is over 5.5 miles long and tall enough to fit a 40 storey skyscraper. It also has some amazing nature, such as tropical jungle.
8. Merlin's Cave, Tintagel, UK
Via Merlin's Cave
The cave sits underneath the ruins of Tintagel Castle. Alfred Lord Tennyson made Merlin's Cave famous in his poem "Idylls of the King," describing waves bringing the infant King Arthur to the shore and Merlin carrying him to safety.
9. Fingal's Cave, Staffa, UK
Via Fingal's Cave by Sergey Simanovsky
Another British cave that has inspired artists. Known as the melodious cave because of the "music" created by the acoustics, it inspired Mendelssohn to compose The Hebrides overture. It has also been visited and used by Jules Verne, Wordsworth, Tennyson and JMW Turner.
10. Cenote, Quintana Roo, Mexico
Via Cenote Choo-Ha, Quintana Roo, Mexico ...
The word “Cenote” is pronounced "say-no-tay" and is derived from the Mayan word “Dzonot,” which means sacred well.
Cenotes are natural swimming holes formed by the collapse of porous limestone bedrock, revealing a subterranean world of groundwater pools. The ancient Mayans used cenotes for freshwater supplies, as well as for sacrificial offerings. Quintana Roo boasts some of the most beautiful cenotes, each with crystal-clear waters and an otherworldly ambiance. When you visit a cenote, you're not just taking a dip in a pool; you're plunging into history, mystery, and the serene embrace of nature's hidden aqua gems.
11. Luray Caverns, Virginia, USA
Via Luray Caverns
Home to the Great Stalacpipe Organ, the world’s largest musical instrument. This most unique, one-of-a-kind instrument uses stalactites covering 3 1/2 acres of the surrounding caverns to produce tones of symphonic quality when electronically tapped by rubber-tipped mallets.
12. Crystal Cave, Bermuda
Via Crystal Caves
The cave was discovered in 1905 by Carl Gibbons and Edgar Hollis, two 12 year-old boys searching for a lost cricket ball.
13. Mammoth Cave, Kentucky, USA
Via Mammoth Cave National Park
Aptly named as it is the longest cave system in the world.
Mammoth Cave National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, boasts over 400 miles of explored passageways, with plenty still undiscovered. This subterranean wonder features vast chamber rooms and complex labyrinths. Visitors can embark on various tours, ranging from easy walks to challenging spelunking adventures. The cave’s rich history is dotted with stories of prehistoric miners, intrepid explorers, and even secret tuberculosis hospitals. Whether you're an avid adventurer or simply enjoy a serene walk, Mammoth Cave holds an allure that captivates the heart of any explorer looking to uncover the secrets hidden beneath the Earth's surface.
14. Marble Caves, Chile
Via Marble Caves, Patagonia, Chile | ...
These stunning caves sit in the middle of General Carrera Lake/Lake Buenos Aires in Chile/Argentina.
The mesmerizing Marble Caves are a natural wonder you simply must see to believe. Formed by over 6,000 years of waves washing against calcium carbonate, the swirling blue patterns offer an ethereal beauty that reflects the lake’s azure waters. Accessed by boat, these sculpted caves invite photographers and nature enthusiasts to revel in the play of light and reflection. The best time to visit is between September and February, when the sun is positioned to enhance the intensity and hue of the marble, creating a magical dance of colors that captivate the soul.
15. Reed Flute Cave, Guilin, China
Via China's amazing rainbow cave: Multi-coloured ...
The cave is 180 million years old. It has been a tourist attraction since ancient times, as testified by ink writings that date back to the 8th century.
16. Ellison's Cave, Georgia, USA
Via Extreme Caves Pictures - National ...
Part of Pigeon Mountain, the cave is 1063 feet high.
17. Cave of the Crystals, Naica, Mexico
Via Cave of the Crystals
The selenite crystals are among the biggest ever found.
18. Devetashka Cave, Devetaki, Bulgaria
Via It's a beautiful world
The huge karst cave is home to 30,000 bats.
19. The Cave, Lagoa, Portugal
Via ON SALE Aztec Southwestern Tribal ...
Some caves are such a part of the natural landscape they don't get named.
Some caves are such a part of the natural landscape they don't get named. Hidden along the coastline, these subterranean wonders boast striking rock formations and enchanting natural light. Many feature breathtaking openings to the sea, creating picturesque views that are perfect for awe-inspiring photographs. These timeless geological marvels invite explorers to uncover their mystique and discover the wonders within. Whether you're an avid spelunker or just love spectacular scenery, these caves offer an unforgettable journey into the heart of nature’s beauty, making them must-visit spots for any travel enthusiast. Be sure to bring a camera and a good sense of adventure!
20. Krubera Cave, Abkhazia
Via Krubera Cave Article, Cave Exploration ...
At 5,610 feet, Krubera is the deepest cave on Earth.
Via Krubera Cave Article, Cave Exploration ...
At 5,610 feet, Krubera is the deepest cave on Earth. Situated in the Arabika Massif of the Western Caucasus, this cave is a marvel of subterranean exploration. Its intricate passages and breathtaking geological formations entice speleologists and adventurers worldwide. Descending into Krubera is like embarking on an otherworldly journey, uncovering the mysteries hidden deep within the Earth's crust. Whether you're an experienced caver or an enthusiastic observer, this natural wonder offers an unparalleled glimpse into the planet's underground landscapes.
21. Sea Caves, Taiwan
Via The 9 Most Stunning Cave ...
Sea caves always reflect such amazing colors.
22. The Blue Grotto, Capri, Italy
Via Travelust.org
Sunlight, passing through an underwater cavity and shining through the seawater, creates a blue reflection that illuminates the cavern. The cave extends some 50 meters into the cliff at the surface, and is about 150 meters deep, with a sandy bottom
Explorers are often mesmerized by the vibrancy of the water, which takes on an ethereal glow thanks to the natural light phenomenon. Accessible only by water, visitors can take a rowboat ride with a skilled local guide who navigates its narrow entrance. Once inside, the serene atmosphere and the sound of lapping waves against the rocky walls provide a tranquil and otherworldly experience. While photography inside the Blue Grotto is challenging due to the low light, the memories of the shimmering azure waters remain vivid long after the visit. The best time to witness this enchanting spectacle is on a sunny day around midday, when the sun is perfectly positioned to cast its magical light.
23. Melissani Cave, Kefalonia Greece
Via polopixel.com
In Greek Mythology, Melissani was the cave of the nymphs. The cave features a lake that is surrounded with trees and forests.
24. Bruny Island, Tasmania, Australia
Via 3 Hours of Unspoilt Wilderness ...
Sea caves are a big feature of the Bruny Island coastline.
25. Poço Encantado, CHAPADA Diamantina, Brazil
Via Explore Traveler | Travel and ...
The flooded cave's name (enchanted pool) owes itself to the magical visual effect created by the direct incidence of the sun's rays on the crystal clear water
26. Mermaid's Cave, Antrim, Ireland
Via United Kingdom
The cave sits below Dunluce Castle. This grotto suggests that Dunluce was a model for Cair Paravel in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.
27. SAWA-i-Lau Caves, Fiji
Via 10 Exciting Facts About Fiji
Sawa-i-Lau is unusual as it is the only non-volcanic island of Fiji. The caverns and grottoes have carvings, paintings and inscriptions.
28. Blue Caves, Zakynthos, Greece
Via Amazing Online Magazine
As if the island isn't beautiful enough anyway.
29. Glowworm Caves, Waitomo, New Zealand
Via The 9 Most Stunning Cave ...
Enjoy the world famous boat ride under thousands of magical glowworms and become a part of over 120 years of cultural and natural history.
30. Cave of the Winds, Colorado, USA
Via Manitou Springs, Colorado: cliff dwellings, ...
The speleothems (rock formations) in the Cave of the Winds are very delicate.
31. Zlot Caves, Serbia
Via The 9 Most Stunning Cave ...
Absolutely gorgeous. The "rooms" of the two caves are romantically named and include the Gothic Cathedral Hall and The Temple of Venus.
The Zlot Caves in Serbia are a stunning natural wonder. Located in the municipality of Sjenica, the two caves are part of the Prokletije mountain range and were discovered in the late 19th century. The caves are home to a variety of unique geological formations, including stalactites, stalagmites and columns. The two caves, named Zlot and Kranjska, are connected by a passage and feature a total of four chambers, including the Gothic Cathedral Hall and the Temple of Venus. The caves are also home to a variety of wildlife, including bats, salamanders, and several species of birds. Visitors to the Zlot Caves can take guided tours of the caves and learn more about their fascinating history and geological features.
32. Grotte Di Frasassi, Marche, Italy
Via Grotte di Frasassi (Marche, Italy): ...
The caves are well known for their incredible collection of stalactites and stalagmites.
33. Jenolan Caves, New South Wales, Australia
Via Pool of Reflections
The waters are known as the Pools of Reflection.
34. Actun Tunichil MUKNAL SAN Ignacio, Belize
Via The Crystal Maiden of the ...
ATM is a notable Mayan archaeological site that includes skeletons, ceramics, and stoneware. There are several areas of skeletal remains with the best-known being "The Crystal Maiden," the skeleton of a teenage girl, possibly a sacrifice victim, whose bones have been calcified to a sparkling, crystallized appearance.
35. Miner's Castle Cave, Munising, USA
Via All sizes | Miners Castle ...
Found on Michigan's National Lakeshore.
Found on Michigan's National Lakeshore, Miner's Castle Cave offers a striking visual delight with its towering rock formations and clear azure waters. Visitors can explore the unique geological features created by wind, water, and time, making it a paradise for both nature enthusiasts and photographers. The cave's name is derived from the Miner's Castle rock formation, a spectacular lookout point that adds an extra layer of allure to the site. Whether you're hiking along the cliffs or kayaking below, the area's natural beauty is sure to captivate and inspire.
36. Blue Ice Cave, Antarctica
Via History, Travel, Arts, Science, People, ...
Only 99.9% of us will ever see sights like this in a photograph.
37. Batu Caves, SELANGOR, Malaysia
Via In Absolute Awe of the ...
The cave is one of the most popular Hindu shrines outside of India. It is the focal point of Malaysia's Hindu festival of Thaipusam.
38. WAIAHUAKUA , Hawaii, USA
Via Fabulous Traveling
Waterfall in a cave - Mother Nature's double whammy.
39. Trollkirka, Molde, Norway
Via travel.nationalgeographic.com
The name translates to Troll Church - but that's no ordinary church.
40. Ice Cave, Vatnajökull Ice Cap, Iceland
Via Ice cave exploring, Vatnajökull Ice ...
Vatnajökull is the largest ice cap in Europe, around 3,100 Km³.
41. Church Bay Cave, Bermuda
Via Church Bay Cave
Simply beautiful.
42. Škocjan Caves, Trieste, Slovenia
Via Škocjan Caves, Slovenia
You'll have to channel your inner Indiana Jones to cross that bridge.
43. Piusa Sand Caves, Estonia
Via Piusa Sand Caves
The caves are man-made - created by mining for glass sand. No miners now but a colony of bats has moved in.
44. Tham Lum Khao Ngu, Kanchanaburi, Thailand
Via Amazing photographs of huge cave ...
Snake Mountain cave houses the world's tallest cave column - a monolith that stands a staggering 62 meters.
45. Lascaux Caves, MONTIGNAC, France
Via The 9 Most Stunning Cave ...
Lascaux is the home of amazing Paleolithic cave paintings.
46. Cango Caves, Western Cape, South Africa
Via BelAfrique - South Africa
One of the popular attractions of South Africa, the caves extend for 4 kilometers.
47. Deer Cave, Miri, Malyasia
Via You travel all around the ...
This cave received its name from the deer that came to lick its salt-bearing rocks and used it as their shelter.
48. Puerto Princesa, Palawan, the Philippines
Via Palawan Philippines
One of the recently announced new Wonders of the World.
49. Majlis Al Jinn Cave, Oman
Via My travel bucket list
The 9th largest cavern in the world.
50. Cave of the Ghost, CANAIMA National Park, Venezuela
Via Amazing ✈ World
Geologists are undecided if this is a cave or a collapsed gorge.
Have you ever visited any of these caves? What about others that have left an impression on you?
Feedback Junction
Where Thoughts and Opinions Converge