10 of the World’s Most Intriguing Caves
Have you ever thought about exploring a cave? Imaging what it would be like deep inside one of these interesting formations. Let’s take a look at 10 of the world’s most intriguing caves.
Fingal’s Cave, Scotland
Fingal’s Cave is located on Staffa Island. This natural formation is breathtaking to behold with its arched roof and hexagonal basalt columns. The cave is 72 feet tall and 270 feet deep. Although the island is uninhabited, except for the puffins, there are tours that allow visitors to view the cave, and the entire island is walkable by trails.
Son Doong Cave, Vietnam
Son Doong is the largest cave in the world. Entire ecosystems exist inside this cave. The main cave is over 3 miles long and 700 feet high. It even has its own beach. This magnificent cave system opened to the public in 2013. If you want an adventure in cave exploration, visit Son Doong.
Wind Cave, South Dakota
Wind Cave is one of the longest and most complex caves in the world. It is named for the air that blows out of the entrance. The wind is caused by differences in air pressure inside and outside the cave. Wind Cave was the first cave to be made into a National Park. You can explore Wind Cave but it can be dangerous and it is easy to get lost.
Reed Flute Cave, China
Reed Flute Cave, also known as “The Palace of Natural Art,” is approximately 787 feet deep and 1,640 feet long. The cave is well-maintained and features beautiful stalactites, stalagmites and pillar formations that have formed over millions of years. There are inscriptions on the cave walls that date back to the 8th century BCE.
Sima de la Cormisa, Spain
This cave is both magnificent and terrifying. The cave is situated in the Peaks of Europe mountain range and the cave drops down the middle of the mountain. Sima de la Cormisa is the second deepest cave in the world with a depth of 4,944 feet. Although the depth of the cave can be frighteningly dangerous, it doesn’t deter adventurous climbers. If you are the daredevil type, this might be the cave for you.
Eisriesenwelt Cave, Austria
Bundle up if you plan on visiting this amazing cave. Eisriesenwelt Cave is the largest ice cave in the world. The ice walls, figures and sculptures are amazing. The cave features unique ice and rock deposits as well as frozen waterfalls. It is an ideal winter wonderland.
Yucatan Cenotes, Mexico
The Yucatan Cenotes isn’t just one cave but a series of sinkholes. It is fed by a massive underground river system. These underground pools are filled with cool water and surrounded by lush greenery. However, reaching the water requires a 20 foot downward rock climb. The serenity and beauty of the Yucatan Cenotes makes it a paradise. However, it is definitely a place for those with an adventurous spirit.
Blue Caves, Greece
These beautiful caves are situated on the west coast of the island of Zakynthos. These caves are more like remnants of caves that were worn away by water. There are many passageways and caverns. Blue Caves has a surreal appearance with its white arches, surrounded by the ethereal blue waters of the Adriatic Sea. The site is accessible only by boat.
Marble Caves, Chile
These unique caves are located on a peninsula of solid marble bordering a remote glacial lake. Thousands of years of waves slapping against the rock formation created smooth, swirling walls in pretty shades of teal, yellow, purple and green. The azure blue waters of the lake reflect off the cavern walls creating a beautiful, serene appearance. The caves are only accessible by boat.
Erebus Ice Tongue Caves, Antartica
An ice tongue is a glacial formation created by an ice stream that flows faster than the surrounding ice, and pushes out to sea ahead of the glacier’s edge. Small holes on the surface of the ice open into majestic spaces in the glacier’s interior filled with hanging ice bridges and crystalline structures.
Conclusions
Caves aren’t just dark, scary places. They are often filled with intricate passages, beautiful ice formations and unusual rock formations. They are serene, surreal and spectacular. They are places of wonder to explore, learn and have an adventure. Plan your next trip to one of these amazing caves.