10 Must-Visit Caribbean Caves
Everyone wants to know about the beach scene, but the Caribbean has some of the coolest caves on the planet, too.
Photo By: Bermuda Tourism Board
Photo By: brianglobal
Photo By: Cayman Crystal Caves
Photo By: Rio Secreto
Photo By: CircleEyes
Photo By: krw14
Photo By: Curacao Tourist Board
Photo By: Bermuda Tourism Board
Photo By: Belize Tourism Board
Photo By: whammer121736
Crystal Cave, Bermuda
Animal Flower Cave, Barbados
Overlooking the ocean, Animal Flower Cave is perched under cliffs at Barbados' scenic North Point. The attraction got its name from the sea anemones that live on the cave’s coral floor. The sea cave also features a natural rock pool that's deep enough for guests to swim in.
Cayman Crystal Caves, Grand Cayman
Cayman Crystal Caves features three caverns with beautiful formations, from the stalactites and stalagmites to crystal clear water to a massive open-ceiling cave with giant tree roots. After the guided cave tour, make time to walk through the tropical forest that sits directly above the caverns.
Rio Secreto, Mexico
The Yucatan Peninsula is famous for its caves and cenotes but if you only have time to visit one, head to Rio Secreto. The guided tour includes a combination of walking and swimming through caverns and pools just like the Mayans did hundreds of years ago. Except you’ll have a headlamp and water shoes to help.
Fontein Cave, Aruba
Located inside Arikok National Park, Fontein Cave is one of Aruba’s top attractions. While the small limestone cave doesn’t feature massive formations, it does offer a glimpse into the past. Scan the walls and ceiling closely and you’ll find pictographs from the Caquetio people as well as graffiti from early European settlers.
Conch Bar Caves, Turks and Caicos
Located in Middle Caicos, the limestone Conch Bar Caves are the largest above water cave system in Turks and Caicos and make up a national park. The cave is home to several species of bats and native crustaceans. Unlike other cave attractions in the region, there’s no comfy path here and reserving a guide is mandatory. Reservations can be made through Middle Caicos Co-op.
Hato Caves, Curaçao
Take a break from the heat and cool down at Hato Caves. Curaçao’s oldest cave features stunning terraces, limestone formations and a colony of Lesser Long-Nosed Bats. The cave paths are paved and easy for children and slow walkers to navigate, however, the tour begins by climbing steep steps up to the cave’s entrance.
Fantasy Cave, Bermuda
Crystal Cave’s sister property, Fantasy Cave, is just as special and if you’re already visiting one go ahead and buy the combo ticket for both caves. Described as a "jewel box of stunning formations," the cave features a wall of calcite that resembles a waterfall.
Cave Tubing, Belize
You can’t visit Belize and not go cave tubing. It’s one of those bucket list adventures you’ll never forget. There are several tour operators to choose from but, if you’re not visiting on a cruise and have time, opt for the River Cave Expedition through Ian Anderson’s Caves Branch Adventure Company and Jungle Lodge. They’re considered the original operator of cave tubing in the Cayo District. Another great tour is tubing through Jaguar Paw with Yute Expeditions.
Harrison's Cave, Barbados
Located in the heart of Barbados, Harrison’s Cave features massive columns and white flowstones. And there are several tour options depending on your adventure level. You can book a walking tour or opt for the expedition where you crawl on your hands and knees just like the early explorers did when they found the cave. If you’re a slow walker or have mobility issues, Harrison’s Cave offers an electric tram that navigates the underground paths, too.