The Most Amazing Caves in the World

While the world around us contains countless wonders, you might be surprised to find out what lies between us and the deep, dark center of the Earth. Here we’ve put together a collection of some of the most breath-taking photos of famous caves from around the world to give you a look at the beauty that lies below the surface. While caving may not be on your top ten list of things to do on your next vacation, you might think twice after you see some of the gorgeous formations, underground rivers, and sacred places these caves have to offer. 

Deer Cave, Borneo, Malaysia

Deer Cave was given its name by locals who noticed that it was a favorite hangout for deer looking for shelter and the chance to lick its tasty limestone. Not only is the cave itself beautiful, it also leads to an opening to a gorgeous sinkhole called the "garden of Eden." 

Son Doong Cave, Vietnam

Not only is the Son Doong Cave absolutely stunning, it's also the largest cave in the world. Discovered in 1991 by a local man in Vietnam's Quang Binh province, its name means "mountain river cave."

Ice Cave Near Mutnovsky Volcano, Russia

Sometimes when caves like these form in the glaciers around the Mutnovsky Volcano in Russia, the combination of the area's heat and ice can create some truly gorgeous natural formations.

Enchanted Well, Brazil

This other worldly cave is part of Chapada Diamantina National Park, where you'll find a system of caves that were likely formed by the rivers that run through the area. Not only do some of these rivers look red due to tannin found in the water, gold and diamonds have also both been found in the area.   

Marble Caves, Puerto Rio Tranquilo, Brazil

This magnificent labyrinth of caves is located in the region of Aisen in Chile. The caves were shaped into the area's giant limestone peninsula by the clear waters of the Rio Tranquilo.

Onondaga Cave, Missouri, USA

Missouri is sometimes known as the "cave state" due to it's spectacular network of caves formed by centuries old underground rivers and springs. To check out some of the most beautiful underground sites Missouri has to offer, head over to Onodaga Cave State Park where you'll explore caves full of towering stalagmites, stalagtites, and active flowstones.  

Reed Flute Cave, Guilin, China

The Reed Flute Cave, named for its verdant reeds which actually can be made into flutes, is a spectacular cave cared from underground karst limestone mountains over millions of years. The surreal looking cave, which is these days is only magnified by the use of multi-colored lighting, has been among Guilin's tourist attractions for over 1200 years.
 

Carlsbad Caverns, New Mexico, USA

One of the most incredible parts of Carlsbad Cavern is a chamber known as "The Big Room." Almost 4,000 feet high, The Big Room is the third largest chamber in North America and the seventh largest on Earth.

Choranche Cave, France

The Choranche Cave was discovered around 1870 by a group of locals who were attempting to find water during a drought. The unique stalactites you'll find in the cave are called soda straws due to how thin they are, and are very delicate. They make for a beautiful setting for an underground adventure. 

1. Kverkfjöll Glacier Cave, Iceland, Europe
   

   This gorgeous ice cave was formed by the heat of underground hot springs as they flowed toward the sea. Though the marbled cave effect can be absolutely stunning, beware that entering the ice caves is dangerous and always comes with the risk of a cave-in. 
3. Harrison’s Cave, Barbados

   

   This huge underground cave system has become a popular Carribean destination due to its stunning caverns, breathtaking formations, and even underground waterfalls and streams.  There's even a tram tour that will take you for a relaxing underground cave adventure. 
4. Cave of Crystals, Mexico
   

   Until the 1970's the Naica mine, or "Cave of Crystals" as it's now known, was flooded with mineral rich waters that were instrumental in the creation of some of the largest crystals in the world. It wasn't until 2000, however, that the interior of the cave was first discovered during preparation for mining operations.
5. Skocjan Caves, Slovenia
   

   The Skocjan Caves are so beautiful, they are considered right up there with the Grand Canyon and Great Barrier Reef on the list of natural wonders of the world. In 1986, they were added to UNESCO’s list of natural and cultural world heritage sites. 
6. Kangaroo Islands Caves, Australia
   

   As some of the main attractions of Kelly Hill Conservation Park, the caves offer visitors the option of experiencing adventure caving in underground caverns (complete with hard hats), or relaxing along the walking trails near the cave's entrance. 
7. Devetashkata Peshtera Cave, Bulgaria
   

   The Devetashka cave, which is located near the village of Devetaki, is one of the largest caves in Bulgaria and was discovered in 1921. Archaeologists have since confirmed that the cave was once inhabited not only in the late paleolithic era, but during the Neolithic, Neolithic, Bronze, Iron, and Middle Ages as well.  
8. Kyaut Sae Cave, Myanmar
   

   According to legend, the Kyaut Sae Cave was discovered in the thirteenth century and served as a local hideout from the persecution of the Mongols. These days, you'll find a gorgeous Buddhist temple inside that is still a popular pilgrimage destination for local monks.
9. Gouffre Berger Cave, France
   

   If you've ever wanted to journey to the center of the Earth, check out Gouffree Berger Cave in France, which was once considered a killer cave where only the bravest adventurers dared to tread. At 3,680 feet deep, it was the first cave to be explored beyond 1,000 meters under the Earth's surface and was named for Joseph Berger, the Frenchman who discovered it.  
10. Fingals Cave, Staffa, Scotland
    

    Fingals Cave, the world's only sea cave formed completely of hexagonally jointed basalt, looks more like something out of Lord of the Rings than a vacation destination. Not only is it's cathedral-like appearance awe-inspiring, it's size and naturally arched roof create killer acoustics and cause eerie sounds created by waves to echo throughout the cave's chambers.  
11. Blue Grotto, Croatia
    

    If you're up for a little blue beauty, check out the incredible Blue Grotto, located on the eastern end of the islet of Bisevo. The mystical blue effect is created by sunlight that bursts through an opening in the top of the grotto and reflects off of the bottom of the cave, creating a silver-blue shine. 
     
    
12. Phraya Nakhon Cave, Thailand
    

    Perhaps the most stunning aspect of the Phraya Nakhon Cave is the illumination provided by its collapsed roof. The cave has been a popular destination for royalty for centuries and the pavilion in the center was built for the visit of King Chulalongkorn in 1890.   
13. lowworm Cave, New Zealand
    

    Whoever knew a bunch of worms the size of mosquitoes could be so romantic? See it for yourself if you're ever in New Zealand with a trip through their stunning Glowworm caves.  
14. Jeita Grotto Cave, Lebenon
    

    About 11 miles North of Beirut, you'll find the longest cave in the Middle East and a stunning tourist attraction. The Grotto is made up of two separate but interconnected limestone caves, the upper part of which houses the world's largest stalactite, the lower part of which is home to an underground river, providing easy passage through the caves by boat.   
15. Cave of the Ghost, Venezuela
    

    One of the most recently discovered caves on the list, explorers came across "Cueva del Fantasma" or "Cave of the Ghost" less than a decade ago. Not only is the cave large enough for two helicopters to fly in and land beside its massive waterfall, as a bonus scientists also discovered a new breed of frog inside. 
16. Batu Caves, Malaysia
    

    The Ornate Hindu temples you'll find inside the Batu caves only add to the breath-taking wonder of their natural beauty. The hundreds of adorable wild monkeys who you'll meet as you approach the cave entrance don't hurt it's lure either! 
17. Postojna Cave, Slovenia
    

    Said to be one of the best-known caves in the World, the Postojna is also the only one with its own railroad. With over 36 million visitors over the past 200 years, the cave is one of Slovenia's largest tourist attractions and among the biggest karst caves in the world.  
     
18. Damlataş Cave, Antalya, Turkey
    

    The Damlatas Cave in Turkey was discovered accidentally by miners in the 1940's and has since become famous for the quality of its air, which can actually be beneficial to asthma patients. Scientists confirmed that this is because the air in the cave contains 10-12 times more carbon dioxide that your average everyday air and 95% humidity. 
19. Tham Lod Cave, Thailand
    

    Among the cool sites you can see at Tham Lod Cave are the remains of prehistoric coffins and the arrival of 300,000 swifts (birds) each evening when they return to their nests inside the cave. The caverns of the cave can be explored by lamplight or you can hire the services of local guides who will take you through them on bamboo rafts.

Cave of Swallows, Aquismon, Mexico

As one of the largest cave shafts in the World, the Cave of Swallows is so deep that it could completely conceal the NYCChrysler Building. It gets it's name from the Swallow birds who live inside and free fall down into the cave with their wings tucked until they are close enough to their nests to glide the rest of the way down.