Cave and Caverns
Delve a lot deeper on your next holiday
Cavern and Cave Diving: The Ultimate Holiday Adventure for Scuba Divers
For many scuba divers, the call of adventure doesn’t stop at coral reefs, wrecks, or drift dives. Some of the most thrilling and mesmerising underwater experiences happen inside caverns and caves. These environments are steeped in mystery and beauty, offering divers the chance to explore hidden worlds few people ever see. But what is it about cavern and cave diving that makes it so captivating? And where are the best places in the world to experience it?
View Our Cavern and Cave Diving Holidays
4* Bohemian Gardens, Protaras – Cyprus
Cyprus, Europe
Diving in Protaras, Cyprus offers an enchanting underwater experience along the crystal-clear Mediterranean waters. Divers of all levels can explore v…
Atlantis Diving Holiday, Gozo
Europe, Malta
Atlantis, Marsalforn, Gozo If you want the best diving holiday in Gozo then our friends at Atlantis Diving offer expert diving for all levels to [&hel…
Best of Malta and Gozo Diving Holiday
Europe, Malta
Join us on one of our frequent group diving weekends to Malta. Suitable for new and experienced scuba and free divers as well. Everyone is welcome!…
Figtree Apartments, Protaras, Cyprus
Cyprus, Europe
Cyprus is an ideal location for individuals, couples, friends and groups looking for either a long-weekend of diving, or diving holiday. Protaras is t…
Hamanasi Adventure and Dive Resort, Belize
Belize, Caribbean
One of the Diving and Snorkelling Wonders of the World The diving in Belize is second to none in the Caribbean with stunning coral atolls […]…
Hamanasi Adventure and Dive Resort, Belize
Belize
https://www.hamanasi.com/rates/…
Malta Diving Trips, All Year
Europe, Malta
Join us on one of our frequent group diving weekends to Malta. Suitable for new and experienced scuba and free divers as well. Everyone is welcome!…
Melia Cozumel Golf & Beach Resort | All Inclusive
Caribbean, Mexico
An idyllic hotel ideal for swimming with dolphins and enjoying one of the best diving spots in the world. Cozumel is on the world’s 3rd barrier reef a…
Mexico Scuba Diving Holiday
Caribbean, Mexico
Mexican Barrier Reef and Giant Caverns Twin Centre Holiday MEXICO offers some of the best and most varied diving found anywhere in the world. Our [&he…
Palau – The Tropical Liveaboard Diving Holiday of a Lifetime
Asia, Indonesia
The Black Pearl is a state-of-the-art 46.8-meter (153-foot) liveaboard, built in 2019 to the highest international standards. Designed for both luxury…
Paphos, Cyprus
Cyprus, Europe
Paphos is a fantastic location for a scuba diving holiday in Cyprus thanks to its blend of accessible dive sites, rich underwater history, and welcomi…
Paradise Bay, Malta
Europe, Malta
Malta is a great destination for new and experienced divers. Due to its close proximity to the UK, you can for a long-weekend or longer….
Ramla Bay Resort, Malta
Europe, Malta
Ramla Bay Resort, Malta – Tranquility Meets Adventure Discover the perfect Mediterranean getaway at the Ramla Bay Resort, a stunning 4-star hotel lo…
Royal Hideaway Playacar, Cancun, Mexico
Caribbean, Mexico
The Royal Hideaway Playacar hotel is located on the white sands of an idyllic beach in the Riviera Maya and offers an exclusive, all-inclusive and [&h…
Twin Lotus Resort & Spa, Ko Lanta, Thailand
Asia, Koh Lanta, Thailand
This beautiful and newly renovated resort is set in tropical gardens on 3km of sandy beach in the north of Koh Lanta….
Why Cavern and Cave Diving is So Enjoyable
Cavern and cave diving hold a special appeal because they combine exploration, challenge, and natural wonder. Here’s why divers love it:
- Otherworldly Beauty – Sunbeams piercing through openings, haloclines where fresh and saltwater mix, and mineral formations like stalactites create magical, almost surreal dive experiences.
- A True Sense of Adventure – Exploring passageways, tunnels, and chambers is like stepping into an Indiana Jones film – but underwater. It brings out the inner explorer in every diver.
- Pristine Environments – Unlike busy reefs, many caverns and caves remain untouched by human activity. Visibility can be crystal clear, and the formations you see have been thousands or even millions of years in the making.
- Skill and Focus – Diving in overhead environments requires advanced training, buoyancy control, and awareness. This makes every dive rewarding as you hone your abilities and grow as a diver.
- Connection to History – Some underwater caves hold archaeological treasures such as fossils, ancient artefacts, or preserved remains, giving divers a fascinating glimpse into Earth’s past.
The Best Cavern and Cave Diving Destinations
If you’re ready to experience the thrill of cavern or cave diving, here are some of the world’s most iconic and enjoyable destinations:
1. Cenotes, Mexico
The Yucatán Peninsula is home to hundreds of cenotes – freshwater sinkholes connected by vast cave systems. These dives offer stunning light effects, dramatic stalactites, and haloclines. Cenotes like Dos Ojos, The Pit, and Tajma Ha are among the most famous and accessible.
2. Blue Hole, Belize
This giant marine sinkhole is a bucket-list dive for many. Descending into its depths, divers can see massive limestone formations and stalactites formed during the last Ice Age. It’s both awe-inspiring and humbling.
3. Devil’s Den and Ginnie Springs, Florida, USA
Florida is one of the world’s cave diving capitals, with systems like Peacock Springs and the Devil’s Cave System attracting divers from around the globe. Ginnie Springs offers crystal-clear water and passages suitable for various training levels.
4. Gozo, Malta
Famous for its blue water and dramatic underwater topography, Gozo also offers cavern and cave dives such as the Blue Hole, Cathedral Cave, and Billinghurst Cave. It’s perfect for divers seeking European adventure combined with Mediterranean sunshine.
5. Lot Region, France
France’s Lot region is a mecca for technical cave divers, with extensive freshwater cave systems that attract experts from all over the world. Sites like Emergence du Ressel and Source de Saint-Sauveur provide long penetrations, stunning formations, and crystal-clear conditions.
6. Phuket and Koh Tao, Thailand
For divers looking for a taste of cavern diving in Southeast Asia, Thailand offers several options, including Chumphon Pinnacle and caverns around Koh Tao. The warm water and vibrant marine life add to the adventure.
7. Abaco Blue Holes, Bahamas
The Bahamas is home to some of the most breathtaking blue holes, both inland and offshore. Many are decorated with unusual formations, fossils, and incredible visibility, making them highly rewarding dives for trained explorers.
Getting Started with Cavern and Cave Diving
If cavern and cave diving sound tempting, the first step is proper training. PADI Cavern Diver and other technical cave diving courses are designed to teach you how to safely explore overhead environments. You’ll learn about specialised equipment, line handling, emergency procedures, and gas management.
Important things to remember:
- Always dive within the limits of your training.
- Never enter a cave without the proper certification and equipment.
- Choose destinations that match your skill level and experience.
Final Thoughts
Cavern and cave diving offer scuba divers the chance to push boundaries and discover hidden underwater worlds. Whether it’s gliding through Mexico’s cenotes, exploring the Blue Hole in Belize, or venturing into the labyrinths of France, every dive offers a mix of adrenaline, beauty, and wonder.
If you’re looking for your next diving holiday and want something truly unforgettable, adding a cavern or cave dive to your itinerary might just be the adventure you’ve been waiting for.