Animal Flower Cave – St Lucy, Barbados

Animal Flower Cave – St Lucy, Barbados
Getty Images

A must-see of Barbados sightseeing, Animal Flower Cave opens directly into the Atlantic Ocean. Not only should you take advantage of swimming in this sea cave on days when the water is calm, but even if the water is too rough to swim in, you’ll love the views of the powerful ocean. There’s also delicious local seafood at the Animal Flower Cave Restaurant, which is set on the coast just above the cave’s entrance.

Advertisement

Ana Kakenga – Easter Island, Chile

Ana Kakenga – Easter Island, Chile
Shutterstock

Ana Kakenga is the most visited cave on Easter Island – and for good reason. To visit the cave, you must enter through a small hole in the ground, which measures only around 60cm wide. As you could imagine, the entrance is very tough to find without a tour guide. After you enter the 50-metre-long volcanic tube, you’ll find two stunning naturally formed windows looking over the water.

Fingal’s Cave – Isle of Staffa, Scotland

Fingal’s Cave – Isle of Staffa, Scotland
Shutterstock

At 22 metres tall and 82 metres deep, this cave is unlike any other. Fingal’s Cave on the uninhabited Isle of Staffa in Scotland is formed entirely of hexagon-shaped basalt columns. Its unique design has had an influence on a fair share of its visitors, including the band Pink Floyd. (Pink Floyd actually named an early, unreleased song after the cave.) To visit this incredible structure, you can take a boat or hike from the island. However you get there, you’ll be glad you checked this cave off your bucket list.

Speaking of bucket lists, add these strange and unique hotels to your holiday bucket list.

Blue Caves – Zakynthos, Greece

Blue Caves – Zakynthos, Greece
Shutterstock

Located on the north end of the island in the cliffs below Cape Skinari, you’ll find the incredible collection of Zakynthos’ Blue Caves, with the largest being the Kianoun Cave. It’s no surprise that these caves draw in thousands of visitors every year, ever since it first opened to the public in 1897. The surrounding white cliffs and beautiful seabed reflect the blue colour of the water, making the caves appear to have a turquoise hue. The caves can be visited via boats or boat tours. The marine life and crystal-clear water make it a hotspot for snorkelling and scuba diving, and Shipwreck Beach, one of the beaches with the clearest water in the world, is only a few minutes away.

Marble Caves – Chico, Chile

Marble Caves – Chico, Chile
Shutterstock

Located in the Patagonian Andes on a peninsula in the centre of Lake General Carrera, the Marble Caves in Chico, Chile, are only accessible by boat or kayak. These secluded caves were formed over 6200 years ago but still serve as spectacular natural wonders. The surrounding crystal-clear waters allow visitors to see the rock formations beneath them while the rock ceilings above change colour (depending on the water levels and the season). The best time to visit: during sunrise and sunset, when the sun’s rays illuminate the cave walls, making it an experience to remember.

 

Blue Grotto – Capri, Italy

Blue Grotto – Capri, Italy
Shutterstock

The Blue Grotto in Capri, Italy, is perhaps one of the most well-known sea caves in the world. The caves have an interesting backstory. Over 2,000 years ago, the caves were used as a marine temple. Since then, rumours began speculating that spirits and demons lived inside the caves, and so it was deserted for many years. In 1826, it was rediscovered by three men and has been open to the public ever since. The best time to visit the Blue Grotto is between 12 and 2 pm, as the blue colour from the sunlight entering through the underwater opening is strongest then.

Benagil Cave – Portugal

Benagil Cave – Portugal
Shutterstock

Located in the small fishing village of Benagil on the south coast of Portugal, this gorgeous cave is another well-known sight. Boat tours fill up fast here, so it’s important to book in advance. If you’re a strong swimmer, and its low tide, you can even swim into the cave. There, you can take a break and relax on the sand and watch the sun illuminate the water around you.

Ayia Napa Sea Caves – Ayia Napa, Cyprus

Ayia Napa Sea Caves – Ayia Napa, Cyprus
Shutterstock

You won’t find yourself bored at the Ayia Napa Sea Caves in Cyprus. The caves are 80 metres long, and it’s full of hidden caves, tunnels, and rock bridges, which can be explored by foot at low tide. The caves’ cliffs are a hotspot for jumping off of, and it’s a great location to fish and catch octopus. Its surrounding crystal-clear waters also make it ideal for snorkelers and swimmers. Whether you reach these spectacular caves by boats or the coastal pathway, it’s an incredible sight from land or sea.

Check out these 13 dangerous beaches from around the world.

Rosh HaNikra Grottoes – Israel

Rosh HaNikra Grottoes – Israel
Shutterstock

At a whopping 200 metres long, the Rosh HaNikra Grottoes in Israel is a must-visit for cave explorers – and just about anyone, for that matter. Skimming the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, these grottoes are very visitor-friendly. Travellers can take the steepest cable car trip in the world off the edge of a white chalk cliff, where it opens up into the incredible formations and plenty of trails branching off into different directions.

Admirals Arch – Kangaroo Island, Australia

Admirals Arch – Kangaroo Island, Australia
Shutterstock

Much like the other sea caves, Admirals Arch in Australia was formed after thousands of years of erosion. Natural stalactites dangle from the ceiling of this gorgeous cave, and visitors can even spend some time with the friendly seals and sea lions on the island. The boardwalk leading to the arch is also full of beautiful scenery.

Never miss a deal again - sign up now!

Connect with us: