In recent years, the desire to explore and take adventure vacations has risen exponentially. It’s no wonder that spelunking and caving have become an adventurer’s dream trip. With so many exciting places to visit, cavers and spelunkers can take that dream vacation to a myriad of destinations.
While much of the earth and, even the ocean have been explored, the underground crevasses around the world, caves, are relatively untouched.
Traditionally adventure activities included mountain biking, hiking, surfing and skiing. In recent years adventure travelers have sought out caving and spelunking vacations, eager to explore untouched, rare caves.
Caving and Spelunking can be defined as the recreational sport of exploring caves. While many of the world's caves have been thoroughly explored, not all of them have. And caves that might have been visited by other adventure travelers might not have been visited by you.
Tips for Caving and Spelunking
Safety First : Caving is an extremely challenging and thrilling sport. Flash floods can completely fill a cave leading to mishaps, so being cautious and prepared is of the utmost importance.
Consider the weather and check with experts regarding the flash flooding activity and frequency of its occurrence at the destination you plan to spelunk, to avoid issues.
Other dangers inside the cave include, getting hit by rocks, though it’s more common in mines. Make sure that you’re wearing helmets while inside the cave.
Make sure you have sufficient lighting, including back up lighting.
Don’t go caving alone, always have a partner and that someone at the hotel knows where you’ll be and when you expect to return.
If you’ve never been to the cave you’re spelunking in, be sure to go with a guide.
Dress Properly & Carry the Right Accessories : Dressing properly and having the right accessories for spelunking and caving is critical. If you’re not prepared, you run the risk of of getting hypothermia from the cold. The deeper inside a cave you go, the colder it is going to get. Temperatures can reach extreme lows that could precipitate hypothermia.
Any water that you encounter is going to be extremely cold, ice is commonly found inside caves, dress warmly.
A fleece suit and waterproof clothing are essential in these temperatures, especially if you’re going deep inside the caves.
If your adventure involves diving, you will need a wetsuit.
Cavers and spelunkers require lots of equipment, lamps, oversuits, undersuits, wetsuits, helmets, ropes, bolts, and much more.
There are some dry caves as well. Regardless, you’ll still need the proper equipment. Be sure to do your research.
Beware of Cave Dwellers : Caves or the underground passageways leading to caves have been home to various cave dwellers. While inside, don’t be surprised if you find a cave dweller. Caves also have bats, snakes, spiders, rats, slugs, ants, centipedes, lizards and many other animals and mammals that love and dwell in the dark.
If you have long hair, make sure that it’s tied or tucked underneath your hat/helmet to avoid insects falling into your hair.
If cave dwelling creature is a nuisance, we urge you to buy a mask, or something to cover your face.
Please keep in mind that most of the creatures you’ll find in caves are rare species.
Pay Attention to Restrictions :Many of the caves you might visit are part of geological reserves. The prime reason for restrictions is extremely fragile environment and rare creatures that dwell inside.
Commonly, you need special permission to enter such restricted caves.
Fines are extremely high, so do check out a local map to confirm whether or not you might be violating any rules and restrictions.
Keep these tips in mind as you plan your spelunking vacation and the unexplored depths of the earth. Here are a few caves you might want to visit.
Must See :
Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky : part of the Green River valley and hilly country of south central Kentucky. This is the world's longest known cave, with more than 367 miles explored. There are several expeditions organized throughout the year, which offer an insight on what life inside a cave is like. You can book flights to Louisville and rent a car to get to Mammoth Cave Park.
Oregon Caves National Monument, Oregon : Oregon Caves National Monument is a national monument in the northern Siskiyou Mountains of southwestern Oregon. The area has long been known for its marble caves. The area offers family focused opportunities to explore these incredible marble caves. You can book flights to Portland and rent a car to drive to the park.
Cueva del Fantasma, Venezuela : Cueva del Fantasma or the "Cave of the Ghost" is a giant cave in southern Venezuela, located in one of the most biologically rich, geologically ancient parts of the world, along the slopes of Aprada tepui. It has been recently discovered and offers visitors an opportunity to explore new plant and animal species. You might want to check out flights to Caracas, or call the park ahead to find out if there are other airports to consider.
Talgua Cave, Honduras : Talgua Cave is popularly known as “The Cave of the Glowing Skull. It’s located in the Olancho Valley in the municipality of Catacamas in northeastern Honduras. The cave is called “The Cave of the Glowing Skulls” because of the way that light reflects off of the calcite deposits found on the skeletal remains found there. Most of the remains have been moved to a nearby museum. Book flights to Roatan to get to Talgua Cave and check out car rentals.
Most caves are in extremely isolated and are a challenge just to get to them. Caves offer a unique unexplored opportunity, especially for adventurists. Caving and spelunking is one of the reasons why this form of adventure travel has grown so exponentially.
*The 15 USD off offer is on our transaction service fees only, the discount varies based on the transaction service fees charged for that ticket, and the value of discount will be up to the amount of the service fees charged for that transaction or USD 15 per transaction which ever is less. You must use the promo code upon check out to avail this offer. This offer may be revised or dis-continued without notice.
ADVERTISEMENT
Be the first to get our latest flight deals and discounts!
PLUS, get $20 instantly*
You're All Set!
Thanks for signing up to receive our newsletter! Be sure to check your email for a promo code to save $20* off your next flight.
Book Online or Call us 24/7 Toll Free: 
