The cave systems of the world are the single most unexplored type of topography there is. Nearly 70 percent of the caves on our planet are still unexplored and a bulk of the exploration has only happened in the past two decades. As geologists and other scientists continue to explore this vast and intricate network of underground tunnels, they have come across unexpected and unbelievable findings that have opened our minds to the nature of our planet. A lot of people believe that by the time we are fully done with exploring the caves in the world, we will know more about our planet that we ever dreamed possible. This list includes 6 of the best caves that you need to visit.
6. Langjokull Glacier, Iceland
6. Langjokull Glacier, Iceland
This cave is Iceland’s newest attraction and has been open only since June, 2015. It has an area of 950 square kilometers and the cave actually stretches through nearly 300 meters into solid glacier ice. This cave happens to also be the largest man-made ice structure in the world.
5. Ellison’s Cave, USA
5. Ellison’s Cave, USA
This is actually a pit cave located on Pigeon mountain in Georgia. It is the 12th deepest cave in the US and includes the deepest, unobstructed underground pitch in the country. The cave is over 12 miles long, but what makes it amazing is that is extends more than a 1,000 feet vertically. It is a must visit in order to understand the depth of the world beneath our feet.
4. Benagil Sea Cave, Portugal
4. Benagil Sea Cave, Portugal
This beautiful set of sea caves is a part of Portugal’s southern coast in the Algarve region. This is definitely the most iconic cave in this area and runs all the way across the 150 kilometer long coastline. It is one of the most picturesque caves in the world and is a must-visit destination.
3. Reed Flute Cave, China
3. Reed Flute Cave, China
This is the oldest cave system on this list and dates back to 180 million years. It was discovered more than a 1,000 years ago and is found in the northwest region of the city of Guilin. It is a bright and colorful cave that reflects natural elements to create one of the most unique and stunning sights known to man.
2. The Marble Caves, Chile
2. The Marble Caves, Chile
The Marble caves are an absolutely stunning system of caves located on Lake General Carrera. The cave is colored in shades of blue and gray and has a serene body of turquoise water running through it. The caves are said to be formed over 6,000 years ago, and you can explore a vast majority of the system using a small boat or kayak.
1. Son Doong, Vietnam
1. Son Doong, Vietnam
Son Doong has been credited with being the largest cave in the world and is said to have been created almost 5 million years ago. The cave is located in Quang Binh province of Vietnam and was crafted by a large river running through it. It is 200 meters high, 150 meters wide and 5 kilometers long, making the journey through this cave absolutely spectacular. Visitors need to enter the cave using a narrow 80 meter descent with the help of ropes and harnesses.