Bucket List Caves

Seeker Editors

Gorgeously sculpted and picturesque caves exist in all forms across the planet, perfect for your bucket list. From the otherworldly glowworm caves which light up like sparkling lights to deep underground caves showcasing the history of our planet, we love discovering the secret world of these destinations. Check our selection of the most amazing caves across the planet that are sure to scratch your need for adventure and picture-perfect views.

Barton Creek Cave Reserve, Mendenhall Glacier, Shell Grotto, Hang Sơn Đoòng, Experience Saalfeld Fairy Grottoes, Waitomo Glowworm Caves, Carlsbad Caverns National Park, Skocjan Caves, Mammoth Cave, Puerto Princesa Subterranean River, Eisriesenwelt, Fingal's Cave, Cave of the Crystals, Blue Grotto

  • Barton Creek Cave Reserve, Belize

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      Barton Creek Cave Reserve is a must-see destination for visitors looking to explore unique bucket list caves. Nested in the Cayo District of Belize, the cave offers a surreal experience of paddling through an underground river surrounded by impressive stalactites, stalagmites, and ancient Mayan remains. This cave has everything to satisfy adventurous travelers seeking to cross off a remarkable experience from their bucket list.

  • Mendenhall Glacier, United States

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      Mendenhall Glacier is a spectacular natural wonder that provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore the magnificent ice caves that surround it. These bucket list caves are formed by the melting water that creates surreal aquamarine pools and glittering ceilings. Visitors can take guided tours to experience the ethereal beauty of these caves and witness the magical wonder of nature up close.

  • Shell Grotto, England

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      The Shell Grotto in Margate, England is a unique bucket list cave that boasts a labyrinthine network of tunnels and chambers adorned with intricate mosaics carved entirely out of seashells. Visitors can explore the underground labyrinth and marvel at the countless shells miraculously arranged to form picture-perfect patterns and symbols. This one-of-a-kind attraction is truly a gem and offers an unforgettable experience to anyone who visits.

  • Hang Sơn Đoòng, Vietnam

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      Hang Sơn Đoòng is a massive cave system located in Quang Binh Province, Vietnam, and is a must-see destination for bucket list travelers. Discovered in 1991, the cave stretches over five kilometers underground and features unique rock formations, underground rivers, and spectacular stalactites and stalagmites. Visitors can marvel at the wonders of nature and explore the hidden beauty of Vietnam's natural landscapes in this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

  • Experience Saalfeld Fairy Grottoes, Germany

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      The Experience Saalfeld Fairy Grottoes in Saalfeld/Saale, Thüringen, Germany, is a must-visit destination for cave enthusiasts. Situated beneath an old mine, this spectacular cave system is filled with impressive stalactites and stalagmites that glow in the dark. The guided tour takes visitors through an underground wonderland, showcasing the diversity and beauty of the region's karst landscape. A trip to the Fairy Grottoes is undoubtedly an unforgettable experience and an excellent addition to any bucket list of the world's most remarkable caves.

  • Waitomo Glowworm Caves, New Zealand

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      Waitomo Glowworm Caves is a must-visit destination for cave enthusiasts from all around the world. Located in the heart of Otorohanga Waikato, New Zealand, the cave system is famous for its unique natural wonders and mesmerizing bioluminescent glowworms. Visitors can go on a guided tour of the caves and witness the ethereal beauty of these luminescent creatures as well as other stunning cave formations.

  • Carlsbad Caverns National Park in Carlsbad, United States

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      Carlsbad Caverns National Park in Carlsbad, New Mexico is a must-visit destination for spelunkers looking to cross off one of the world's most awe-inspiring caves off their bucket list. Descend into the stunning underground realm of Carlsbad Caverns, filled with thousands of dazzling formations like stalactites and stalagmites. Visitors can take a guided tour or venture into the caves on their own to explore this natural wonder.

  • Skocjan Caves, Slovenia

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      Skocjan Caves are an absolute must-visit for those who are seeking to tick off bucket list caves. Located in Divača, Sežana Slovenia, these caves are a network of underground canyons, streams, and waterfalls. Admire the stunning rock formations and explore the UNESCO World Heritage site on a guided tour.

  • Mammoth Cave, United States

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      Mammoth Cave is a world-renowned cave system located in Kentucky, United States that is a must-see for bucket-list adventurers. It offers a unique underground experience for visitors including guided tours, hiking, and spelunking. As the longest known cave system in the world, Mammoth Cave is home to impressive geological formations and ancient fossils.

  • Puerto Princesa Subterranean River, Philippines

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      Explore the awe-inspiring Puerto Princesa Subterranean River, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most popular bucket list caves in the world. This 8.2-kilometer underground river is surrounded by stunning limestone formations and home to unique wildlife, including bats and monkeys. Navigate the mystical river aboard a canoe and discover a wide range of natural wonders, from breathtaking stalagmites and stalactites to towering chambers and cathedral-like caverns.

  • Eisriesenwelt, Austria

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      Eisriesenwelt is a must-see wonder of nature on any cave enthusiast's bucket list. Located in Werfen, Austria, this giant ice cave system features over 42 kilometers of passageways and ice formations. Visitors can witness the stunning blue ice formations and spectacular ice sculptures, as well as experience the thrill of exploring deep underground passages.

  • Fingal's Cave, United Kingdom

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      Fingal's Cave, located on the Isle of Staffa in the United Kingdom, is a must-see destination for adventure seekers ticking off their bucket list caves. This magnificent sea cave is renowned for its unique basalt columns that are formed in a hexagonal shape, creating an awe-inspiring natural phenomenon that attracts visitors from all over the world. The cave is easily accessible via a short boat ride from the nearby town of Oban and is an excellent spot for taking stunning photos and experiencing the natural beauty of Scotland.

  • Cave of the Crystals in Chihuahua, Mexico

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      Cave of the Crystals, located in Naica Chihuahua Mexico, is a wonder of nature that should be added to every cave enthusiast's bucket list. This spectacular cave is famous for its enormous crystal formations, some of which reach up to 30-feet long and weigh several tons. Visitors can marvel at the incredible sight of sparkling selenite crystals while exploring the cavern's unique and otherworldly landscape.

  • Blue Grotto, Italy

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      Blue Grotto is a must-see attraction for anyone on a bucket list quest for caves. The cave produces an eerie light blue glow that illuminates the waters and the ancient rocks. The guided boat tour through the magical sea cave is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that should not be missed.