The formation of sea caves along sea-facing cliffs happens largely due to erosion through the force of wind and water. Each sea cave is unique, and it takes hundreds of millions of years to form. Add these fascinating sea caves to your travel bucketlist.
Waiahuakua Sea Cave, Hawaii
There are several caves you can explore in Kauai, Hawaii, but the most breathtaking caverns are on the N Pali Coast, and can only be reached via water routes. The Waiahuakua Sea Cave here is 1,155 feet long, and is the second-longest sea cave in the United States. Because it has a separate entrance and exit, Waiahuakua Sea Cave, aka &ldquoholy water,&rdquo is also called the "Double Door Cave". A coastal sink 200 feet into the cave permits a recurring waterfall to cascade down its western wall. You can also witness a brilliant spotlight in the water below when the summer afternoon light passes through the cave hole.
Travel Tip The N Pali coast surf lessens throughout the summer, making it possible for kayaks and boaters to enter the sea caves safely.
Blue Grotto Sea Cave, Italy
This cave located on the coast of the island of Capri. With a sandy bottom, it stretches 50 meters into the rock, and is around 490 feet deep. Visitors must lay flat on the bottom of a small rowboat as it glides under the meter-high cave opening through a tiny stone portal. The inside will transition from total darkness to a glittering grotto filled with electric blue light. The oarsmen guide the boat using a metal chain fastened to the cave walls. Inside, the water is a blueish tone. You can dip your hands in the water and see them glow in this light.
Travel Tip To enter the cave, which has an entrance two meters wide but only around a meter high, tourists must board smaller rowboats with a maximum of four people.
Sea Lion Caves, USA
You will find these connected system of sea caves and caverns in the US state of Oregon. America's largest naturally formed basalt rock sea caves, these open to the Pacific Ocean. Numerous Steller sea lions (also known as the northern sea lion) live in this vast refuge year-round, frequently relaxing on the rocky interiors. In addition, there are coastline pathways near the grounds' entrance that are great for observing birds, whales, and other marine life. The main cavern of the cave system, which has a floor area of roughly 2 acres and a vaulted rock dome measuring about 125 feet high, is regularly flooded by the ocean at sea level.
Travel Tip The sea lions may not always be present, as they keep moving around.
Painted Caves, USA
Located near Santa Cruz Island in Channel Islands National Park, this enormous sea cave is the second-biggest in the United States and the twelfth-largest sea cave in the world. The entrance, which is submerged in 30 feet of water, is about 100 feet wide and rises 160 feet above the water. They are called "painted caves" due to the naturally occurring hues that different types of rocks, lichens, and algae produce. This cave is inhabited by marine organisms, harbor seals, sea lions, and many bird species, which makes the entire experience more thrilling. As you paddle farther into the cave, connecting chambers emerge, each with progressively less light.
Travel Tip The cave can be challenging to locate. And it can only be reached by boat. You can reserve boat cruises that travel to the caves, and Santa Cruz Island.
Blue Caves, Greece
The North-West shore of Zakynthos island in Greece is home to a series of caves known as the Blue Caves. They are made up of specific geological formations produced naturally by erosion. They begin near Agios Nikolaos and extend to Skinari Cape. Small boats can pass through a series of limestone arches in this location, which is popular amongst scuba divers. The largest, Kianon, has stalactites that dangle like chandeliers from the ceiling. The vibrating, brilliant blue color of the waters within the caverns also capture and reflect the shine of the clear blue sky. Only boats can access the Blue Caves. Some of these have glass bottoms, so you can observe the marine life below.
Travel Tip The atmosphere is almost mystical due to the series of light reflections best experienced at sunrise or sunset.