Incredible Photos Taken Deep Inside Caves That Show Another Side Of Life
Eerie underground caverns, enchanting hidden lagoons, secret subterranean tunnels: caves are some of the most breathtaking and mysterious places on our planet. If you’ve ever visited a cave, you know how strange and special it feels to stand inside one. If you haven’t, these photographs offer a spectacular glimpse into their unique and beautiful world — what we know of it at least. There’s so much more left to explore.
Iceland: Breiðamerkurjökull Glacier ice cave
Iceland’s incredible Breiðamerkurjökull ice cave is a jaw-dropping space spanning around 6.5 square miles and descending nearly 1,000 feet below sea level. Its name literally translates from Icelandic to mean “wide, woodland glaciers,” which gives you a little sense of just how special this place is. You can explore ice caves such as this one, but it’s all dependent on the temperature. Providing it’s chilly enough, you should be able to join a tour!
Vietnam: Sơn Đoòng Cave
To say that Sơn Đoòng is big would be a bit of an understatement; it’s considered the largest cave in the world. To put its size in perspective, it’s said to be big enough for a Boeing 747 to fly through without getting damaged. And inside, some of its stalagmites have been measured at close to 230 feet. Hang Sơn Đoòng, which means Mountain River Cave, is an entire world below the ground, with spectacular subterranean rivers, ancient fossils, and trees growing up towards the pools of sunlight streaming in through holes like this one.
Italy: The Blue Grotto
No, this photo hasn’t been edited: the water really is that color. Known as the Grotta Azzurra — or the Blue Grotto — this stunning cave has a small entry-point that just about allows the Sun’s rays to sneak their way in; this sunlight then illuminates the water, giving it its signature blue hue. It’s an amazing sight, and you can experience it first-hand should you ever travel to the island of Capri in southern Italy. Just be aware that it’s a tight squeeze! You’ve actually got to lie down in your boat to make it through the opening.
Mexico: Cave of Crystals
You’d be forgiven for thinking that this was a shot of Superman’s Fortress of Solitude. But what you’re actually looking at here is a very real space found in Naica, Mexico, and it’s called the Cave of Crystals. Remarkably, it was only discovered back in the year 2000 when a two brothers inadvertently found their way in. Due to the conditions inside, though, the public isn’t allowed to explore it. That’s no surprise: the internal temperature can reach a very chilly 150°F!
