Florida

Cave diving in North Florida can be more demanding than in many other cave diving regions due to the consistent water flow, which ranges from moderate to strong depending on location and conditions. Divers trained in the flow-intensive caves here often find themselves well-prepared for exploring cave systems elsewhere because they are comfortable with the techniques needed in higher-flow conditions. Timmy Young, cave evaluator and owner of North Florida Cave Training, knows the area well. His first stop when introducing flow is Ginnie Springs, known for its formations and unbelievable water clarity. “The rock bottom is more forgiving in terms of silt,” says Young. “If divers kick the bottom, any silt goes away pretty quick as long as they stay in the main tunnel.” When divers practice good buoyancy, the results are surprising.

“I can shoot video, and if people aren't thrashing fins, then water quality is such that a lot of times, you can’t even tell you’re in water—it’s that amazing.” From here, often the next cave Young recommends is Little River Springs, a deeper location carved to 90 to 100 feet in depth and home to a stronger flow. Highlights include clay banks with bands of different colors formed over hundreds of years. But you have to know where those are to enjoy them. “If you don't get a guide, you miss out,” says Young. “We know where the cool stuff is.”

Related Reading: Best Destinations for Healthy Marine Life

Need to Know Diving Florida Caves

When to Go Year-round. Late summer can be more unpredictable as it’s hurricane season. Storms bring a lot of rain, which could make a cave undivable for 30 days.

Water Temps 72 degrees.

Don’t Miss Madison Blue Springs in Madison County, an extremely pretty cave due to the formations. The water clarity is otherworldly. “In some tunnels, when you shine your light through, it sparkles because the water is so crystal clear,” says Young.

Contact North Florida Cave Training (northfloridacavetraining.com)

Mexico

The Mayan people who lived along Mexico’s coast from Cancun to Tulum believed that caves and caverns were the entrances to the underworld. They held them in deep awe. So, too, does Alessandra Figari. She’s the owner of Cave Training Mexico and one of its leading cave diving instructors. Caves are her place of work, but it’s more than that for her—as evidenced by how she speaks about each one. Cenote Nohoch Nah Chich is one place that becomes an option for divers who take the introductory cave course. It’s white-walled and highly decorated with beautiful, ornate formations.

“It has a magical energy,” says Figari. “It’s a peaceful place with all these white formations that make you relax and think about how beautiful our planet is.” It’s easy to imagine how the more elaborate caves serve up inspiration and awe. They’re one of the primary motivators that lead divers visiting this area to take further training, whether that means a PADI Cavern Diver course or reaching full cave diver level. Each certification widens the menu of what’s available to explore.

Recreational open water divers have a choice of 17 caverns. Someone who has completed the PADI Cavern Diver course can explore 12 more. For caverns, divers remain in the light zone, with quick access to open water. Once a diver is fully cave certified, they have access to a whopping 30 caves in the region—these are where they can venture into darker, more confined places. Each one is a different experience, whether due to the color of the walls or features such as milky white hydrogen sulfide clouds. Regardless of which cenote she’s about to descend into, Figari starts the same way. “I ask permission and thank the Mayan gods for allowing me to be there,” she says. “I always feel welcome.”

Need to Know Diving Mexico's Cenotes

When to Go Year-round. Visibility is 60 to 90 feet throughout the year.

Water Temps The caves and caverns are 78 degrees year-round.

Don’t Miss Taak Bi Ha, with its orange-red walls, is an option for even open water divers. Granted, with more experience, you can venture farther in. Plus, Taak Bi Ha lets you see what true cave diving is like. Says Figari, “It’s the closest option we have to take cavern divers to a cave-like experience.”

Contact Cave Training Mexico (cavetrainingmexico.com)

Malta

Malta has what these other destinations do not: saltwater caves. Malta’s most inspiring underwater caves and caverns are found off its satellite island, Gozo. Here, divers find 50 cavern and cave dives, all reachable from shore. Most of what is on the dive map are caverns. These sites offer a mix of spaces ideal for both training courses and pure fun. Coral Cave is a favorite of Brian Azzopardi, owner of Atlantis Dive Gozo and PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer. It’s on his shortlist for its gardens of soft corals, including the very delicate lace coral, a gauzy variety that appears to mimic netting. Coral Cave spans from 50 to 90 feet deep. The opening yawns 131 feet wide, stretching back 164 feet.

Inside, the reefs are home to a mix of macro life, including shrimp, cowries and occasionally a seahorse or two. Nudibranchs, namely flabellinas, with their fringe-covered backs, and migrating aeolids, are commonly seen. Divers may also spy the spotted lagoon aeolid, a round, white sea slug with numerous dark speckles. Divers who swim the farthest in are rewarded with a memorable view. “You look back and see this amazing sight and beautiful blue framed by rock,” says Azzopardi. Here, the cavern is just the dive’s first act. Coral Cave sits next to a wall, which makes for a well-rounded dive and intro to the island’s stunning topography.

Related Reading: The Best Scuba Destinations for Beginner Divers

Need to Know Diving Malta's Caverns

When to Go May to October brings the warmest air and water. November to April is drysuit season; with the dip in water temperature, you're more likely to experience each site all to yourself.

Water Temps In summer, the sea is 82 degrees on the surface, but it drops to 59 degrees in winter.

Don’t Miss Cathedral, “the nicest cavern on Gozo,” is a site that even open water divers can explore. Inside is a massive air pocket, 131 by 164 feet, where light pours in. “You go more for the scenery than the fish life,” says Azzopardi. “This site is all about its uniqueness.”

Contact Atlantis Gozo (atlantisgozo.com)

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Note: Cave diving is highly dangerous without proper training and gear. Unprepared entry risks disorientation, equipment failure or fatal accidents. Get trained, use the right equipment and dive with an experienced buddy. Interested in overhead? Check out PADI Sidemount Rec Diver and PADI Cavern Diver training to get started.