questions

Caving can be very safe when done responsibly. Like hiking or climbing, it carries risks—but those risks are dramatically reduced with the right gear, training, and teamwork. Always go with experienced partners, carry three sources of light, and tell someone where you’re going.

Drowning is one of the rarest but most serious risks in caving—and it almost always happens in flooded or water-filled passages (called sumps or siphons). These areas are usually only entered by trained cave divers. For dry caves or stream caves with good weather awareness, the risk is extremely low. Always check the forecast, never enter during or after heavy rain, and avoid low, flood-prone passages unless you’re properly trained.

Not unless you count blind salamanders and really weird insects. There are no monsters—just incredible adaptations to life in darkness. Creatures like cavefish, bats, spiders, and millipedes are fascinating but completely harmless. The real mystery of caves isn’t monsters—it’s geology, life, and the thrill of the unknown. (But hey, if we do find a monster, we’ll be the first to document it.)

No prior experience is needed to try caving! Many caves are beginner-friendly, especially on guided trips or with experienced partners. Start small, learn from others, and progress gradually. (Need a place to start? Check out our Intro to Caving Guide).

At minimum: a helmet with a mounted light, gloves, knee protection, sturdy boots, and two backup lights. Depending on the cave, you might also need vertical gear, a wetsuit, or survey tools. Visit our Caving Gear Guide for detailed breakdowns and recommendations.

No. Caving alone is extremely dangerous— If something goes wrong, you’ll need help to get out safely.

Technically, they’re the same thing—but in the U.S., “caving” is preferred by the community. “Spelunking” is often used to describe casual or uninformed exploration, while “cavers” tend to be trained, respectful explorers.

Check with local caving groups, grottos, or organizations like the National Speleological Society (NSS). You can also submit cave leads on our Submit a Cave page—we’re always looking for new places to explore (with landowner permission).

Some caves are closed to protect fragile formations, endangered species (like bats), or due to landowner restrictions. Others are gated to prevent damage from untrained visitors. Respecting closures helps preserve these places for future exploration.

Not at all. Bats are gentle, crucial to ecosystems, and want nothing to do with people. However, some carry diseases like rabies or white nose—so never touch one. Also avoid disturbing bats, especially in winter when they’re hibernating.

Most caves form in limestone through a process called chemical weathering. Rainwater mixes with carbon dioxide to form weak acid that slowly dissolves rock, carving out chambers and tunnels over thousands (or millions) of years.

Yes—but be respectful. Avoid flash photography near bats or sensitive formations. Lighting is key, so use multiple light sources, low ISO, and a steady tripod.