AROUND THE WORLD · UNDERGROUND RIVER AND CAVE TRIPS

15 Underground River Trips Worth Flying For

26 tours  ·  from $22 a head

Rivers that run through caves are paddled, punted or floated, never motored far. The 15 below cover the permits, the length of the passage you actually see and how often the trip is called off for weather.

Luang Prabang: Cruise to Pak Ou Caves & Kuang Si Waterfalls - Ban Xang Hai, the Whisky Village
River Waterfall Tours, Tour Reviews, Underground River and Cave Trips

Luang Prabang: Cruise to Pak Ou Caves & Kuang Si Waterfalls

1.Luang Prabang: Cruise to Pak Ou Caves & Kuang Si Waterfalls

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,769 reviews · from $48Our pick

Spend about nine hours beyond Luang Prabang with guides such as Pong, Ping Pong, Tony, or Vone. Cruise to Pak Ou Caves, stop at Whisky Village, eat a buffet lunch, visit Kuang Si Falls, and finish with a Hmong cultural stop or sunset Mekong ride. Private upgrades are available.

“One of the best organised trip. I thoroughly enjoyed. It’s a must for tourist visiting Luang Prabang.”

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Cave, Waterfall and River Adventure in Charco Azul from San Juan - What the Arenales Caves are really like
River Cruises, River Waterfall Tours, Tour Reviews, Underground River and Cave Trips

Cave, Waterfall and River Adventure in Charco Azul from San Juan

2.Cave, Waterfall and River Adventure in Charco Azul from San Juan

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,662 reviews · from $115

Leave San Juan for Charco Azul Canyon and the Arenales Caves. You’ll walk through the river, swim in cave pools, climb along rocky sections, and choose whether to cliff jump. Guides such as Shmuel, Roy, Sean, and Alexis lead small groups, with water, snacks, and life vests included.

“What an awesome experience! Airam is a wonderful tour guide showing us extra stuff along the way, absolutely worth every cent.”

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From Puerto Princesa: Underground River Full-Day Trip - The 1.5-hour drive to Sabang
1-Day Tours, Full-Day, Puerto Princesa River Cruises, River Cruises, the Philippines River Cruises, Tour Reviews, Underground River and Cave Trips, Underground River and Cave Trips in the Philippines

From Puerto Princesa: Underground River Full-Day Trip

3.Underground River Full-Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 1,460 reviews · 8 - 10 hours · from $48

Spend 8 to 10 hours traveling from Puerto Princesa to Sabang, then cruise by pump boat and paddleboat into the famous Underground River. Guides such as Jeff, Reggie, Sky, and Ate Ara have helped make the day smooth and informative. Lunch, hotel transfers, and optional zipline or mangrove tours are included.

“The tour was fantastic! Our guide (Josh) was not only funny but also made sure we were well taken care of the whole time. The underground river? Absolutely breathtaking - definitely a once-in-a-lifetime kind of wonder. Just remember to bring some cash for the 150 PHP fee. The buffet food… well, let’s just say it filled the stomach, not the soul.”

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Emerald Cave & Black Canyon Kayak Tour with Vegas Pickup - Getting set up at Willow Beach
Las Vegas River Cruises, River Kayaking and Canoeing, River Kayaking in the USA, the USA River Cruises, Tour Reviews, Tours, Underground River and Cave Trips, Underground River and Cave Trips in the USA

Emerald Cave & Black Canyon Kayak Tour with Vegas Pickup

4.Emerald Cave & Black Canyon Kayak Tour with Vegas Pickup

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,266 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $149

Trade the Las Vegas Strip for a calm four-mile paddle through Black Canyon. Your guide handles kayak instruction, safety, local stories, snacks, and water, with Emerald Cave and a swim stop along the way. Guides such as Chelsea, Lauren, Jeff, and Eugene are known for making beginners feel at ease.

“An amazing experience from pickup to drop off. Lauren was an amazing guide. She went above and beyond for the group.”

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Split: Cetina River Rafting with Cliff Jumping and Cave Tour - Meeting near Omiš and getting to the river
Croatia River Cruises, River Cruises, River Rafting, River Rafting in Croatia, River Rafting in Split, Split River Cruises, Tour Reviews, Tours, Underground River and Cave Trips

Split: Cetina River Rafting with Cliff Jumping and Cave Tour

5.Cetina River Rafting with Cliff Jumping and Cave Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 1,219 reviews · 4 - 6 hours · from $58

Join Rafting Pirate near Omiš for a roughly 10-kilometer Cetina River trip with guides such as Vicky, Hus, Caroline, or Lucia. Expect about three hours on the water, gentle rapids, swimming, optional 4-to-5-meter jumps, and a slippery cave behind a waterfall.

“AMAZING experience with an incredible guide. 10/10 recommend to anyone visiting the Split area. The rapids were a blast, but visiting the cave was the highlight of the experience for us.”

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Rio Secreto Underground River Tour with Crystal Caves - Getting ready with a helmet, wetsuit, and water shoes
River Cruises, Tour Reviews, Tours, Underground River and Cave Trips

Rio Secreto Underground River Tour with Crystal Caves

6.Rio Secreto Underground River Tour with Crystal Caves

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 798 reviews · 3 to 8 hours (approx.) · from $89

Walk, wade, and swim through Rio Secreto’s underground river near Playa del Carmen, wearing a wetsuit, helmet, life vest, and water shoes. Guides such as Raul, Miguel, Amber, and Jose explain the cave’s formations and keep groups moving safely. Add hotel transport, Tulum, Coba, Puerto Morelos, or the Plus package.

“Amazing experience! My tour guide was very polite and was able to accommodate me by bringing my luggage along with the Tour. They were even able to drop me off at my airport instead of back at the hotel. The food was good for the price that we paid and this is definitely a Tour that I would do again.”

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Small Group Guided Colorado River & Emerald Cave Kayak Tour - The first two miles toward Emerald Cave
Guided, Las Vegas River Cruises, River Cruises, River Kayaking and Canoeing, River Kayaking in the USA, the USA River Cruises, Tour Reviews, Tours, Underground River and Cave Trips, Underground River and Cave Trips in the USA

Small Group Guided Colorado River & Emerald Cave Kayak Tour

7.Small Group Guided Colorado River & Emerald Cave Kayak Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 500 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $88

Drive yourself to Willow Beach Marina for a beginner-friendly four-mile kayak trip with guides Brett or Griffin. Paddle through canyon country toward Emerald Cave, stop to swim in the Colorado River, and return at a relaxed pace. Kayaks, life jackets, and small-group guiding are provided.

“Griffin was an amazing guide. We had such an amazing day. Highly recommend and we would definitely do it again.”

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Half Day Mekong Cruise to Pak Ou Caves (Morning / Afternoon) - Pak Ou Caves and the Buddha collection
Mekong Delta Tours, Morning, Tour Reviews, Underground River and Cave Trips

Half Day Mekong Cruise to Pak Ou Caves (Morning / Afternoon)

8.Half Day Mekong Cruise to Pak Ou Caves (Morning / Afternoon)

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 290 reviews · 5 hours · from $40

Spend five hours on the Mekong with an English-speaking guide, visiting Pak Ou Caves, Ban Xang Hai whiskey village, and a riverside restaurant. Choose an upstream morning cruise or an afternoon route with a sunset return. Guides may include Thin, Ping Pong, Tin, Pany, or Sen.

“We had a really nice experience. The excursion was great organised, and our tour guide Mr. Ping Pong was fastastic. 100% recommended.”

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Underground River Day Trip from Puerto Princesa City - Sabang Beach is more than a beach stop
1-Day Tours, River Cruises, the Philippines River Cruises, Tour Reviews, Underground River and Cave Trips, Underground River and Cave Trips in the Philippines

Underground River Day Trip from Puerto Princesa City

9.Underground River Day Trip from Puerto Princesa City

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 261 reviews · from $50

Ride an air-conditioned van from Puerto Princesa to Sabang, cross the sea by boat, then paddle into a UNESCO-listed cave filled with stalactites and bats. The package includes lunch, permits, and hotel pickup. Add a zipline, mangrove trip, massage, or private touring, but allow extra time for queues.

“There is a 20 minute boat ride from beach to underground river. The other description is correct. Don’t miss this”

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Addis Ababa: Debre Libanos, Blue Nile Gorge, and Cave Tour - Leaving Addis through Entoto’s high country
Nile Cruises, Tour Reviews, Tours, Underground River and Cave Trips

Addis Ababa: Debre Libanos, Blue Nile Gorge, and Cave Tour

10.Addis Ababa: Debre Libanos, Blue Nile Gorge, and Cave Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 256 reviews · 8 hours · from $94

Travel north from Addis Ababa with an English-speaking guide such as Gebru or Abiy to visit Debre Libanos, the Portuguese Bridge, Saint Teklehaimanot Cave, and the Blue Nile Gorge. Expect long drives, mountain views, local food, gelada baboons, and a short rocky walk.

“a great experience. the interaction with the people. the guide was very knowledgeable and well versed in all facets. I appreciated his knowledge and colun”

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Bayahibe Tour Buggy Adventure In Rivers, Caves And Beaches - Macao Beach: beautiful, short, and busy
River Cruises, the Dominican Republic River Cruises, Tour Reviews, Tours, Underground River and Cave Trips

Bayahibe Tour Buggy Adventure In Rivers, Caves And Beaches

11.Bayahibe Tour Buggy Adventure In Rivers, Caves And Beaches

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 253 reviews · from $50

Spend about three hours driving an ATV or buggy through the countryside near La Romana, with stops at Macao Beach, a local coffee and chocolate house, and a freshwater cave. Hotel pickup is offered. Some departures also include a short horseback ride, so confirm the exact plan before booking.

“Over priced, our tour guides were not friendly. The staff running the tour make or break a trip, smiling, laughing, talking to us. We seemed like an inconvenience to them. ATVs were constantly stalling. There were 3 stops and at every stop it was pressure to buy something. Then hurry on to the next stop. Only 3 horses, we are a family of 4. We were not told we had to bring bandanas and then had to buy them there. Pictures were way over priced. The cave was the best part, just was not long enough of a stop.”

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Extreme Buggy Tour in Punta Cana, River Cave, Macao Beach - The ride to Macao Beach
Punta Cana River Cruises, River Cruises, the Dominican Republic River Cruises, Tour Reviews, Tours, Underground River and Cave Trips

Extreme Buggy Tour in Punta Cana + River Cave + Macao Beach

12.Extreme Buggy Tour in Punta Cana + River Cave + Macao Beach

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 242 reviews · from $39

Drive a buggy through muddy Punta Cana trails, stop at Macao Beach, sample coffee, cocoa, spices, and rum, then swim in a dark Taíno cave. Pickup is included, but timing and buggy condition can vary. Guides may include Cesar, Blackie, or Amazon.

“I paid for photos $50 US dollars and NEVER RECEIVED!!! The main rour guide was rude by rushing everyone at each stop. Myself and others did not get to dip in the cave. Too many people in one trip. They should limit how many they take out and ensure everyone gets to do what they paid for! Where are my photos!!!!”

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Las Vegas: Colorado River to Emerald Cave Half-Day Kayak - Launching at Willow Beach
Half-Day, Las Vegas River Cruises, River Cruises, River Kayaking and Canoeing, River Kayaking in the USA, the USA River Cruises, Tour Reviews, Underground River and Cave Trips, Underground River and Cave Trips in the USA

Las Vegas: Colorado River to Emerald Cave Half-Day Kayak

13.Colorado River to Emerald Cave Half-Day Kayak

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 241 reviews · 4 hours · from $119

Paddle the Colorado River from Willow Beach to Emerald Cave with guides such as Paul, Don, or Isaac. Expect a calm but active 4-mile round trip, cold clear water, canyon views, snacks, swimming, wildlife, photos, and shuttle service from Las Vegas.

“The guide was very informative and added a few extra activities such as a short walk to see the river from above and he took pictures of us too! He even dropped us off at our hotel.”

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Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour and River Raft or Emerald Cave Kayak - Willow Beach to Emerald Cave by kayak
Helicopter Tours, Las Vegas River Cruises, River Cruises, River Kayaking and Canoeing, River Kayaking in the USA, River Rafting, River Rafting in the USA, the USA River Cruises, Tour Reviews, Tours, Underground River and Cave Trips, Underground River and Cave Trips in the USA

Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour and River Raft or Emerald Cave Kayak

14.Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour and River Raft or Emerald Cave Kayak

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 241 reviews · 11 hours (approx.) · from $699

Spend about 11 hours combining a 90-minute helicopter flight over Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, Black Canyon, and the Grand Canyon West Rim with either a motorized Colorado River float or a four-mile kayak trip to Emerald Cave. Hotel transfers are included, but the kayak option does not include lunch.

“It was awesome Staff great Pilots great Bus driver exceptional Me and my family had fun and look. Look forward to coming there again thank you.”

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From Puerto Princesa: Underground River Guided Day Trip - The early ride from Puerto Princesa to Sabang
1-Day Tours, Guided, Puerto Princesa River Cruises, River Cruises, the Philippines River Cruises, Tour Reviews, Underground River and Cave Trips, Underground River and Cave Trips in the Philippines

From Puerto Princesa: Underground River Guided Day Trip

15.Underground River Guided Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 167 reviews · 9 hours · from $41

Travel from Puerto Princesa to Sabang, then ride by boat into the UNESCO-listed Underground River. A licensed guide, English audio tour, air-conditioned van, and hotel transfers are included. Guides such as Echo, Shy, Mario, and Jeff may lead the day, while ziplining and mangrove tours are optional extras.

“After booking, I was contacted asking for more information. Which is good, but when trying to find what our pickup time was it was bit ridiculous. Finally at 8:30pm before the tour they had narrowed it down to a one hour gap. So am I supposed to wait in the lobby for up to an hour for pick up? In the morning it was narrowed to 15minutes at the end of the window. Not mich help when already up for early morning pickup. Then after it was another 30-40 minutes picking others up before we headed to the cave. Driver and tour guide were great! It looks like all the…”

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