Cave kayaking can add a new level of excitement to a paddling trip. Because of the geological diversity of the United States, there are lots of caves and natural rock arches with water inside of them to explore via kayak, both inland and on the coast.
With some of the best caves in the country only accessible by boat, what better way to experience the magic and mystery of a dark cave than by kayak? Maneuvering your own vessel inside fascinating and interesting caves gives it a new element of excitement and wonder.
Check out some of our top cave kayaking spots and get ready to paddle underground.
1. Cave Kayaking from the Beach in La Jolla, California
La Jolla can be one of the best places in the U.S. to experience cave kayaking, especially when kayaking for beginners who want to spend a lot of time kayaking as you leave right from the beach and kayak into smaller caves right from the ocean.
The famous La Jolla sea caves consist of seven caves that date back millions of years. The caves were formed by the erosion of the sandstone, which was caused by the force of the ocean.
So it can be a fantastic way to explore the natural geology of California from the waters of the Pacific Ocean. It’s also one of the best things to do in San Diego for couples who love the outdoors and wildlife!
It can also give you a unique perspective of the San Diego coastline, with views of La Jolla homes perched on the cliffs and the surrounding landscape. You’ll also get far-reaching views across the Pacific – perfect for enjoying the famous San Diego sunsets.
The caves are within the La Jolla Ecological Reserve and Underwater Park. This is a protected marine environment that’s home to many species of wildlife, including leopard sharks and sea lions. There’s also an underwater kelp forest and you may even spot a dolphin or two.
There are several outfitters in La Jolla offering cave kayaking tours and rentals. Because the waters of the Pacific are prone to being rough, cave kayaking is only possible during calm ocean conditions. You can book a tour to go with a guide and a group to be safe.
2. Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky – Underground Cave Kayaking
Home to one of the longest cave systems in the world, Mammoth Cave National Park can be an exciting place for a cave kayaking trip in Kentucky. The area has plenty of wildlife, including turtles and chipmunks. The caves themselves are home to around 160 species of wildlife.
There are a few paddling trails within the national park if you want to spend a lot of time kayaking through the Mammoth Cave area, with three access points to the river. One of the most popular paddling routes is between Dennison Ferry and Green River Ferry.
This trail takes you along the Green River, passing islands and gravel bars, with lots of backwaters to explore if you want to take a detour. The highlight of this trail is the riverside caves. You can paddle into the caves (except when the water levels are too high).
The trip from Dennison Ferry to Green River Ferry is around seven and a half miles and should take around three hours if you plan to explore the caves. If you want to fit your own kayak on the road trip with you, check out the best inflatable kayaks that can fit in your car!
3. Red River Gorge, Kentucky Limestone/Abandoned Mine Cave Kayaking
One of the most mesmerizing cave kayaking experiences can be found at the Red River Gorge Geological Area in the Daniel Boone National Forest in Kentucky. You can kayak underground through an old abandoned mine.
The 100-year-old mine cave is only accessible by water. Kayak tours and boat tours regularly guide visitors through the rocky limestone tunnels, highlighting the crystal clear waters beneath the vessels. Some of the outfitters offer guided tours in clear kayaks, where you can see under the water through the hull of your boat, illuminated by colorful LED lights.
You can often see rainbow trout swimming in the waters below and brown bats on the walls above.
There are various areas of the underground gorge to check out, including the mystical and very dark Gorge Grotto and there’s even an underground waterfall.
You’ll also find other paddling opportunities in the Red River Gorge area if you want to extend your trip, including some mild to moderate whitewater kayaking along the Red River. The whitewater sections can be better suited to experienced kayakers.
4. Bluespring Caverns, Indiana Underground Kayaking
Don your helmet and PFD, grab your kayak, and explore the sensational Bluespring Caverns. This series of underground passageways can be best explored by kayak.
You can paddle through the dark caves along the Mystery River on a guided tour as the river flows 100 feet below the ground in Indiana. The Mystery River is thought to be the longest navigable underground river in the United States, so it can be a unique adventure.
The clear waters beneath your kayak are home to many species of wildlife, including many blind creatures such as crayfish and cavefish.
Most of the kayak tours last for around three hours, giving you plenty of time to explore this unique underground world. As a side note, it can be pretty cold in the caves all year round, as they remain a constant temperature of 53-degrees, so you might want to take a jacket with you.
5. Emerald Cave Arizona Magical Green Water Kayaking
If you’re looking for a cave kayaking experience that makes you feel like you’ve just paddled into a magical movie location, Emerald Cave in Arizona might be just the spot.
Emerald Cave can be found on the Arizona side of the Colorado River, two miles north of Willow Beach. The cave can be found at the entrance to Emerald Cove in the Black Canyon that runs along the Nevada/Arizona state line. There is a 30-mile National Water Trail that runs from the Hoover Dam to Eldorado Canyon if you want to extend your trip beyond the cave.
The launch at the Hoover Dam requires a permit. Alternatively, you can launch at Willow Beach and paddle to the cave. Or, you can book a tour from Vegas to Emerald Cave to kayak.
The main draw of Emerald Cave is the enchanting green water. This clear water reflects off the cave walls to create an emerald green glow. And when the sun is directly above the water, a sparkling disco-ball effect is created.
The best part about this cave is that you can only reach it by boat. And because of its size most larger boats don’t fit, so a kayak is ideal.
That’s all the best cave kayaking spots in the USA for now! What’s your favorite destination?
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