The 7 most stunning sea caves around the globe

Sea caves are incredible, forming along cliffs through erosion with only the power of wind and water.

There are many stunning sea caves around the world that are well-known with hundreds of thousands of tourists visiting each year, such as New Zealand’s Matainaka Cave (the largest sea cave in the world).

However, there are many more sea caves that are less known, tucked away along coastlines that aren’t as popular or easily accessed.

From the beaches of Portugal to the island of Scotland, why not plan a trip to one of the most spectacular sea caves around the globe.

This beautiful dome of a sea cave is located in the tiny town of Benagil and is one of the best gems of the whole Algarve coast. To get there you either have to take a local boat or rent a kayak and paddle out, though some visitors have swum out, as it’s located just to the east of the village on the beach. The cave is simply stunning, with a skylight at the top letting the light shine in, illuminating the sand below and warm waters which you can swim in.

This impressive geological wonder includes both fresh water and seawater and was actually carved into the limestone by the Alt Smoo, a river that runs above and pours into a cavern through a sinkhole. Nearly 40,000 people visit each year and recent improvements include new walkways, washrooms, and other amenities for visitors. The main entrance to the cave is quite interesting in that it has one the largest entrances in Britain at 50 feet high that was formed by the sea while the inner chambers were created by the river. One of the most unique sea caves on this list, it’s not to be missed if you happen to be in Scotland.

It wouldn’t be a complete list of sea caves without including America’s largest sea cave, the Sea Lion Cave, which gets its name from the resident sea lions that lounge around, barking excessively. The formation of this cave happened about 25 million years ago and now is as large as the length of a football field and as high as a 12-story building. Although it has become quite a popular tourist attraction – there’s even an elevator that takes you down to the cave – it’s simply a wonder that must not be missed. Besides sea lions, visitors will have the chance to take in the colors of the cave as over years lichen, minerals, and algae have painted it in hues of pinks, purples, and reds.

This sea cave is located on the island of Staffa and is known as the cave of melody or as novelist Sir Walter Scott explained, “one of the most extraordinary places I have ever beheld”. Fingal’s Cave is well-known for two things: the eerie sounds it makes and the arching cathedral-like geological features. In fact, the entire cave is made up of hexagonal basalt columns and is the only one of its kind in the entire world. Visitors can discover this cave by taking a sightseeing cruise from the town of Hull. The cruise ship will land close to the cave and the basalt columns actually provide the perfect stepping stones to enter the cave. When it groans and moans, just know that these sounds are quite normal for this sea cave.

The Blue Grotto is one of the most well-known sea caves around the world, and for good reason. Back in Roman times, it was the personal swimming hole for Emperor Tiberius and in the 1960s there were three Roman statues of sea gods found on the ocean floor. For years this cave was avoided as locals believed it was inhabited by evil spirits and monsters. Today though, it is enjoyed by many, though swimming is not allowed.

Located on the craggy coast of Santa Cruz Island in California, this is one of the largest and deepest sea caves in the world. At over 130 feet high and nearly a quarter-mile long, this sea cave gets its name from the numerous colors that make it up. Colorful rocks, lichen, and algae adorn the walls of the cave, turning it into a colorful piece of art. The cave is made up of several inner chambers and the best way to explore them is by taking a boat to the island and then kayaking your way through the cave. Visiting in the springtime is perhaps the best time, as a beautiful waterfall cascades down in front of the entrance to the cave. There are many guided tours to choose from which will provide you with all the gear, flotation devices, snorkels, and information you need.