Bellamar Caves
Explore Cuba's ancient Bellamar Caves, a vast underground world of stunning stalactites, stalagmites, and crystal formations.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Escape the heat
Bellamar Caves
Best Time
Escape the heat
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Cuba's ancient Bellamar Caves, a vast underground world of stunning stalactites, stalagmites, and crystal formations.
"A must-go when you visit Cuba, offering a beautiful and scenic tour away from the scorching sun."
👟 Wear Grippy Shoes
The humidity makes cave floors slick. Prioritize footwear with good traction for a safe and enjoyable visit.
💰 Cash is King (USD)
Entry fees and camera permits are typically paid in US dollars. Come prepared with cash to avoid any issues.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Stalactites & Stalagmites
Main Cavern
Marvel at ancient limestone formations, sculpted over millennia into breathtaking natural art.
Underground Crystal Formations
Various Chambers
Witness sparkling calcium carbonate crystals and crystallized domes that create a magical underground world.
Subterranean Streams & Fountains
Water Features
Discover the serene beauty of underground water elements, adding to the cave's mystical ambiance.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Heat & Humidity
Essential Info for Your Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Grippy Shoes
The humidity makes cave floors slick. Prioritize footwear with good traction for a safe and enjoyable visit.
💰 Cash is King (USD)
Entry fees and camera permits are typically paid in US dollars. Come prepared with cash to avoid any issues.
📸 Camera Fee
There's an extra charge for bringing cameras or phones inside to capture the cave's beauty.
🗣️ Multilingual Guides
Guides are adept at managing both English and Spanish speaking groups simultaneously.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Grippy Shoes
The humidity makes cave floors slick. Prioritize footwear with good traction for a safe and enjoyable visit.
💰 Cash is King (USD)
Entry fees and camera permits are typically paid in US dollars. Come prepared with cash to avoid any issues.
📸 Camera Fee
There's an extra charge for bringing cameras or phones inside to capture the cave's beauty.
🗣️ Multilingual Guides
Guides are adept at managing both English and Spanish speaking groups simultaneously.
💧 Embrace the Humidity
The caves are naturally humid and cool, offering a welcome respite from the Cuban sun.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Bellamar Caves as a beautiful and scenic natural wonder, offering a cool escape from the Cuban heat. The informative guides and impressive geological formations are highlights, though the slick pathways due to humidity and the extra camera fee are noted drawbacks.
"This is a wonderful, scenic tour that is a great activity to get away from the scorching hot sun. Our tour guide was very informative and even went the extra mile to take photos for people. On site, there are bathrooms and two bars where you can purchase drinks and snacks. Due to the high humidity, it is quite slick in the cave so it would be beneficial to wear shoes that have good grip. I would recommend checking this place out."
Amariah G
"Not only being the largest and deepest cave system in Cuba, it is beautiful as well.
You must join the guided tour to venture in. They accept US$ only. Our guide managed pretty well both the Spanish speaking and English speaking groups in one go.
A must-go when you visit Cuba."
Gary Fung
"One of the tourists attractions that put Cuba and Matanzas on the map. For foreigners you need to pay USD5 entrance fee and another USD5 for phone or camera."
eddy teo
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Bellamar Caves are located in Matanzas, about a 30-minute drive from Varadero. Many visitors opt for a taxi tour or a day trip from Varadero to explore the caves and the city.
Taxis are a popular and convenient option, especially if you're staying in Varadero. Organized day tours often include transportation to the caves and other Matanzas attractions.
While public transport might be available, it's less common for tourists. Taxis and organized tours offer a more direct and comfortable way to reach the caves.
The Bellamar Caves are approximately 1.5 to 2 hours away from Havana by car, making them a feasible day trip for those staying in the capital.
Yes, many Matanzas day tours include a visit to the Bellamar Caves, allowing you to see both the natural wonders and the city's highlights. 
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee for Bellamar Caves is typically USD $5 per person. This fee grants you access to the guided tour.
Yes, there is an additional fee of USD $5 for bringing cameras or phones inside the caves to take photos.
US dollars (USD) are the primary currency accepted for entrance fees and camera permits at Bellamar Caves.
Advance booking is generally not required, as tickets can be purchased on-site. However, arriving earlier can help avoid potential queues.
Information on specific discounts for children or seniors is not widely available, but it's always worth inquiring at the ticket counter.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Tours are guided and take you through impressive halls and galleries, showcasing unique stalactites, stalagmites, and crystal formations. The tour lasts about 700m. +1
The guided tour typically lasts around 45 minutes to an hour, covering a significant portion of the accessible cave system.
The tour involves walking and some steps, but it's generally not considered overly strenuous for individuals of average fitness. The pathways can be slick due to humidity.
Yes, restrooms are available on-site. There are also two bars where you can purchase drinks and snacks.
Yes, children often enjoy exploring the caves, especially with flashlights to examine smaller tunnels and formations.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is allowed inside Bellamar Caves, but there is an additional fee of USD $5 for using cameras or phones.
Look for areas with dramatic stalactite and stalagmite formations, crystal-lined chambers, and the underground water features for stunning shots.
The caves are illuminated with artificial lighting to highlight the formations, creating a dramatic effect for photography.
While photography is permitted with the fee, avoid using flash in a way that might disturb the delicate cave environment or other visitors.
Yes, phones are permitted for photography and videography, subject to the same USD $5 camera fee.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Geological Marvel of Bellamar Caves
The caves are a testament to Cuba's geological past, with some formations indicating that the island was once submerged. Evidence of this can be seen in the fossilized remains embedded within the crystals, suggesting the area was under the sea millions of years ago. Visitors can witness crystallized domes and unique limestone formations that contribute to the otherworldly beauty of the caverns. The constant humidity, while making the paths slick, is also crucial for the ongoing formation of these natural wonders.
Exploring Bellamar Caves is like stepping into another world. The sheer scale and intricate details of the formations are awe-inspiring. The guided tours are essential for understanding the geology and history of the caves, offering insights into the slow, continuous process of speleothem growth. It's a journey into the earth's ancient artistry, a truly unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts and curious travelers alike.
+3Navigating the Caves: Tips for a Smooth Visit
Guided tours are mandatory for exploring the caves. These tours are informative and often conducted in both English and Spanish, with guides skillfully managing multilingual groups. While the tours cover a significant distance (around 700m), they are generally manageable for most visitors with average fitness levels. However, be prepared for a descent of over 100 steps to enter the main cavern.
Remember that US dollars are the accepted currency for entry fees and any additional charges, such as for cameras. The entrance fee is typically USD $5, with another USD $5 for photography. While the caves offer a cool escape from the heat, the humidity is palpable, so dress accordingly.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit