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Cave Diving: A Beginner’s Guide

Cave Diving: A Beginner’s Guide

Written by Scuba.com
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Updated on June 7, 2023
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Cave diving gives intrepid divers access to incredible subterranean worlds that cannot be experienced anywhere else. Scuba divers have been exploring caves for decades, and as a result, have discovered amazing sea wonders comparable to those found in science fiction movies.

What is cave diving?

Many cave divers say the feeling of floating underwater is akin to being in outer space, and those who brave the dangers associated with this sport are often rewarded with jaw-dropping sites: hidden chambers bursting with unusual colors, as well as exotic marine flora and fauna. It’s no wonder why the world’s sunken caverns hold such a mysterious allure. But this doesn’t mean that no cave diving dangers exist.

Intense training is required before anyone can go underwater cave diving. And even with the proper training and certification, strict adherence to safety protocols is a must. Only those who are qualified and are brave enough to descend into the depths are privy to a world that cannot be found on the surface of the earth.

Cavern vs Cave Diving: What’s the difference?

Courses will cover cavern diving as well as cave, and this certification is independent of cave diving. The distinction between the two is an important one, however. Cavern divers are limited to depths of no more than 100 feet, and a distance from an exit into open water of not more than 200 feet. Regardless of these measurements, they must also always keep light from the exit within their sightline.

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Understanding Cave Diving Risks

There’s a reason why cave diving is only meant for divers with the proper cave diving certification. After all, there’s the threat of running out of air or getting lost in an underwater cave system. Without exercising proper cave diving safety, even the most experienced divers could endanger their lives and the lives of their buddies.

The Rebreather Association of International Divers (RAID) reports that the main cause of serious injury or death among cave divers isn’t gear failure, disorientation, or running out of air. These are simply the consequences experienced by divers who’ve exceeded the limits of their training or experience.

Rather, small equipment emergencies—like reel tangles, mask breakage, and navigational problems—are what often lead to unexpected fatalities. Fortunately, these issues can be addressed by staying calm, taking the proper training, and working with your team.

What Caves Can Divers Explore?

Caves are large underground chambers that often take hundreds of thousands—or even million of years—to form. While inland caves form when limestone, dolomite, or gypsum rocks dissolve after making contact with slightly acidic water, sea caves are formed when waves break directly onto rock cliffs, making them the by-product of mechanical erosion.

In turn, zones of weakness may collapse, giving the cave its shape and form. Sometimes, the process may cause a hole or entrance to form to allow the pressure from each wave to be released as a jet of spray.

Here’s a quick list of some of the cave systems a diver can explore:

Littoral (Sea) Caves

Littoral caves are created by waves breaking directly onto rock cliffs and can be found on coastlines throughout the world. In order for a sea cave to form, the host rock (whether it’s sedimentary, metamorphic, or igneous) must possess a weak zone. Ongoing mechanical erosion influences the development of the cave.

Often chamber-like in appearance, famous littoral caves include Fingal’s Cave in Staffa, Scotland; Neptune’s Grotto in Alghero, Italy; and the Apostle Island Sea Caves, in Wisconsin. Famous littoral caves can also be found in the Great Lakes, the New England coastline, the Sea of Cortez, and the California coastline.

Coral Caves

Just as the name implies, coral caves are formed when corals grow together to form closed off caverns. These tunnels are home to marine creatures like fishes and sharks.

Exploring these natural wonders has also led to some intriguing discoveries: in the early 2000s, an entirely new species of coral was discovered clinging to the ceilings of subterranean caves in the Coral Triangle. What makes this coral species so unusual is that it lacks the symbiotic algae that most corals need to thrive.

Lava Tubes

Lava tubes are the result of volcanic activity. When the lava flows from the volcano into the sea, the surface of the lava cools and hardens while the molten inner core keeps flowing. This, in turn, creates a lava tube. This type of cave is common in Hawaii and the Northwest Pacific coast.

Solution Caves

Also known as karst caves, solution caves can form in rock limestone, as well as bedrocks formed out of chalk, dolomite, and marble, among others. The bedrock is dissolved by the natural acid found in groundwater, which seeps in from bedding-planes and other openings, creating the structure of the cave.

These types of caves can be found in Florida, the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico, and throughout the Caribbean region.

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Required Trainings & Certifications

Cave diving comes in two stages: cavern diving and cave diving. Cavern diving takes place during the first part of cave diving, where a light source is still available. It turns into a cave dive when you plunge deeper into the ocean’s depths and a light source is no longer available.

Cavern Diving Courses

In cavern diving courses, students are introduced to overhead cavern environments, including caves that receive direct sunlight. Divers practice skills like navigation, gas, and other contingencies. More importantly, it introduces the concepts of “time stress” and “distance stress,” which dictate that any problems faced should be resolved right then and there.

Graduates of introductory cavern dive programs can dive in cavern-like settings up to 40 meters deep, penetrating to a maximum of 300 meters into the cavern.

Beginners looking for reputable cavern diving courses should consider PADI’s Cavern Diving specialty course and SSI’s Cavern Diving course.

Cave Diving Courses

Those looking to explore deeper cave systems can take a cave diving course. Right from the start, this course emphasizes the importance of teamwork to ensure safety. It builds on basic in-water skills, management techniques, and team dynamic lessons learned from previous cavern diving courses.

Taking the course prepares students to penetrate further cave systems while improving their technical diving skills. Divers will also start using new equipment, such as running lines and reels. Finally, it improves physical and mental endurance so divers can address contingencies and carry out self or buddy rescue at a moment’s notice.

Beginners looking for a reputable cave diving course should consider the TDI Full Cave Diver Course.

Must-Have Equipment for Cave Diving

The condition and level of difficulty entailed by each cave diving expedition will depend on the location. For good measure, make sure to bring the right equipment with you every time you go on an adventure.

Drysuit

Wearing a drysuit is a must when diving in cold underwater environments. Made of neoprene rubber, trilaminate, and other materials, drysuits keep you warm by creating a protective seal around your wrist and neck.

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Mask

Clear vision is crucial when cave diving. Cave divers usually wear masks with black silicone skirts because it is lighter and helps the pupils dilate.

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Fins

To ensure your safety, strictly avoid hinged and split fins when cave diving. Flat-bladed fins lessen entanglements and facilitate frog kicking.

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Gloves

Gloves are made of strong, durable fabric and help divers avoid punctures or abrasions when navigating underwater caves. They also keep your hands properly insulated.

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Scuba Tank

Scuba tanks are a crucial piece of equipment for any cave diver as they allow you to store and transport large volumes of compressed air or specialized gas. These high-pressure cylinders are relatively compact and are made of either aluminum or steel.

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Regulator

A regulator converts high pressure air from a tank into ambient pressure so that you can breathe the air from your tank. The first stage connects to the tank while the second stage is the part placed in your mouth.

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Buoyancy Compensator

A buoyancy compensator helps manage your buoyancy so that you can avoid floating up to the surface or sinking to the bottom of the sea. They also include pockets and straps where you can store other important equipment.

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Dive Computer

Dive computers measure how long you’ve been in the water. They also provide other useful info like how deep you currently are and how long you can stay at your current depth level.

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Underwater Lights

Underwater lights and cave diving torches are carried by divers to help illuminate their path when exploring darker depths. They are also helpful for observing the various subterranean colors.

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Knife

Keep a sharp knife handy during dives. After all, you never know when you’ll need to cut yourself free from entanglements.

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Boots

To ensure excellent thermal insulation in cold water, you’ll need a pair of sturdy diving boots. This type of footwear will also protect your feet from sharp edges and stinging creatures.

Recommended Products:

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Best Places to Go Cave Diving

Whether you’re an open water diver or a full cave diver, these cave dive spots are surely worth visiting:

Cenote Angelita (Tulum, Mexico)

Of the natural sinkholes found in the Yucatan Peninsula, Cenote Angelita stands out because of its layer of hydrogen sulphate. Its mythical, cloudy layer of sulphate separates clear fresh water from the salt water found below. The cavern drops to 200 feet from its dense jungle surroundings.

Indian Springs (Florida, United States)

Located in a densely forested area, Indian Springs is considered to be one of the best cave dive spots in North America. The site contains a round spring pool 185 feet long and 30 feet deep. On the north side of its sandy bottom is a huge limestone cave. Canoes, water slides, and observation decks can be seen all around.

The Sunshine state is renowned for its numerous underwater caves.

Ben’s Cave (Lucayan National Park, Grand Bahama)

Named after the UNEXSO legend Ben Rose, Ben’s Cave is one of two inland blue holes in Lucayan National Park, Grand Bahama. Measuring about six miles long, the cave is home to shrimp, mosquito fish, freshwater eels, and crustaceans. Within the cave you’ll see stalactites, stalagmites, and fossilized conch shells.

Kilsby Sinkhole (Mt. Gambier, South Australia)

Kilsby Sinkhole was one of the first sinkholes to be discovered in Mt. Gambier, South Australia. It was turned into a popular diving spot in the 1950s until a tragic double-drowning incident converted the area into a weapons research center. Australia’s cave diving association later turned it into a diveable cave spot. Today, it is safe for anyone to dive.

Orda Cave (Perm Region, Russia)

Orda Cave is the longest underwater cave system in Russia and the longest gypsum cave in the world. Found in the eastern foothills of the Ural Mountains, the cave is full of white walls and changing sceneries because of how quickly the gypsum dissolves. The site contains both huge rooms and tiny passageways that will challenge even the most experienced divers.

Frequently Asked Questions about Cave Diving

What are the Physical Requirements for Cave Diving?

Every diver should be healthy and fit. Before taking the plunge, you may be required to fill out a medical questionnaire to check if you have any medical issues that could put you at risk while diving. You may also be asked for a doctor’s clearance.

Should I Buy or Rent Scuba Diving Gear?

Having your own set of scuba diving gear ensures better comfort. They’re also much cheaper in the long run, but aren’t a requirement. After all, you’ll find scuba gear for rent at almost any dive shop.

Where Can I Get a Cave Dive Certification?

NAUI, PADI, and SSI are the main scuba diving certification agencies. They have dive shops across the United States and around the world where you can get certified. Some resorts also offer certifications and introductory courses if you’re new to scuba diving.

How Much Do Lessons Cost?

The cost of learning depends on the course you choose. Before enrolling in a class, ask whether the fee includes the learning materials, gear rentals, boat fees, and checkout dives. That way, it’s better to estimate whether the course fits into your budget. In general, obtaining a basic certification can cost between $300-$600.

How Long Does it Take to Earn a Cave Dive Certification?

Every dive shop offers different schedules for getting certified. Before completing your course, you’ll need the necessary knowledge and skills. If you opt for an online course, you can get certified within three to four days. If you’ve opted out of the eLearning route, you’ll need to complete a set number of dives which could take over a week to finish.

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