Bermuda with Kids: Crystal Caves

The appealing beach picture below is what comes to mind when visiting the island of Bermuda.  But, our family also found a whole world underneath this island waiting to be explored.  There are about 150 limestone caves in Bermuda and Crystal Caves is one of the largest and most famous.

Of course, we spent some time at the beaches including Horseshoe Bay in the picture too.  Bermuda was our cruise destination a few years ago.  This was a bit different since we didn’t explore several ports during a 7–day itinerary.  We sailed from Florida and docked at King’s Wharf, Bermuda for four days.  It was a fantastic way to see the island and still have the cruise experience we enjoy.

Crystal Caves was discovered by two boys who crawled into a cave hole trying to retrieve their cricket ball in 1907.  Along with its sister cave, Fantasy Caves next door, it has become one of the top family-friendly attractions.  We chose to do Crystal Caves with the kids since it wasn’t as steep and was recommended more for families.  The climb up Fantasy Caves would have been a bit more strenuous for us with kids in tow.  A combination ticket to explore the two caves was just $7 more than a single ticket.

We descended the 80+ steps carefully holding our toddlers’ hands, pointing things out.  I was excited for them since this was their first cave visit.  The cave was about 120 feet (36 meters) below the ground level.  The walkway had railings and smoothly paved.  It didn’t feel claustrophobic and the steps were well lit with no climbing over any rocks involved.

Various formations of shapes and sizes protruded everywhere.  Stalactites (hangs from the ceiling) and stalagmites (forms on cave floor), the pointed structures formed from limestone rocks, greeted us from every corner.  Formations growing together are called columns.

I’ve always found these formations incredible and the ones here were no different.  My kids were fascinated with everything especially my daughter, who was four years old at that time, and was full of questions.

She was trying to wrap her little brain around how this wonderful underground world came to be.  Luckily, we had a guide who was understanding and was able to answer some of her questions.  To this day, she is still intrigued by them.

We’ve visited our fair share of caves but this one seemed so bright.  Formations were illuminated at the right places to magnify their beauty.

Stretching our imagination, we could almost make out profiles and silhouettes on the rock formations.

Unlike other caves we’ve visited, there was a surprise waiting for us as we descended the steps.  Cahow Lake, with its clear blue water, was such a lovely destination within the cave.  The lake was supposedly formed about 30 million years ago.  Its waters were clear enough and aided by more lights, we could even see some of the formations underneath.

The lake had a depth of 55 feet (17 meters) and its contrast in colors with the cave walls and the water were stunning.   Underground water passageways connect the cave “lakes” with the ocean.  We even found a small boat anchored to a platform.

Crystal Caves was a unique Bermuda attraction worth visiting if you’re on the island.  It’s not very big and well worth a visit and if you have time – do this with neighboring Fantasy Caves.  Both were easily accessible by bus or taxi from the town center of Hamilton.  The cooler temperatures of the cave also make for a wonderful haven from the heat.  Bermuda is such a beautiful island and one we’d happily return to whether on a cruise or on a land-based vacation.

The Basics

Hours : Both are open daily from 9:30AM – 4:30PM.

Admission Fee: $20 for each cave for adults, under 5 free. Combination ticket to both Crystal and Fantasy Caves is $27 for adults. Reservation is not required.

Address: 8 Crystal Caves Road ~ Bailey’s Bay, Hamilton Parish, Bermuda

 *Have you explored Bermuda’s Crystal or Fantasy Caves?  What caves have you explored?