25 Best Cave Dives in Alaska

Alaska, famous for its stunning landscapes and untamed wilderness, is also a paradise for cave diving enthusiasts. This remarkable state is home to some of the most extraordinary caves in the world, each with unique underwater features that attract divers from all corners of the globe. Imagine diving through icy waters, uncovering hidden chambers, and encountering fascinating marine life in one of the most majestic settings on earth.

In this guide, we will explore the top 25 cave diving spots in Alaska, highlighting what makes each location special and why they should be added to your diving bucket list. Prepare your gear and get ready for an incredible underwater adventure!

1. Lemonade Creek Cave

Wide angle view of Lemonade Creek Cave entrance — Lemonade Creek Cave entrance surrounded by lush greenery

Lemonade Creek Cave features impressive rock formations and clear waters, making it a captivating dive site. Visibility can reach up to 70 feet, giving divers a crystal-clear view of the underwater world. Here, you may spot vibrant aquatic flora, small fish, and thriving marine life in every crevice.

2. Kachemak Bay Caves

Eye-level view of Kachemak Bay shoreline with cave entrances — Cave entrances nestled along the serene Kachemak Bay shoreline

Kachemak Bay is a haven for divers, featuring rocky outcrops and sandy floors that form a diverse habitat for marine life. Keep an eye out for playful sea otters and colorful sea stars. As part of a protected marine sanctuary, these caves preserve their ecological integrity for future explorers.

3. Lost Lake Cave

Close-up view of rock formations inside Lost Lake Cave — Intricate rock formations and shimmering water surfaces inside Lost Lake Cave

Lost Lake Cave is perfect for experienced divers. The ancient rock formations showcase years of geological changes. The cold, clear waters provide a stark contrast to the sunny outdoors, revealing unique underwater features like prehistoric fossils.

4. Blue Ice Cave

High angle view of the entrance to the Blue Ice Cave — Entrance of the Blue Ice Cave showcasing vibrant blue ice formations

As its name suggests, the Blue Ice Cave is known for its stunning blue hues, created by glacial meltwater. When diving here, you’ll navigate through spectacular ice formations, creating a surreal experience that immerses you in Alaska’s icy beauty.

5. Whittier Tunnel Caves

Wide angle view of Whittier Tunnel entrance surrounded by mountains — Whittier Tunnel entrance, an adventurous passage leading into Alaska’s breathtaking landscapes

Located near Whittier, this site is accessible through one of North America’s longest tunnels. After navigating through the tunnel, divers can explore underwater caves and diverse marine habitats teeming with life.

6. Bear Glacier Lagoon Caves

Close-up view of the shimmering waters in Bear Glacier Lagoon — Shimmering waters of Bear Glacier Lagoon contrasting with surrounding ice

Bear Glacier Lagoon features a system of caves with underwater ecosystems shaped by glacial formations. The caves are rich with life, including wrasses, flounders, and crustaceans thriving in the brackish waters.

7. Seward Caves

High angle view of the coastline of Seward with visible caves — Rocky coastline of Seward with visible cave formations along the shore

Seward offers several accessible caves suited for all diving levels. The locale is known for good underwater visibility, which allows divers to appreciate the vibrant seascape and fascinating marine life through the clear waters.

8. Auk Bay Caves

Eye-level view of a diver exploring Auk Bay cave walls — Diver exploring the cave walls and vibrant marine life in Auk Bay

Auk Bay Caves are rich in marine biodiversity, offering expansive underwater caverns filled with intriguing rock structures and schools of fish. Divers here are guaranteed an exhilarating and immersive experience.

9. Mendenhall Glacier Caves

Wide angle view of the entrance to Mendenhall Glacier cave system — Entrance to the breathtaking Mendenhall Glacier cave system surrounded by ice formations

Mendenhall Glacier draws divers to its stunning blue ice caves. Exploring the intricate tunnels beneath the glacier uncovers unique ice formations and remarkable visual displays that highlight the beauty of nature.

10. Exit Glacier Caves

Close-up view of ice formations inside Exit Glacier Cave — Beautiful ice formations and glacial reflections inside Exit Glacier Cave

Exit Glacier, part of Kenai Fjords National Park, offers breathtaking ice caves that are both visually stunning and educational. Here, divers can observe the impacts of climate change while marveling at unique ice formations.

11. Caines Head Caves

Eye-level view of diver exploring underwater formations in Caines Head — Diver exploring unique underwater formations in Caines Head

Caines Head combines scenic cliffs and rich marine adventure. The secluded caves house diverse ecosystems, providing a serene getaway to connect with nature and appreciate the surroundings.

12. Halibut Cove Caves

High angle view of the shimmering waters in Halibut Cove — Glistening waters of Halibut Cove with visible cave entrances along the coast

Halibut Cove’s unique ocean waters create fascinating underwater passages, offering spectacular views of the rich marine diversity. It’s a prime dive spot for anyone fascinated by aquatic ecosystems.

13. Knik Glacier Caves

Wide angle view of Knik Glacier with visible caves and ice formations — Majestic Knik Glacier showcasing beautiful caves and ice formations

Diving near Knik Glacier presents a charming opportunity to explore stunning ice caves carved from glacial movements. The serene underground passages are adorned with fascinating ice sculptures that captivate divers.

14. Portage Lake Caves

Eye-level view of divers exploring the shores of Portage Lake — Divers exploring rock formations at Portage Lake

Portage Lake is known for its mesmerizing caves and crystal-clear waters. The conditions are ideal for exploration, with abundant marine life that appeals to divers and photographers.

15. Tutka Bay Caves

Close-up view of the turquoise waters in Tutka Bay — Turquoise water pools surrounding the entrance to Tutka Bay caves

Tutka Bay’s enchanting caves offer a mix of shallow lagoons and deeper underwater vistas. The rich marine life creates an exciting dive experience, showcasing Alaska’s remarkable underwater ecosystems.

16. Eagle River Caves

Wide angle view of the river leading to scenic Eagle River Caves — River leading to Eagle River Caves, nestled within lush forest

Eagle River offers divers a picturesque backdrop of lush forests. The cave systems showcase captivating rock formations and abundant freshwater life, creating a unique opportunity for exploration.

17. Tuxedni Bay Caves

Eye-level view of Tuxedni Bay shoreline with visible cave entries — Tuxedni Bay shoreline featuring entrances to captivating caves

Tuxedni Bay presents the thrill of diving in secluded underwater caves. The area is perfect for intimate encounters with marine life, including playful seals and different jellyfish species.

18. Norton Sound Caves

Close-up view of divers observing marine life in Norton Sound — Divers capturing glimpses of intriguing marine life inside Norton Sound

Norton Sound combines history with underwater beauty. This site offers engaging environments for divers to experience the ocean’s richness, from unique underwater plants to vibrant fish.

19. Petersburg Caves

Wide angle view of Petersburg coastline with hidden cave formations — Petersburg’s rocky coastline with hidden caves emerging from cliffs

Petersburg features diverse dive opportunities, where vibrant marine life enriches the underwater experience. The scenic views only enhance the joy of exploring these underwater caves.

20. Chena River Caves

Close-up view of the breathtaking walls of Chena River Cave — Stunning cave walls and formations inside Chena River

Chena River’s dive sites reveal spectacular underwater formations and rich aquatic life. The fascinating geological structures found here add to the allure of diving in this unique region.

21. Willow Creek Caves

Eye-level view of diver examining the walls of Willow Creek Cave — Diver examining the beautiful walls and textures of Willow Creek Cave

Willow Creek offers stunning caves with unique rock formations and diverse marine environments. This location presents an engaging opportunity to explore its captivating underwater scenery.

22. Kalgin Island Caves

High angle view of the rugged coastline of Kalgin Island — Rugged coastline of Kalgin Island with visible cave entrances

Kalgin Island provides unique caves and underwater rock formations. Divers here can enjoy a variety of habitats filled with fascinating marine life and spectacular geological features.

23. Cedar Cove Caves

Wide angle view of Cedar Cove surrounded by towering cliffs — Cedar Cove with towering cliffs and serene waters

Cedar Cove is renowned for its soaring cliffs and fantastic underwater cave systems. Dive here to enjoy unforgettable underwater adventures among diverse marine life.

24. Rampart River Caves

Eye-level view of Rampart River with hidden cave features — Rampart River showcasing hidden cave features in a tranquil setting

Rampart River invites divers to explore lesser-known underwater caves, allowing for a tranquil dive experience surrounded by untouched beauty.

25. Glacier Bay Caves

Wide angle view of Glacier Bay showcasing stunning water hues and ice formations — Stunning views of Glacier Bay highlighting its turquoise waters and ice formations

Glacier Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, features impressive cave systems with magnificent ice formations. Exploring these underwater marvels reveals a vibrant ecosystem, showcasing the richness of life hidden beneath the surface.

Dive Into Alaska’s Hidden Depths

Alaska stands out as a paradise for cave divers, offering a wide range of dive spots that cater to different levels of experience and unique preferences. With stunning underwater ecosystems, breathtaking ice formations, and captivating geological features, these 25 locations promise unforgettable adventures.

Whether you’re drawn to colorful marine life, intricate cave systems, or the awe of glacial landscapes, the caves of Alaska are sure to amaze you. Embrace the thrill of exploration and uncover the hidden depths of this incredible state!

KWAL Adventure and Travel Magazine