Lower St Michael's Cave, Queensway Quay Marina Travel Guide

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Explore the hidden depths of Gibraltar in Lower St Michael's Cave, a stunning subterranean world of natural rock formations and crystal-clear waters.

Discovered in 1942, Lower St Michael's Cave is a hidden network of caverns within the Rock of Gibraltar, showcasing stunning stalactites, stalagmites, and a crystal-clear underground lake. This untouched cave system offers a unique and breathtaking speleological experience.

A brief summary to Lower St Michael's Cave

4MG3+5GW, Gibraltar, GI
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Lower St Michael's Cave.

Book your tour in advance, as group sizes are limited, and three days' notice is often required.
Wear sturdy shoes and comfortable clothing suitable for scrambling and climbing.
Bring a camera to capture the unique geological formations, but be mindful of the lighting conditions.
Note that children under 10 years old are not permitted on the tour.

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Queensway Quay

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Explore Lower St Michael's Cave on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Lower St Michael's Cave, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

From the St Michael's Cave entrance within the Upper Rock Nature Reserve, follow the signs for Lower St Michael's Cave. The path involves some descent and may be uneven in places. Ensure you have appropriate footwear. Note that access to the Upper Rock Nature Reserve requires a ticket. A Nature Reserve ticket costs £30.00 for adults and £22.00 for children (ages 5 – 11).
Public Transport

Take Bus number 2 from Casemates Square to the Upper Rock Nature Reserve. From the bus stop, follow the walking directions to the cave entrance. Bus fare is approximately £1.00 per person. Note that access to the Upper Rock Nature Reserve requires a ticket. A Nature Reserve ticket costs £30.00 for adults and £22.00 for children (ages 5 – 11).
Taxi

Take a taxi from the Gibraltar city center or the land frontier to the Upper Rock Nature Reserve entrance. Ask the driver to drop you off at the entrance to St. Michael's Cave. From there, follow the walking directions to Lower St Michael's Cave. Taxi fares vary, but a typical ride from the city center to the Upper Rock Nature Reserve entrance will cost approximately £20-£30. Note that access to the Upper Rock Nature Reserve requires a ticket. A Nature Reserve ticket costs £30.00 for adults and £22.00 for children (ages 5 – 11).

Discover more about Lower St Michael's Cave

Lower St Michael's Cave, also known as New St. Michael's Cave, is a captivating natural wonder located within the Rock of Gibraltar. Unlike the well-known St Michael's Cave (proper), the Lower Cave remained hidden until its accidental discovery in 1942 by Royal Engineers during World War II. The engineers were creating a secondary exit for an emergency hospital when they stumbled upon this untouched realm.Inside, you'll find a mesmerizing display of geological artistry. The cave is home to a variety of speleothems, including stalactites, stalagmites, helictites, columns, and flowstone. These formations, sculpted over thousands of years, create a cathedral-like atmosphere with shimmering white, grey, and red hues.A highlight of the Lower St Michael's Cave is its 37-meter-long underground lake, estimated to hold 200,000 liters of crystal-clear water. The cave has been preserved in its natural state, with only the addition of lighting and ropes to aid visitors.To visit Lower St Michael's Cave, you'll need to book a guided tour. These tours typically last around three hours and involve some scrambling and minor climbing with ropes. Comfortable shoes and casual clothing are recommended. Photography is permitted, allowing you to capture the beauty of this subterranean world.