Lower St. Michael's Cave: A Hidden Subterranean World
Explore Gibraltar's hidden depths: Discover the stunning formations and underground lake of Lower St. Michael's Cave.
Lower St. Michael's Cave, also known as New St. Michael's Cave, is a hidden gem within the Rock of Gibraltar, offering a more intimate and adventurous caving experience than the well-known St. Michael's Cave. Discovered in 1942 by Royal Engineers during World War II, this cave system boasts a remarkable collection of speleothems and a crystal-clear underground lake. Unlike the main St. Michael's Cave, which has been known for over 2,000 years and has been modified for concerts and events, Lower St. Michael's Cave remains largely in its natural state. This provides a more authentic and raw experience for visitors willing to explore its depths. The cave is renowned for its stunning array of calcite formations, including stalactites, stalagmites, columns, helictites, and flowstones. The main chambers are cathedral-like, with formations resembling pulpits, chancels, and organ pipes. The underground lake, approximately 40 yards long and holding an estimated 45,000 gallons of water, adds to the cave's unique beauty. Access to Lower St. Michael's Cave is by guided tour only, requiring advance booking. The tour involves some scrambling and minor climbing with ropes, making it unsuitable for young children or those with mobility issues. However, for adventurous visitors, the experience of exploring this pristine subterranean world is well worth the effort.
Local tips
- Book your tour of Lower St. Michael's Cave well in advance, as access is limited and requires at least three days' notice.
- Wear sturdy shoes and casual clothing suitable for scrambling and climbing.
- Photography is permitted, so bring your camera to capture the unique formations and underground lake.
A brief summary to Lower St. Michael's Cave Office
- 39 Ohara's Rd, Gibraltar, GX11 1AA, GI
Getting There
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Walking
From the main entrance of St. Michael's Cave, follow the signs towards Lower St. Michael's Cave. The path involves some walking along St. Michael's Road, then descending on a smaller path. The office is located at 39 Ohara's Rd. Note that the walk from the cable car station is approximately 25 minutes. There are no specific fees for this final walking approach.
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Taxi
Taxis are readily available throughout Gibraltar, including at the airport, border, and main squares. A taxi from the city center or airport to Lower St. Michael's Cave (39 Ohara's Rd) will cost approximately £15-£20. Be sure to confirm the fare with the driver before starting your journey. Remember that taxis can also be hired for tailor-made tours.
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Public Transport
While bus routes don't directly reach Lower St. Michael's Cave entrance, Route 1 stops near the Moorish Castle entrance. From there, it's a walk of approximately 20 minutes down St. Michael's Road to the cave entrance. A single bus fare is approximately £2. Consider using the GibraltarPass for unlimited travel on certain bus routes.
