How deep Is the World’s deepest cave?

Caves can be found in many parts of the world, but some go incredibly deep beneath the Earth’s surface.

One of the deepest cave systems is located under the Gagra mountain range in the disputed region of Abkhazia, Georgia.

The cave known as Veryovkina Cave reaches more than 2,200 metres below the surface. Its huge network of limestone passages is so large that even if the famous Ben Nevis mountain in the UK were turned upside down and placed inside there would still be plenty of space left.

Veryovkina Cave is one of two caves in the region that have competed for the title of the world’s deepest cave.

The other is Krubera Cave, which has also been measured at more than 2,000 metres deep.

In January 2026 Veryovkina Cave was recorded at 2,212 metres deep while Krubera was measured at around 2,199 metres.  Measurements can change as explorers continue to study these underground systems.

The caves are extremely dark cold and difficult to explore.  Temperatures rarely rise above 3°C in the deeper areas.

As explorers go farther underground they encounter unusual creatures.

Many cave animals have no eyes while others have long antennae or body hairs that help them sense movement and vibrations in complete darkness.

Veryovkina Cave was discovered in 1968 and was initially given the name S-115. It was later renamed after cave explorer Alexander Veryovkin in 1986.

Scientists say the region has such deep caves because of its limestone rocks. Over millions of years water slowly moved through cracks in the rock creating large underground passages and allowing the caves to extend deep into the Earth.