Archive · 25 Nov 2025
World's Longest Underwater Cave Found in Mexico
Scientists have found the world's longest underwater cave in Mexico.
It's called Ox Bel Ha, which means 'Three Paths of Water' in Mayan.
This cave is like a big web of tunnels and chambers under the ground.
It's filled with amazing things like giant sinkholes and shiny crystal rooms called 'ice palaces'.
There are also 38 special animals that live only in this cave.
The cave was formed millions of years ago when rainwater mixed with limestone.
Then, about 18,000 years ago, the ocean rose and flooded the caves.
Exploring this cave is hard because it's full of narrow passages and has layers of fresh and salty water.
Scientists are still exploring and think there's much more to discover.
The world's longest underwater cave system, Ox Bel Ha, was discovered under Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula.
The cave extends for at least 175 kilometers, with scientists expecting to find 600 kilometers more.
Ox Bel Ha contains giant sinkholes, crystal chambers, and 38 unique species of cave-dwelling animals.
The cave was formed millions of years ago and submerged around 18,000 years ago due to rising ocean levels.
Exploring the cave is challenging due to narrow passages, limited oxygen supply, and a mix of fresh and saltwater layers.
- Who
- Scientists from El Centro Investigador del Sistema Acuífero de Quintana Roo
- What
- Discovery of the world's longest underwater cave system
- When
- First explored in 1996, ongoing exploration since 2018
- Where
- Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico
- Why
- To understand the cave's extent and unique features
- Location
- Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico
- Name
- Ox Bel Ha
- Meaning
- Three Paths of Water
- Length
- 175 kilometers (and counting)
- Unique Species
- 38
- Formation
- Millions of years ago
- Submersion
- Around 18,000 years ago