Jeita Grotto Deep Dive
The Jeita Grotto, 18 km north of Beirut, is Lebanon's premier natural attraction. The two-level cave combines an upper, dry, decorated tour with a lower boat-toured underground river. It was nominated for the New Seven Wonders of Nature.
Geology
Jeita formed in Cretaceous limestone of Mount Lebanon. The upper gallery is dry and richly decorated with stalactites, stalagmites, columns and curtains; the lower gallery carries the Nahr al-Kalb ("Dog River") underground.
Discovery
The cave's lower river entrance was known locally for centuries. The upper gallery was discovered in 1958 by Lebanese cavers led by Sami Karkabi. The cave opened to the public in 1969 (lower gallery) and 1968 (upper gallery).
The upper gallery
A 750-m walking tour past stalactites up to 8 m long, columns, and a forest of soda-straw formations. The "Grand Stalactite" is one of the longest free-hanging stalactites in the world.
The lower gallery
A boat ride into the underground river — 500 m of the cave's 6.2 km. Electric boats; sound carries impressively over the water. The river resurges into the surface 1.5 km downstream.
Civil war and restoration
The cave was closed throughout the Lebanese civil war (1975-1990). During this period it was used as ammunition storage by various militias. Restoration began in 1995; the cave reopened to visitors in 1995.
Practical
Open daily; cable car connects upper and lower entrances. The tour combines both galleries. Photography is forbidden inside.
Explore on the map
See Jeita Grotto on the interactive map.