Caves of Hams: Is This Half-Day Tour Actually Worth Your Time?

Planning a trip to beautiful Mallorca, and you are looking for something seriously cool to do? So, that the Caves of Hams, a very unique cave system, might be on your radar. A half-day tour seems like the way to see them. But that is, is it worth the time, not to mention the cash? We will see. Actually, I am giving you a straight talk after my own visit so, that you can decide if it makes sense for you.

What Exactly Are the Caves of Hams Anyway?

OK, so that you know, the Caves of Hams, that actually translates to “Hook Caves,” and get their rather unusual name from the hook-like shapes of the stalactites, that are hanging all over the place. Miquel Barceló Ferrá found these caves way, way back in 1905, and he really got to work opening them up to the public. Unlike some other caves, the Hams are especially well-known for these weird, hook-shaped formations and an underground lake.

Getting There: Is It a Pain or Pretty Easy?

So, getting to the caves, that can be fairly easy, though it kind of relies on where you are staying. You see, the caves, they are near Porto Cristo, which is that bit on the east coast of Mallorca. If you have got your own set of wheels, so, just punch ‘Coves dels Hams’ into your GPS, and you’ll get there. The parking is roomy, very handy. Now, if you are more of a bus person, the local routes will get you pretty close, but, you know, check the times, that because you don’t want to get stuck hanging around.

What Can You Actually Expect on This Half-Day Tour?

OK, so that when you show up for the tour, that things start with a quick wander through some pretty gardens outside, before going down into the caves. The guides, and they will walk you through two main parts, the Blue Cave and the Classic Cave. So, the Blue Cave has got this modern touch, because they put on this light and sound show. The Classic Cave, that, is a bit more old-school, which will give you plenty of the stalactites and stalagmites, that, are seriously interesting shapes. And, yeah, they wrap it up with a short boat ride on the underground lake they call ‘The Sea of Venice.’ Which, is quite a name, that given it’s a pretty little lake, you know?

Is the Blue Cave as Good as Everyone Says?

I got to say, that this Blue Cave thing, it is quite something. Basically, what they did, so, that they turned one section of the cave into that, like, a show. There are these LED lights, very groovy sounds. I can tell you, that I did find it quite dramatic, as a matter of fact. But is that cave, actually? I don’t know. So, some may find it sort of clashes with nature, because other people might dig the modern spin.

The Classic Cave: Worth the Hype, Even Without Fancy Lights?

All right, so that if you are that type of person who wants to see just pure cave action, this Classic Cave section is awesome. Because the lighting here is more about showing the cave’s stuff. You can check out all those hook-shaped formations, which is actually pretty neat once you realize that. So, yeah, you should listen up when the guide, because they point out the seriously cool geological stuff. Actually, it gives you more appreciation for that what these caves are all about. You know?

That Boat Ride on the Sea of Venice: Is It Seriously a Highlight?

The Sea of Venice boat ride, actually, that is quick but super charming. I mean, that underground lake thing. I do have to say, that I am not going to pretend like it is this huge adventure, or something, because it’s quite a short ride. Is that very relaxing and gives a great view? I think so. That bit from inside the cave.

Photo Ops: Will Your Insta Blow Up?

Do you like posting travel pictures online? Yeah? In the Caves of Hams, that you will find things to point your camera at all over the place. The Blue Cave? That, as I mentioned, that looks awesome with all those colorful lights. But you should make sure you snap some pics in the Classic Cave, to catch those weird hook-shapes and cool formations. That’s what makes these caves weird, very unique, actually. So, that pro tip, hold still and maybe boost up the ISO because lighting, it could be tricky in there, it really could be.

How Long Is This Tour Really? Do I Need to Write Off the Whole Day?

They are calling this half-day tour, but really, how much time do you need, I mean actually? Most tours take two or three hours, give or take, which is just great. So, that you have plenty of time for, that, checking out another part of Mallorca in that day. It means you could actually hit the beach or, just like, grab some tapas in Porto Cristo after you’re done caving.

The Crowd Situation: Are We Talking Tourist Armageddon?

Like loads of famous spots, you might get a lot of other people joining you. In summer, in other words, that could feel pretty crowded. Should you fancy having the caves more to yourself, and that try to hit them during that shoulder season–May or September would do. And book early in the morning to beat the afternoon rush, very likely.

What to Wear and Bring: Should You Rock Up in Heels?

Now, let us discuss the practical stuff, very briefly, OK? It is caves so, that things stay a bit damp in there. So, that it is good to rock some sensible shoes, not your fancy flip-flops, or that killer pair of heels you like. That cave temperature stays put at roughly 20 degrees Celsius, which could be quite refreshing during that hot summer, just bring that light jacket anyway. In this way you would thank me later.

Is It Kid-Friendly? Will the Young Ones Actually Dig It?

Are you toting some young adventurers? The Caves of Hams is that sort of spot, which is OK for kids, mostly, that is. The pathways, those are mostly manageable, but just keep your eye on the young’uns so, that they won’t slip, or that bump into that stalactite. About those light shows in the Blue Cave, those can captivate them, even though some of the littler ones might get a tiny bit spooked, but in a good way.

So, What’s the Verdict?

The Caves of Hams tour? Is it cool? Yes, definitely. I reckon that it offers something more than just your basic tourist trap, very true. You know, that mix of natural formations in the Classic Cave and all those lights in the Blue Cave? That gives a one-two punch that keeps all kinds of folks interested, I reckon. Is it worth checking out, is that really your thing, because this stop is easy to slot into your schedule and very memorable.

• Hook Formations: That’s a neat sight you may remember.
• Blue Cave: I’ve never seen the cave combined with sound and lights.
• Underground lake: Boat tour, small but so good.
• For families: Kids like that caves!

So that, do it!

#CavesOfHams #Mallorca #TravelGuide #CaveTour #Spain #Adventure #FamilyTravel