Al Hoota Cave

Al Hoota runs about five kilometres into the mountain at the foot of Jebel Shams, of which some five hundred metres are open to visitors on a lit concrete walkway, with stalactites, stalagmites, columns and curtains along the route. At the end is an underground lake fed by the water table, home to a blind cave fish, Garra barreimiae, adapted to permanent darkness and found in only a handful of sites. A small train carries visitors from the ticket building to the entrance, and tours run with a guide at set times, so booking ahead in the busy season is sensible. The cave has closed for extended periods for maintenance and water level reasons.

What you actually see

• The lit walkway - the developed section of the cave passage.
• Formations - stalactites, stalagmites and columns along the route.
• The underground lake - the water body at the end of the route.
• Blind cave fish - the eyeless Garra living in the lake.

When to go

October to April, which is the busy season when booking ahead matters. The cave is a constant temperature year round. Tours run at fixed times and the site closes on some weekdays; check before travelling.

Honest expectations

The cave has closed for long periods in the past and opening is not guaranteed. Visits are guided on a fixed route and schedule with no free access. Photography is restricted. Only a small fraction of the system is open.

Nearby

Al Hamra lies close; Jebel Shams rises above.