Whirlpool Cave
Preserve Manager: Liz Frank
Whirlpool Cave is located in Travis County. This is the first step for the beginning caver in Austin, TX. Perfect for people who have never caved before. This is a crawly cave — you will be on your hands and knees most of the way, and on your elbows and stomach part of the way. You will get dusty, sweaty, dirty and love it! You will also get to see the largest room of any cave in Travis County. Learn about this important recharge feature of the Edwards Aquifer and all the cave inhabitants that call Whirlpool home.
Visitation
Due to conservation efforts, public beginner trips are limited to the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month at 6:30 pm. Please email whirlpoolcavetrips@gmail.com to join!
This is not a tour, but intended for those who are interested in caving and cave conservation. This is a gated cave with guided trips only. You may sign up 5 or fewer participants at a time. We currently do not facilitate large group trips including youth groups or birthday parties. There are excellent caves in the area you can take groups to: Inner Space, Cave Without A Name, Longhorn Caverns, Cascade Caverns, or Natural Bridge Caverns. You can also check out Nichols Outdoor Adventures at cbcaves.com.
You will need to bring your own equipment: knee pads, elbow pads, gloves and headlamp. We have helmets you can borrow. No crocs or open toed shoes.
Caving is strenuous. If you have knee, back, or other serious health issues this may not be the activity for you. The trip is 2.5-3 hours, all crawling and no walking. We would like to keep all participants safe so please assess your personal health before you sign up.
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The conservation work done by the TCMA is only possible with the support of people like you. Please consider volunteering your time, making a donation, or becoming a member.