This special tour is made for organized groups such as the Scouts, schools, camps, churches, etc. Those who participate in the tour are treated to a regular cavern tour as well as an exciting tour into the undeveloped cave rooms where one crawls through cracks, crevices, nooks, and crannies.
On this tour, guides point out many striking formations such as anthodites (cave flowers), which are so rare that the Lost Sea contains 50% of the world’s known formations. Our guests will visit rooms where the ancient jaguar roamed, moonshine was made, and saltpeter was mined for gunpowder by Confederate soldiers. Call 423-337-6616 for reservations.
General Information
Group check in is 6:00 p.m. and the tour begins promptly at 6:30 p.m. Since the overnight cave trip is an excursion, safety is a priority and we require adult chaperones. The Lost Sea management takes every precaution for safety and insists that visitors adhere to our rules and regulations. Bumped heads and dirty faces are inevitable, but the experience will be educational and lots of fun.
• This tour requires minimum of 12 participants
• Reservations must be made at least two weeks in advance
Size of Group
This coed experience requires a minimum of twelve (12) participants. There must be at least one adult chaperone for each 12 member party. Fee is the same for all participants.
The rates for the Wild Cave Tour are:
| • Groups of 20 or more: | $46.00 per person |
| • Groups of less than 20: | $49.00 per person |
Daytime Wild Cave Tour:
The Lost Sea also offers the Wild Cave Tour as a day tour, without spending the night.
| • Group rate is: | $39.00 per person |
| • Minimum of 12 participants | |
| • Booking two weeks in advance |
What to Wear?
The temperature in the cave is a constant 58 degrees. When you are active, you won’t get cold, but while at the campsite a light jacket is advisable. Long pants, a warm, long-sleeved shirt and old shoes are ideal. You will get muddy, so be sure to bring a change of clothes. Long pants are required for this tour – no shorts.
What Equipment to Bring?
A good flashlight with extra batteries is required for each participant. Bring your own drinking water as there is no drinking water available in the cave. One will need a sleeping bag, ground cloth or mattress for sleeping. We do not have showers or wash basins (it is a good idea to bring wet wipes). Everything is relatively primitive so plan on being dirty until you leave the cave. Visitors are responsible for their dirty clothes, so please do not leave them in the cave. We do have a public toilet.
Do Not Bring:
Do not bring excess baggage, as it is hard to carry into the cave. You will be going through the natural entrance and down over 100 steps to the campsite. Tents are not allowed inside the cave.
A special custom tour patch ($6.00) is available for those who participate in the overnight cave adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
How strenuous is the walk?
The cave is a natural attraction. The walk is quite steep. Anyone with health issues like walking problems, breathing problems, or heart problems should check with management before attempting the tour. We do not recommend wheelchairs, scooters, or walkers. Strollers are allowed by wagons are prohibited.
Can I visit the Lost Sea when it is raining?
Yes. The tour is completely underground.
Can I purchase tickets onsite?
Yes, but not advised. We strongly recommend buying tickets online prior to your visit. Tickets sell out fast, especially on weekends and holidays. Walk-in tickets are limited.
Can I take photos in the cave?
Yes.
The cave is a constant 58 degrees F. It can be chilly so a light jacket is advised.
Are pets allowed in the cave?
No, pets are not allowed.