Explore Historic Cascade Caverns on the Unforgettable Aquifer Tour in Texas
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
4 hours
Fitness Level
Participants should be in good physical condition, able to walk and crouch on uneven terrain for several hours.
Overview
Discover the hidden depths of Cascade Caverns near Boerne, Texas, on the Aquifer Tour. This four-hour guided trip reveals stunning limestone formations and shares the cave's rich Lipan Apache history in an unforgettable underground adventure.
Aquifer Tour
Ages 16+ • 4 Hours • Must be able bodied • Minimum of 10 people • Call to book • Priced at $100
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About This Adventure
Embark on an unforgettable 4-hour Aquifer Tour through the historic Cascade Caverns, where ancient artifacts and stunning natural formations await. Discover the cave's rich history, from its Lipan Apache origins to its unique stalactites and stalagmites, all while guided by an expert caver. Book in advance for this exclusive experience!
Celebrating 90 Years of Cave Tours!
Rates
- Person (Ages 16+): $100
Duration
4 hours
About
This tour must be booked with at least a weeks' notice and is not available every day. Please call to book or enquire further!
The Aquifer Tour is our advanced cavern tour! 3 to 4 hours far below the surface, led by an expert caver!
The Lipan Apache people discovered Cascade Caverns® in the 1700s. They left behind artifacts which are still visible today. In the 1840s, Kendall County youth rediscovered the cave and carved their initials into stalactites in the first room. Cascade Caverns® became the first “private-touring” cave in Texas back in the 1870’s, and we opened to the public in 1932. We continue touring the Caverns today!
Over 100 million years ago, the Caverns were an ocean bed: time and receded water left behind a trove of shells that are visible today. Many of the cave’s spectacular features grew over millions of years as water mixed with Calcite to form a wonderland of dripstone and flowstone formations known as stalactites, stalagmites and draperies. The Cavern’s formations are 95% active due to the continued flow of water.
Some of the more notable formations in the cave are: 1) Diamond Ceiling; 2) Hanging Tobacco; 3) Giant Molar; 4) Peep in the Deep; 5) Solution Domes; 6) The Skull; 7) Travertine Dam; and 8) Twin Sisters.
We do not offer same day reservations for tours, however tickets can be purchased in person on a first come first serve basis. In addition, we cannot take single person tours. If you are visiting solo, we encourage you to book a tour others have already signed up for.
Adventure Tips
Wear sturdy footwear
Bring reliable hiking boots with good traction to navigate wet and uneven cave floors safely.
Bring a light jacket
The cave maintains a cool temperature year-round, so layering helps keep you comfortable underground.
Mind your head
Watch for low ceilings in narrow passages to avoid bumps while exploring tight cave corridors.
Reserve your spot early
Tours require a minimum group size and often book weeks in advance—plan ahead to secure your adventure.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Texas Cave Salamander
- Blind Cave Fish
History
Cascade Caverns has been known to the Lipan Apache people for centuries and was officially opened to the public in 1932.
Conservation
The tour emphasizes low-impact exploration to preserve fragile cave ecosystems and educates visitors on aquifer protection.
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Adventure Hotspots in Boerne
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Sturdy hiking boots
Provides necessary traction and ankle support on slippery, uneven cave surfaces.
Layered clothing
Keeps you warm in the consistent, cool cave environment.
Headlamp or flashlight
Although guided tours provide lighting, a personal light source is useful for added visibility.
Water bottle
Staying hydrated during the 4-hour tour is vital.