One of the most well-known tourist sites in Mallorca are the Drach Caves (Cuevas del Drach, or Caves of the Dragon), located on the eastern coast in the town of Porto Cristo (see my post here for information on nearby beautiful beaches). The caves are known for having one of the largest underground lakes in the world (Lake Martel).
Given the caves’ popularity as a cruise shore excursion and for other tourists on the island, it would be wise to purchase your tickets in advance here. Bring a light jacket, the air can be very cool. I highly recommend getting in line early for your appointed entry time so you can be one of the first ones into the caves for the best photos and to be one of the first to get on your boat ride at the end. You may be with 200+ other people at your tour time. We were staying in Cala D’ Or, only 28 km (17 miles) south of Porto Cristo, a convenient spot for visiting this part of Mallorca.
At the end of the walking tour of the caves, you are seated in stadium area by the underground freshwater lake (Lake Martel) – it is a spectacular setting. A boat with strings of lights appears from around a bend in the lake and live classical music is played (violin, flute & organ as I recall) as the boat sails past you in this unreal setting – kind of like “Phantom of the Opera”! Note: You are not allowed to take photos or video of the performance – they are very particular about this!
Following the performance, you have the opportunity to take a short rowboat ride to the exit path for your own “boating on the underground lake” experience. Or, if you wish, you can just walk on a path towards the exit if you’re in a hurry, since it takes a while to ferry 200-300 people by boat (there are multiple boats but each only holds about 10 people).
After your visit to the caves, if you want to make a day of it, there is a small cove for swimming next to the caves entrance. Bring your swimsuit (always good advice wherever you are on Mallorca!).
Although the caves are very touristy, I highly recommend a visit. It’s not often you get to boat on a underground lake and watch a classical music performance in such an amazing setting.