Similar Posts

33 Comments

  1. I want to take the Domes and Dripstones Tour at Mammoth Cave National Park, as I haven’t this park yet. It’s on my bucket list. I visited Carlsbad Caverns NP in New Mexico, but I want to visit Mammoth Cave as well, as I love caves. And I like to photograph stalactites and stalagmites. Well, I’m not too fond of a massive group of people when visiting, but I think I would choose the offseason for my visit. Great tips about the park!

  2. I have been wanting to visit Mammoth Caves, so it was nice to get an honest take on the tour. That many people seem like way too much for one tour, especially into caves like this where I’m sure the space isn’t that large. I am the same way as you, I prefer to stay in the back ad actually did this when I toured Howe Caverns in NY. It definitely makes for better photo ops (a must for me) and less crowds. I will keep in mind to visit in the off season for sure!

  3. one tour guide for 131 people sounds quite miserable. No wonder the tour wasn’t enjoyable.

    I would feel a bit claustrophobic as well with so many people in such close quarters.

  4. That’s too bad that you had a bad experience. I am not afraid of caves, generally, but can’t imagine being in one with so many people. That would freak me out. Carlsbad Caverns is high on my bucket list. I go into caves whenever I can.

  5. We definitely want to plan a visit to Mammoth Cave National Park. How fun that there are different cave tours. It sounds like the Domes and Dripstones Tour is one of the best with lots of variety in the things to see. Luckily we are fit enough to do the stairs and inclines. Although a really big tour group might not be my favourite so I would visit in off season for sure.

  6. I think I would have also skipped the tour if I had known ahead of time that it would be over 100 people, but what are you going to do when you already have the tickets? It’s too bad that you couldn’t hear the guide or was too late to hear the guide by the time you got to a specific spot. They should invest in those audio tours for people who are in the back of the crowd. At least you got to enjoy the views some 🙂

  7. The tour appeals to me but that many people on a tour is ridiculous. Especially in current climes. 20 in a group maximum and even then I think its too many. Would definitely choose off season. I hope you complained at the end.

  8. I was grateful for your honest review. I’m not sure this is a tour I would enjoy and I appreciate the heads up. Especially if the tours are always this crowded!

  9. I love visiting caves, but as you wrote 130 people in a group is too much! I always try to visit places with limited space, be it museums or caves, not during public holidays. I know that I do not enjoy the sights very much, if it is too crowded. Thanks for your honest review!

  10. I’m normally the one who does like
    Going on big tours but as you get to know all the ins and outs but maybe skip this one … but definitely add the amazing park to my bucket list

  11. Thanks for your honest take on it. I’m not a fan of large groups so would try and avoid those peak times. The tour with only 12 steps sounds a good option for me.

  12. I loved that you shared the tip about booking online. It’s unfortunate that the group size is so large, i can see how it takes away from the experience. Thanks for sharing your real experience and perspective for others who are interested in going.

  13. I’m not a huge fan of large group tours either. It always takes something away from the experience. It’s shame for such a unique place. Thanks for the review..it’s nice to know these things before buying a ticket.

    1. I still read review from others who went there recently that the number of people in this particular tour was still big.

  14. I appreciate your honest thoughts on the tour. 131 people is a big group and I can imagine it wasn’t easy trying to get good pictures. I never knew about the bats and fungus, that sounds quite scary!

    1. I heard about the bats and fungus the first time we went to Carlsbad Caverns National Park in New Mexico. We couldn’t wear the same shoes from the last visit to other cave within certain times.

  15. That’s a lot of people in one cave–131! I did caving in Meghalaya and only 20 people are allowed inside at one time as it could potentially harm the place. You are right, caving does need some physical stamina and fitness. Sometimes, I wonder how the men of yore lived in these caves.

  16. I know a lot of people who have visited Mammoth Caves, but none have been on this tour! I love seeing stalactites and stalagmites too – it’s such a fascinating process by which they are made.

  17. I find that when there are larger groups it always makes the experience a bit more disappointing which is a shame. These caves look really interesting to visit though!

    1. Agreed. When we go there again, I will choose another tour that is more strenuous, so not too many people interested in it. Hehe..

  18. I really appreciate this honest review! I also find that I don’t enjoy tours when they are too full or busy. It’s impossible to see well, or hear your tour guide. Hopefully this particular tour hears some of this feedback and makes some changes, cause I’m sure the tour would be great with less people!

  19. Ugh that is WAY too many people for one tour guide. I don’t even like it when there are 20 people to 1 guide on those free tours, much less a tour you’d paid for.

  20. I have a national park pass and have been visiting as many as I can this year. Mammoth Cave wasn’t on my radar and I have not spent time in Kentucky so you got my attention right away. ‘Frozen Niagara’ is such a great name, I’m surprised it was a disappointment. Good to know the steps are slippery and good soled shoes are important.

    1. It’s the number of visitors in the group that played a big impact in disappointment. There’s no way you can enjoy a tour with more than 100 people in the group with only 1 tour guide.

Any thoughts? Leave your reply here.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.