Martvili Canyon & Prometheus Cave Group Tour from Batumi

If you’re visiting Batumi and craving a full day immersed in Georgia’s incredible landscapes, this Martvili Canyon & Prometheus Cave tour might be just what you’re looking for. While I haven’t taken this tour myself, I’ve gone through the details, reviews, and itinerary to give you a clear picture of what to expect.

What I like about this experience is how it combines several natural attractions into one day—walking over high hanging bridges in Okatse Canyon, navigating boat rides through Martvili’s scenic depths, and exploring the impressive underground chambers of Prometheus Cave. Plus, a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle and a friendly English-speaking guide make logistics smoother than going solo.

A potential consideration is the long travel time—the tour lasts around 12 hours, and some travelers have found the bus rides quite lengthy, sometimes taking over two hours each way. If lengthy trips aren’t your thing, or if you prefer a more relaxed pace, this might feel a bit rushed.

This tour is best suited for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts who don’t mind a fair bit of walking. If you’re looking for a full immersion into Georgia’s scenic landscapes, this could become a highlight of your trip. Just be prepared for the full-day commitment and some hustle.

Key Points

• Ideal for nature lovers seeking varied landscape experiences
• Includes boat rides, walkable bridges, and underground caves for diverse exploration
• All logistics are handled, simplifying your day
• Long travel times may be a downside for some travelers
• Guides are knowledgeable, making the experience more engaging
• Cost offers good value considering multiple sites and activities

A Detailed Look at the Tour Experience

This full-day excursion from Batumi promises a hefty dose of Georgia’s natural beauty, packed into roughly 12 hours. Starting early at around 9 a.m., the tour kicks off with a pickup from your meeting point at Budget Georgia Batumi. The air-conditioned bus takes you on a scenic ride inland, where you’ll visit three key attractions: Martvili Canyon, Prometheus Cave, and Okatse Canyon.

First Stop: Martvili Canyon

After about two hours on the bus, your journey begins with Martvili Canyon. This spot is renowned for its striking scenery—crystal-clear waters, lush greenery, and waterfalls. Here, the main activity is a boat ride through the canyon, which allows you to see the towering canyon walls from below and feel the cool spray of waterfalls. The boat ride is a highlight, offering a relaxing yet immersive experience.

However, it’s worth noting that admission to Martvili Canyon isn’t included in the tour price, and it costs about 20 GEL per person. This fee is quite standard for such natural parks, but it’s something to plan for. One reviewer mentioned that the canyon is beautiful and worth the extra, especially if you enjoy waterside scenery.

Some reviews expressed that the visit was a bit hurried, with a lot of the time spent traveling. But those who loved it appreciated the beauty of the canyon and the friendliness of the guide, who made the boat trip fun and informative.

Second Stop: Prometheus Cave

Next, you’ll head to Prometheus Cave, a 1.4 km underground marvel located 80 meters below sea level. A visit here is like stepping into another world—stalactites, stalagmites, and impressive cavern formations. The cave features a hall of love, where some even choose to get married, and an underground boat ride that takes you through part of the cavern system.

Entry to the cave is not included in the initial fee, and the mandatory entrance fee costs 25 GEL. There are also optional boat rides, each costing 20 GEL, which many find adds an extra layer of fun and adventure to the visit. The cool temperature underground is a refreshing change from the daytime heat and keeps the experience comfortable.

One traveler pointed out that the guide’s commentary was rehearsed, but still friendly. Others appreciated how the underground boating added an almost magical feel to the visit.

Okatse Canyon and Hanging Bridges

Although this isn’t explicitly listed in the itinerary, reviews mention walking across high hanging bridges in Okatse Canyon, which is likely part of this package or a nearby attraction. These bridges offer breathtaking panoramic views and a bit of adrenaline, especially for those not afraid of heights. The experience is perfect for snapping unique photos and feeling connected to the landscape.

What’s Included and What’s Not

Your ticket covers transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle and an English-speaking guide. This takes a lot of hassle out of planning, especially since Georgia’s transport infrastructure can be a bit tricky for visitors unfamiliar with the area.

However, meals are not included, so you’ll want to bring snacks or plan to eat during the breaks. Entrance fees for the attractions are extra—20 GEL for Martvili Canyon, 25 GEL for Prometheus Cave, plus optional boat rides.

Some reviews indicate that the additional fees can add up, so it’s worth budgeting extra for that.

Travel and Group Size

The tour is designed for groups of up to 20 travelers, which helps keep the experience manageable and friendly. The start time is 9 a.m., and the tour ends back at the meeting point around 9 p.m., making it a long but comprehensive day out.

What Travelers Are Saying

Reviews ranged from very positive to quite critical. Many loved the professional and caring attitude of the guides and found the scenery breathtaking. Nina called it a “wonderful tour,” praising the gorgeous sites and fun guides.

But some found the long bus rides tiring—up to 2.5 hours each way—and mentioned the driver being somewhat impolite and driving dangerously during one trip. Others felt the day was a bit rushed, with limited time at each site, and some noted that the tour felt more like a bus ride with quick stops rather than a deep exploration.

A few reviews pointed out logistical issues, like the cave closure for maintenance, but overall, most agree that the scenery and guide explanations made up for these hiccups.

Is This Tour Worth It?

Given the price of around $62 per person, considering the transportation, guide, and multiple attractions, this tour offers solid value for those keen on seeing Georgia’s natural highlights without the hassle of planning each detail themselves.

However, because it is a full day of travel with some long bus rides, it’s best suited for those comfortable with bus trips and looking for an immersive experience. If you’re someone who prefers a slower pace or has mobility challenges, this might feel a little rushed.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for adventure-minded travelers who want a comprehensive day exploring Georgia’s scenic natural sites. Nature lovers and photography enthusiasts will especially enjoy the varied landscapes—from canyon depths to underground caves.

If you’re traveling with friends or family who enjoy moderate walks and outdoor activities, this could be a memorable highlight. For those concerned about long hours on a bus or tight schedules, it’s worth weighing whether this suits your travel style.

FAQ

Is transportation included in this tour?
Yes, the tour provides transportation via an air-conditioned vehicle, making it easy to get between sites without worries.

How much time will we spend on the bus?
The bus rides can be lengthy—some reviews mention journeys of 2.5 hours each way—so be prepared for a full day of traveling.

Are entrance fees included?
No, you’ll pay extra for entrance to Martvili Canyon (about 20 GEL) and Prometheus Cave (about 25 GEL), as well as optional boat rides.

What are the main activities?
Boat rides through Martvili Canyon and underground Prometheus Cave, walking across hanging bridges, and exploring natural caverns.

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s suitable for anyone with moderate physical fitness who doesn’t mind walking and some uneven terrain. No specific mention of children’s activities, so plan accordingly.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes for walking, some snacks, and perhaps a jacket for the cave and boat rides.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the scheduled start for a full refund.

What happens if the weather is poor?
The tour requires good weather; if canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a new date or a full refund.

Is this tour good value for the price?
Considering the multiple sites, guiding, and transportation included, most travelers find the experience offers good value, especially if you enjoy scenic outdoor adventures.

In the end, this Martvili Canyon & Prometheus Cave tour from Batumi is a solid choice for those eager to see Georgia’s natural landscapes with ease and guidance. It’s not a relaxing, slow-paced day, but if you’re into scenic vistas, underground marvels, and a bit of adventure, you’ll likely come away with plenty of memorable moments. Just be prepared for some long hours and extra costs for entry fees and optional activities.