We teach people to cave responsibly and safely so everyone can enjoy this unique resource that Florida has to offer. Our members often lead trips for outside organizations in an effort to share our knowledge of both the science and the sport.
Some cavers are professionals who study bats, geology, flora and fauna, or the rare critters that inhabit both wet and dry cave systems. However, you don't have to be a scientist to appreciate the science behind caving.
You're welcome to join us just for fun!
We lead regular trips to many different caves located in and around Hernando, Citrus, and Marion counties. Trips are generally scheduled a few weeks in advance and posted on our website and social media.
Our trips cater to a wide variety of skill levels, from beginner to advanced. Most caves are horizontal and require no special skills to visit. However, Florida has a few vertical caves which require rope climbing equipment to access.
Though we do host some public events, most trips are for members only.
Many of our local Florida caves carry great significance and the entrances are gated and locked. While some caves are located on public lands, many are found on private property.
We form relationships with governments and landowners, performing cleanup and property maintenance as needed. Our efforts help to preserve the surrounding land as well as the creatures that call the caves home.
The Tampa Bay Area Grotto is privileged enough to be able to visit and share these caves with our members!
Formed in 1983, the Tampa Bay Area Grotto (TBAG), affectionately called “teabag,” was the 295th chapter of the National Speleological Society. We united under a common mission: to promote interest in, and further in any and all ways, the study and science of speleology, the protection of caves and their natural contents, and safe and responsible caving and fellowship among all interested parties.
Over the years the grotto has had varying levels of activity including teaching seminars on bats, cave fauna, horizontal and vertical caving, as well as numerous activities relating to cave preservation. We have been leading organized trips to local Florida caves for just over 40 years. Our members are generally located in Hillsborough, Hernando, and Citrus counties, but any and all are welcome.