The Ferocious Skull Cave at Ventanas Beach
~ by Rachel Wyrostek
From Piñuelas beach, passing Playa Ventanas Beach and south to Tortuga beach, this coast is dotted with caves, arches, and bridges. There are legends about these rock formations, passed down by guides and locals throughout generations.
The two most popular caves are at Playa Ventanas Beach. You can swim inside during low tide. At high tide, you will hear the wrath of the dragon spitting out a wave, exploding onto the beach.
The easiest cave to get to by boat, kayak, or SUP is The Cathedral. It is about 40 feet high and has two exits! Heading south, you will find Tortuga Cave, a deep cave to paddle through.
Going north, you will find a cave called the Monster’s Mouth. This cave has teeth-like formations (stalactites) threatening you at the exit. Next to the Monster’s Mouth is a natural bridge. You can try to climb up and cross it if you are brave. Further north, you will find the infamous Elephant Rock. The rock mysteriously looks like an elephant playing in the surf.
The most intriguing story is the legend of the Ferocious Skull Cave. They say the native tribes trusted the spirit of the skull to protect this coastline. If you look straight at the coast, you can see an entrance cave to the left and an exit cave to the right. Between those two caves, there are holes that look like two eyes, a nose, and a mouth. Plus, between the “eyes” is another hole that was considered a third eye that watched for enemies of the sea.
It was also believed that there was a diamond inside the eye that pirates searched up and down the coast for. They were successful in finding the treasure, and now the Skull is angry. If you attempt to get through this cave, be prepared for the ferocious Skull to stir up the waves and fight back.
INFO: Rachel Wyrostek – Pineapple Tours Kayak & SUP
