Vrelo Cave in Matka: 338-Metre World Record | Kajak.mk

Beneath the calm surface of Lake Matka, an international team of cave divers reached a depth of 338 metres in Vrelo Cave. Here’s what the record means and what visitors can see.

Vrelo Cave in Matka: a new world record at 338 metres

Beneath the calm surface of Lake Matka lies a world that has not yet been fully explored. In October 2026, an international team of cave divers continued its expedition in underwater Vrelo Cave, where Polish diver Bartłomiej Pitala reached a depth of 338 metres.

With this achievement, Vrelo became the deepest underwater cave explored by a human diver. The expedition team described it as a historic milestone in underwater cave exploration.

What does the 338-metre record mean?

The final exploration dive took place on 16 October. During the previous expedition in 2025, the team had reached 287 metres. The new achievement extended the explored section by another 51 metres.

It is important to distinguish the explored depth from the cave’s total depth. At 338 metres, the diver had not reached the end: the cave passage continued to descend. The record marks the deepest point reached by human exploration so far, not the known bottom of the entire system.

Participants also reported exploring two new passages and discovering more than 150 metres of new cave passages. These discoveries add to what is known about Vrelo’s underwater system.

A record achieved by a whole team

The “Vrelo 2026” expedition took place from 10 to 17 October, with divers from Macedonia, Poland and Italy. The deep dive relied on extensive preparation, safety planning and a support team. Seven support divers took part in the final dive, and the decompression phase lasted more than eight hours.

Cave Diving Club “Vrelo” said the expedition achieved results in three record categories. The achievement that drew the most attention was the 338-metre depth and Vrelo’s status as the deepest underwater cave explored by a human diver.

Vrelo Cave: what can visitors see?

Vrelo Cave is one of the best-known attractions in Matka Canyon. The visitor route goes through the accessible dry section of the cave, with cave formations and karst features. Visitors reach Vrelo by crossing the lake by boat or kayak, while the underwater passages are explored separately by technical diving teams.

The record depth of 338 metres is not part of the tourist visit. It refers to the underwater section, which is explored by trained cave divers using specialised equipment and support.

Visitors can enjoy a different kind of experience at Matka: a boat ride through the canyon, a walk inside the cave, and the option to add kayaking or hiking to the day. To arrange a visit, see Kajak.mk’s Matka Canyon – Vrelo Cave day tour.

Why is Vrelo back in the spotlight?

The record has brought Matka to the attention of the international cave-diving community. But the story does not end at 338 metres: the passage continues into the unknown, and further exploration may reveal more about the cave system.

For visitors, this is another reason to discover Matka thoughtfully and responsibly. Beneath its cliffs, nature, adventure and exploration come together to make the canyon a remarkable place.

Frequently asked questions about Vrelo Cave

How deep is Vrelo Cave?

In October 2026, divers reached a depth of 338 metres. This is the deepest point reached by a human diver so far, but the passage continued beyond it.

Can visitors descend to 338 metres?

No. The tourist visit follows the accessible dry section of the cave. The record refers to underwater passages explored by trained cave divers.

How can I visit Vrelo Cave?

Visitors reach the cave by crossing Lake Matka by boat or kayak. For an organised visit, see the tour on Kajak.mk.