Beneath the surface of earth and water you’ll find a whole new world. But to experience it in safety and comfort, you’ll need the right training — and the right equipment. Here are our Editor's Picks for cavern diving. Check out more scuba diving gear reviews in the gear section of the website.

1. Apeks RK3 HD Fins

The latest HD version of the RK3 looks like the original model but is made with a denser material that makes the fin negatively buoyant. Very compact (just 19 inches long in size medium), it’s highly maneuverable and firm enough to spin on a dime and back up easily. The spring strap makes for easy donning and doffing, and the ribbed foot pocket extends well to the rear for support. With a heritage dating back to some of the earliest vented-blade designs, the RK3 is a champion at the frog and modified-frog kicking styles favored by cavern divers. $160; apeksdiving.com

Related Reading: What It's Like to Be a Cavern Guide in Mexico

2. Dive Rite Cave Sidewinder Primary Reel

The side-mounted handle gives the reel a slim profile and makes it simple to swap hands when laying line. Built with corrosion-resistant materials for long life and reliable operation, the reel has a frame of coated aluminum, a marine-grade stainless-steel axle and a tough polycarbonate spool. The locking mechanism makes it easy to operate with one hand. The cave model reel has 400 feet of No. 24 Dupont braided line with a breaking strength of 220 pounds. $149; diverite.com

3. Shearwater Perdix AI

Shearwater’s Perdix became an instant favorite for a slim, low-profile design that combined rec diver simplicity with advanced tec capabilities and one of the most readable dive computer screens on the market. The new Perdix AI takes those same qualities and adds wireless air integration for up to two transmitters. It uses the same intuitive two-button interface with a customizable multicolor screen display and multiple operating modes. It also has a three-axis digital compass, 1,000-hour onboard dive log and Bluetooth connectivity. $1,175 (price include transmitter); shearwater.com

4. Underwater Kinetics Aqualite Pro 20°

Even though cavern divers are required to stay within sight of the entrance, to never leave the light zone and to keep a distance of no more than 130 feet from the surface, you’ll need a good light to see the cavern’s attractions, such as fossils embedded in the limestone. The Aqualite Pro 20˚ pumps out 750 lumens yet is compact enough to fit into the palm of a diver’s hand and weighs only 6.4 ounces. The light’s narrow beam reduces backscatter and makes an ideal primary dive light for this type of reduced-light scuba diving. The wrist strap (as shown) makes it convenient when you need hands-free illumination. The rotary power knob lets you select four power settings plus an SOS mode. It also includes a rechargeable, replaceable 3,400 mAh lithium-ion battery, USB charge cable and wall adapter. $200; uwkinetics.com

Related Reading: Do Dive Lights Harm Manta Rays?

5. Hollis DX-300X

The DX-300X is made of heavy-duty trilaminate, with each of the three layers designed to maximize comfort, maneuverability and durability. On the outside is a tough ripstop Cordura layer that resists punctures, abrasion and tears; in the middle is 12 layers of butyl synthetic rubber for reliable waterproofing; and on the inside is a silk-weave synthetic material that’s comfortable and makes it easy to don and doff the suit via the front diagonal zipper. The DX-300X has quick-replacement neck and wrist seals for easy field repairs, and a telescoping torso with an adjustable elastic crotch strap for a streamlined fit that doesn’t restrict mobility. Made with 5 mm neoprene soft boots, the DX-300X has double-thickness kneepads to protect a high-wear area, and two roomy thigh pockets with internal D-rings. $1,999.95; hollis.com

6. Dive Rite TransPac XT

Created by cave divers and refined through more than two decades of cave diving around the world, the TransPac XT is a highly versatile modular system. With a swap of the wing and mounting accessories, it can be configured for single or double tanks, sidemounts or even for use with a rebreather. You can add gear or weight pockets, extra D-rings and accessory mounts. Ruggedly built for the rigors of overhead environments, it has a streamlined design and allows you to fine-tune your attitude for the precise trim control crucial to cavern diving. $349; diverite.com

Related Reading: Diving for an Arctic Cave Concert

7. Sherwood Scuba Maximus Pro

Retaining some of the distinct features like the right-angle hose that made the Maximus an icon back in the 1980s, the new Maximus Pro has been thoroughly made over with new materials and technologies to enhance performance and durability. The 42-inch hose with a 90-degree swivel at the second stage routes under the arm for a streamlined profile and reduced jaw fatigue. New parts include the single control that combines functions of the Venturi/breathing adjustment and a demand lever that relieves pressure when the reg isn’t being used, reducing wear on the seat and orifice. The large vented purge cover provides quick breathing response, and the internal diaphragm retainer prevents free-flows even in a stiff current or when scootering. $690; sherwoodscuba.com

8. Cressi Metis

A spare mask is must-have gear where accidental contact — whether with the unforgiving environment or an errant fin — can leave you unmasked. The Metis is just 6 inches across, and the strap buckles attach to soft tabs on the skirt so it folds up flat for easy stowing until it’s needed. With its very low volume, it’s easy to clear, and the ultrasoft double-edged skirt and wide mask strap make it comfortable and secure when it’s in place. $59.95; cressi.com