Tag: caving

No comments

7 Fun Things to do in Barbados

  By , , , , , , , , , ,
Attractions and Things to do in Barbados include Gardens, Nature, Rum, Caves, Historical Sites, Monkeys, Great Views & more

Gorgeous Gardens, Nature, Caves, Rum, East Coast Views & more…


You’ll find that Barbados is a unique Caribbean island. Not only is it the most easterly island in the Caribbean, Barbados is also distinct from it’s closest neighbours St. Lucia and St. Vincent for another reason. Barbados is a coral-based island, significantly different than the volcanic islands nearby. While best known for its English heritage and white sandy beaches, Barbados is home to gorgeous gardens, great rum, amazing tropical views and more. The island has plenty to offer sight-seeing travelers if you know where to look… Our personal favourite “things to do” in Barbados include:

Strolling Through a Beautiful Barbados Garden

Attractions and Things to do in Barbados include Gardens, Nature, Rum, Caves, Historical Sites, Monkeys, Great Views & more

Barbados may have more landscaped and manicured gardens than any other island in the Caribbean. Horticulturists and flower lovers alike will enjoy:

  • Hunte’s Gardens – A spectacular tropical garden situated on the grounds of a historic plantation in the heart of the island
  • The Flower Forest Garden – A 53 acre Nature Reserve in the Scotland District, displaying rare and exotic tropical blooms and foliage
  • Andromeda Botanical Gardens – A manicured landscape near Barbados’ beautiful east coast, featuring a variety of plants from around the world
  • Orchid World – A large garden near the middle of the island, with thousands of orchids on display!

For more information, along with tour operators who can get you smelling the flowers, click on our Things to do in Barbados – Land Excursions page

Sampling Some of the World’s Best – Barbados Rum


Barbados is generally considered the birthplace of rum, having produced the golden liquid for over 350 years. The distinctive quality of Barbados rum is likely due to the island’s unique coral make-up, providing clean water and excellent sugar cane.

Attractions and Things to do in Barbados include Gardens, Nature, Rum, Caves, Historical Sites, Monkeys, Great Views & more

Founded in 1703, Mount Gay rum is world-renowned as being “the rum that invented rum”. Mount Gay offers tours of their historic distillery in St. Lucy county as well as a number of other rum tasting tours and workshops at their Bridgetown Visitor Centre. For a first-hand account, check out our Mount Gay Historic Distillery Experience Tour blog post.

In the latter half of the 20th century, Foursquare Distillery consolidated a number of the island’s rum producers at a centuries-old sugar plantation in the south end of the island. The distillery is now one of Barbados’ most environmentally friendly, where visitors are welcome to wander the grounds of the Foursquare Rum Distillery and Heritage Park. Self-guided tours of the factory and museums are available, as is the warm and inviting tasting room.

On the grounds of another centuries-old sugar plantation, St. Nicholas Abbey is home to a Jacobean mansion, Gardens, a Heritage Railway, as well as a relatively young ‘micro-distillery’. Guided tours include the rum distillery operation. For a more colourful and complete review of the plantation, check out our St. Nicholas Abbey blog post.

Appreciating Barbados’ Natural Areas

Attractions and Things to do in Barbados include Gardens, Nature, Rum, Caves, Historical Sites, Monkeys, Great Views & more

Once tourists venture from the popular west coast of Barbados and head inland, they’ll discover a number of options for leisurely strolls through forested areas, where the flora and fauna of the island can be enjoyed. Some of the best spots for nature include:

  • The Barbados Wildlife Reserve – An old-growth mahogany forest is the setting for viewing a variety of animals including turtles, green monkeys and small deer. The Reserve is also home to bird and iguana sanctuaries as well as the Grenade Hall Signal Station – A forested area with interesting artefacts and hiking trails.
  • Welchman Hall Gully – A unique sunken cave system complete with a large variety of exotic tropical plants and trees. The Gully is also home to a large troop of wild green monkeys
  • PEG Farm and Nature Reserve – The farm offers an Eco Tour that highlights agricultural and natural sites on the property, including breathtaking views of the rugged east coast from Hackleton’s cliff
  • Coco Hill Forest – A lush and hilly 53-acre rainforest and farm with hiking trails amid tropical flora and scenic look-outs of the east coast and Atlantic Ocean.

For more information, along with tour operators who can get you out in nature, check out our Things to do in Barbados – Land Excursions page

For a more detailed and colourful review of Welchman Hall Gully, check out our personal experience with our Welchman Hall Gully blog post.

Exploring Amazing and Diverse Barbados Caves

Attractions and Things to do in Barbados include Gardens, Nature, Rum, Caves, Historical Sites, Monkeys, Great Views & more

The island’s coral and limestone geology have resulted in large natural caverns with stalactites, stalagmites and flow-stones as well as incredible underground streams. Barbados is home to a couple of amazing and diverse caves.

Opened in the early 1980s, Harrison’s Cave is absolutely stunning. The cave system has more than a mile (2km) of tunnels, as well as streams and deep pools of water. The Great Hall is a massive cavern, almost 50 feet (15m) tall. You can enjoy a guided tour of the cave by comfortable Electric Tram, or by foot (Walk-In Cave Tour). You can even join an Eco-Adventure Tour that includes a hike to the cave prior to exploring the cave system on foot.

Located at the northern tip of Barbados, Animal Flower Cave is a natural sea cave with large underground ‘windows’ that are open to the Atlantic ocean! The cave is named after the ‘anemone’ creature that resides in some of the caverns’ pools. Other subterranean pools are deep enough for swimming! Above ground, there is a restaurant perched on the edge of the cliffs with spectacular views of the rugged northern coastline and ocean. For a more complete and colourful review, check out our Animal Flower Cave blog post.

Attractions and Things to do in Barbados include Gardens, Nature, Rum, Caves, Historical Sites, Monkeys, Great Views & more

For more information on Barbados Caves, including a list of local tour operators who can get you underground, click on our Barbados Caving page

Savouring Barbados East Coast Views

Attractions and Things to do in Barbados include Gardens, Nature, Rum, Caves, Historical Sites, Monkeys, Great Views & more

Tourists staying on the west coast will be enthralled with the contrasting rugged east coast. Hotspots and attractions include: Cherry Tree Hill – The second-highest point on Barbados providing breathtaking views of the island’s ‘Scottish Highlands’ hills and ridges as well as the rough east coast shoreline; Morgan Lewis Sugar Mill – This Barbados National Trust site features the last remaining 18th-century windmill in the Caribbean! Bathsheba – A quiet seaside village with a boulder-strewn, coral-filled beach; St. John’s Parish Church – Rebuilt in the 19th-century this remarkable Gothic church, with a famous resident, provides picturesque views of the east coast.

Attractions and Things to do in Barbados include Gardens, Nature, Rum, Caves, Historical Sites, Monkeys, Great Views & more

For more information, along with tour operators for travelling the east coast, click on our Things to do in Barbados – Land Excursions page.

Visiting Historic Bridgetown Landmarks

The capital of Barbados is home to an 18th-century British military structure known as the Garrison, a Unesco World Heritage Site as well as its interesting Garrison Tunnels. The town also features other historical buildings such as the country’s Parliament Buildings, a number of museums as well as George Washington House.

For more information, along with tour operators who will show you around town, check out our Things to do in Barbados – Land Excursions page.

Step Back In Time on a Barbados Plantation

Attractions and Things to do in Barbados include Gardens, Nature, Rum, Caves, Historical Sites, Monkeys, Great Views & more

Can you imagine what it would have been like to live in a Caribbean “great-house” back in the day? Well, there’s a couple of places in Barbados that will transport you back in time: St. Nicholas Abbey – A plantation featuring a rare 17th-century Jacobian Great House, a newly restored/built Heritage Railway system as well as a working rum distillery. Tours include a short film from the 1930s, a train ride around the plantation to Cherry Tree Hill, as well as a sampling of rum; Sunbury Plantation Great House – A stunning 17th century restored Caribbean home featuring a large ‘fully set’ dining room, local prints and more…

For more information, along with tour operators who will get you to these historical landmarks, click on our Things to do in Barbados – Land Excursions page.

For a more detailed and colourful review of St. Nicholas Abbey plantation, take a look at our St. Nicholas Abbey Blog post.


Finally, I should also mention that Barbados holds a variety of exciting events throughout the year including the Crop-Over Festival, various music festivals, a food & rum festival, a film festival and more – For the complete schedule, check out our Barbados Festivals and Events page.

Enjoy!

ACT Staff

Also, check out our Sights of Barbados video collage on YouTube! Want to see more? Watch our Barbados Beaches & Coastlines video on YouTube!

If you’re looking for more of a physical adventure, check out our Barbados Adventure Activities blog post

For more information on this amazingly diverse island, take a look at our Barbados Vacations page

No comments

6 Great Jamaican Adventures You Should Experience

  By , , , , , , ,
Active Caribbean Travel Has a Blast River Tubing down the Yardy River in Jamaica

Adventurous Things to Do in Jamaica – Rivers, Links, Trails, Caves and more…

The third largest island in the Caribbean after Cuba and Hispaniola (Haiti / Dominican Republic), Jamaica is located south-east of Cuba in the heart of the Caribbean Sea. The island is about 3 times the size of Long Island NY.  Aptly known as the “land of wood and water”, the island is probably best known for it’s Reggae music & culture, white sand beaches, as well as it’s Rum and Coffee. Jamaica is rich with a beautiful and diverse landscape that includes mountain ranges, green valleys, wild rivers and waterfalls. Perhaps the island’s most iconic natural landmark is the Blue Mountain range, home to Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park, a World Heritage Site.

To really appreciate Jamaica’s natural beauty, you need to get away from the resorts and journey into Jamaica’s forests and get active on it’s rivers and mountains.  A very popular Caribbean vacation destination, Jamaica is one of the best islands to enjoy waterfalls, river rafting, hiking and golf.  Our personal favourites include:

Jamaica River Rafting and Tubing

It would truly be a shame to visit Jamaica and not experience one of it’s marvelous rivers…  Depending on your mood, you can enjoy a slow romantic ‘gondola’ style ride, or you can get wet on an exciting fast-moving river tube or raft. Can’t decide? No Problem Mon – You can do both!

Active Things to do in Jamaica include River Rafting - Gondola Style

For a relaxing and romantic rafting excursion, there are a few options to choose from.  Probably the most famous rafting tour in Jamaica is on the Martha Brae, a meandering river close to Falmouth.  You start at “Rafter’s Village”, six acres of grounds that include manicured lawns, Miss Martha’s Herb Garden, a picnic area, a full service bar, souvenir shops, a swimming pool and modern restrooms.  From there, your personal guide will pole you and your companion down 3 miles of quiet river on a long bamboo raft.  Similar bamboo rafting tours are also available on the Great River just west of Montego Bay, as well as on the Rio Grande river, just west of Port Antonio – at the east end of the island. One of the most romantic and relaxing things to do in Jamaica!

Active Things to do in Jamaica include white water River Rafting / River Tubing

For a more adventurous river rafting experience, you can venture out into the fast moving waters of the White River, just east of Ocho Rios.  You’ll love the stunning White River Valley while you’re tubing or rafting, and you’ll enjoy some bird watching on a short hike to some lovely waterfalls.  If you’re staying on the other side of Ocho Rios closer to Falmouth, you’re in for a treat river rafting on the fast moving waters of the Rio Bueno River – Also known as the Jungle River, some Rio Bueno River tours include waterfalls, rapids, river pools and a private beach.  Similar rafting tours are also available: At the west end of the island on the Yardy and Great Rivers; South of Falmouth at the Good Hope Estate as well as the River Bumpkin Farm; South west of Montego bay on the Great River at the Lethe Estate.

For more information about rafting, tubing and the tour operators who will get you on the water, check out our Jamaica River Rafting / Tubing page

Want to see more? Check out our Jamaica River Rafting on the Martha Brae, and Jamaica Yardy River Tubing Fun videos on YouTube!

Jamaica Golf – So Many Courses to Choose From!

Perhaps the best Golf destination in the Caribbean, Jamaica offers a smorgasbord of Caribbean Golf with over ten courses to choose from, including a number of Championship courses.  Located mostly along the north coast between Negril and Ochos Rios at the west end of the island, here’s a small sampling of Links to wet your appetite:

The Tryall Club Resort is an 18-hole, 6,836-yard golf course designed by Ralph Plummer.  The course covers land bordering the sea, and travels inland rising 180 feet (55m).

Active Things to do in Jamaica include playing Golf

Half Moon Resort has an 18-hole / Par-72 championship course originally designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. and later updated by Roger Rulewich.  This golf course is home to PGA tournaments including the Jamaica Open and the European PGA Senior Tour.

Cinnamon Hill Golf Course at Rose Hall is an 18-hole course originally designed by Hank Smedley and later updated by Robert von Hagge/Rick Baril.  This golf course features sea-side holes and a 350 foot (105m) rise from the ocean. Home to PGA tournaments including the BMW Jamaica Classic, the Latin America Tour and Annie’s Revenge ProAm.  It’s 15th hole was used for a scene in the James Bond Movie ‘Live and Let Die’.

Jewel Runaway Bay Beach & Golf Resort (Also known as SuperClubs Golf Club at Runaway Bay) is an 18-hole / Par 72 championship golf course measuring 6,870 yards.  Designed by Major John Harris, this course has hosted PGA tournaments including the Ryder Cup, The Jamaica Open, The Brinks (JA) Classic, The Heineken World Cup Qualifier, CNBC Nations Cup and numerous JGA Qualifiers.

Active Things to do in Jamaica include Golf

Founded in 1865, the Manchester Golf Club is the oldest golf course in the Caribbean.  This 9-hole / Par 35 course measures 2,865 yards and is set on 55 acres of rolling hills, at over 2,000 feet (610m) above sea level.

For more information on one of the most popular things to do in Jamaica, including a full list of courses along with tour operators you can get you there, click on our Jamaica Golf Vacations page



Jamaica Hiking – Several Forests to Choose From

There’s plenty of variety with the hiking trails on the island.  There’s some hilly and mountainous trails as well as some short nature walks.  For the serious hiker, you can enjoy some intermediate or more challenging mountainous adventures for sure.

Active Things to do in Jamaica include hiking in the Blue Mountain and John Crow National Park

At the east end of the island, the Blue Mountain range is 28 miles (45km) long and typically covered in a bluish cloudy mist, hence it’s name. The Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park, is where you can find the highest points of the island, including Blue Mountain Peak which stands 7,402 feet (2,256 m) tall – The most iconic hiking tour in Jamaica, the Blue Mountain Sunrise Hike, ascends this peak.  The trail is about 11.5 miles (18.5km) long round trip, requiring 5-8 hours.  This is a great hike with epic views of the island / sea waiting for you at the top.

Active Things to do in Jamaica include hiking in the Holywell Recreation Area

There’s another half dozen up-hill mountainous trails in the Park, ranging in length from 2 to 6 miles (3 to 10 km), including Middleton Mountain and Catherine’s Peak.  The Holywell Recreation Area, also located in the Park has a few easier trails, each taking little more than an hour to complete.

Another dozen decent trails can be found just outside of The Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park, north-east of Kingston.

For more information about these hikes, and hiking guides that can get you on the trail, check out our Jamaica Hiking – National Park and Surrounding Area page

While the southern portion of the Blue Mountain Range gets most of the attention, the northern part of the foothills, just south of Port Antonio offers some great hiking as well. Quiet and remote, this area will show you all the natural beauty Jamaica has to offer!  There are a few trails in the Rio Grande Valley and a few more near Moore Town, three hours south of Port Antonio.

For more information about these hikes, and hiking guides that can get you on the trail, check out our Jamaica Hiking – North East page

Active Things to do in Jamaica include hiking in Cockpit Country

Another hilly region of note in the north-west/central part of the island is the Dry Harbour Range with it’s lesser known and visited Cockpit Country. This is probably the wildest area left on Jamaica. The jungle landscape is wrinkled and dimpled with hundreds of limestone hills and karst caves and is home to a few hidden trails worth exploring.

Day hikes in Cockpit Country include the challenging Troy to Windsor Trail which follows the route of a British military road built in the 1700s for 10 miles (16km) one way.  The Quick Step Trail is 11 miles (18km) one way running from Windsor to the village of Quick Step.  There are also a couple of easier shorter hikes as well.

For more information about these hikes, and hiking guides that can get you on the trail, check out our Jamaica Hiking – Cockpit Country page

Jamaica Waterfall – Cool Off Under a Refreshing Stream of Water

One of my favourite things to do in Jamaica is to visit one of over a dozen easily accessible waterfalls on the island. This is a great way to explore the real Jamaica – Get out there and explore her rivers and natural highlights attractions like waterfalls.  Excursions usually involve a short hike to the falls, where you can cool off under a soft stream of clean Caribbean water then splash around in natural river pools.

The best locations for a wet and wild waterfall experience in Jamaica include:

Active Things to do in Jamaica include visiting a Waterfall

YS Falls – Located in the south-west part of island between Negril and Kingston, these falls feature a spectacular seven-tiered cascading waterfall.  A visit there can also also include wading pools (one with a rope swing), canopy rides, river tubing and a zip-line.

Mayfield Falls can be found nestled in the Dolphin Head Mountains, on the west end of the island between Negril and Montego Bay.  Take a short hike along a bamboo stairway, across manicured lawns and a wooden bridge to a Rasta village called Reggae Style Mayfield Village.  From there a guide will accompany you along the snaking river so that you can enjoy a number of mineral pools, the waterfalls as well as taste local foods.

Active Things to do in Jamaica include visiting a Waterfall... Dunns River Falls

Of course, the most iconic tourist attraction in Jamaica has to be Dunn’s River Falls, just west of Ocho Rios. Although it’s always crowded with tourists, this is indeed a beautiful area where you can join hands with others and walk on it’s natural calcium carbonate based steps, part-way up the 600 feet (180m) tall gorgeous waterfalls.

Konoko Falls, just west of Ocho Rios, are a beautiful cascading waterfalls in a well maintained Park environment.

The Irie Blue Hole, also known as Secret Falls and the Cool Blue Hole, has a nice waterfall along with natural swimming pools.  South-east of Ocho Rios, these falls are further away from the crowds, making it a great location to visit.  Please note that the “Blue Lagoon”, from the movie with Brooke Shields, is located just west of Port Antonio.

Other less visited waterfalls can be found in the east end of Jamaica.  Reach Falls are located just east of Port Antonio – This hidden gem has been featured in a couple of major movies.  Somerset Falls, just west of Port Antonio are situated in a natural garden with ponds.  Scatter Waterfalls are located in the Rio Grande Valley south of Port Antonio – These private grounds have several hiking trails and a campground.

For more information, along with tour guides who can help make the most of your day, check out our Jamaica Waterfalls page

Want to see more? Check out our Natural Beauty of YS Falls video on YouTube!

Jamaica Caving (Spelunking)

Escape the sun’s rays by venturing underground to explore one of Jamaica’s dozens caves – Some are accessible by tourists, while others are for serious spelunkers.  There’s tours of large caverns with bat viewing as well as remote rarely visited caves to go deep into…

For tourists looking for a cool cave tour you have a few options:

Active Things to do in Jamaica include Caving / Spelunking

You can visit the popular Green Grotto Caves, between Falmouth and Ocho Rios. You’ll experience passageways and chambers close to 130 feet (40m) below the earth’s surface.  The feature attraction is the ‘grotto’ itself – A huge limestone cave with stalactites, stalagmites, as well as a large subterranean body of water.

The Two Sisters Cave is located just south-west of Kingston and features two caves (hence the name), each with a large sink hole filled with fresh water. These caves are connected underground to a myriad of caverns extending in all directions. One cave contains a petroglyph carving of a face which is believed to be several hundred years old.

Further west of Kingston, you’ll find the Mountain River Cave.  A mile long trail takes you to the cave, which is about 30 feet deep.  Plenty of ancient pictographs can be seen on the cave walls, along with a few petroglyphs.

One of the more adventurous things to do in Jamaica is to go caving / spelunking in Cockpit Country or Cave Valley… What an experience!

Cockpit Country, south-east of Montego Bay, is home to hundreds of rivers, streams and caves that provide some of the best spelunking opportunities in the Caribbean.  There are hundreds of caves in the area, including:  Windsor Caves; Smokey Hole Cave – Which at 630 feet (193m) deep is the deepest on the island, Rock Spring Cave and the huge Quashie River Sink.

Cave Valley is located pretty much in the centre of the island.  This is really cool…  A river travels both under and above the ground, appearing and disappearing as it meanders through the valley.  Major caving attractions include the “Noisy Water” River Cave and “Rat Bat Hole”.

For more information, as well as tour operators who will get caving, click on our Jamaica Caving page

Jamaica Mountain Biking & Cycling

Biking is a great way to get some fresh air and exercise while taking-in breathtaking views of the mountainous island and Caribbean sea. Making good use of it’s natural landscape and ancient foot-paths, Jamaica has plenty of technical and just plain fun downhill mountain biking trails, as well as several flat and hilly cross-country routes to enjoy. There are scenic coastal road circuits to cycle as well. Riding through active plantations and small villages, then cooling off in a local waterfall is a great way to experience Jamaica.

If you’re looking to join an organized ride, Jamaica has three annual events: The Jamaica Fat Tyre Festival in February – Great for mountain biking enthusiasts; The Jamaica Reggae Ride in November – A 3 day escorted bike ride across the scenic coastlines of the island; and The Jamaica By Bike Ride – A long distance cycle from Kingston to Negril.

Active Things to do in Jamaica include Mountain Biking and Cycling

The Negril area has a number of bike trails, both in the hilly wilderness as well as along the coast.  There are challenging trails for the hard-core biking enthusiasts as well as easy routes for sight-seeing.

Your need-for-speed will be satisfied on downhill MTB courses between Ocho Rios and the Blue Mountains.  With names like ‘Rivers of Babylon’, ‘Jellied Eel’ and ‘Pressure Drop’ you know you need to check out these trails!

Not surprisingly, some of the island’s most challenging biking is in the Blue Mountains.  Trails range in length from 1 to 11 miles (0.5 to 17 km), with most in the 1 to 4 mile (2-6km) range.  Trail names like ‘Triple Bypass’ and ‘Downpipe Gully’ paint a mental picture for sure!

That said, there are also tourist focused ‘sightseeing’ rides in the Blue Mountains that everyone in the family can enjoy.


For more info on one of the funnest things to do in Jamaica, including tour operators who will get you on the saddle, check out our Jamaica Mountain Biking & Cycling page

Enjoy!

ACT Staff

Also – For great Tourist Attractions, check out our Things to Do in Jamaica blog

For an overview of the land of wood and water, take a look at our Jamaica Vacations page

For a video collage of Some of the Fun Things to Do in Jamaica, check out our YouTube video (by clicking the highlighted link)

No comments

Barbados’ Wonderful Sea Cave Experience

  By , , , , ,
Active Caribbean Travel tours the Animal Flower Cave in Barbados

The Animal Flower Cave and Restaurant

If you vacation on the south-west coast of Barbados like we did, I have to tell you, it’s great to get out and see the rest of the beautiful island.  There’s no better way to see what else Barbados has to offer, than to drive to the rural north end.  While you’re there… I suggest you visit a unique sea cave at the absolute northern-most part of the island.  We were glad we toured this quiet and peaceful area of Barbados and we really enjoyed our stop at the ‘Animal Flower Cave’.

Active Caribbean Travel tours the Animal Flower Cave in Barbados

In order to reach this somewhat remote location, we traveled on some pretty rough and windy roads, before finally spilling out into a modest dirt parking lot. Upon exiting our car, the first thing we noticed was the breathtaking windswept landscape – As we got closer to the shoreline, more accurately described as a (near) cliff-edge, the panoramic view was spectacular.  Sure, the ocean was rough out there, however the gorgeous blue water was absolutely spellbinding.

Active Caribbean Travel tours the Animal Flower Cave in Barbados

While there were a number of cars in the parking lot, the place was uncrowded as there is a variety of areas for people to go.  Just a few minutes after buying tickets we were called to the cave entrance along with one other couple.  Our guide took the four of us, one at a time, down a very steep set of stairs into a large cavern. The steps appear to have been carved out of the coral itself, albeit with some cement foundations for the railings.

I suspect we were about 15 feet underground when we reached the bottom of the stairs and arrived at the cave’s first chamber.  There were loose stones scattered about as we entered the fairly large cavern. I didn’t know what to look at first – The cave floor, which was an absolute moon-scape, or the large blue openings that lit-up the cave. The ground consisted of smooth lumpy coral, the result of thousands of years of water constantly flushing the cave.  There were pools of water everywhere, so our water shoes sure came in handy.

Active Caribbean Travel tours the Animal Flower Cave in Barbados


Active Caribbean Travel tours the Animal Flower Cave in Barbados

Once our eyes adjusted to the contrasting areas of light and dark, we were drawn to the two gaping holes in the cave that opened up to sea.  These natural windows provided an uncommonly surreal view! What a novel experience – Standing in a cavern on the side of a bluff, admiring magnificent views of the choppy Atlantic Ocean and the rugged cliffs along Barbados’ northern coastline. This novel experience warranted a photo-op!  Clearly our guide knows the place well as he directed us to the exact location to stand so that we could get our silhouette photo taken with the cave opening in the background and a pool of water magically in front of us to capture our reflection!  We must have been fairly high up the cliff face, as no waves entered these openings while we were there.

Active Caribbean Travel tours the Animal Flower Cave in Barbados

After appreciating the sea cave’s windows to the world for a while, we moved on to examine the creature this natural attraction is named after. I’m assuming that some of the pools must be (semi?) permanently filled with water, as that is where the sea anemones, commonly referred to in these parts as “animal flowers”, live.  Aptly named, the small dark coloured worm-like creatures, no more than a couple of inches long, have a number of tentacles at the top of their body, that when extended, resemble the petals of a flower. Apparently these tentacles are used to capture food floating in the shallow pools.  Our guide demonstrated that when you agitate the water near the top of the animal, it quickly retracts it’s tentacles and withdraws it’s body into a protective tube like structure – Pretty cool for sure.  Unfortunately, due to ‘operator error’, I was unable to capture this exotic action on film (err – digital video) ☹

Active Caribbean Travel tours the Animal Flower Cave in Barbados

After examining the interesting little critter for a while, we walked through a coral/rock passageway into another underground chamber.  This cavern also had an opening to the sea, although this one was lower and flatter than the previous two with a curious looking boulder hanging from the roof of the cave – Sort of like a giant cave tonsil.  This grotto was mostly filled with water. Wading into the large pool, I learned that it starts off on a shallow gradual descent, then rather suddenly drops to about 8 feet deep. With the sun shimmering off the water surface and so many shades of grey in the cave, it’s difficult to clearly see the pool bottom, hence maneuvering around was a little deceptive.  The really awesome part of this cave pool reveals itself when you swim near the cave opening.  What a spectacular view of the sea! Nature’s own hot tub / infinity pool – Such an amazing area, I could have just hung out there all day, looking out over the ocean and listening to the sounds of the waves.

Active Caribbean Travel tours the Animal Flower Cave in Barbados

The water may not have been as warm of what I’ve experienced at the beach, however the temperature was still very comfortable. As I swam / walked out of the pool, I became aware that the cave floor is smooth like polished stone, but again quite lumpy and uneven. While the cave opening is several feet above sea level, waves do find their way into this cave. I suppose it’s a good thing to keep the water fresh.  Most of the swells entering the chamber were gentle, however right after I left the pool I heard some excited howls. I turned back to see a couple of large surges come crashing in – They knocked a few people away from the sea-cave ‘window’ and into the pool. That would have been exhilarating – Too bad I missed it. FYI – no one got hurt…

Active Caribbean Travel tours the Animal Flower Cave in Barbados

On the far side of this chamber I noticed light streaming down into the cavern from above. Our guide informed us that on extremely rough days, this surface crack as well as the staircase entrance, can become fairly violent blow holes!  Needless to say, when this situation occurs, the caves are filled with water and the attraction is not open to the public. While there were other small groups down in the cave system with us, we were well spaced out, so we all felt as though we were on a fairly private tour.

Once our subterranean tour was over, we wandered around on the surface for a while.  There were a few souvenir shops offering some fairly unique gifts from the area. I followed a dirt path to the edge of the bluff and took-in the marvelous ruggedness of the northern Barbados coastline. We stood for quite a while, mesmerized by the never-ending waves pounding against the steep black cliffs.  It is quite a dramatic landscape and we were told that when the sea gets really rough, as it does from time to time, the waves slam into the cliffs with a force strong enough to produce a thunder-like sound that can be heard for miles around.

Active Caribbean Travel tours the Animal Flower Cave in Barbados

After walking back to the main facility, we took advantage of the restaurant that’s built right on the edge of, practically overhanging the cliff face.  Accompanied by good food, we enjoyed the gorgeous views of the sea and cliffs. For families, there’s a children’s playground as well as a few fenced in areas for goats. Apparently there are a number of pigs and dogs around as well.

Active Caribbean Travel tours the Animal Flower Cave in Barbados


I have ventured into a Caribbean cave or two in the past, however this natural beauty was unique for a couple of reasons.  It’s crazy-wild enough to be underground with natural windows to the sea, however this cave system also has a chamber with a natural swimming pool!  While the facility had a rustic down-to-earth feel to it, on closer observation the place is really well thought out and run, with strategically located above-ground viewing areas and exhibits and the cave guides ensure you safely get the most out of your subterranean experience.

ACT Staff

For more information, click on this Barbados Animal Flower Cave link…

For an overview of beautiful Barbados, take a look at our Barbados Vacations page

For other great Tourist Attractions on the island, check out our Fun Things to Do in Barbados blog post

If you’re looking for more ‘active’ things to do while vacationing on the island, click on our Barbados Adventures blog post for some great ideas!