Enjoy this maze of stunning caves, and learn about the pivotal role they have played in many different aspects of the island's history.
The Green Grotto Caves allow access to a hidden world underneath the surface of the earth. Climb down into the cavern to discover a massive limestone cave with myriad rock chambers and light holes. The caves are also home to a deep, dark underground lake which is a huge 36 metres in depth.
The fascinating 45-minute guided tour is highly recommended as it gives captivating insight into the formation of the hollows, and how their name derives from the algae lining the walls. The interlinked network of grottos stretches some 1,525 metres in length, and is 12 metres deep. For those with an aversion to small spaces, the caves aren’t cramped and leave plenty of room to move.
Your guides will also bring you through the varied history of the caves. The Taíno people (once known as the Arawak Indians) used to shelter here during storms, while many of the pirates of the Caribbean found safe haven here down through the years, as did Spanish settlers when the British invaded Jamaica. In more recent times, smugglers have used the caverns while moving weaponry to Cuba, and the lake also features in a 007 movie.
The wonderful formations created by the deposition and erosion of the “soft” limestone are clear for all to see – stalactites and stalagmites, sink holes and light holes. Animal life is also present, with bats hanging from the ceilings, while small fish make the pools down here their home too.
The Green Grotto Caves are located off the main coastal road, and are open every day. They are four kilometres west of Runaway Bay, towards Discovery Bay. Taking a rental car to get here is one option, but there isn’t a lot of parking – you can also try a taxi or bus. Make sure to wear hardy footwear to tackle the uneven rocks in the caves.
