Green Grotto Caves

Ever dreamed of exploring ancient tunnels traversed by people from long ago? The Green Grotto Caves is just what you are looking for Known at various times as the Runaway Bay Caves,Cave Hall Caves, Discovery Bay Caves, Dry Harbour Caves, Hopewell Caves, Rum Caves and Dairy Caves, Green Grotto is among Jamaica’s most prominent natural attractions. During the century when the English invaded the island of Jamaica, these caves were used as a hideout 17th for the Spaniards who were being driven out of the country.In the mid-20th Century, between the two world wars; they were used by smugglers running arms to Cuba. In the latter years during the Second World War, the Government of Jamaica used the entrance of the cave as a storeroom for rum in barrels.

These caves have since transformed into a world class attraction as the government realized it’s worth and placed in the ownership and operation of the Urban Development Corporation and the St Ann Development Company respectively. Situated on about 25 hectares of land on the North Coast, the Caves are located between the resort centres of Ocho Rios and Montego Bay and are precisely 3.2 km from Discovery Bay to the west and 4 km from Runaway Bay to the east.

The main feature of Green Grotto Caves is the a subterranean lake called the Grotto Lake which occupies its bowels. The lake is crystal clear and incredibly still, on first viewing the lake you may not even notice it is there as it provides a perfect reflection of the cave roof above. The Grotto Lake is connected to the sea through a series of underground channels and as a result it rises and falls with the sea level. There is also a natural wishing well and hollow rocks which act as natural drums. The caves sport many formations which resemble familiar objects which will be pointed out to you on your tour.

The thick vegetation surrounding the caves provided privacy and solace for its first inhabitants,the Arawak Indians (Tainos) who used the caves for various purposes. Proof of this is evident in the multiple fragments of pottery and artifacts that are unearthed from time to time. There are sections of the Green Grotto Caves known as “Wild Caves” where very little exploratory work has taken place and as a result are off-limits to tourists.

The modern day inhabitants of Green Grotto Caves are bats! Many bats have made their homes in the dark crevices found in the caves. Guano (bat excreta) is rich in nitrogen and makes an excellent fertilizer. Because of the explosive nature of the guano, It was dangerous to carry naked flames in to the caves because of the explosive nature of the guano so early explorations were made in the dark. It is this characteristic that made it a good ingredient for the manufacturing of gun powder. There is still quite a bit of guano build-up to be found in the caves so visitors are issued with protective headwear and advised to close their mouths when looking up at the bats.

Take journey into this green cavern of mystery and adventure and experience a slice of Jamaica’s history.

Tags: falmouth, green grotto caves, jamaica, montego bay, negril, ocho rios, places to visit, trelawny