Barbados has three major caves usually explored by locals and tourists. These are the ever popular Harrison’s Cave, Animal Flower Cave and Coles Cave. This article will provide brief details about these caves, followed by details on how you can explore them.
Harrison’s Cave
One of the highest ranked attractions in Barbados, Harrison’s Cave, located in Welchman Hall St. Thomas is usually explored via the use of an electric tram. Therefore, you will be completely comfortable as you experience the bubbling streams, deep pools, overhead stalactites, and the stalagmites that rise from the floor. They offer various tours including the Tram Tour, Walk-In Cave Tour and the Eco Adventure Tour and can be booked directly from their website. Visit http://www.harrisonscave.com/ or call 417-3700 for more information about these and other tours of the Cave currently available.
Animal Flower Cave
Animal Flower Cave is located in the parish of St. Lucy. The name derives from the numerous sea anemones that frequented the pools of the cave, however, such animals tend to be rarely seen now. When the tide is calm, you can rake a swim in the natural rock pools in the cave, so it is a more hands on experience than Harrison’s Cave. The view from the cave is amazing and you can also hike along the cliff trails around the cave. At certain times during the year, you can also spot humpback whales from the cliff tops at the Animal Flower Cave. The Cave is open for exploration between 9am and 4:30pm every day except for Christmas Day and Kadooment Day. For more information on booking a tour, call 439-8797.
Coles Cave
Coles cave, located in St. Thomas, is the least popular of the three, as it isn’t as easily explored as the others due to the steep, narrow entrances and potential for flooding. It is a more hands on experience than the other three as there will be plenty of climbing, crawling and at times swimming in order to explore the terrain of the cave. It is also natural habitat for bats, spiders and insects. This cave is best explored with a professional guide, who will charge their own fee (this cave does not have a special entrance fee like the other two).
Additionally, Barbados has many blow holes scattered across the shorelines of the North and East Coats. At these locations, the waves have created saw tooth cliffs and carved out sea caves. Therefore, when the ocean splashes into the caves, pressure is released in an explosion of water and spray. The most popular of these blowholes is found in Little Bay in Christ Church.
Cave Explorers in Barbados
As stated previously, Harrison’s Cave and Animal Flower Cave can be contacted directly in order to book a tour. However, the same cannot be said for Coles Cave and other mini caves across the island. The list below provides details on those places that do cave tours and exploration. Rates vary for each.
- Barbados Caving & Hiking Tours – Tel: 241-3821
- Hike Explorers Barbados – Tel: 232-8872
- Glory Tours (Animal Flower Cave tour part of Nature Lovers tour package) – Tel: 231-2932
- Sweet Barbados Island Tours –Tel: 233-3917
- Trekkers Hike & Cave Adventures – Tel: 433-8966
- Arbib Nature & Heritage Trails – Tel: 234-9010
Therefore, contact any of the places above to book the ultimate natural experience in Barbados. Whether you choose the more comfortable tour of Harrison’s Cave or the hands on, elbow and knees experience of the Coles Cave, the experience will stay with you for a lifetime.
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