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The Green
Grotto Caves are among Jamaica’s most prominent
natural attractions. They are of international
repute and have been seen by visitors since the
18th century.
Situated on
25.9 hectares of the island’s beautiful North
Coast, the caves are located between the resort
centers of Ocho Rios and Montego Bay. The
central feature of this natural attraction is
the large limestone cave with its numerous
formations.
Green Grotto
is 1525m long and 12m deep and is characterized
by numerous chambers, light holes and an
underground lake, the Grotto Lake, a
subterranean lake occupying its bowels.
Please
observe the following while touring the caves:
Plan your caving attire, so that you will be
safe and comfortable
Touring the cave without the protective headgear
provided will be at your own risk
Do not litter the caves
Do not break off or disfigure the delicate cave
formations
Do not smoke in the caves
Persons touring the caves must be accompanied by
a tour guide .
The cave is rich in history and can be
identified with different groups of people.
The first Jamaicans, the Arawak Indians (Tainos)
found shelter in the caves initially.
Proof of this is evident in the multiple
fragments of pottery and adzes that are
unearthed
from time to time. During the period of
take-over by the English,
the caves were used as a hideout for the
Spaniards who were being driven out of the
country.
The caves can also be identified with that
period between the two world wars
where 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
Take an
extensive tour of the caves and enjoy the many
attractions that are present. This is
an experience you would not want to miss.
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Please
click on a picture to see an enlarged version
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