Bats in cave water reflection
Resting on the sensational North Coast of Jamaica, Green Grotto Caves are perfectly positioned in between the resort gems of Ocho Rios and Montego Bay and are only a few kilometers from the popular Discovery Bay and Runaway Bay.
Found midway in between Ocho Rios and Montego Bay, the Green Grotto Caves, a largely uncharted complex of underground caverns surrounded by the lush vegetation of the jungle, are not just naturally captivating however likewise deeply linked with Jamaica's abundant history.
The Green Grotto Caves are open daily from 9am to 4pm. Located directly off the seaside A1 highway, the caverns are around an hour drive from Montego Bay and about 30 minutes from Ocho Rios. The entrance charge for adults is $20 USD and $10 USD for children.
When the English invaded Jamaica in the 17th century, the caverns were utilized as a hideout for the Spaniards who were being driven out of the nation. By the mid-20th century, they were utilized by smugglers running arms to Cuba, and during the 2nd World War, the government of Jamaica used the entryway of the cavern as a storage place for rum.
The big claim to fame can be found in 1973 when the James Bond film Live and Let Die starring Roger Moore utilized the caverns as the villain's underground base.
When checking out the chambers, it's simple to get sidetracked by their appeal and awe, forgetting that an underbelly of abundant history occupies every nook and cranny of this surreal subterranean attraction. In previous times, the caves served a myriad of purposes - from concealing pirate treasure and refuge for runaway slaves, to rum barrel storage, club parties, and arms smugglers. Deep-rooted in centuries passed, they house rich and unpredictable history that's unquestionably fascinating; and the best method to discover the marvels they hold is by taking a directed trip of the place, which is an improving, unique experience for anyone checking out Jamaica.
Jamaica's green cavern of mystery is a breathtaking attraction, providing a piece of Jamaican history and wonderful underground scenes inside a mainly undiscovered subterranean maze of caves surrounded by thick tropical plants, and supplied by crystal clear water from spacious depths.
By over 1,500 meters long and about 12 meters deep, these naturally formed caves go deep under the earth, forming a huge limestone labyrinth of chambers, light holes, special rock formations, remarkable stalactites and stalagmites, ceiling pockets, and a wealth of varied creatures living within the network. Green Grotto is likewise house to a mesmeric underground lake - the Grotto Lake - that links to the ocean, with water that's as transparent as glass.
Inside the caves can be quite hot and humid so visitors must use comfortable however light clothing and correct footwear (some areas can be slippery). Construction hats plus generally flattering hair internet are offered at the entrance for all visitors.
Tours last simply under an hour and each group has their own guide. Useful, amusing, and highly experienced, the guides really make the tour through the caverns a memorable experience for all ages.
The Green Grotto caves played a large part in Jamaican history. The privacy and solace provided by the caves saw them deeply entrenched in the lives of varied groups of people. First of all, they are thought to have actually been used as homes for Jamaica's extremely first residents - the Arawak Indians called the Tainos who got here between 600 AD and 900 ADVERTISEMENT - who utilized the caves for different functions, as apparent in the fragments of pottery and artifacts discovered in the caves.
A history buff's dream and a nature lover's dream, tales of Jamaica's Green Grotto Caves echo a sense of true experience and awe and overflow with stories of past that link with natural developments - all that is nothing short of incredible in this remarkable paradise Caribbean island.
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