Golden interior in the Green Grotto caves

Located midway between Ocho Rios and Montego Bay, the Green Grotto Caves, a mostly uncharted complex of underground caverns surrounded by the lavish plants of the jungle, are not only naturally enchanting but likewise deeply intertwined with Jamaica's abundant history.

A history buff's dream and a nature enthusiast's dream, tales of Jamaica's Green Grotto Caves echo a sense of true adventure and wonder and overflow with stories of past that intertwine with natural formations - all that is nothing except incredible in this extraordinary paradise Caribbean island.

In previous times, the caves served a myriad of purposes - from concealing pirate treasure and haven for runaway slaves, to rum barrel storage, club celebrations, and arms smugglers. Located straight off the coastal A1 highway, the caverns are approximately an hour drive from Montego Bay and about 30 minutes from Ocho Rios.

Resting on the marvelous North Coast of Jamaica, Green Grotto Caves are perfectly situated in between the resort gems of Ocho Rios and Montego Bay and are just a few kilometers from the popular Discovery Bay and Runaway Bay.

The Green Grotto caves played a large part in Jamaican history. Of all, they are believed to have actually been used as houses for Jamaica's very first residents - the Arawak Indians known as the Tainos who showed up between 600 Advertisement and 900 AD - who used the caverns for different functions, as obvious in the fragments of pottery and artifacts discovered in the caves.

Jamaica's green cavern of secret is an awesome attraction, serving up a piece of Jamaican history and magical underground scenes inside a mainly unexplored subterranean labyrinth of caves surrounded by dense tropical plants, and provided by crystal clear water from cavernous depths.

By over 1,500 meters long and about 12 meters deep, these naturally formed caverns go deep under the earth, forming a huge limestone maze of chambers, light holes, unique rock formations, impressive stalactites and stalagmites, ceiling pockets, and a wealth of varied creatures living within the network. Green Grotto is also home to a mesmeric underground lake - the Grotto Lake - that links to the ocean, with water that's as transparent as glass.

The Green Grotto caves played a big part in Jamaican history. The personal privacy and solace offered by the caves saw them deeply entrenched in the lives of diverse groups of people. Of all, they are thought to have actually been utilized as homes for Jamaica's very first residents - the Arawak Indians known as the Tainos who showed up between 600 Advertisement and 900 ADVERTISEMENT - who utilized the caverns for various functions, as evident in the fragments of pottery and artifacts found in the caverns.

Inside the caverns can be rather hot and humid so visitors should wear comfortable but light clothes and correct shoes (some areas can be slippery). Hard 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. Helpful, witty, and extremely knowledgeable, the guides genuinely make the tour through the caverns an unforgettable experience for all ages.

When exploring the chambers, it's easy to get distracted by their charm and awe, forgetting that an underbelly of rich history occupies every nook and cranny of this surreal subterranean destination. In previous times, the caverns served a myriad of functions - from concealing pirate treasure and haven for runaway slaves, to rum barrel storage, nightclub parties, and arms smugglers. Deep-rooted in centuries passed, they house abundant and unpredictable history that's undoubtedly interesting; and the best way to discover the marvels they hold is by taking a directed tour of the location, which is an enhancing, distinct experience for anyone visiting Jamaica.

When the English attacked Jamaica in the 17th century, the caves were utilized as a hideout for the Spaniards who were being driven out of the country. By the mid-20th century, they were utilized by smugglers running arms to Cuba, and throughout the Second World War, the federal government of Jamaica used the entryway of the cave as a storage room for rum.
The huge specialty came in 1973 when the James Bond movie Live and Let Pass away starring Roger Moore utilized the caverns as the villain's underground base.

The Green Grotto Caves are open daily from 9am to 4pm. Found straight off the seaside A1 highway, the caverns are roughly an hour drive from Montego Bay and about thirty minutes from Ocho Rios. The entrance fee for adults is $20 USD and $10 USD for kids.